The New Year is upon us, and it’s time for our monthly roundup of events going on in your favourite city, Paris. January sees the end of the festive celebrations and is the last chance to catch many of the city’s exhibitions closing at the beginning of the year to make way for new arrivals. Here’s our pick of the best shows, events and galleries to head to this January, plenty to keep you occupied on the Paris January events calendar!

Copyright Marie Dicharry

Laugh at/with the French - The French Language Explained by an American

Sebastian Marx has been a big name in the Parisian English-speaking stand-up scene for some time now, and he’s back with a brilliant show about the French language. A New York native, Marx will take you through all the struggles he faced learning French and have you in stitches. What’s more, the show takes place in La Nouvelle Seine, a riverboat on the seine and right under the shadow of Notre Dame! Sebastian Marx is playing every Saturday night entirely in English, grab your tickets here.

A celebration of Japanese culture - Japonismes

A collaboration between the French and Japanese governments to celebrate the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, Japonismes brings together a series of exhibitions and cultural events to celebrate all things Japanese. A retrospective retracing the cinema of Japan from the 1920s will take place in Parisian cinemas, and sake and tea tastings in restaurants across the capital. The many events happening around the city put Japanese culture in the limelight, and it doesn't stop at 2018, the program just won't stop and continues into the new year! Follow this link to discover the full program.

Broadway comes to Paris - Chicago, The Musical, Until 30th June

Come and watch one of Broadway’s most iconic musicals in one of Paris’ most beautiful venues, the Théâtre Mogador. A tale of murder, celebrity and media manipulation, Chicago the Musical may be one of the longest-running Broadway shows, but the story still holds true today, in the social media age. Transport yourself back to prohibition era Chicago and come see this spectacular adaptation. Tickets can be found here.

Copyright IP3 PRESS/MAXPPP

Paris’ own vintage car parade - La Traversée de Paris en Ancienne, 13th January

On Sunday 13th January hundreds of classic car enthusiasts will take to the streets of Paris for a drive around the city ending at the beautiful Château de Vincennes, where the cars will be displayed from 12pm until 3pm. It’s known as La Traversée de Paris en Ancienne and takes place every year, be prepared to see plenty of 2VCs and Fiat 500s zipping around the arc de triomphe!

Paris Cocktail Week, 20th - 28th January

Paris cocktail week is back with over 50 bars across the capital offering 30% off two of their cocktails (one with alcohol and one without). On top of this, the Perrier Cocktail Market will be taking place at La Cartonnerie in the 11th arrondissement, showcasing the best of the capital’s mixology talent. For more details head to the official website of the cocktail week.

Centre Pompidou - Photographie, Arme de classe, Until 4th February

Running until the 4th February, Photographie, arme de classe (Photography as a weapon of class) at the iconic Centre Pompidou looks at photography in the interwar period, and how it was used as a weapon of class. The title references a manifesto written by journalist Henri Tracol who wanted photography to form a part of revolutionary activism. Over 100 photos in the Centre Pompidou depict the Civil War in Spain and the rise of the Popular Front in France, and tell us much about poverty and class struggles during that time.

Eat cake and celebrate like the French - Galette des Rois, January 6th

Lookout out for a special cake in boulangeries around January 6th, known as the Galette des Rois (King Cake). The cake is traditionally eaten to celebrate Epiphany at the end of the Christmas season, and consists of round layers of puff pastry stuffed with frangipane. A figurine (known as a fève) is usually hidden inside the filling, and whoever finds it in their slice is crowned king for the day. Why not head to a bakery to celebrate this typically French tradition yourself?

Last chance! - Musical Comedy exposition at the Philharmonie de Paris, Ends January 27

We saved our very favorite for last! The Philharmonie de Paris, a museum dedicated to all things music, is hosting a special exhibition all about musical comedies and musical theatre. From West Side Story to Beauty and the Beast, this unique showcase will have the whole family singing their favorite tunes. You’ll see costumes worn by the original cast in film such as Grease and the Wizard of Oz, and a behind the scenes look at what goes into making a musical film.

Details here

And don't forget, if you're looking for shopping in Paris, January is your month! Starting January 9 in Paris, the bi-annual SOLDES begin and almost everything will be marked down

Stay tuned for the latest in our monthly What's on in Paris calendars, and start booking your Paris theatre night today!