An Expat Holiday in Paris

As an expat, we are often without our families for the holidays, friends for the celebratory drinks or even just familiar surroundings that offer comfort. We may have chosen the life less ordinary living in another country but with that comes extraordinary experiences. Celebrating the holidays far from home is bittersweet yet it can also be exciting and stimulating to discover new traditions while meeting new people.

In Paris, the city simply wows us with lights and a holiday spirit that attempts to make-up for a year of big-city attitude. By taking advantage of its diversity, you’ll find that you can have a cheerful holiday even away from home. Here are a few suggestions within the capital to get you started:

ICE SKATING ABOVE GROUND

Both kids and adults can have their choice of ice skating venues all over the city. Right by Hotel de Ville, the esplanade in front of this majestic building turns into a skating rink each winter. If you’ve never tried the sport, it is a good place to start with an area dedicated for kids and beginners. Bring your own equipment to skate for free or rent a pair for as little as €6. If you’re looking for slightly more space to practice those jumps and turns, why not check out the Grand Palais which offers 2700 square meters of skating bliss making it the biggest indoor rink in the world. Alternatively, the Patinoire de la Tour Eiffel takes the sport to new heights with an ice rink 57 meters above ground. This allows you to enjoy the sport and the view on the Eiffel’s first level all at the same time. More details on the various venues here (in French)

A SNOW PARK IN THE CITY

A ski station right smack in the middle of Paris? Why not. We certainly do not get much snow around these parts but at Charlety sur Neige, your kids can enjoy a proper winter with a snow park and sledding ramps. Kids can also try a beginner’s high ropes course (accrobranche), trampolines, a snow playground, carousels, and ice skating – all for free! A miniature golf course and a video game area are also on offer for those who would rather keep the little ones off the snow. Check here for more details on activities and opening hours.

UP UP AND AWAY

Whoever says that Ferris wheels are for kids, certainly has never tried the Grande Roue de Paris. The big wheel is back at the Place de la Concorde for another turn until the 15^th of February 2015. These heated panoramic cabins are sure to give you another perspective of Paris and will literally lift your spirits for the holiday season. Reaching up to 65 meters high, it offers unique views of Champs Elysees, the Tuileries, and all the way up to the Louvre Museum. Hop on for a spin in the evening to take full advantage of the city’s holiday lights and illuminations. Open daily from 11h00 to Midnight and till 1h00 on weekends (€10 adults, €5 for children under 10).

FRENCH CHRISTMAS MARKETS

The holidays would not be complete without the Christmas Markets all over the city. The biggest of course is the Marche de Noel des Champs Elysée. It is undoubtedly crowded but an essential part of the holiday season. Brave the crowds by getting your serving of tartiflette with a glass of vin chaud for you will find hidden treasures in those merchant stalls! If crowds are not your thing, try some of the smaller markets spread throughout the city such as Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Notre-Dame, Montparnasse or in quaint Montmartre, etc. Check here for more details.

Lastly, if you’re yearning for a little holiday nightlife, there are plenty of places to toast the holidays and ring in the New Year.

COMEDY NIGHT IN ENGLISH

Several Paris venues offer an evening of fun and laughter for the holidays. Carr’s Irish pub holds its Carr’sambar comedy open mic every Wednesday night at 21:00 with a special theme for December 31. Check out their page for more details. SoGymnase also holds regular shows with its Melting Pot Comedy Night on Fridays and Great British/American Comedy Night on Saturdays. More details here on their shows.

EXPAT PARTY GROUPS

If you’d rather mix and mingle with other expats try the Meetup Celebration Party. This large group gathers on the 31^st and holds a program that sounds promising with DJ, drinks, and a full course dinner. For a similar yet alternative crowd, InterNations’ New Year’s Eve Celebration is also held yearly at various locations in the city.

We are very lucky to be in the city of lights for the year-end celebrations where a walk down Grand Boulevards or Champs Elysees is enough to put anyone in good spirits – even Parisians! And while there are reasons to go home for the holidays, Paris gives us 101 more to stay. However you decide to celebrate, we certainly hope you have a great one! We wish you Happy Holidays and a prosperous New Year!

This article was written by Rosemary Reyes, a marketing and communications consultant from New York. She is currently in Paris finishing her post-graduate studies. Find out more about her at http://www.roseworks-marketing.com