Paris To-Do List: December
By Violet Goldstone
Le Festival des Lumières du Jardin des Plantes
Every year the gorgeous Jardin des Plantes, located in the the 5th arrondissement, holds its “le festival des lumières,” or festival of lights. On November 29th to January 30th, from 18 to 23h, the garden is transformed into a magical nighttime walk, filled with illuminated prehistoric species.
http://www.jardindesplantes.net/
Hey Honey
Looking for a new, trendy restaurant-bar to visit this weekend? Look no further than Hey Honey, a buzzy venue set in the 2nd arrondissement. Enjoy creative takes on classical French food and delicious cocktails in this velvet-coated venue.
https://www.maisonmere.co/fr/heyhoney
3537 by Comme des Garçons
Comme des Garçons is known to be an innovator in the fashion retailing space, initially launching Dover Street Market to resounding success. Now, the brand aims to innovate again with a new space named 3537, located in the Marais. The establishment is currently hosting a series of exhibitions, all of which can be found on their website.
“Couturissime” by Thierry Mugler
If you haven’t yet seen it, the Thierry Mugler show “Couturissime” is on display at Musée des Arts Décoratifs until April 24th, 2022. The exhibition showcases the wide range of Mugler’s extraordinary talents, from haute couture to photography.
Lumières en Seine
If you can’t get enough of the lightshows in Paris, there’s another light walk at Domaine de Saint-Cloud, which is on display from November 19th, 2021, to January 9th, 2022. This two-kilometer walk is accompanied by dazzling array of light and sound effects, as well as delicious temporary food cabins.
https://www.lumieresenseine.com/
Lovebird Paris
If you’re passionate about food and astrology, this is the restaurant for you. Lovebird Paris pairs delicious seasonal dishes with astrology-inspired cocktails. There’s a special drink for every star sign!
Follow the History of Fashion at Le Palais Galliera
On display at the Palais Galliera is “Une Histoire de la Mode,” an exhibition that takes visitors on a chronological and thematic journey through fashion. Visitors can track the evolution of fashion--from items out of Empress Eugénie’s closet to clothing by Rick Owens. The show runs from October 2nd, 2021, to June 26th 2022.
https://www.billetterie-parismusees.paris.fr/content
HÉRMES GYM POP-UP
If you like working out in style, Hermès is bringing a free workout pop-up to Paris from December 1st to the 5th. Make sure to reserve a ticket while you can!
https://www.hermes.com/fr/fr/story/280091-campagne-hermes-fit/
Now Playing: Cinémode by Jean-Paul Gaultier
At Paris Cinémathèque is Cinémode, a collection of costumes that the designer created for several movies. The exhibition illustrates the essential role that clothing plays within films. On display are costumes from "And God Created Man,” "Le Charme coincé de la bourgeoisie,” "James Blonde,” and “Sleepy Hollow.” The exhibition is open until January 16th, 2022.
https://www.cinematheque.fr/saison-2021-2022.html
Rehab Cocktail Bar
Rehab, a speakeasy in the 1st arrondissement, is anything but typical: hidden in the Normandy Hotel, this bar offers CBD cocktails in an ecletic setting. If you’re not a fan of CBD, no worries—drinks can be made without it.
https://www.hotel-normandy.com/
Cartier et Les Arts de L’Islam
Through over 500 pieces of Cartier jewelry, this exhibition honors the influences of Islamic art on the iconic brand’s jewelry. This exhibition is on display at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs until February 20th, 2022.
https://billetterie.madparis.fr/
Dalí and Gaudí at Atelier des Lumières
Until January 2nd, 2022, Atelier des Lumières is holding dual exhibitions on Dalí and Gaudí. These two exhibits go hand-in-hand, as Gaudí was a great source of inspiration for Dalí.
https://www.atelier-lumieres.com/en/home
Saveurs des Plaisirs Gourmand
The Saveurs des Plairsirs Gourmands is a foodie’s dream: a gourmet, organic, budget-friendly market which is open from December 3rd to 6th at the Espace Champerret.
http://www.salon-saveurs.com/visiter/presentation-du-salon/
“Cyberpunk,” An Exposition on NFTs
NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, have taken the world by storm. The Goldshteyn-Saatort Gallery celebrates this new form of artwork in the “Cyberpunk” exhibition, which is open from November 25th, 2021, to February 25th, 2022.
https://goldshteynsaatortgallery.com
Activities for the Most Wonderful Time of the Year:
Le Marché de Noël des Tuileries
Le marché de Noël des Tuileries has returned! This event celebrates the end of the year with fun activities, like a Ferris wheel, a small skating rink, and delicious food stalls. Located in the Tuileries, the market runs from November 20th, 2021, to January 2nd, 2022.
Roller Rink at Galeries Lafayette
Love skating but hate the cold? Galeries Lafayette has the solution: an extra-large roller rink installed on the fourth floor of their Boulevard Haussmann location. In honor of the giving spirit of the holidays, this activity is completely free. The rink is open from December 1st to the 23rd.
haussmann.galerieslafayette.com
Winter Carnival
At the edge of Paris lies la Cité Fertile, an eco-friendly community space that is cherished by Parisians. Unfortunately, after four years, the space is closing—but not without a bang. From December 4th, 2021, to March 6th 2022, la Cité Fertile will hold an eco-responsible winter carnival with attractions, rides, and foods that everyone can enjoy.
https://citefertile.com/la-cite-des-merveilles-fete-foraine-dhiver-a-la-cite-fertile/
Still not satisfied? Here are some additional art exhibitions going on this month that you may be interested in…
WHAT: “Vogue Paris 1920-2020”
WHEN: October 2nd 2021-January 30th, 2022
WHERE: The Palais Galliera
WHAT: “Enfin le cinema!”
WHEN: September 28th, 2021-January 16th, 2022.
WHERE: The Musée d’Orsay
WHAT: “Soutine/De Kooning”
WHEN: September 14th, 2021-January 10th, 2022.
WHERE: The Musée de l’Orangerie
WHAT: “Vivian Maier”
WHEN: September 5th, 2021-January 16th, 2022
WHERE: Musée du Luxembourg
WHAT: “Georgia O’Keeffe”
WHEN: September 8th, 2021-December 6th, 2021
WHERE: Centre Pompidou
WHAT: “Martin Margiela”
WHEN: October 20th, 2021-January 2nd, 2022
WHERE: Fondation Lafayette Anticipations
WHAT: “Untitled (transcriptions of country)” by Jonathan Jones
WHEN: November 26th, 2021-February 20th, 2022
WHERE: Palais de Tokyo
WHAT: “Six Continents ou Plus”
WHEN: November 26th, 2021-March 20th, 2022
WHERE: Palais de Tokyo
WHAT: “The Morozov Collection, Icons of Modern Art”
WHEN: September 22nd, 2021-February 22nd 2022
WHERE: Fondation Louis Vuitton
WHAT: “Cherry Blossoms” by Damien Hirst
WHEN: July 6th, 2021-January 2nd, 2022
WHERE: Fondation Cartier