What To Do in France in December?

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! As we gear up for the Christmas celebrations, France is dotted with festive markets and light festivals. Here is France Today’s top choice for December 2023.

Rencontres Trans Musicales festival, Rennes – December 6-10

Since 1979, the Rencontres Trans Musicales de Rennes have offered an exploration of the major musical trends that will make tomorrow’s news. This prestigious and avant-garde festival is held every year at the beginning of December at the Parc Expo in Rennes, Brittany. Arousing the curiosity of the public and the media through an exclusive and daring artistic program, it creaties a real space of freedom and conviviality.

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Loading: L’Art Urbain à l’Ere Numérique, Grand Palais Immersif, Paris – December 6 – July 21 2024

It’s a colorful and fashionable exhibition that opens its doors on December 6. Head to the immersive Grand Palais in Paris for an exciting dive into the world of urban art! The route questions the evolution of street art over the years. It was in the 20th century that the street became a place of creation in its own right before social networks revolutionized urban art. Live a unique digital experience thanks to a 360° projection of works

Fête des Lumières, Lyon – December 7-10

A delightful tradition attracting visitors from all over the world, the Festival of Lights is an opportunity to admire the beautiful city of Lyon in a new, artistic and altogether festive light, and to immerse yourself in the full spirit of the holiday season.

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The chestnut fair, Bocognano – December 8-10

Fiera di a Castagna is one of the oldest agricultural fairs in Corsica. Every year on the first weekend of December, this fair brings together more than 150 food producers, artisans and cultural actors from all over Corsica to present their products: chestnuts of course, in flour, fresh or grilled, but also brocciu, cheeses, hazelnuts, olive oil, honey, pastries, wine, beer, etc. The fair also offers musical entertainment, Corsican literature or arts and crafts stands from pottery to cutlery or woodworking.

Les Habits de Lumière, Epernay – December 8-10

The famous capital of champagne, Épernay, puts on a show in mid-December to celebrate the region’s gastronomic heritage in a warm and festive atmosphere. For three days, the city lights up and offers numerous activities including fireworks and a large street parade on Avenue de Champagne, exhibitions, musical entertainment, visits to cellars and a host of shows for young and old.

French DJ set at La Halle Tropisme, Montpellier – December 9

Montpellier’s hottest spot is welcoming iconic French DJ duo Synapson for a concert on Saturday 9 December before kicking off its Christmas market on December 15. La Halle Tropisme is a cultural third place, a village of 10,000m², inhabited by more than 200 entrepreneurs and more than 60 artists. It also welcomes professionals, families, curious people, students, neighbors, etc. on a daily basis and offers a wide range of cultural events.

Populaire ?, Mucem, Marseille – December 13-31

This year, the Mucem is celebrating its 10th anniversary! A golden opportunity to rediscover the entire collection of this contemporary art venue open to the Mediterranean. A vast historical collection made up of works from the National Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions and the European collections of the Musée de l’Homme is highlighted in an immersive tour. It is on the ground floor that this new permanent exhibition traces the trail of acquisitions since the 2000s. Visitoes will be able to explore this maze of treasures, each one more surprising than the last!

I need to live, Grand Palais Ephémère, Paris – December 16 – January 9

The very provocative and talented fashion photographer Juergen Teller is preparing to present his work at the Grand Palais Ephémère in Paris. A real consecration for this German artist who did not hesitate to pull out all the stops! A series of works from commissions or personal series are supplemented by videos and extraordinary installations. Spanning 10,000 square meters, I need to live promises to be a truly spectacular exhibition.

Christmas at the Parc Astérix – Decmber 23 – January 7

Parc Asterix will be decked out in its finest winter colours to delight young and old alike with a friendly, immersive new experience. Santa’s Marvellous Gardens will be lighting up the park with an enchanted trail to explore. The Gaulish Christmas Parade is back with all the characters and three astonishing shows will be added, featuring the traditional Gaulish Santa, circus arts and illusion and poetry.