New Year's Eve in France 2024-2025
Welcome the new beginning shouting out "Bonne année!" at midnight
Dates: December 31
The French celebrate New Year's Eve, known as Le Réveillon du Nouvel An or Le Réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre, with spectacular fireworks, lively parties, and an abundance of gourmet food. For many, it's a family holiday, but younger crowds often prefer to hit the clubs for live music and dancing. Another fantastic option is to indulge in a gourmet New Year's dinner at a restaurant, featuring delicacies such as foie gras, escargot, and caviar. As midnight approaches, people gather in the streets to watch dazzling fireworks and wish each other "Bonne année!"
Paris
Ringing in the New Year in Paris is perhaps the most romantic way to welcome a new chapter. The holiday atmosphere in Paris is divine, with lavish decorations along the streets and some of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Europe.
The massive NYE celebration on Champs-Elysées features a spectacular laser light and fireworks show over the Arc de Triomphe, with music from French artists. For a unique experience, enjoy a Seine River cruise with dinner. Families will love the Disneyland Paris celebration with music, dances, character encounters, and a stunning fireworks display over Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Strasbourg
Strasbourg, nestled along the River Rhine, transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season. Its picturesque canals and bridges are illuminated by spectacular holiday lights, adding to the city's enchanting atmosphere. Home to the Council of Europe and the European Parliament, Strasbourg is also renowned for its stunning architecture.
A popular gathering spot is the giant Christmas tree on Place Kléber. Enjoying Alsatian cuisine and champagne offers a unique and festive way to celebrate. Additionally, consider visiting Epernay, the capital of champagne, just a two-hour train ride from Strasbourg.
French Riviera
The southeastern coast of France is home to some of the most vibrant New Year's Eve events and festivities.
Nice
In Nice, you can enjoy New Year concerts at the opera, the philharmonics, and the Acropolis Convention Center. As midnight approaches, crowds gather on Promenade des Anglais and Place Massena to witness stunning fireworks launched from boats.
Many clubs and restaurants in Nice also host live concerts and offer gourmet dinners featuring signature French seafood dishes. Some of the best establishments are the trendy Restaurant Le Saint-Amour near the port, the festive Restaurant Ornato near Old Town Nice, the Mediterranean-inspired Gina Restaurant at Place Massena, the memorable Villa Massenet x La Gioia masquerade ball, and the Latin-inspired Restaurant ICO in the heart of the city.
Cannes
In Cannes, crowds gather on Promenade de la Croisette to witness the stunning pyrotechnic display over the Bay of Cannes. Le Suquet also offers excellent views of the fireworks. Cannes boasts three casinos—Croisette, Palm Beach, and Les Princes—each hosting special New Year's Eve events. For even more extravagant celebrations, you can head to nearby Monaco to experience some of Europe's most opulent New Year parties.