How to Spend an Amazing New Year's Eve in Paris

It’s almost that time of the year again: New Year’s Eve. The breathtaking light shows and fireworks at the Arc de Triomphe may be the star attraction in Paris, but if you’re looking to avoid the crowds and do something a little bit different, there are plenty of alternative events that are sure to make your night a memorable one. New Year’s Eve is best planned early in Paris, so make your reservations and book your tickets soon so you don’t miss out!

The interior of a conservatory bar at night, red velvet seats, black and white tiled floor, plants outside the glass windows and cocktails on the table (left). A woman with her feet up on a table eating a cake (right).

Top: Bus Palladium. Above: Hotel Particular

Dinner

For a panoramic view of Paris and the sparkling Eiffel Tower, head up to Montmartre’s Terrass” Hôtel. Stay for a six-course NYE dinner and jazz concert, and end the night with a cocktail afterwards at their ski-inspired covered rooftop bar.

The interior of a restaurant with the blurred figure of a waiter. A view of Paris outside the windows (left). A view of Paris through a wrought iron balcony (right).

Terrass” Hotel

Also in Montmartre, follow the cobblestone path to one of our favorite hidden spots, Hôtel Particulier, for their 20s-themed NYE dinner and party. Enjoy a five-course dinner by chef Louis Ricard, followed by a night of dancing at the hotel bar, Le Très Particulier. Dressing the part is obligatoire!

Hotel Particulier

After dinner, wander the streets of Montmartre to take in the celebratory atmosphere, go bar hopping, or head up to Sacré Coeur for a sweeping view of the city. You might just be able to spot some fireworks going off in the city.

Parties

Flash back to a few decades with Bus Palladium’s 80s-themed New Years Eve party. Spread over the two floors of this iconic venue in Pigalle, a cocktail of 80s classics will be mixed by DJ Jeff De Schilton. Don’t forget your leg warmers.

A black and white image of a woman dancing with her eyes closed, arms raised in a night club (left). A black and white image of the sound boot at a night club (right).

Bus Palladium

Alternatively, head to one of the coolest clubs in Paris, YOYO at Palais de Tokyo, for the 100% Dance Floor party. Dance the night away on a giant dance floor to eight hours of Sebastian Kross and Friends mixing a selection of hits from the past 20 years including house, electro, pop, hip-hop, and R&B.

A blue hued image of people dancing with their hands in the air at a night club (left). A red hued image of a woman dancing with her eyes closed at a nightclub (right).

YOYO

For a view of the Seine, check out Wanderlust’s No Diggity All Stars party, where old-school R&B takes center stage. Located at La Cité de la Mode et du Design, Wanderlust boasts two indoor dance floors plus one partially covered outdoor dance floor coming in at 1,500m².

Wanderlust

If Latin music is more your vibe, check out La Bellevilloise’s 100% Latino fiesta for eight hours of non-stop Latin music, including salsa, cumbia, reggaeton, batchata, and merengue. Featuring live music from three Chilean bands, six DJs from Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and Argentina, dance performances, projections, and tacos bien sûr.

La Bellevilloise

Volunteering

The holiday season can be a difficult, cold, and lonely time for many, and what better way to give back and start the new year on the right foot than volunteer. Les Restos du Coeur is an association that fights against poverty by providing voluntary assistance to those in need, especially access to free meals, and aims to improve their social and economic integration. There are a number of ways you can help out!

Modern glass buildings and a bright green structure outside on a terrace with people standing (left). Looking through the doorway of a bright green structure with two pot plants either side to a terrace with people sitting down at tables with umbrellas (right).

Wanderlust

You can also volunteer at Refettorio Paris, a restaurant that is the brainchild of Food for Soul, a non-profit association founded by chef Massimo Bottura. Located in the crypt of L’église de la Madeleine, Refettorio serves gourmet meals to underserved communities and those in need: refugees, low-income families, the elderly, and people in situations of social vulnerability. You can volunteer to help with their daily dinner service.

The vaulted interior of a restaurant with floating cloud artworks hanging from the roof (left). A group of people dressed in chef whites in a kitchen holding a tray of cookies (right).

Refettorio Paris

SOS Help is an English-language emotional support line for the international community in France. You can volunteer to be a part of their listening team, who are trained by mental health professionals in Paris, or in a supporting role.

Addresses

Terrass” Hotel – 12-14 Rue Joseph de Maistre, 75018 Paris

Hotel Particulier Montmartre – 23 Av. Junot Pavillon D, 75018 Paris

Bus Palladium – 6 Rue Pierre Fontaine, 75009 Paris

YOYO – Palais De Tokyo, 13 Av. du Président Wilson, 75016 Paris

Wanderlust – 32 Quai d’Austerlitz, 75013 Paris

La Bellevilloise – 19-21 Rue Boyer, 75020 Paris

Les Restos du Coeur – various locations

Le Refettorio – Pl. de la Madeleine, 75008 Paris

SOS Help – various locations

Find out what else is on this month in Paris.
Check out our Paris holiday gift guide.
We’ve got you covered if you need somewhere to eat on Christmas Eve/Day!

Written by Ali Postma for HiP Paris. Looking to travel? Check out Plum Guide and our Marketplace for fabulous vacation rentals in Paris, France or Italy. Looking to rent long or short term, or buy in France? Ask us! We can connect you to our trusted providers for amazing service and rates or click here. Looking to bring France home to you or to learn online or in person? Check out our marketplace shop and experiences.

WRITTEN BY

Ali Postma

Ali is from Melbourne, Australia, where she studied Art History and Art Curatorship at university and worked in various art galleries. Passionate about all things arts and culture, she loves French film, Nordic noir, photography, street art and architecture. Addicted to pain au chocolat, Ali is fulfilling her dream of living in Paris.