As we approach the Winter solstice, waking up in the dark and returning home from work in the dark, it’s lovely to think of the splendour that is the Palais Garnier.

This month, the Paris Opera House is home to – among other offerings – Hänsel et Gretel for opera lovers, and La Source for those who enjoy ballet. There are other options; at a nearby locale, Parisians and their visitors can spend New Year’s Eve enjoying Tchaikovsky’s music and Rudolf Nureyev’s iteration of  The Nutcracker (Casse-Noisette) at the Opéra Bastille.

While we’ll embark upon December 31st celebrations with the next day’s annual Polar Bear Swim in mind, it’s also lovely to envision spending New Year’s Eve abroad, in an atmosphere such as this.