Christmas in France is more than just a holiday; it is a unique cultural experience. From age-old traditions to modern customs, this festive season offers visitors the chance to explore a different side of France. Imagine walking down narrow streets, admiring beautifully decorated houses, enjoying gourmet food and listening to the church bells ring. That is Christmas in France.
1. Christmas time in France
Christmas in France usually starts in early December and lasts until early January (Photo source: Collected)
Christmas in France usually starts in early December and lasts until early January. However, the festive atmosphere starts earlier, with shops and streets being decorated from late November.
December 6, the feast of St. Nicholas, is considered the unofficial start of the Christmas season in many parts of France, especially in the east. Christmas Eve (December 24) and Christmas Day (December 25) are the climax of the festivities, with many traditional activities taking place. However, the festive season does not end there. The French continue to celebrate until Epiphany (January 6), also known as Three Kings Day.
2. Activities during Christmas season in France
2.1. Christmas tree decoration
Decorating the Christmas tree is an indispensable activity during Christmas (Photo source: Collected)
Christmas celebrations in France are varied and rich, reflecting the country's unique culture. One of the most important traditions is the decoration of the Christmas tree. In France, the Christmas tree, or "sapin de Noël", is usually placed in homes from the beginning of December.
Decorating the Christmas tree is an important family activity, where all members hang together sparkling balls, tinsel and colorful LED lights. Many French families still maintain the tradition of placing a small nativity scene (crèche) under the tree, recreating the scene of Jesus' birth. In public places, especially large squares in the city, giant Christmas trees are erected and lavishly decorated, creating an impressive highlight for the urban space.
2.2. Gathering in the space of the Réveillon de Noël dinner
Christmas Eve Dinner (Photo source: Collected)
One of the most special moments of Christmas in France is the Réveillon de Noël dinner. This is a family meal that takes place on the night of December 24, after Christmas Mass. Réveillon de Noël is an opportunity for families to gather, enjoy special foods, and exchange gifts. The party usually lasts for several hours, starts late, and can last until midnight.
Réveillon’s menu typically includes sumptuous dishes such as oysters, foie gras, stuffed turkey, and of course, the traditional dessert – the Bûche de Noël. It’s more than just a meal, it’s an occasion for families to gather, share precious moments and create lasting memories.
2.3. Go to the Christmas Market (Marché de Noël)
Warm Christmas markets (Photo source: Collected)
Christmas markets, or Marché de Noël, are an integral part of the Christmas experience in France. They pop up in most cities and towns across the country, transforming public spaces into vibrant, festive areas. France’s largest and most famous Christmas market is in Strasbourg, the capital of the Alsace region, where the tradition dates back to 1570.
Here, visitors can wander through hundreds of stalls, shop for handicrafts, Christmas decorations, and enjoy traditional foods and drinks such as gingerbread, almond candy, and mulled wine. The festive atmosphere, the scent of spices, and Christmas music echo throughout, creating an unforgettable multi-sensory experience.
2.4. Mass and concerts at the church
Watching concerts at church is a traditional activity of the French (Photo source: Collected)
Mass and church concerts are an important part of Christmas traditions in France. Although France is a secular country, many people still attend midnight mass on the night of December 24.
Major churches such as Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris or Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre often host special Christmas concerts, attracting both locals and tourists. Christmas music, from traditional carols to classical pieces, resonates in the solemn spaces of the churches, creating a deep and warm spiritual atmosphere.
2.5. Watch the sparkling lights on the Champs-Elysées
The Champs-Elysées Avenue sparkles on Christmas Eve (Photo source: Collected)
One of the highlights of Christmas in Paris is the light show on the Champs-Elysées. Every year, from late November to early January, this famous street is decorated with hundreds of thousands of LED lights.
The trees along the avenue are wrapped in lights, creating a magical tunnel of light that stretches for nearly 2 km. This light show is not only a favorite destination for tourists but also a source of pride for Parisians. Strolling along the Champs-Elysées in the evening, enjoying the festive atmosphere and watching the sparkling lights is an experience not to be missed when celebrating Christmas in France.
3. Enjoy Christmas food
3.1. Christmas Cake
Bûche de Noël cake is indispensable during Christmas in France (Photo source: Collected)
Food plays an important role in the identity of Christmas in France. One of the indispensable dishes is the Bûche de Noël, or Yule log cake. This is a log-shaped cake with cream rolled into a roll, often decorated with mushrooms, pine needles, and fake sugar snow.
The origins of the Bûche de Noël date back to the ancient Celtic tradition of burning a log on Christmas Eve. Today, every bakery in France has its own version of the Bûche de Noël, with many creative flavors and decorations. Choosing and enjoying a Bûche de Noël is an important part of many French families' Christmas celebrations.
3.2. Galette des Rois
Galette des Rois or King Cake (Image source: Collected)
Another cake associated with the Christmas season in France is the galette des Rois, or King's cake. Although the tradition of eating this cake usually takes place on Epiphany (January 6), many French people start enjoying it as early as late December.
The galette des Rois is a puff pastry filled with almonds, with a small object called a "fève" hidden inside. Traditionally, the person who finds the fève in their slice of the cake is crowned "king" or "queen" for the day. Cutting and sharing the galette des Rois is a joyful ritual, often held during family or friends gatherings.
3.3. Treize desserts
Les treize desserts is a unique dish during Christmas in France (Photo source: Collected)
Another unique French Christmas culinary tradition, especially popular in the southern Provence region, is "Les treize desserts" or "13 desserts". According to this custom, after the Réveillon dinner, the host will set out 13 different sweets on the table, symbolizing Jesus and the 12 apostles at the Last Supper.
Although the exact list of these 13 items may vary by family and region, it typically includes: dried dates (symbolizing the land of Jesus), dried figs, almonds, walnuts, white and black raisins, apples, pears, citrus fruits, white nougat (symbolizing joy), black nougat (symbolizing repentance), pain d'épice (spiced bread), and a typical local cake or candy.
France at Christmas is like a beautiful picture, waiting for you to explore. From ancient streets to bustling markets, from majestic castles to ancient churches, every corner of this country brings interesting surprises. Pack your backpack and explore Christmas in France, to fully feel the beauty of this festive season with Vietravel!
Source: https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/le-giang-sinh-o-phap-v15735.aspx
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