Where to Find Christmas Music in Paris

Sacre Coeur Basilica at Christmas

Where To Find Christmas Music in Paris

Unlike what most of us are used to, in Paris you won’t find Christmas music and seasonal songs broadcast ad nauseum in department stores and public places. You’re actually going to have seek it out beyond the loudspeakers at the Christmas markets. Instead, you’ll not find a more uplifting experience than in one of the city’s landmark churches (eglises) or acoutistically- perfect concert halls.

Imagine the added depth and beauty to your favorite carols inside Notre Dame Cathedral, Sacre Coeur Basilica on top of Montmartre or while gazing at the stained-glass wonder of the Saint-Chapelle. Here in France, classical music and carols both represent the sounds of the season.

Below is a list of French and American churches where you can hear Christmas music, carols and classical. And because gospel music lifts the spirit at any season and is particularly popular during the holidays, you’ll find a selection at the end.

Classical Concerts

Concert at Saint-Chapelle

La Sainte-Chapelle – Christmas concerts
December 23, 26 – 29 at 6pm
€ 54,00
8, boulevard, 1st district on Ile de la Cite. Metro: La Cite.
The Sainte-Chapelle is a masterpiece of gothic architecture built by Saint Louis in the city center, close to Notre Dame cathedral. It’s unmatched stained glass windows are said to be symbols of Heavenly Jerusalem.

Notre Dame Cathedral – Special concert of traditional Christmas music from France and around the world. Program includes Christmas songs, Gregorian chants and music from the the grand organ of Notre Dame.
December 21 at 8:30-10pm
Free concert, limited seating. Must obtain a free ticket from the Notre Dame Welcome Desk between 9:30 am and 6pm. Open to local parishioners, pilgrims and visitors.
6 Parvis Notre-Dame, 4th district. Metro: Cite.

Sacre Coeur Basilica of Montmartre –  Carol Sing
December 20 at 5pm
On the esplanade infront of the church
35 Rue du Chevalier de la Barre, 18th district. Metro: Abbesses, Anvers+funicular.

December 24th at 10 pm
Organ concert
The instantly recognizable white landmark looks out from the best panoramic view over the city.

Eglise de la Madeleine Church –  Vivaldi’s Four Seasons
December 23-29 at 8:30 pm
€ 34,00
Place de la Madeleine,8th district. Metro: Concorde.
The Madeleine church is very popular for its religious celebrations as well as classical and sacred music concerts. The church is renown for its 4-hands, 4-feet organ. Naturally, it has an excellent program of quality musical and festive events for Christmas. It has been the site of several state funerals including Josephine Baker and Victor Hugo.

Mozart Requiem
Dec 31 at 7:30 pm
€ 34,00

Eglise Saint-Germain-des-Prés – Classical concert
Dec 29  at  8:30 pm
€ 44,00
3, place Saint-Germain-des-Prés, 8th district. Metro: Saint-Germain-des-Pres.
The beautiful nave Saint-Germain-des-Prés church is the only remain of the Romanesque buildings in Paris.

Eglise de St. Ephrem   – Chopin concert
December 24 at 4:30 and 9:30 pm
December 25 at 7pm
December 26 at 4pm
€ 27,00
17, rue des Carmes, 5th district. Metro: Maubert-Mutualite.
Concerts at this cozy little church are often the testing ground for students from the Conservatory.

To purchase tickets for the classical concerts: Click here  and search for your choice. Site in English.

American Churches

The American Church in Paris
December 24 at 7:30 and 10 pm  – Christmas Candlelight Service with choir, handbells and soloists.
65 Quai d’Orsay, 7th district. Metro: Invalides.
The first American church built in Paris, in 1814.
For more info, click here

American Cathedral  in Paris
December 19th at 6pm, Dec. 20 at 4 pm
Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols – French and English carols sung by Cathedral choir and soloists.
23 Avenue George V, 8th district. Metro: Alma-Marceau.
For more info, click here

Christmas Gospel & Spirituals

Gospel Dream in concert

Eglise des Billettes
Holiday Gospel Concert – Sister Grace and the Messenger
December 24 and December 31st at 8pm
€ 44,00
24, rue des Archives. 4th district. Metro: Hotel de Ville.
First built in 1294 (!), this beautiful church hosts regular concerts and its cloister also serves as an exhibition space for young artists.

Eglise St. Roch
Gospel Dream – formed in 1990, this is a true Diaspora of voices featuring singers from Africa, Caribbean and the U.S. They have a serious and faithful fan base in France.
December 25 at 4pm
December 26 and 28 at 8:30 pm
December 31 at 4 and 8:30 pm
January 1st at 4 and 8:30 pm
€ 20,00 – € 25,00 (free for under 10)
296 rue Saint Honoré, 1st district. Metro: Tuileries.

Théâtre Rive Gauche

American Gospel Jr
December 23 at 9pm
December 24 at 6 and 8 pm
December 26 at 7 pm
December 27 at 5pm
December 29 and 30 at 9pm
December 31 at 8 and 10 pm
€ 14,00 – € 66,00

6 rue de la Gaîté, 14th district. Metro: Edgar Quinet.

To purchase tickets for the Christmas gospel music concerts: For ticket portal, click here + start typing your choice in the Search/Rechercher bar and a drop down menu will populate. You will find a full selection beyond what’s listed in this blog. Site in French.

If you would like us to assist you in purchasing tickets or advising on the venues, please email us.