43 French Christmas traditions You Need to Know and will Love (By a Local)

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Are you looking to learn about French Christmas traditions? You’re in the right place! I, Marie, being French, am happy to share all the French Holiday traditions I grew up with. 

From the culinary French traditions Christmas offers to the French Christmas decorations traditions, France at Christmas is a beautiful and magical place to be. But if you can’t travel to France and are looking for a magical Christmas, incorporating some of France Christmas traditions into your own Christmas will definitely add some of the European magic to this special time of the year. 

In this post, I go over all the traditions you need to organise a French Christmas. I explain all the French Christmas traditions in English so you can understand how Christmas is celebrated in France.

I also go over the best French Christmas markets and the best places to stay at for a Christmas in France. If you are looking at several destinations for your holiday, you might also want to consider visiting Dublin at Christmas as it offers lots of things to do during the holiday season! But for now, let’s see what a traditional French Christmas looks like.

Updated October 2022

***Some of the links in this post are affiliate links meaning we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This does not change the fact that we only recommend products, stays, activities and attractions we are satisfied with and all opinions expressed here are our own.

French Christmas traditions: French vocabulary

Before heading into the Christmas traditions France offers, it is helpful to know how Christmas vocabulary translates from English to French as there are some subtle differences between the two languages.

Christmas in French

The French for Christmas is “Noël”. It is pronounced No-L. You will find the word “Noël” all over the place when celebrating Christmas in France whether that’d be in songs, on decorations, or in sayings such as “Joyeux Noël”. 

Merry Christmas in French

“Merry Christmas” in French is “Joyeux Noël”. It is pronounced Jwha-yuh No-L. We say it all the time during the holiday season, sometimes even from October!

Christmas day in French

“Christmas day” in French is “Le jour de Noël”, literally meaning “the day of Christmas”. It is the 25th of December in France.

Christmas Eve in French

“Christmas Eve” French translation is “La veille de Noël” or “le Réveillon de Noël” which mean “the day before Christmas”. It is pronounced, in order, la vey duh No-L and luh rhe-vey-on duh No-L. It is the 24th of December in France. One of the French Christmas traditions facts to remember is that Christmas Eve in France is usually more fancy in terms of outfit and Christmas day, more relaxed.

Reindeer names in French

The reindeer names in French are:

• Tornade (Dasher)
• Danseur (Dancer)
• Furie (Prancer)
• Fringant (Vixen)
• Comète (Comet)
• Cupidon (Cupid)
• Tonnerre (Donder)
• Éclair (Blitzen)

More useful basic words in French

If you decide to travel to France, we recommend learning how to say hello in French along with the following phrases:

• All the ways to say cheers in French
• How to say good morning in French
• How to say no in French
• How to say nice to meet you in French

How is Christmas different in France: Quick 10 facts about French Christmas

In this section, you’ll learn French Christmas facts. We go into more details on these French facts about Christmas in the next section.

1. Christmas season starts as soon as the Saint Nicolas in the East of France.
2. The traditional French Christmas Eve dinner can last for hours, sometimes up to 6 hours.
3. Saint Nicolas is accompanied by the “Père Fouettard” who decides who has been nice or naughty. 
4. Saint Nicolas and Santa Claus are two different characters in France
5. The French crèche characters are called “Santons”
6. A lot of French people who are not catholic still celebrate Christmas
7. Christmas cookie decorating or Christmas gingerbread houses decorating are not one of the Christmas traditions in France. It is actually hard to find gingerbread houses to decorate!
8. Most French people use a fake Christmas tree that can be reused for years.
9. Christmas Markets are extremely popular.
10. People buy and offer small wrapped chocolates with messages inside called “Papillotes”. 

Do they celebrate Christmas in France?

Yes, French people celebrate Christmas. Traditionally, Christmas is a Catholic celebration and therefore is celebrated by Catholic French people. However, with the years, Christmas has become more of a family celebration than a religious celebration.

How French people celebrate Christmas will therefore depend on people’s preferences and religion. Some people go to church while others focus on presents and family gatherings. This trends is even more highlighted among young crowds. For example, most French people pass on the midnight mass and some set up a Christmas village instead of a nativity scene.

A glimpse into the French Christmas food

Although we go more into details on the French Christmas traditions food in the next section, we want to give you a global idea of what the French Christmas food traditions are. 

French Christmas traditions food before Christmas

Food at Christmas in France is one of the main focus of the Holidays and something that France is known for worldwide. The months of November and December are almost always scheduled around food. It starts in November, where people receive the visit of St Nicolas. St Nicolas mainly distributes chocolates. 

Then comes the advent calendar which is also usually made of chocolate. During December, French people share treats as small presents before Christmas. This includes homemade cookies, chocolate covered corn flakes, papillotes and mulled wine.

One of the main differences with the USA is that France does not have French Christmas cookie traditions. We will sometimes bake cookies as part of the pre-Christmas treats but we don’t decorate them like Americans. 

French Christmas traditions food on Christmas eve

When arriving at Christmas, a French Christmas Eve dinner is often just as important as Christmas lunch. French people will usually put lots of effort into it with several appetizers, a choice of meat of seafood, salads, cheese and dessert. Christmas Eve dinner can last for hours and starts around 7pm or 8pm. 

A typical French Christmas dinner

The main difference between the USA and France at Christmas is that there is no such thing as a classic French Christmas dinner. In France, we have Christmas lunch and the French Christmas dinner traditions are to eat whatever is left from Christmas Eve and lunch.

Christmas lunch usually starts around 12pm with appetizers. Then we will move to the main table for the “entrée” and then we will have the main dish. A typical Christmas lunch menu will look like this:

• Appetizers: small verrines with salmon, cream, avocado and appetizer mix
• Entrée 1: salmon with toasted bread and butter or Foie Gras or Oysters
• Entrée 2: Escargots with butter and parsley 
• Main dish: A roast with potatoes, beans and gravy or Seafood
• Pre-dessert: Green lettuce and a cheese board
• French Christmas desserts: Either a chocolate sponge cake yule log of an ice cream yule log

In some regions of France, people also do the French Christmas 13 desserts tradition, more on this below. 

43 French Christmas traditions for a traditional French Christmas

1. Saint Nicolas

Saint Nicolas was a French archbishop who used to travel the world for humanitarian help. He defended the oppressed and minorities and was considered as the holy patron of sailors, young married couples  and judges. Saint Nicolas was bringing warmth to people which is the origin of the saying “on Saint Nicolas day, December is less cold”. Saint Nicolas is accompanied by a donkey.

Although Saint Nick is Santa Claus in the USA, Saint Nicolas is a different character in the French Christmas stories. The story of Saint Nicolas comes for the Lorraine region in the north east of France and is also well known in Alsace, in the east of continental France. Actually, Saint Nicolas is only celebrated in both those regions of France. Few people outside those two regions know the story.

The Saint Nicolas story is the story of three young children who got lost and finally found a house on their way. The children went to knock on the door of the house. A man, the butcher, opened the door and offered for them to stay with him. However, the butcher killed them, cut them into pieces and threw them into the salting cauldron to make “Petit Salé”, the equivalent of salted pork (I know, charming story isn’t it?). It turns out that, while traveling the world and helping people, Saint Nicolas and his donkey arrived at the same house and asked the butcher for hospitality. The butcher could not refuse Saint Nicolas for a dinner and a bed and let him in. For dinner, Saint Nicolas asked for a Petit Salé and at that moment, the butcher knew he was exposed. With magic, Saint Nicolas saved the children and the butcher became the Père Fouettard.

Saint Nicolas is now celebrated on the 6th of December at home but also in schools and cities. In pre-school and primary school, Saint Nicolas comes to distribute chocolate to students. 

2. Gingerbread “Pain d’épices”, one of the French Noel traditions

Gingerbread is very famous in France. It is considered as sweets, and is made of honey, spices such as cinnamon and ginger, flour, eggs and milk. It is easy to make at home but it can also be found in a lot of stores and on Christmas markets at this time of the year.

Gingerbread is especially popular in the north east of France as it is associated with St Nicolas. You can find lots of different shapes of Gingerbread but in the north east of France, you will find a lot of Saint Nicolas shaped gingerbread. 

3. Père Fouettard

The Père Fouettard is a big dirty man with a wooden stick fully dressed in black. As you’ve seen from Saint Nicolas’ story, the Père Fouettard is the butcher. In contrary to Saint Nicolas, the Père Fouettard is mean and spanks spanks children who were bad during the year. Although Saint Nicolas distributes chocolates to children, the Père Fouettard is known for giving them rocks.

Although the Père Fouettard used to come to schools with Saint Nicolas, it seems that in recent years, schools have skipped that part of the story and understandably so. 

Depending on the region of France, the Père fouettard comes with Santa Claus or St Nicolas. 

4. Going to a Saint Nicolas parade

Saint Nicolas is also celebrated by cities and towns who often organise parades to continue the tradition. Around the 6th of December and usually before the 6th of December, lots of St Nicolas parade will be organised in the east of France. During the parade, you will see decorated carts. There is usually one with at least a donkey since it is Saint Nicolas’ companion. Carts will throw candy and chocolates to kids on the side of the street. 

5. Advent Calendar, one of the French catholic traditions

The Advent calendar is a well-known tradition around the world and France is no exception as it is one of the French Christmas traditions most followed in the country. It is a calendar with 24 little windows. Every day, starting on the 1st of December, you open one little window.

Advents calendars are usually filled with chocolates but they can also be filled with toys or little love notes. In France, you can find Advent calendars at most grocery stores and malls.

In recent years, bigger companies have created their own advent calendar which they fill with skincare products, candles, tea bags, and accessories. Those are a little less traditional in France. 

6. Christmas tree, the main holiday traditions in France

Setting up the tree is a Christmas tradition around the world and that includes France. French people usually start putting up their Christmas tree at the beginning of December either right after Saint Nicolas day where it is celebrated or around the 1st of December where Saint Nicolas isn’t celebrated. 

In France, people get a mix of real Christmas trees and plastic Christmas trees. Although in North America, real Christmas trees are popular, it seems that France has a preference for plastic trees which are reusable year after year. 

French Christmas tree traditions include decorating the tree as a family, with Christmas ornaments, garlands, lights and the star at the top.

7. French Christmas decorations traditions: Chocolate ornaments

The Christmas tree decorations also include chocolate made ornaments. Chocolate made ornaments can be found at grocery stores like Lidl and are a favourite of children (and  let’s be honest, adults too). 

8. Nativity scene: la Crèche, the French Christmas village

Under the Christmas tree, Christian families set out a nativity scene with the cow, the donkey, Joseph, Mary and a crib for baby Jesus. The nativity scene also includes Santons.

Although nativity scenes are one of the traditional French Christmas decorations in households, it is also found in public buildings such as post offices and city halls. This definitely sets out the Christmas spirit and vibe. However, this has also been subject to debate in recent years as France has a principle of secularism (“laïcité”).

9. Christmas in France: traditions of the “Santons de Noël”

The French Christmas santons are a French Christmas tradition which comes from Provence. But what are they, you ask? Well, Santons are little porcelain figurines which can be added to the nativity scene. They are usually in the form of a shepherd with his sheep, a butcher, a postman, women, etc… 

Though other regions of France will display Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the donkey, and the cow, in Provence, Santons are added to the nativity scene. With the Santons, you not only have a nativity scene but an entire Christmas village!

These days, replica of Santons can be found in different stores. However, authentic Santons can mainly be found in Provence. You will also find some at Christmas markets. This is the perfect souvenir to bring home from your trip to France!

10. Checking the Christmas decorations in stores

Christmas lights and decorations are one of the main components of the Christmas spirit! Lucky you, they are extremely popular in France and especially in stores! Stores and Malls decorate their windows and galleries with all sorts of Christmas ornaments and decorations.That includes adding Christmas lights, Christmas trees but also animated decorations in the windows such as moving polar bears and nutcrackers. 

11. Christmas markets, one of the most popular French Christmas traditions

Of course, Christmas markets are a Christmas staple. They are traditional and definitely unmissable when traveling to France at Christmas.

French Christmas markets Chalets

Christmas markets are usually in the form of wooden chalets set out in several rows across different parts of French towns and cities. The chalets are decorated either with Christmas lights, fake snow, or painted Christmas scenes. 

Going to Christmas markets is definitely a great way to explore different areas of French cities and France in general. They are often located in the most beautiful parts of the cities, by beautiful historical cathedrals, on the big avenues, and by city halls. 

At Christmas markets, chalets sell all sorts of Christmas related items. Part of your Christmas shopping can therefore be done at French Christmas markets. In particular, you will find Christmas decorations such as Christmas wreaths, Christmas tree decorations, and Christmas books to gift children. The decorations are often handmade and make up the perfect gift for loved ones. 

French Christmas markets would not be French if they didn’t sell any food. When it comes to food, French Christmas markets are a great place to meet up with friends and family. You will usually find some French specialties such as mulled wine (red and white), hot chocolate, hot apple juice with spices, which is the equivalent of mulled wine but without alcohol. Some other specialties include oysters, escargots, and flammenküche. To explain it simply for all my non-French friends here, flammenküche is a specialty from Alsace. Alsace once was a Germany owned region of France, hence the germanic sounding name. It technically looks like a pizza with a very thin crust topped with cream, lardons and onions. Flammenküche are delicious and one of my favourite French specialty.

Christmas markets’ chalets usually are open until New Year’s and sometimes even through January which is great if you are spending New Year’s in Europe!

The best Christmas markets in France

The best Christmas markets are located in the east of France in Lorraine and Alsace. But there also are some  beautiful ones in Paris and other regions of France. Let’s go through them.

In Lorraine, one of the biggest and most beautiful Christmas market can be found in Metz. Metz is a beautiful historical city with lots of places to visit including the cathedral, the promenade along the river, the German Gate, parks and so much more. Metz’s train station was also elected most beautiful train station of France several years in a row. Metz is a great place to visit if you want to immerse yourself in the culture and the magic of Christmas in France. There are several Christmas markets in Metz including on Saint-Louis Square. On the “place d’Armes”, you will find a ferris wheel and on the “place de la République”, you will find the village of Santa Claus, an ice rink and a magical Christmas tree. 

In Alsace, there are lots of famous Christmas markets and you will be spoiled for choice!Mulhouse Christmas market is definitely one of the top choices with the beautiful Christmas market by the cathedral, the lights on the city hall and the big ferris wheel. Riquewhir, Annecy, Colmar, are smaller Christmas markets but equally as beautiful. Riquewhir is a small town of Alsace but with a big reputation for being one of the cutest and most authentic towns in Alsace. Of course, Strasbourg is also a good choice if you are looking for a bigger Christmas market. 

In Paris, which is one of the top winter destinations in the world, the Tuileries is one of the top choices and of course, the Christmas market at city hall is also a must. If you’re coming to Paris at Christmas, don’t forget to check out the twinkling Eiffel Tower and the Champs Elysées. If this isn’t your first time in Paris, you might want to visit Paris off the beaten path!

Between the visits, the food, and the Christmas ambiance, you won’t be disappointed with spending some time at French Christmas markets!

12. Mulled Wine

Drinking mulled Wine is one of the most popular French Christmas traditions among adults. It can be made with red wine or white wine. Mulled wine is essentially hot wine mixed with spices such as cinnamon, cloves and star anis.

It is traditionally served at Christmas markets and is a great occasion to meet up with friends and family. 

13. Christmas list to Santa Claus, one of the French Christmas traditions for kids

Every year, French children become excited as Christmas approaches. In France, children can write to Santa Claus and tell him what they would like to receive on Christmas day. Children will cut out pictures of toys they would like to receive at Christmas and stick the pictures onto a letter to Santa Claus. 

Santa Claus mailboxes can be found in stores, malls, at the post office or any business that want to join the tradition. 

14. Postcard from Santa Claus

Since the 1960s, the French post office of Libourne in the South west of France responds to every letter sent to Santa Claus (“Père Noël” ) by French children. Children receive a postcard back from Santa. This is quite fun for kids! To ensure that Santa Claus can write back to them, children must ensure they include their address on the letter.

15. Meet Santa Claus

In North America, meeting Santa Claus is a big Christmas tradition. It’s the same in France! Children can meet Santa Claus at the mall, tell him what they would like to receive at Christmas and take a photo with him.

16. French Christmas music

If you are wondering how does France celebrate Christmas, playing Christmas music is a big part of it, just like in the USA. When it comes to Christmas music, the world knows the classics! Surely you have heard All I want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey and Holy Night everywhere you go during the time leading up to Christmas. But France also has its own classic and you will be hearing them in stores during that same time. Famous French Christmas songs include Petit Papa Noël, Vive le vent and Mon Beau Sapin. Although these songs are in French, some of them have just been translated into French and kept the same melody. For example, Vive le Vent is the same melody as Jingle bells although the lyrics are different.

17. French Christmas traditions shoes by the fire

Putting your slippers at the feet of the Christmas tree is a tradition mainly for children. They will put their slippers there in hope that Santa Claus will fill them with presents. The French Christmas shoes by the fireplace tradition is the equivalent of hanging stockings on the fireplace at Christmas in North America.

18. French Christmas Eve traditions

Christmas Eve takes place on the 24th of December. It is not a day off work in France but some people will book leave on that day. Stores are also opened on that day allowing for last minute Christmas shopping!

On the 24th of December, French people have a long dinner. The French Christmas meal traditions for Christmas Eve are almost most important than Christmas day lunch. 

When it comes to opening present, some families open presents on Christmas Eve. This is technically not following the French Christmas tradition as Santa Claus is supposed to come during the middle of the night when kids are sleeping. However, some families choose to hire someone dressed as Santa Claus to deliver presents on Christmas Eve! 

19. Going to sleep so Santa Claus can come

The tradition in France is that Santa Claus comes during the night between the 24th and the 25th. To put children to bed at a decent hour on the 24th, the tradition is to explain to them that Santa Claus won’t come if they are awake. You’ve got to go to sleep if you want presents! 

20. Placing Jesus in the Crèche at midnight, one of the religious French traditions at Christmas

Since Jesus wasn’t born until Christmas day, nativity scenes only display an empty baby crib until midnight on the 24th. At midnight, everyone gathers around the Christmas tree and places baby Jesus into the crib. 

21. Midnight mass, a French Christmas celebration

The midnight mass is held at midnight on the 24th of December. It is not as popular among the young crowds nowadays as it used to be but is still happening. It is usually followed by a small reception for a convivial moment with hot drinks and a few Christmas snacks. 

22. Christmas Day: how to celebrate Christmas in France

Christmas day is an exciting day. The day starts with opening presents on Christmas morning. There is no feeling like waking up as a child and seeing all the presents at the bottom fo the Christmas tree! 

Then, everyone gets ready for a long Christmas lunch. Christmas lunch can last for hours on the 25th of December and sometimes until late afternoon. Christmas lunch can sometimes be interrupted by a short digestive walk to enjoy some time outside.

Christmas day dinner is usually light and short if it happens at all! 

23. Foie Gras, one of the French Christmas symbols

Foie gras is a Christmas meal staple in France. Technically, it is goose liver but it looks like a fancy and delicate pâté (although it is not pâté!). In France, it is considered a delicacy and is reserved for special occasions including Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

If you are looking to buy foie gras, don’t get tricked by big brands whose packagings look nicer but prices are outrageous. Brands like Lidl sell excellent Foie gras for a decent price. You can find lidl stores in almost every region of France.

When looking to buy some foie gras, don’t get it mixed up with pâté, or foie gras mousse. Those two foods are different from foie gras, and are not as delicate. They also don’t taste the same. Instead, you will want to get a “bloc” of foie gras which you usually find in a sealed glass jar. 

Foie gras is served with unsweetened jelly and toasts of fresh bread or brioche. To top your toast, you can add a little bit of jam such as Corsican fig jam or a couple of grains of thick salt which is locally made in France. It’s delicious!

24. Escargots, one of the French Christmas traditions and customs

Known as one of the weird French Christmas traditions, Escargots are one of the French favourite dishes to serve at Christmas and definitely one of the French Christmas traditions you should try once in your life. You might be picturing a bunch of snails roaming around on your plate but that’s not at all what it is. They come cooked in their shells and without the shell, you could barely tell they are snails! 

You can find them prepared in almost any French store. Alternatively, you can prepare them yourself. They are pretty easy to prepare as you just need to add garlic butter and parsley. One serving usually is about 10 escargots served in their shell. Once served, you will use a small skewer to get them out.

Now I get that escargots might not be everyone’s cup of tea. If you are offered some and would rather pass out than trying them out, learn how you can kindly say no in French here.

25. Frog pie

Frog pie is one of my personal favourites! It is easy to make yourself but can also be bought pre-made. You can find them boneless which is a lot more practical to use when making a pie. 

Frog legs taste very similar to chicken. They are cooked on their own before being added to the pie. The pie is creamy and includes sauce, frog legs and mushrooms. If you make it yourself, you can get creative and add anything else you would like!

26. Hot roasted chestnuts

Hot roasted chestnuts are very common in France during the period leading up to Christmas. They can be found at food trucks in towns and cities. It is the tradition to eat them while going Christmas shopping.

They also make the perfect side dish to your Christmas meal, especially when they are served with meat.

27. Christmas main dish

Following tradition, Christmas main meat is a bird such as capon or turkey. In France, the bird is not usually stuffed like it would be in North America and French people don’t serve stuffing on the side either.

Although the Christmas meat is usually a bird, it can also be beef or a roast with stuffing. Some of my favourite roasts include those stuffed with mushrooms or foie gras!

The meat is accompanied by green beans rolled up in bacon, oven roasted potatoes, and a sauce which is either wine based or creamy. 

28. Seafood

Although seafood is usually associated with New Year’s Eve dinner, it can also be served on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. Traditional seafood served during Christmas in France would include oysters, crabs, shrimps, langoustines, and lobster for wealthy families. 

29. Cheese platter and salad

To catch a break between the main dish and dessert, a French Christmas dinner will usually include a cheese platter including French local cheeses such as blue cheese, goat cheese, cow milk cheese, camembert, and more! The cheese platter can be served with a few grapes and figs. It is usually accompanied by a lettuce salad to bring some lightness to this rich meal. 

30. Chocolate Yule log, one of the French Christmas holiday traditions

A traditional French Christmas would not be complete without the traditional “bûche de Noël” aka the chocolate yule log. The Christmas chocolate yule log is a traditional sponge cake with a chocolate and nuts spread, rolled into a log shape. Once rolled, you can decorate it however you want with toppings such as chocolate sprinkles or fruits.

The origins of the chocolate yule log lie in the past when heating a house could be done exclusively by burning wood logs in the fire place. Families would burn logs at Christmas to bring good luck in the new year.

Of course, the chocolate yule log can also be replaced with a chocolate ice cream yule log or a pie. 

31. The 13 desserts of Provence, one of the famous French Xmas traditions

When Christmas approaches, people in Provence prepare 13 desserts that people visiting can nibble on. The origins of this tradition are unknown but it seems that it would be related to Jesus and his 12 apostles. The desserts include nougats and candied fruits. 

32. French Christmas gifts traditions

Christmas presents are opened on Christmas morning and usually include chocolates in the shape of Santa Claus or boxes of smaller chocolate. Christmas presents can also be money.

33. Christmas papillotes

Papillotes were created at the end of the 18th century in Lyon, in the South of France and are one of the most famous French Christmas gifts traditions. Papillotes are either made with chocolates or candied fruits and are wrapped in sparkling gold paper with fringed ends. They are small and get eaten as candy. In the papillotes, there is usually a small paper with a note on it. It can be a joke, a saying or a piece of advice. 

Christmas papillotes are often distributed at Christmas parades or offered to visitors as a small present. 

34. Christmas Greetings,  a big part of French culture

One of the French Christmas traditions is to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy holidays. In French, Joyeux Noël means Merry Christmas and is pronounced Jwha-yeu No-ell. Bonnes Fêtes means Happy Holidays and is pronounced Bawn Fet (like set). 

35. Christmas cards

Sending Christmas cards are is one of the French Christmas traditions that is still going on nowadays. Christmas cards are sent to family to wish them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. The traditional wishes usually include good health, and good luck for the new year. 

36. Winter sales: the equivalent of boxing day

In France, there is no boxing days. However, the winter sales start in January and you can get great deals at that time. In the east of France, winter sales start a bit before the rest of France to match the opening of the winter sales in countries that share a boarder with this part of France. 

37. The Kings and the Galette des rois: how the French celebrate Christmas in January

If you are wondering “ do the French celebrate Christmas”, the answer is yes, and that even after Christmas! The Kings are celebrated in France on Epiphany and officially mark the end of the Christmas period. On that day, the French Christmas tradition is to eat a “Galette des rois”.  The galette des rois is a flaky pastry that you can either make or buy at the store. It is filled with frangipan which is an almond cream. Inside of it, bakers will put a fève, which is a tiny figurine. The fève can be a cartoon character or a sort of Santon. 

The tradition is to eat the galette with friends and family. One person, usually the youngest at the table, has to go under the table and for each piece of galette, has to say for whom it is. The person who gets the fève is declared the king for the day. Galettes are usually sold with a golden paper crown that the declared king has to wear for the day.

Galettes are also shared at school, at work, and at fairs! 

38. Christmas parade

Christmas parades are a must-do when visiting France. You will find them in big and mid-sized cities all over France. They are usually made of beautifully designed carts that give a magical atmosphere! If you’re lucky, you might catch a few pieces of candy and chocolates. 

39. Christmas Choir concerts

When Christmas approaches, Christmas concerts pop up everywhere whether that’s at church or at public venues. you can check out the cities websites to find one close to you.

40. Christmas decorations drive

Decorations are a big part of how is Christmas celebrated in France. French people sometimes go crazy with decorations! Although most people mainly decorate their houses indoor, some go all out and decorate their front yard and facade. Houses can be extremely well decorated for Christmas with lights, animated reindeer, Santa Claus in a carriage, music, and more! While in France, get in your car and drive around some of the villages surrounding you to find these decorations.

41. Christmas Dress Code

There is no Christmas dress code as such in France. However, here is some guidance in case you have no idea what to wear for you first Christmas in France. 

Christmas Eve is usually a bit fancier. You can wear a suit and a shirt, some sparkles, heels, and shiny dresses. Christmas day is more laid back. This is a good day to wear a Christmas sweater. There is no color code as such but gold, silver, black and varieties of reds are common. 

42. French Christmas movies

A French Christmas wouldn’t be traditional without watching some of the most popular French Christmas movies. For example, one of the French Christmas traditions is to watch “Le père Noël best une ordure” is huge in France and lots of people will watch it before Christmas. Although it is not Christmas-themed, the movie “La Boum” is a classic that is usually streamed during Christmas. another classic, although German, is “Sissi”.

43. Christmas in Paris

Spending a few days in Paris to see the Christmas lights there is definitely popular among French families and couples. Although there are lots of things to do at Christmas in Paris, I wanted to highlight a couple that I think are must-sees especially if you’re just passing through. 

The first one is obviously the Eiffel Tower which during Christmas sparkles at night. The second one it the Christmas lights on the Champs Elysée which are a classic! In addition, you can also visit the several nativity scenes inside the churches in Paris.

Are you looking for a memorable holiday dinner prepared by French chefs with a beautiful view on Paris? Well, try out a cruise on the Seine with Bateaux Parisiens. Your dinner will be entertained by live music, a festive champagne appetiser and of course a gourmet five course meal! You might also like these vegan restaurants in Paris.

Finally you can also check the Marais to find delicious holiday treats such as chocolates and cheeses that will be the perfect addition to your Christmas dinner!

Best hotels in France at Christmas

To help you plan out your Christmas trip to France, I have selected some of the best places to stay at for a great Christmas in France.

Alsace

For a traditional French Christmas, what best place to stay at in Alsace than in the Petite Venise (“the small Venice”) district in the heart of Colmar? The Petite Venise is one of the most famous districts in Colmar and is the perfect place to stay in at Christmas.  The suites at Le Colombier hotel are a perfect and authentic place to stay during your getaway to France. 

Would you prefer to stay 200m from Riquewihr Christmas Market? The apartments at La Cour Des Nobles will be perfect for you! 

Paris

If you want to stay in the heart of Paris, only 2.6 km from Notre Dame Cathedral, and close to the Louvre Museum, Port Royal Hotel is perfect for you. 

For a hotel with a view on the Eiffel tower, try Cluny Square hotel in the city centre. Before booking, give them a call to ensure rooms with the view on the Eiffel tower are still available.

Vosges

Although France offers beautiful beaches in Corsica to spend an incredible summer, it also have beautiful mountains ranges that are perfect for Christmas. The Vosges are a beautiful mountains range in the north east of France. And with mountains, come snow, beautiful chalets and the perfect Christmas ambiance! Le Chalet d’Etienne is located 26 km from Gerardmer, one of the must-see lake in the Vosges. 

Are you looking for a relaxing break away from bustling cities but with the charm of Christmas? The Auberge du Saut des Cuves welcomes you by the Saut des Cuves, a tourist destination, between Gerardmer and Xonrupt.

Provence

Do you want to spend Christmas in the sun and discover the homeland of Santons? Stay at the Mas Du Petit Claux or at Domaine L’Orgalière if you want to enjoy a hot tub session!

French Christmas traditions Q&As

Why is Christmas a national holiday in France when it is supposed to be an explicitly secular country ? 

From history, France is catholic country which is why Christmas was celebrated. Nowadays, though it remains a catholic celebration, Christmas in France is more of a custom and is part of French culture. A lot of French people who celebrate Christmas in France are not catholic. They still gather with family and have a Christmas tree. 

What is your favorite French tradition?

As a French person, my favourite French tradition has got to be all the delicious food we have at that time of the year! But I also love decorating the Christmas tree, getting cozy with hot chocolate and gathering with family.

Any questions on the French Christmas traditions? Then drop them in the comments or on insta and we will get back to you asap.