Information checked on 11 November 2026 against the official Grand Palais programme and Paris tourism office listing. Prices and opening times can still change; check the booking page before travelling.
What if Paris turned one of its most spectacular monuments into an ice rink after dark? From 12 December 2026 to 6 January 2027, the Grand Palais de Glace returns beneath the vast glass roof—with a 2,700-square-metre rink, family sessions by day and late-night skating directed by Cathy Guetta.
Why the 2026 edition is more than an ice rink
The setting is the first reason to go. The rink occupies the Nave, where iron, glass and monumental scale transform a simple winter activity into a Paris event. The organiser announces a 2,700-square-metre ice surface, a separate area for younger children and a giant moon suspended under the roof. Visitors can bring their own skates or use the included rental pair.
The second reason is the change of mood after 8pm. The 2026 edition introduces a new artistic direction by Cathy Guetta for the evening sessions. Music, light and staging are designed to turn the Nave into an immersive party rather than a conventional municipal rink. That distinction matters when choosing a ticket: daytime is the practical family option, while the night session is aimed at adults and older teenagers looking for a Paris nightlife experience on ice.
A new raclette restaurant, Le Megève, is also announced on the Balcon de l’Horloge. It can be reached from outside the rink area and operates without reservations. Crêpes, waffles and hot chocolate are also part of the on-site winter offer.
Opening times and ticket prices
| Session | Opening time | Adult | Child | Senior 65+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 10am–1pm | €27 | €15 | €22 |
| Afternoon | 2pm–7pm | €32 | €18 | €26 |
| Night | 8pm–2am | €39 | One night rate; under-16s must be accompanied | |
| Late entry | Midnight–2am | €27 | Subject to the night-session conditions | |
Children under three enter free. The official programme states that children under 14 must be accompanied during the day, while under-16s must be accompanied for night skating. Gloves are mandatory for everyone. The Paris tourism office listing says the event closes at 6pm on 24 and 31 December, so those dates do not follow the usual evening timetable.
Which session should you book?
Families and first-time skaters: choose the morning. It is the least expensive session, and the atmosphere is generally easier for children. The dedicated children’s area helps, but an accompanying adult remains responsible for supervision.
Visitors building a Christmas day out: choose the afternoon, then continue towards the Champs-Élysées lights or another seasonal stop. Our separate Christmas in Paris guide compares the main markets, illuminations and skating options without duplicating this Grand Palais timetable.
Nightlife travellers: the 8pm session is the distinctive choice. It is longer and more expensive, but it is the only one built around Cathy Guetta’s new artistic direction. Do not book it as a quiet family skate.
How to reach the Grand Palais ice rink
Use the Gabrielle Chanel entrance at 7 avenue Winston Churchill, 75008 Paris. The closest practical station is Champs-Élysées–Clemenceau on Metro lines 1 and 13. Franklin D. Roosevelt on lines 1 and 9 is another walkable option. Allow extra time for security checks and for collecting skates before the session begins.
The event sits between the Champs-Élysées and the Seine, making it easy to combine with central Paris. Advance booking is the sensible option during school holidays and around New Year. Use the official Grand Palais event page for live availability and any last-minute change.
What the return means for winter tourism in Paris
The Grand Palais de Glace is also part of the city’s visitor economy. A late session generates a different journey from a daytime museum visit: dinner before skating, a taxi or Metro ride after midnight, and potentially an extra hotel night. Restaurants, cafés, transport workers and nearby retail all sit around the event. The value is not an invented visitor total; it is the ability of a landmark to keep central Paris active beyond normal cultural opening hours.
That is why the practical details matter. Clear access, reliable schedules, safe late-night transport and a high-quality public realm are part of the product. The spectacle begins under the glass roof, but the visitor’s impression continues in the streets outside.
Quick answers
When is the Grand Palais ice rink open in 2026?
The Grand Palais de Glace runs from 12 December 2026 to 6 January 2027, with morning, afternoon and night sessions.
How much does ice skating at the Grand Palais cost?
Adult tickets start at €27 in the morning, €32 in the afternoon and €39 for the full night session. Skate rental is included.
Where is the entrance?
Use the Gabrielle Chanel entrance at 7 avenue Winston Churchill in Paris’s 8th arrondissement.
Do I need to bring skates?
No. Rental skates in sizes 25–50 are included, although visitors may bring their own. Gloves are compulsory.
Is it open on 24 and 31 December?
Yes, but the Paris tourism office states that the event closes at 6pm on both dates.
Official sources
- Grand Palais: 2026 programme, sessions, prices and practical rules
- Paris je t’aime: event listing and holiday closing times
Cover: archival view of the Grand Palais ice rink, photographed on 4 January 2015 by Passion Leica, used under CC BY-SA 2.0. It illustrates the venue and does not show the 2026 installation.
Cite this article
When citing the text or analysis, include the magazine, title, original URL and publication date. Preserve the stated attribution of statistics and photographs.
OUISTARS Travel — Grand Palais Ice Rink Returns to Paris: 2026 Dates, Prices and Night Sessions
Published:
