17 Interesting French Christmas Traditions You Should Know
Want to know how Christmas is celebrated in France? This post will show you all the interesting French Christmas traditions that have been observed for decades!
The end of the year or Christmas time is truly the most magical time of year, no matter where you live, how you celebrate, and the traditions you follow.
But to have the opportunity to spend this exciting time of year in France, home to some of the most iconic and whacky Christmas traditions is bound to be a holiday you’ll remember, and as someone who lives in France, I can attest to that!
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Some French Christmas traditions have been around for centuries, while others have been included in the lives of the French people in the past couple of decades.
With such varying cultures and lifestyles across the French territory (the bustling city of Paris at one end of the spectrum and the rolling countrysides of Alsace at the other), there’s no dearth of Christmas traditions in France.
So, whether you want to spend Christmas in the country and want to know how Christmas is celebrated or you just want to learn about traditions in France at Christmas, this article will give you all the facts about Christmas in France.
17 Interesting French Christmas Traditions
From interesting to rather unusual ones, here is a list of the Christmas traditions in France you should know.
1. A Big Christmas Eve feast
If you’re wondering “how is Christmas celebrated in France”, one of the most distinctive traditions that the French have during this time of year is the feast on Christmas Eve.
Traditionally called Le Réveillon, it is the most extensive and fanciest meal of the festive season.
The preparation and dishes of the meal vary from region to region, but conventionally, the meal contains some seafood entrées, escargots, a poultry-centered main dish, and several traditional French desserts but mainly the Bûche de Noël.
All the courses are accompanied by traditional French wine or even champagne, depending on the preference!
2. Decorating Christmas trees
One of the most important symbols of Christmas worldwide is the Christmas tree, and France is no different!
Some people across the country switch up the fake Christmas trees with real fir trees, and it is one of the top traditions for Christmas in France to spend time decorating the tree with loved ones.
Traditional ceramic ornaments and more unconventional trendy decorations accompanied by string lights are used to make their trees beautiful and heartwarming.
Getting the family or friends together to have a night of decorating the tree, feasting on some warm winter dishes, and drinking some wine sounds like one of the best ways to celebrate the lead-up to the Christmas season!
Though most families are still using the “fake Christmas tree”, you’ll find big real Christmas trees in public places like streets, and departmental stores.
3. Advent calendars
Of the several French Christmas traditions, a big part of the celebrations in the lead-up to Christmas is the tradition of opening an advent calendar.
The calendars have several openings (or windows), each for a day leading up to Christmas.
These are treated as countdowns with a window being opened every day starting from 1st December to 24th December, and the closer it gets to Christmas, the better (and bigger) the surprise goodies become.
Though advent calendars were traditionally full of chocolates or candies and most popular amongst children, in the past couple of years, several advent calendars for adults (with several pop culture references, makeup products, or different snacks) have also come up.
However, chocolate and candy advent calendars still exist with big chocolate and candy brands releasing them in unique cult characters every year.
4. Christmas markets
A large part of the iconic French Christmas celebration is the country’s Christmas markets.
Each city and town hosts different kinds of Christmas markets that are known to be one of the best ways to spend a winter afternoon.
If you happen to be in the country during Christmas, you’ll find several Christmas markets packed with white chalets that sell warm traditional French food accompanied by hot chocolate, and vin chaud to brave the cold.
The most famous Christmas markets are those in Alsace, especially in Strasbourg which is actually nicknamed the Capital of Christmas, Colmar, Eguisheim, and Mulhouse.
The French capital also organizes a number of Christmas markets if you want to celebrate Christmas in Paris.
Besides the markets being so fun and festive to walk through, there’s truly no better way to rejoice in the spirit of Christmas than supporting some local artisans and small businesses by picking up some artisanal Christmas decorations or even souvenirs.
Related post: Best Things to do in Paris in December
5. Fête des Rois
One of the most interesting traditions in France at Christmas is called Fête des Rois which translates to Feast of Kings or Epiphany in some parts of the world.
A predominantly Christian holiday, it is considered to be part of the French traditions for Christmas even though it is held on the first week of the new year (post-Christmas), on 6 January to be exact.
On this day, people celebrate the arrival of the Three Kings to meet the infant Jesus, and in honor of this auspicious moment, they feast!
The most integral part of the day is galette des Rois (King’s Cake), which is sold with a paper crown by most bakeries as an ode to the holiday.
The preparation of the cake is very unique and tailor-made to the ideas of the holiday, making way for an extensive feast to mark the end of the festive season!
Besides the paper crown, the King’s Cake also has a tiny porcelain trinket known as la fève or a Bean, and whoever finds this bean while eating the cake is crowned the King or Queen for the day.
6. Having a Crèche
A typical decoration in most homes and establishments during this time of year is a nativity scene.
One of the most important Christmas in France traditions, it is believed to have started back in the 13th century to spread awareness about the story of Christ and also to add to decorations as part of Christmas festivities.
In fact, today, most big churches around the country organize big nativity scenes during the Christmas season where people can go and admire the presentations.
The nativity scenes can be miniature and set on a coffee table or life-size like they are in most plays and performances.
Some nativity scenes can also be figurines focused on the birth of Jesus while others can go as far as having an entire village set up showing kids playing, schools, churches, and more.
If you’re looking to take some miniature souvenirs back home, the Christmas markets in Alsace are known for their numerous artisan stalls that offer countless figurines for the perfect nativity scene!
7. Midnight mass
If you happen to be celebrating Christmas in France, one of the unique things you’ll experience is that instead of attending Christmas mass during the day of Christmas, as done in most places worldwide, in France, you’ll have a chance to go to a midnight mass.
If you usually go to church or are just open to a variety of experiences, attending a service at midnight, which is often followed by small get-togethers among the community, is bound to be a unique tradition.
Heading to a midnight mass at your nearest church is a truly excellent way to immerse yourself in the holiday traditions in France.
8. The Poinsettia flower
A unique Christmas tradition in France, the Poinsettia flower (known as étoile de Noël in French) is a gorgeous red and green plant that, because of representing the traditional festive colors, has become an essential part of the Christmas celebrations in France.
The plant, grown in Mexico as the “Plant of the Holy Night,” is also significant in the festive season in many other nations worldwide.
Besides representing the colors of Christmas, there are also beliefs about how the red color represents Jesus’ blood at his crucifixion, and the plant is overall an ode to the gifts that Jesus left behind for the generations to come.
You’ll find several flower shops in France selling the Poinsettia flower and it’s not uncommon for people to set them on their tables or even offer them as gifts during the holiday season.
9. Le père Noël
There are several symbols across the globe that signify the meaning and festivities of Christmas, one of which is Santa or Father Christmas.
In France, he’s referred to as Le père Noël and is the harbinger of gifts to kids. It is one of the most famous Christmas traditions of France for kids to write letters (an old art form in today’s day, but beautiful nonetheless) to Le père Noël with lists of gifts they want!
In fact, the postal office in Libourne, in southwestern France, opens and responds to each and every letter addressed to Le père Noël, making it a very meaningful activity for all kids involved!
10. Le père Fouettard
A part of the Christmas story that has been forgotten in the modern day but lives on in the traditions of Christmas in France, is known as Le pére Fouettard!
Fondly believed to be Le père Noël’s (Santa’s) evil sidekick or the boogeyman, children in France are introduced to him while being told about Le père Noël.
Le pére Fouettard is believed to be a hooded, scary figure that punishes or maybe even kidnaps kids that have been “naughty” and gives them bad gifts as Christmas rolls around.
Though not as feared by children in France today, compared to the past decades, it’s still an exciting tale that families across the country have kept alive!
11. Shoes by the fireplace
One of the most vital traditions in France for Christmas is to keep shoes filled with goodies for Le père Noël by the fireplace on Christmas Eve.
The shoes, on Christmas morning, would be full of little gifts for the kids! The practice originates from the idea that Le père Noël used to travel the world to deliver gifts to all children, and he would enter each house via the chimney, leading him to the fireplace!
Progressively, this tradition has evolved to place the shoes under the Christmas tree, which is where Le père Noël leaves the gifts.
Hands-down the best part of Christmas for kids, this tradition lives on! Unlike most places that place stockings on the mantel, the French leave gifts in shoes.
Related post: What to do in Paris in winter
12. The thirteen desserts of Provence
One of the most exciting Christmas in France facts and about the festive season in most parts of the world is that it is a time to feast!
In Provence, a region in southeastern France, there is a famous practice to lay out thirteen different French desserts after a big dinner from Christmas Eve to the 27th of December which guests can pick and choose according to their liking. However, each person has to taste each of the 13 desserts.
It is believed that the custom originates from the time of the last supper with Jesus and his 12 disciples, so the number thirteen is significant.
Indeed a thoroughly enjoyed tradition because what is a celebration but to be fed and loved?
13. Les étrennes
If you happen to find yourself spending the holidays in France, one of the most crucial facts about French Christmas is that the French people take giving back very seriously!
Les étrennes translates to New Year’s gifts and is the tradition in which people give gifts to private or public essential workers to thank them and show them love and appreciation for the services and help rendered throughout the year.
Essential workers can range from garbage collectors, mailmen, firefighters, and cleaners, to babysitters, and more.
People can give by either buying calendars or little trinkets made by the essential workers, or by giving money directly to them and the amount can range anywhere from €5 to €50 per household.
A custom that dates back to Roman times, it has continued in many parts of the country and is a great way to bring a smile to service providers in the new year!
14. Christmas lights in the streets
A large part of French holiday traditions is the Christmas lights illuminating the streets across the nation, especially in big cities.
A global phenomenon around the festive season, people deck their houses with all kinds of lights, maybe even Santa or the reindeer inflatables, to truly let the streets come alive.
Though French people don’t go all out when it comes to decorating their houses and/or front and back yards, (compared to say in North America), you’ll mainly see Christmas lights in public streets and big department stores.
If you happen to visit department stores or famous streets across the nation (particularly in bigger cities like Paris and Strasbourg), you’ll find exciting installations of interactive lights throughout December!
One street that stands out the most when it comes to Christmas lights is the Champs Elysées in Paris which gets covered in over a million light bulbs along its 1.2 miles (1.9 km) stretch.
15. Advent Wreaths
One of the most loved French Christmas decoration traditions, the Advent wreath is an integral part of the Christmas season in France, where a candle is lit every Sunday in the run-up to and on Christmas Day.
The light of the shimmering candle is believed to be a symbol of who Jesus is. The wreath itself, which comprises different evergreens, signifies the continuity of life.
The wreath circle denotes no beginning or end, symbolizing the eternity of God, the eternal soul, and the immortal life we find in Christ.
Nestled inside the wreath, you’ll discover Advent candles representing the four weeks of Advent, for which one candle is lit each Sunday until Christmas.
Related post: Interesting Easter Traditions in France
16. The Yule Log
The Yule log or the Christmas block is traditionally burnt on a fireplace during Christmas in Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom.
One of the oldest French traditions at Christmas involves the burning of the Yule log which dates back to the solstice celebrations and the burning of bonfires during that time.
This Christmas custom involves burning a piece of the log every evening until the Twelfth Night. The burnt log is thereafter placed under the bed for luck and is believed to protect the household from the dangers of lightning and fire.
It is also believed that counting the sparks while the log is burning will determine your fortunes for the new year and beyond.
While this particular tradition held on for a number of years, in 1870, the tradition changed from physically burning the log to creating a Yule Log pastry known as Bûche de Noël.
The origins of this pastry are a bit unclear but since then, it became the ultimate dessert during the Christmas holiday. The pastry resembles the actual Yule log and it is made of sponge cake and cream with various flavors.
Today, you’ll see Bûche de Noël in various pastry shops all around France and it is treated as the main dessert on both the Christmas Eve dinner (Le Réveillon) and the Christmas day meal.
17. Les Papillotes de Noel
A flavorful part of the goodies eaten during Christmas are the “papillotes.” These are typically chocolates or candied fruits that can be easily identified by the colorful and sparkling paper they are wrapped in.
Papillotes originated in Lyon at the end of the 18th century and are today found all over France in stores during Christmas.
During this time, you will also find them on the table as decorations. Inside the wrapping, you’ll often see a note with a motivational quote, Bible verse, or even a joke.
So, if you’re wondering how to celebrate Christmas in France, load up on papillotes, a cherished and essential part of the Christmas celebrations for most French households!
Final thoughts about French Christmas Traditions
Indeed, there are many French Christmas traditions, some ancient and persisting, others new and contemporary.
With all the love, food, and lights that the festive season brings, if you find yourself roaming the streets of France during the Christmas time, be sure to immerse yourself in the true spirit of French customs, indulge in the extensive feasts and desserts, and make the most of this time because it’s bound to become a heartfelt memory for years to come!
Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Paris
- Best Things to do in Paris in January
- What to Pack for Paris in Winter
- Easter Traditions in France You Should Know
- How to Visit Paris in February
- Fun Things to do in Paris on a Rainy Day
- What to do in Paris in April
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