Christmas in France: From Paris Lights to Provençal Feasts in 2024

Spending Christmas in France is the experience of a lifetime with the country being host to lovely Christmas traditions and fantastic foods. We’ll answer questions like "Does France celebrate Christmas on the 24th?" And "What is France known for at Christmas?" Plus, get inspired to find some unique Christmas gifts for friends and family. 

Discover the best place to spend Christmas in France, the ultimate French Christmas meal and find some French-inspired Christmas gifts for teens, kids and adults. Read on to learn more! 

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• How do The French Celebrate Christmas?
• How Do Other Countries Celebrate Christmas?
• Festive French Foods
• Where To Spend Christmas in France

How Do the French Celebrate Christmas?

The French Christmas season has deep-rooted traditions and festive customs that extend beyond December 25th. Advent, the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, marks the official start of the holiday for religious families, often celebrated with a special mass each Sunday.

For the less or non-religious, the season often begins on December 6th with St. Nicholas Day, when gifts are usually exchanged. Although this custom has shifted to Christmas Eve, the 6th still holds significance in some regions. 

A key highlight of the French holiday season is Christmas Eve, during which families gather for a lavish meal known as Le Réveillon. Afterward, children eagerly await the arrival of Père Noël, or Father Christmas.

Père Noël is the central gift-giving figure during the Christmas season in France. Known for his familiar appearance with a long white beard, red robes and a kind-hearted nature, he is the French equivalent of Santa Claus. However, Père Noël has a history and set of traditions that reflect unique aspects of French culture and its deep ties to European folklore.

For Catholics and Protestants, the season concludes with The Epiphany, twelve days after Christmas. It’s marked by festivities and the traditional Galette des Rois (King's Cake) to honor the Wise Men's visit. Generally, French Christmas is a blend of festive gatherings, religious observances and the joy of gift-giving. 

Want fun facts about Christmas in France? Well, some French people enjoy 13 desserts after their main meal. Talk about a feast! We’ll expand more on this fun tradition later on. 

How Do Other Countries Celebrate Christmas?

Christmas traditions around the world vary widely, reflecting different cultural influences and customs. Here's a look at how some countries celebrate the festive season and how these traditions compare to Christmas in France.

Christmas in Japan

Unlike France, where Christmas is steeped in religious tradition, Japan approaches the holiday as a more commercial and secular event. Christmas Eve is treated similarly to Valentine’s Day, with couples enjoying romantic dinners and exchanging gifts.

Fried chicken, especially from KFC, has become a quirky Christmas meal tradition and colorful illuminations decorate city streets. While Père Noël brings gifts to French children, in during Christmas in Japan, gift-giving is more casual and not necessarily tied to Santa Claus.

Christmas in Mexico

Christmas is a deeply religious and community-based celebration in Mexico. It begins on December 16th with Las Posadas, a reenactment of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem. It culminates with a midnight mass on Christmas Eve, known as La Misa de Gallo, followed by a festive meal and the breaking of a piñata.

Like in France, Christmas in Mexico extends past Christmas Day, with celebrations continuing through Epiphany, known as Día de los Reyes, on January 6th, when children receive gifts.

Christmas in Germany

Christmas in Germany is filled with tradition, with the Advent season marked by Advent calendars and wreaths, similar to religious customs in France.

A major difference is the presence of festive Christmas markets, where people gather to buy handmade gifts and enjoy treats like gingerbread and mulled wine.

Germany also celebrates St. Nicholas Day on December 6th, much like France, with Saint Nicholas bringing gifts to children. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are spent with family, but instead of Père Noël, the Christkind (Christ Child) brings gifts.

Christmas in Australia

While French families gather indoors for Le Réveillon, Christmas in Australia takes place in the heat of summer. Australians often celebrate with beach barbecues, outdoor activities and a more relaxed, sun-filled approach to the holiday.

Though Santa Claus is still a part of the festivities, he might arrive on a surfboard rather than a sleigh. The season’s religious aspect is less emphasized than in France, but families still come together for Christmas lunch, often enjoying seafood and cold salads.

Christmas in Italy

Italy’s Christmas season also kicks off with Advent and is highly religious, like in France. Christmas Eve includes a grand feast, La Vigilia and the midnight mass. Italy’s gift-giving tradition is unique, with La Befana, a friendly witch, delivering gifts and Christmas crafts on Epiphany, January 6th, rather than Père Noël on Christmas Eve.

Nativity scenes, or presepi, are central to the decorations used for Christmas in Italy, contrasting with the elaborate Christmas trees found in France.

Festive French Foods

A traditional French Christmas dinner is a celebration of both food and life. The French passion for aesthetics extends beyond cuisine to the presentation itself, with beautifully set tables featuring polished silverware and artful floral arrangements. This dedication to detail creates an atmosphere where meals become celebrations of shared moments and the “joie de vivre.”

1. Apéritifs

The meal begins with apéritifs like Kir Royale which sets a sophisticated tone. Paired with tempting appetizers such as smoked salmon, Gougères or cocktail sausages, the evening kicks off with flavors that encourage conversation and are delicious.

2. Entrée

The entrée course introduces France’s rich culinary heritage. Starters like Escargots in garlic butter, Magret de Canard fumé or Foie Gras Terrine (sometimes with black truffle) reflect the finesse of French cooking, enticing guests with robust, savory flavors.

3. Main Meat Dish

The centerpiece of the meal is the main meat dish, often a choice between juicy capon, an elegant beef Wellington or truffle-infused boudin blanc sausage. These dishes showcase the heart of French cuisine.

4. Vegetable Dishes

Balancing these rich meats are vegetable dishes such as Gratin Dauphinois, Haricots Verts Amandine and seasonal mushrooms. These sides provide a refreshing counterpoint to the heavier courses.

5. Wine and Cheese

No French feast is complete without wine, cheese and Champagne. Carefully selected wines, from Sauvignon Blanc to Bordeaux and Sauternes, complement each dish, while the cheese course introduces a rich variety, including Comté, Brie, Vacherin Mont d’Or and Roquefort. It doesn’t get more French than delicious wine and cheese. 

6. Dessert

The meal concludes with the iconic Bûche de Noël, a Yule log cake filled with rich chocolate or chestnut cream. This stunning dessert is often followed by a selection of digestives (Cognac, Armagnac or herbal liqueurs) to gracefully end the culinary journey. French tisane or coffee provides a comforting final note.

Where To Spend Christmas in France

France offers a magical array of destinations to celebrate Christmas, each with its own unique charm and festive traditions. Find the best place to spend Christmas in France and enjoy the amazing French Christmas food and traditions.

Lyon

For four nights in December, Lyon transforms into a breathtaking city of lights during the Fête des Lumières. From December 5th to 8th, artists take over the city, illuminating buildings, streets, parks and squares with spectacular light displays. The weather in Lyon during December can be quite chilly, averaging between 2°C (36°F) and 7°C (45°F), so bundle up as you explore the stunning visual displays throughout the city.

Paris

So, what is the most Christmassy place in France? It’s hard to beat Paris, the City of Lights. Visitors can enjoy festive shopping at the Galeries Lafayette or browse the charming Christmas markets that pop up throughout the capital. In addition to shopping, don't miss the magical Christmas concerts at the Eiffel Tower on December 24th and 25th.

With typical December temperatures ranging from 3°C (37°F) to 7°C (45°F), Paris offers a crisp but festive atmosphere, perfect for wandering through its illuminated streets.

Strasbourg

Known as the Capital of Christmas, Strasbourg hosts one of the oldest and largest Christmas markets in Europe, from November 24th to December 24th. Visitors can explore over 300 stalls, admire the dazzling garlands of lights and enjoy festive performances.

The city's Big Tree stands proudly as the centerpiece of the market. Strasbourg’s weather in December tends to be cold, with temperatures ranging from 0°C (32°F) to 5°C (41°F), making it the perfect destination for sipping mulled wine and embracing the festive spirit.

Loire Valley

The majestic châteaux of the Loire Valley, including some of France's most stunning castles, are adorned with festive decorations inside and out from early December through the Christmas season. The seasonal displays feature grand Christmas trees, elegant wreaths and lavish holiday tables.

The Loire Valley's December weather typically ranges from 1°C (34°F) to 6°C (43°F), offering a crisp but picturesque backdrop for your château visits.

Normandy

Normandy is a beautiful region to explore during the holidays, with Christmas markets in picturesque settings like the base of Mont Saint-Michel and the port of Honfleur. Don't miss the immersive light and sound show at Bayeux Cathedral, running from December 20th to January 6th.

December in Normandy tends to be cool and damp, with temperatures between 3°C (37°F) and 8°C (46°F), so bring a warm coat to enjoy the festive outdoor events.

Provence

Provence offers a unique Christmas experience with its traditional 13 desserts served after Christmas dinner, symbolizing Christ and his twelve apostles. Explore the Foire aux Santons in Marseille from November 16th to January 5th, where you can find hand-crafted nativity figurines.

The Aix-en-Provence Christmas Market is another festive highlight, featuring local foods and crafts. Expect milder weather in Provence, with temperatures in December ranging from 4°C (39°F) to 12°C (54°F), making it an ideal region for a more temperate Christmas celebration.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux's Christmas market, running from November 24th to December 23rd, offers a beautiful setting to enjoy the holiday spirit in wine country. Additionally, the artisanal Saint-Émilion Christmas Market is a must-visit for wine and craft lovers.

December temperatures in Bordeaux range from 3°C (37°F) to 11°C (52°F), providing a cool but comfortable climate for outdoor market exploration.

French Alps

If you dream of a white Christmas, head to the French Alps, where towns like Courchevel and Val d'Isère celebrate the season with snow-covered landscapes, festive parades and even Santa hitting the slopes.

Skiing, hot chocolate and cozy chalet evenings make the Alps a perfect Christmas destination. In December, temperatures in the Alps typically range from -2°C (28°F) to 5°C (41°F), offering perfect skiing conditions and snowy mountain views.

France offers a diverse and enchanting way to celebrate Christmas. Embrace the centuries-old customs and enjoy the magic of the holiday season.

For even more fun Christmas ideas, check out other experiences happening on Classpop!