Concerts in Paris in December 2026

Advent and Christmas Traditions

The four weeks of Advent bring a special musical identity to Paris. Churches across the city program Christmas oratorios, Advent cantatas, carol concerts, and midnight mass performances with music. Bach's Christmas Oratorio, Handel's Messiah, and traditional French Noëls appear repeatedly in programs, performed in settings that amplify their power. The candlelit concerts are at their most magical during this period — the combination of medieval stained glass, flickering candles, and Baroque music creates an experience that transcends the ordinary. Eglise de la Madeleine hosts major choral works throughout the month, while Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés, one of the oldest churches in Paris, offers concerts where the Romanesque architecture itself seems to resonate with the music. La Sainte-Chapelle, with its towering walls of 13th-century glass, becomes one of the most sought-after concert venues in all of Europe during December. From a booking perspective, December is unambiguous: Christmas concerts at popular church venues routinely see their best seating sold out two to three weeks before the performance date, and performances near Christmas Eve move fastest of all. Mid-week dates consistently offer better availability than weekends — a practical distinction worth remembering when planning.

December Weather

Daytime temperatures average about 8 °C, dropping to around 4 °C in the evening. Rain falls on approximately nine days — December is one of the wetter months. The cold and damp make indoor concerts all the more appealing, and the festive atmosphere of Christmas markets and illuminated streets turns the walk to a venue into an event in itself. Dress warmly, especially for church concerts, where stone interiors hold the chill.

Frequently Asked Questions