30 French Christmas Traditions (the best Christmas in France facts)

The Best Christmas Traditions in France

Christmas is one of the best times of the year. Filled with joy and love, everyone meets with their families, enjoys great meals and, for the luckiest of them, gets kind gifts.

In France, just like in many historical countries, there are some unique traditions. Let’s discover together some of the best French traditions at Christmas below!👇

1. Christmas starts early in France

Wherever you go in France, you will see Christmas calendars in any supermarket. This is a very renowned tradition in the country: kids all have a four-week calendar, leading to Christmas and starting December 1st. Every day, they open a new window, finding a new piece of chocolate underneath it.

This has become so popular that even big companies like M&M’s or Kinder create a special advent calendar every year.

2. The traditional Christmas meal in France is very copious

Just like for any celebration in France, food is sacred during Christmas. Depending on the region, the typical meal is quite variable, but there are still some common dishes.

For instance, oysters are very commonly eaten as a starter (others prefer smoked salmon). Foie-gras, a controversial spread, is also very loved. Add a bit of poultry as the main dish and most importantly a “bûche de Noël” (Christmas log) as a dessert and you’re good to go!

Read more: Discover more facts about French food

3. The Christmas Eve meal is called “le Réveillon” in France

This depends on people, families and cultures, but usually the day before Christmas is synonymous with a big and long feast. In some families, kids even get their presents on that day, a bit late and after dinner. This means that the night is quite long, and in any case is always filled with joy and family reunion.

The word “réveillon” comes from the verb “réveiller”, meaning “to wake up”.

4. One of the most important church services in France takes places on Christmas

This won’t come as a surprise, but Christmas is very important for the Catholic religion. And as that is still the major religion in France, I have to talk about it.

Apart from Easter, Christmas is probably the most important Catholic celebration of the year, and there is, like in most European countries, a Midnight Mass held in France. More and more people would rather go on the 25th though.

5. “Les 13 desserts” is a southern France Christmas tradition

Provence is a famous southern region of France. There, you can visit the cities of Marseille and Nice.

For Christmas, people there have a very unique tradition, which is to have 13 desserts after the feast! These are supposed to symbolize Christ and his 12 apostles during the Last Supper. These desserts are generally made of fruits, sweets, nuts and cakes. It is also said to bring good luck for the whole next year!

6. “Le Père Fouettard” takes care of bad behaving children in France

“Le Père Fouettard” can be translated as “Father Whipper”, and it is a French folkloric legend. He is both the partner and helper of Saint Nicolas, an important saint, especially in the eastern regions of France.

French kids, if they behaved poorly for the past years, are spanked by the Père Fouettard. So if you plan to spend Christmas in France, you should behave, kids!

7. Papillotes are sparkling treats loved by everyone for Christmas in France

Another sweet you will see if you head to France during the end of December is the “papillotes”. They are chocolates or candied fruits that you can immediately recognize because of the colorful and sparkling paper they are wrapped in.

Papillotes were created in Lyon at the end of the 18th century, and are today sold massively in shops each year. You can also find them on the table as decorations, and they are a huge part of Christmas traditions in France.

8. Everyone in France has a Christmas tree

This is one of the most general French Christmas facts, but French people absolutely love their Christmas tree. Some of them have a fake one, because they have pets or simply don’t want to buy a new one each year.

Days or weeks before Christmas, the French set up their own tree and decorate it as a family, with lights and garlands. Traditionally, they get rid of it before the new year comes.

9. In many French cities, you will see nativity scenes

Though this tradition tends to be less and less popular, there used to be nativity scenes everywhere in France, especially in small and very religious villages. The most impressive ones are the life-sized scenes, and they are sometimes even re-enacted by humans.

If you want your own nativity scene (or “crèche de Noël” in French), you can buy it from one of the many Christmas markets. Speaking of which…

10. French Christmas markets are very popular

If you are visiting France somewhere from the end of November to Christmas, you should definitely check out their Christmas markets. There, you can buy typical food, drinks, decorations and souvenirs.

The most famous one is by far the Strasbourg Christmas market. It has been running since the 16th century, spreads throughout the whole city, and is simply marvelous overall. Another well-known one is the Lille Christmas market.

11. There are not that many French Christmas songs

While that might surprise you, there are in fact not that many French Christmas songs. The most popular ones are just adaptations from church hymns.

Many of the current songs are actually adaptations from other countries like the UK and Germany. For instance, the French have their own “Jingle Bells” translation, which is “Vive le vent”. In fact, these songs are mostly non-religious now, which is pretty astonishing for such a historically very Catholic country!

12. There are specific greetings during French Christmas celebrations

For Christmas, French people wish each other a “Joyeux Noël” (Merry Christmas) or “Bonnes fêtes” (a more general saying including Christmas, New Year and the Epiphany). A few days after the beginning of the new year, people usually wish everyone a happy new year, even the ones they don’t actually know, like bakers or shopkeepers.

However, you have to make sure to never wish anyone a Happy New Year (“Bonne Année”) before midnight, as it brings bad luck!

13. Christmas crackers are inspired by French Christmas

When Tom Smith visited Paris in the 19th century, he was inspired by the French capital and created the famous Christmas crackers. These are today very popular in England, but they were never a part of any French tradition whatsoever!

Smith saw the French “bonbon” sweets, which were at that time almonds wrapped in paper, and started selling them with a small message inside when he came back to London. His sons also added small gifts and paper crowns.

14. Christmas celebrations last until January 6th in France

Though the Epiphany is not as popular in France as it is in Italy or Spain, where kids get their presents on that day, it is still a huge deal.

On this day, people celebrate the arrival of the Three Kings. It also marks the end of the “fêtes de fin d’année” (end of year celebrations) in France. Some cities perform street processions with the Three Kings for children to watch.

15. During the Epiphany, the most important tradition is to eat “La Galette des Rois”

Though the Epiphany is not that celebrated anymore in France today, the most important remain of any sort of tradition for this day is the famous “galette des rois”.

There are multiple versions of this cake, the most popular being made of simple frangipane and sometimes apple. The tradition is to add a “fève” (a small figurine) inside the galette, and whoever finds it is crowned king or queen for the day. Be careful not to swallow it!

16. Carols and cards are not very important for French Christmas

While in the United States, Christmas carols and greeting cards are very important, you will barely hear or see any of them in France.

I already told you about “Vive le Vent”, which is one of the exceptions, but on the whole music does not have its place in French Christmas. As for Christmas cards, well they simply don’t exist. Maybe you will get photos from grandparents, but no one makes family photos.

17. The Christmas period does not include Hanukkah in France

Again, in the US, but also in other countries, the winter holiday period is often synonymous with both Christmas and Hanukkah. In France though, a historically very Catholic country, there is little to no public and commercial display of the Hanukkah celebrations. This is probably due to the complicated history and the rise of antisemitism in France.

Of course, the French Jewish community celebrates it, both in their individual homes and as communities.

18. In some places of France, Santa Claus comes twice

Santa Claus is almost always just like anywhere else in the world: he comes on Christmas Day, leaves gifts for everyone and is dressed in red and white (with a big belly!).

However, there is another famous celebration in some parts of France: la Saint-Nicolas. On December 6th, the traditional French version of Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas, distributes sweets and gifts to children. Remember his scary sidekick though: le Père Fouettard!

19. Music might not be important during French Christmas, but food is

France, arguably the best place in the world to eat, has a food-related Christmas, unsurprisingly. In fact, most of the ads you will see a few weeks before the holiday season will be about very luxurious food, like champagne, caviar and oysters.

The most generic gift in France is… chocolate. If you don’t know what to buy, or don’t know what the person likes, just get them a beautiful box of chocolates: you will see chocolate shops everywhere in December.

20. The “Bûche de Noël” used to be an actual log

As I have told you in fact #2, the most famous Christmas dessert is the “Bûche de Noël”, meaning “Christmas log”. It is a perfect dessert because pastry makers, especially in Paris, can become very creative and prepare masterpieces with lots of different tastes.

What you might not know is that this delicious cake used to be an actual log, burnt by French families on Christmas to bring good luck for the upcoming year.

There you go, that’s it for the 20 general best traditions in France for Christmas… But there’s more, keep reading to discover other fun facts about France Christmas! 

More Christmas Facts in France

I have so much to tell you, I couldn’t stop after only 20 facts. So, here are 10 more France Christmas traditions!👇

21. Usually, you can’t really know if it’s Christmas in France

While strolling on the streets in France during Christmas celebrations, you will probably feel in the air that , but not much more. Because stores do not play Christmas songs very often, and sadly because of the lack of snow in recent years (because of global warming), this period of the year feels a bit different in France than in other countries.

In the end, what matters is having the right mindset, enjoying the celebrations and meeting with your family though!

22. Some places still have a very strong Christmas Spirit in France

While in most places, you won’t really feel like it’s Christmas time in France, there are still some wonderful decorations if you want to be surrounded by lights and… magic.

Some French people decorate their own houses with garlands, and French towns generally add extra Christmas-themed lighting in the streets. On top of that, some stores like the Galeries Lafayettes have a giant (and artistic) Christmas tree.

Christmas tree in the Galeries Lafayette, Paris

23. “Les étrennes” is a strong tradition in France

People who provide public services are rewarded by everyone during the Christmas celebrations. I personally feel like this is an amazing idea, and that more countries should adopt it.

In France, it is traditional to give people like the mailman, garbage collectors or firemen a bit of money or something valuable. Depending on the service, you should give more: your gardener could get up to a full month of salary!

24. A Catholic tradition still relatively spread in France is “l’Avent”

This is not unique to France but you will still see people respecting the tradition of “l’Avent”, in which you prepare mentally for the coming of the Christ, every of the four Sundays before December 25th.

It is because of l’Avent that you might see wooden crowns with candles on them. Every of the four candles symbolizes one of the pre-Christmas Sundays. While this is supposed to start 4 Sundays before Christmas, in practice l’Avent begins on December 1st.

25. Traditionally, the French receive their gifts in stockings

Just like almost every country in the world, French people exchange gifts for Christmas. A famous tradition used to be hanging stockings on the fireplace, so Santa puts the gifts inside.

Today, it is not used anymore, as most people do not even have a fireplace, and the gifts are becoming bigger and bigger, and more numerous. They are now under the Christmas tree and even next to it.

26. Several cities host the “Fête des Lumières” in France

The “Fête des Lumières” or Festival of Lights is a wonderful time for you to visit France. It lasts for 4 days around December 8th.

This is because December 8th is in honor of the Virgin Mary. In some cities like Lyon or Strasbourg, you will see amazing and artistic light shows, illuminating the most beautiful buildings of the cities (cathedrals often) in a very unique way.

Fête des Lumières in Lyon, France

27. New Year’s Eve is also vastly celebrated in France

Just like in every country in the world, New Year’s Eve is very special in France. It is often synonymous with a copious meal, as always, but also with parties especially for teenagers.

The dinner is called “le réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre”, because yes, New Year’s is called the “Saint-Sylvestre” (Saint Sylvester’s Day). Even young kids can stay up until at least midnight, and they enjoy this day a lot because of that.

28. There are several plants special to Christmas in France

There are some plants in France that are very often associated with Christmas.

First of all, holly (“houx”) can literally be seen only during Christmas, mostly on the crowns I told you about earlier. Mistletoe is also used during December, as it is said to bring good luck for the next year. An old French saying even says “Au gui l’an neuf”, meaning “Mistletoe for the New Year”.

29. “Vin chaud” is very popular in eastern France for Christmas

One of the main attractions of the most famous Strasbourg Christmas market is definitely the “vin chaud”. This hot mulled wine is what Christmas would taste like if it were a beverage.

People add lots of spices to red wine, like cinnamon, anise, nutmeg and cloves. Because it is so cold during winter, it is the perfect way to warm up and still enjoy the night. Kids can also enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

30. Was the Baby Jesus stolen from the “crèche”?

If you ever walk by a “crèche” in France (nativity scene), you will quickly notice that the central part is missing: the Baby Jesus is not in the scene!

This is completely normal, don’t worry about it, it was not stolen. In France, they do not add the Baby Jesus in the nativity scene before December 25th, as he was not born before then. He is actually added right at the beginning of the Midnight Mass.

So there you have them, these were all my 30 interesting French traditions for Christmas. I hope you enjoyed them and that you learned something new today.

In case you want to learn more about the rest of the country, feel free to keep reading, as I still have lots of things to tell you about. 👇

More Facts!

Want to learn more facts about France?

Well, I have other France facts posts I’m sure you’ll love reading!

Here is the main guide of the best France facts 👉 The 60 Best Facts about France

Check out these France facts by city:

• Facts about Paris
• Facts about Lyon
• Facts about Marseille
• Facts about Strasbourg
• Facts about Nice
• Facts about Bordeaux
• Facts about Toulouse
• Facts about Cannes

Or these French facts by region:

• Facts about Brittany
• Facts about Normandy
• Facts about Corsica
• Facts about French Guiana
• Facts about Guadeloupe
• Facts about Martinique

You can also check these French facts by topic: 

• Facts about French food
• Facts about French people
• Facts about the Tour de France
• Facts about the French language
• Facts about French schools
• Facts about French cheese
• Facts about fashion in France
• Facts about Easter in France
• Facts about the French Alps
• Facts about Disneyland Paris

Or click here to see ALL the facts up on the blog! Spoiler alert: there’s A LOT of them.

The Full List of 30 France Christmas Traditions

1. Christmas starts early in France
2. The traditional Christmas meal in France is very copious
3. The Christmas Eve meal is called “le Réveillon” in France
4. One of the most important church services in France takes places on Christmas
5. “Les 13 desserts” is a southern France Christmas tradition
6. “Le Père Fouettard” takes care of bad behaving children in France
7. Papillotes are sparkling treats loved by everyone for Christmas in France
8. Everyone in France has a Christmas tree
9. In many French cities, you will see nativity scenes
10. French Christmas markets are very popular
11. There are not that many French Christmas songs
12. There are specific greetings during French Christmas celebrations
13. Christmas crackers are inspired by French Christmas
14. Christmas celebrations last until January 6th in France
15. During the Epiphany, the most important tradition is to eat “La Galette des Rois”
16. Carols and cards are not very important for French Christmas
17. The Christmas period does not include Hanukkah in France
18. In some places of France, Santa Claus comes twice
19. Music might not be important during French Christmas, but food is
20. The “Bûche de Noël” used to be an actual log
21. Usually, you can’t really know if it’s Christmas in France
22. Some places still have a very strong Christmas Spirit in France
23. “Les étrennes” is a strong tradition in France
24. A Catholic tradition still relatively spread in France is “l’Avent”
25. Traditionally, the French receive their gifts in stockings
26. Several cities host the “Fête des Lumières” in France
27. New Year’s Eve is also vastly celebrated in France
28. There are several plants special to Christmas in France
29. “Vin chaud” is very popular in eastern France for Christmas
30. Was the Baby Jesus stolen from the “crèche”?

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