Events - Patins en Folie 2025: A magical opening to celebrate Parisian winter in style

By Mulder, Paris, Parc André Citroën, 21 november 2025

As soon as we arrived at the opening night on November 21, 2025, we felt as though we had stepped into an enchanted world. Parc André Citroën, already known for its peaceful greenery and iconic hot air balloon, was transformed to host a new edition of Patins en Folie, which this year far exceeded anything the event had offered before. Invited to preview this huge open-air ice rink, we were immediately won over by the warm welcome, the smooth organization, and the famous gourmet village that seemed to melt the hearts of every visitor from the very first minutes. Between the aromas of raclette, crispy fries, and steaming hot chocolate, it was hard not to feel like you were at a Nordic Christmas market in the heart of Paris. It was a real success that, from the very first seconds, promised an edition that would leave a lasting impression.

The event is taking on an even more ambitious dimension. Patins en Folie 2025 now covers 600 m² of real ice, allowing visitors to literally skate under the stars, in a setting where fairy lights and winter ambiance combine to create an unforgettable atmosphere. For families, a 100 m² area entirely dedicated to children provides a safe space for learning, designed so that young children can gently learn to skate, accompanied by attentive professionals. You can quickly see the wonder in their eyes and the quiet pride of these little skaters who, after a few hesitant turns, find their balance and glide along like mini Olympic champions.

The place exudes a festive atmosphere, human warmth, and that little bit of magic that truly characterizes the holiday season. The park's hot air balloon, which rises above the site every day, adds an extra touch of spectacle: seeing its silhouette floating above the rink gives the impression of being immersed in a large-scale Christmas movie. Several visitors told us that they waited for this precise moment to take their best photos, as the whole scene seems tailor-made to become an unforgettable memory. The DJ evenings, scheduled throughout the event, also promise to transform this giant ice rink into a veritable frosty dance floor. Tonight, we were given a sneak preview of the musical program, which alternates between disco classics, revisited hits, and Christmas songs that instantly awaken that comforting little nostalgia associated with winter.

What is particularly striking about this edition is its overall coherence: everything has been designed so that every visitor, regardless of age or experience, can find their place. Children have their own quiet and secure area, thrill seekers can enjoy the entire skating surface, and food lovers are naturally drawn to the village with its thousand flavors. The smell of crepes and waffles, mixed with that of mulled wine and freshly made churros, gives the site a very special flavor. We heard several visitors talk about their “childhood memories” while tasting a simple hot waffle, further proof that Patins en Folie also plays on emotions with disarming accuracy.

The opening was also an opportunity to gauge the extent to which the event is becoming a permanent fixture in Parisian cultural life at the end of the year. With extended opening hours, affordable prices considering what is on offer, skate hire included, and very well thought-out accessibility, the organizers seem to have wanted to meet everyone's needs. Especially since the period, from November 22, 2025, to January 4, 2026, includes the holidays, school vacations, pre-Christmas parties with colleagues, and even outings for couples who want to swap the traditional restaurant for a slightly more original and romantic activity. On the ice tonight, there were as many families as there were couples holding hands, and the setting was perfect for those tender moments that make you want to come back.

Finally, one last detail, but not the least, deserves praise: the quality of the visual setting. The perfectly integrated Christmas decorations, the delicately illuminated trees in the park, the ice reflecting the lights like a winter mirror—everything contributes to an immersive visual experience. When you step back a little to observe the scene, you see a mosaic of colors, laughter, movement, and lights that gives the whole thing an almost cinematic atmosphere. It's no surprise that many photographers, including Boris Colletier for Mulderville, wanted to capture this special atmosphere, as every angle seems to contain a perfect image.

This opening of Paris Patins en Folie 2025 clearly lays the foundations for an ambitious, warm-hearted edition, designed to offer a truly enchanting interlude in the heart of Paris. Whether you come to skate, enjoy winter treats, enjoy a DJ evening, or simply admire the hot air balloon floating in the night sky, the event seems to have all the ingredients to become one of this winter season's must-see events. And after this first evening, we can say with certainty: Patins en Folie is no longer just an ice rink, it is an emotional rendezvous, a moment suspended in time where everyone can rediscover a little magic and a lot of conviviality, exactly what we dream of at this time of year.

You can found our photos in our Flickr page

Practical information
● Information and reservations: www.patinsenfolie.com
● Dates: From November 22, 2025, to January 4, 2026, inclusive
● Location: Parc André Citroën, Paris 15th arrondissement
● Surface area: 600m² of real ice
● Prices before 4:30 p.m.: Adults (18+): €13, Juniors (9-18): €12, Children (under 8): €10
● Prices after 4:30 p.m. - Evening sessions: Adults (18+): €17, Juniors (9-18): €13, Children (under 8): €12
● Skates: Skate rental is included in all prices.
● Parking: INDIGO Citroën Cévennes (covered) 37 rue Leblanc 75015 Paris

Photos and video: Boris Colletier / Mulderville