Discover the Charm of Christmas in France: 10 Traditions to Inspire You 🎄
From twinkling markets to festive feasts, explore the cherished customs that make a French Christmas unforgettable—and find inspiration for your own holiday celebrations.
It’s the 20th of December, and we’re just five days away from Christmas.
Here in England, it’s the last day of school, and the holiday excitement will kick off tonight as the children embrace their winter break.
For our part, my parents will soon leave the snowy mountains of Annecy to join us for an English Christmas.
As I sit here in front of my computer, reflecting on this festive season, I can’t help but feel drawn to the cherished traditions of Christmas in France.
As I sit here in front of my computer on this chilly 20th of December, reflecting on an interesting theme for this festive season, memories of past holidays in France fill my mind, bringing warmth and a sense of nostalgia.
The sights, sounds, and flavours of this enchanting time come rushing back, and I feel compelled to share them with you.
Whether it’s the dazzling markets of Alsace, where fairy-tale streets come alive with festive lights or the indulgent "Réveillon" dinners shared around tables brimming with laughter and delicacies, there is something truly captivating about this season.
Join me as I take you through 10 treasured traditions that make a French Christmas unforgettable.
Let’s explore them together and perhaps even find inspiration for your own celebrations.
And by the way, stay tuned until the end of this newsletter—I have an exciting announcement to share about something I’ve been working on for you this festive season!
1. Advent Calendars and Wreaths
The countdown to Christmas begins with the Advent calendar, or “calendrier de l’Avent.”
Originally featuring pious images or small gifts, modern versions often include chocolates or small toys, delighting children and adults alike.
It’s a playful way to build anticipation for the big day.
Alongside this, Advent wreaths (“couronnes de l’Avent”) add a spiritual touch to the season.
Crafted from evergreen branches and adorned with red ribbons, pinecones, and four candles, the wreaths serve as a weekly reminder of the approach of Christmas.
Each Sunday before the holiday, one of the candles is lit, symbolising hope, peace, joy, and love.
Together, these traditions mark the start of the festive period with both excitement and reflection.
2. The Christmas Tree
Known as “sapin de Noël,” the Christmas tree became popular in France during the 16th century, with its roots in Alsace.
Initially adorned with red apples and candles to symbolise the Garden of Eden and the light of Christ, the decorations have since evolved to include ornaments, fairy lights, and a star at the top, representing the Star of Bethlehem.
Today, the Christmas tree is a centrepiece of festive decor, bringing warmth and unity to French homes during the darkest time of the year.
3. Père Noël and Saint Nicolas
In France, Père Noël is the beloved figure who delivers presents to children on Christmas Eve.
Dressed in red with a white beard, he travels the country with his sack of gifts, often accompanied by his trusty reindeer.
However, regions like Alsace and Lorraine hold an additional celebration on December 6th to honour Saint Nicolas, the patron saint of children.
Saint Nicolas rewards the well-behaved, while his stern counterpart, Père Fouettard, reminds naughty children of their misdeeds.
This dual tradition reflects France’s blend of cultural influences and its rich storytelling heritage.
4. Nativity Scenes
Nativity scenes, or “crèches de Noël,” are an iconic part of French Christmas decorations.
These displays range from simple table setups to elaborate life-size representations in town squares and churches.
The Provençal nativity scenes stand out for their unique inclusion of local villagers alongside biblical figures.
Characters such as the baker, shepherd, and washerwoman bring a regional charm to the depiction of Christ’s birth.
These crèches often feature meticulously crafted clay figurines called “santons,” making them a treasured tradition in Provence and beyond.
5. Christmas Markets
France’s Christmas markets are renowned for their charm, history, and variety, with the most enchanting examples found in Alsace.
The Strasbourg market, dating back to 1570, is not only the oldest in Europe but also one of the most spectacular.
Known as the "Capital of Christmas," Strasbourg’s market features hundreds of wooden chalets offering handmade crafts, festive foods, and intricate decorations, all set against the stunning backdrop of the city’s Gothic cathedral.
Nearby, the markets of Colmar, with their fairy-tale streets illuminated by festive lights, and Kaysersberg, known for its authentic and intimate atmosphere, further showcase the region’s dedication to preserving this cherished tradition.
These Alsatian markets stand out as must-visit destinations, embodying the spirit of the holiday season with their unique blend of history, culture, and festive joy.
6. The Réveillon Dinner
The Réveillon is a grand feast held on Christmas Eve, featuring delicacies such as oysters, foie gras, and the bûche de Noël.
In Provence, this meal concludes with 13 desserts, each symbolising Christ and his apostles.
These desserts include a variety of dried fruits and nuts known as the "four beggars," representing the four monastic orders: walnuts or hazelnuts (Augustinians), dried figs (Franciscans), almonds (Carmelites), and raisins (Dominicans).
Other typical items might include fresh fruits like oranges and pears, nougat (both white and black), and a regional specialty called "pompe à l’huile," a sweet bread made with olive oil and flavoured with orange blossom water.
Together, these 13 desserts create a table rich in symbolism and flavour, offering a unique glimpse into Provençal heritage.
7. Midnight Mass
Attending Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is a deeply rooted tradition.
Churches across France fill with the sound of carols, while nativity scenes and candlelight create an atmosphere of reflection and celebration.
However, in recent years, fewer people have been attending this service, reflecting a broader trend of secularisation and changing holiday priorities.
For many, the Midnight Mass remains a cherished memory, even if they now choose to celebrate Christmas in more personal or family-centred ways.
8. Christmas Carols
French Christmas carols, or “chants de Noël,” hold a special place in the festive season, blending solemnity and joy.
Among the most cherished are “Petit Papa Noël,” a touching ballad about a child’s wish to Santa, and “Il est né le divin Enfant,” a jubilant hymn celebrating Christ’s birth.
In Provence, the evocative “Entre le bœuf et l’âne gris” tells the nativity story with a rustic charm, while “Minuit Chrétiens” (known as “O Holy Night” in English) resonates with its grandeur and spirituality.
Even international tunes like “Douce Nuit” (Silent Night) and “Vive le Vent” (Jingle Bells) have found a home in French holiday traditions, adapted with lyrics that reflect the local festive spirit.
These songs continue to echo through homes, churches, and markets, keeping the festive ambience alive for all generations.
9. Mistletoe and Holly
In France, mistletoe (“gui”) and holly (“houx”) play a significant role in Christmas decorations and folklore.
Mistletoe is often hung above doors or beams, believed to bring good fortune and ward off evil spirits.
It’s also a popular symbol during New Year celebrations, where a kiss under the mistletoe is said to bring love and prosperity.
Holly, with its sharp leaves and red berries, carries a rich legend: when Mary and Joseph fled to Egypt, holly branches are said to have hidden them from Herod’s soldiers.
Blessed by Mary, the evergreen plant became a symbol of protection and hope, cherished in French homes during the festive season.
10. The Epiphany and the Galette des Rois
The French Christmas season extends beyond December 25th, culminating in the celebration of the Epiphany on January 6th.
This day commemorates the visit of the three wise men to baby Jesus and is marked by the sharing of the "galette des rois" (King’s Cake).
This flaky puff pastry, often filled with frangipane, hides a small figurine known as a "fève" inside.
The person who finds the fève in their slice is crowned king or queen for the day and wears a golden paper crown.
Families and friends gather to enjoy this delicious tradition, which brings a sense of joy and camaraderie long after the main holiday festivities.
Traditions Passed Through Generations
The traditions of Christmas in France are not just customs; they are stories passed down through generations, each with its own unique charm and cultural significance.
From the symbolic Advent wreaths to the bustling Christmas markets of Alsace, these moments reflect a deep-rooted heritage that brings families and communities together.
As you embrace the sights, scents, and flavours of a French Christmas, why not delve deeper into the heart of these traditions?
My new eBook The French Christmas Chronicles: Heritage and Festivities is your key to uncovering the rich stories behind these cherished customs, complete with recipes and cultural insights that will inspire your own celebrations.
Click here to bring the enchantment of France into your holiday season.
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Joyeux Noël to you and your loved ones!
All photos © French Moments
It was interesting to read your take on 10 traditions. I do think some of them, like Advent calendars and Christmas markets, have developed much more throughout France over the past decades. (I'm not talking about the north-east that has strong traditions.)
I moved here in 1990, to Albi to start, and found the Christmas season to be most depressing. I was setting up house and could not easily find Christmas tree ornaments or any decorative items. Friends focused more on the crèche and often had small trees, or none. And the city was not especially decorated.
I feel like there was a tipping point in the late 90s when things became more Christmas-y all over France.
Fast forward, and a lot has changed. Some of it is commercial, some of it may be Anglo influence, and some may be the lovely traditions of Alsace seeping further into French culture. I for one am happy to see more Christmas markets and decorations!