Welcome listeners to Things to Do in Paris! It’s Sunday, November 9, 2025, and Oly Bennet here, your energetic sports-and-quirks guide to the whirling world of Paris’s wildest happenings. Today’s atmosphere? Picture autumn at full throttle—crunchy leaves underfoot, a cozy 13°C, with just enough breeze to make your croissant chase you down the boulevard. Halloween vibes are still haunting the city thanks to events lingering from All Saints’ Day, and Paris is sparkling up for the festive season, so bring a little swagger to those cobblestone catwalks!

To kick off your Sunday, expect a barrage of excitement at the print-splendid heart of Paris: this morning, hundreds of musicians (pianist Julien Cohen leads the battalion!) are gathering for a giant Christmas lights flash mob—location reveal was yesterday, so look out for harmonious chaos spilling onto the boulevards! Feeling the holiday spirit? Head to Printemps Haussmann or Le Bon Marché for their freshly unveiled Christmas window displays, featuring animated scenes that’ll make you wish you brought your own sled to Boulevard Haussmann.

Love art that bends reality? The Musée des Arts Décoratifs is hosting an anniversary exhibition—“1925–2025. One Hundred Years of Art Deco”—and, according to Euronews, there’s a full-scale recreation of the legendary Orient Express, so yes, you can channel your inner Hercule Poirot minus the murder mystery. Over at the Louvre, the Farnese Palace frescoes have been meticulously reconstructed for an immersive experience that’ll have you craning your neck like you’re searching for the world’s quirkiest rugby ball.

Families, today’s your day to bounce! Ballon de Paris is offering free scientific flights to celebrate COP30, where you can ascend above the city—up to 300 meters—absolutely gratis by reservation. And in nearby Seine-et-Marne, Europe’s largest Santa Claus house has opened its doors, transforming kids (and youthful grownups wearing elf hats) into high-fiving holiday heroes. For outdoor explorers and treasure hunters, flea markets and garage sales sprinkled throughout Paris and its suburbs promise surprising bargains and enough quirky finds to fill a suitcase.

Tonight, crank up the nightlife dial! The Spain band is taking the stage at Petit Bain for their “Blue Moods of Spain” 30th Anniversary Tour, keeping the rhythm pulsing along the Seine, while the Paris Zombie Walk has returned—try not to trip over a fake severed hand or two!

And Paris isn’t just showbiz and glitter today—local news buzzing includes fresh public transit improvements along the metro’s Line 1, making journeys smoother, and new restaurant openings in the Marais, including a tiny vegan bistro where the chef supposedly juggles turnips. Printemps Haussmann’s NY-themed Christmas windows, designed by Diane Kruger, are grabbing headlines—worth a detour for the ultimate festive selfie.

For must-try activities: stroll Square René-Viviani to see Paris’s oldest tree, standing tall and shady since the 17th century, and for seasoned culture surfers, don’t skip the Photo Days Festival, which splashes photographic magic over 100 venues citywide. Families should check out the extraordinary “House of Santa Claus” and, for athletic souls, lace up for a run or walk in preparation for next weekend’s energetic charity races.

Local tip—real Paris insiders never ask for a “doggy bag,” but if you’re in a bistro and want to save your leftovers, just wink and say “le petit sac”—it’s pure gold and pure Paris.

Now, if you crave more action, tomorrow sees the opening of the giant La Défense Christmas Market with over 300 chalets and an ice rink. Plus, the Faubourg Saint-Honoré kicks off its Christmas illuminations Monday evening, sparkling up Paris right as the weekend ends. Stay tuned for more epic discoveries with Oly Bennet.

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