France is significantly reducing its traditional New Year’s Eve festivities on the Champs‑Élysées due to escalating security concerns and what authorities describe as a very high terror threat. The annual midnight concert has been cancelled and replaced with a pre‑recorded show, while fireworks at the Arc de Triomphe will proceed without encouraging large crowds.

Police advised the change after warning of crowd‑management risks and recalling last year’s unrest, when nearly 1,000 vehicles were burned and hundreds arrested nationwide. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has ordered reinforced security at Christmas markets and public spaces, citing threats from jihadist groups and six foiled plots in 2025. The decision has sparked political criticism, with opponents arguing it reflects a deeper deterioration in public order.

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