Christmas in France: French Customs & Traditions

Christmas is celebrated differently around the world and Christmas celebrations even differ from country to country in Europe! In France, Christmas is celebrated unlike any other holiday celebration in the world. This season is very elaborate, even more than Christmastime in America.

Tons of tourists head to France each year to take part in the beautiful season tidings. The food ranges from the beautifully handcrafted candies seen in store windows to the Christmas goose, the lights are stunning, and the traditions that make up a French Christmas are absolutely unbeatable and is an experience to be remembered. As the holidays differ in France than from the rest of the world, it is important to understand what makes it so unique.

There are several French Christmas traditions sprinkled throughout this hub, but I wanted to note these in particular as they are so wonderful and thus deserve their own area!

Traditionally, if there is a Christmas tree it is decorated with candies, nuts, and small toys by Père Noel (Santa Claus) when he visits on Christmas Eve. French children will leave their shoes by the fireplace or by the door for Père Noel to fill with gifts.

The Christmas tree is actually more of a German tradition, but there are definitely many French families who celebrate Christmas with a tree. Those living on the French-German border are more likely to have a Christmas tree.

In southern France, families burn a log from Christmas Eve until New Year's Day. Traditionally, a part of the burnt log was used the next year as a wedge for the family's plow to bring good luck.

Christmas in France is celebrated differently by region. Some regions even celebrate Christmas related festivals at different times throughout the month of December, not just on the 25th of December. For example, in eastern and northern France, la fête de Saint Nicolas, which begins on December 6th, marks the beginning of the Christmas season.

On December 8th, Lyon holds a Fête de lumières (The festival of lights.) This festival, where citizens of Lyon place candles in their windows, pays homage to the virgin Mary. Those traveling throughout France during the Christmas season should be sure to stop in some of these areas on these dates in order to experience some of the amazing Christmas festivals the French have.

French homes are commonly decorated by a crèche (nativity scene.) There are many beautiful handmade crèche figures sold every Christmas season in Marseille and Aix where large Christmas festivals are annually held. Although, some French homes have Christmas trees, they’ve never been highly popular and the focal point of Christmas in France has always been around the crèche.

Even now, in many Cathedral squares, the story of Christ’s birth will be re-enacted by players or puppets. Anyone visiting France during Christmastime should make sure they see a crèche as it's definitely a must-see!

The minute you take a step in France, you’ll notice the French are all about their food. France has rich culinary traditions which can be found in many of the wonderful foods prepared at Christmastime.

The French are known for their beautiful display windows in stores, showcasing yummy Christmas treats. Candied fruits, cookies, and cakes are widely available as well as delicious breads. My personal French Christmas favorite is salted butter caramels. Mmmm...

Christmas dinner menus vary depending on the region. In fact, France's cuisine is highly regional, so this makes sense when it comes to what's on the table on Christmas. For example, in the Alsace region, many families will feast upon goose for their main course. A Parisian meal may be made up of foie gras along with oysters. In Burgundy, many families have turkey with chestnuts.

French families will often bake a yule log shaped cake, which is usually made out of chocolate. The chocolate yule log cake is perhaps one of the things people remember most of Christmas in France. This delicious cake is served at le reveillon, a late meal served after the midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Le reveillon is usually the largest feast of the season which replaces what Americans call Christmas dinner.