Ready to reveal the facts and traditions about Christmas in France?

Having lived in France for 7+ years, I’ve loved discovering the facts and traditions about Christmas in France. Every country celebrates Christmas differently, and mixing your own traditions with some new French ones is so much fun.

As you can imagine, food plays a big role in a French Christmas, especially the 13 desserts, and yes, I did say thirteen!

But beyond Christmas Day, quite a few other French Christmas celebrations are happening during the festive period.

Ready to discover the best French winter holidays and traditions? Let’s get to it!

Fun Facts and Traditions about Christmas in France

We all have Christmas traditions that make Christmas what it is. For me, I love to watch certain movies, like Love Actually, Home Alone 1 & 2, and, of course, Miracle on 34th Street, the original version.

And in France, a festive favourite movie is the 1979 film Le père Noël est une ordure (Santa is a stinker).

But what about all those other quintessentially ‘French Customs and traditions’ that make Christmas in France what is?

It’s time to reveal 21 of the best French Christmas customs and traditions.

Christmas in France Customs

No 1 Marché de Noel Christmas Markets

There’s nothing quite like the festive charm of a French Christmas market to get you into the holiday spirit. These markets, known as “Marchés de Noël,” are a long-standing tradition in France, dating back to the late Middle Ages. 

They’re not just a place to shop; they’re a full-on sensory experience. Imagine the aroma of mulled wine filling the air and the twinkling lights illuminating artisanal crafts providing the perfect backdrop.

It’s a tradition deeply rooted in local culture, offering a unique blend of culinary delights, handcrafted gifts, and a dash of that unmistakable French flair.

Top 5 Christmas Markets to Visit

Strasbourg

Why it’s special: Known as the “Capital of Christmas,” Strasbourg hosts France’s oldest and most famous Christmas market.

What to expect: Wooden chalets brimming with ornaments, Alsatian treats, and a towering Christmas tree that’s a sight to behold.

Colmar

Why it’s special: Colmar offers a fairy-tale setting with its half-timbered houses and canals.

What to expect: Five distinct markets, each with its own character, offering everything from local crafts to gourmet food.

Lille

Why it’s special: Lille’s Christmas market is famous for its 18-metre-high Ferris wheel that dominates the main square.

What to expect: A wide array of regional products and Russian crafts, thanks to its twinning with a Russian city.

Carcassonne

Why it’s special: Set within a medieval fortress, Carcassonne’s market offers a unique, historical backdrop.

What to expect: Artisanal crafts, regional delicacies, and a skating rink for some frosty fun.

Reims

Why it’s special: Known as the “Christmas Capital of Champagne,” Reims offers a sparkling experience.

What to expect: Champagne tasting, of course, along with gourmet food stalls and handcrafted gifts.

No 2 The Eve of St. Nicholas

The Eve of St. Nicholas is at the heart of French folklore, especially in regions like Alsace and Lorraine.

This celebration occurs on the night of December 5th, leading into St. Nicholas’ Day on December 6th.

The story of St. Nicholas is a blend of history and legend. He’s known as the protector of children, and on the Eve of St. Nicholas, children place their shoes by the fireplace or window, eagerly awaiting treats from the saint himself. 

In towns like Nancy and Strasbourg, the Eve of St. Nicholas is a big deal.

Think parades, puppet shows, and, of course, the arrival of St. Nicholas in grand fashion.

Churches hold special services, and it’s not uncommon to hear carolers singing hymns dedicated to the saint.

The Saint Nicholas Day Parade

On December 6th, the day after the Eve of St. Nicholas is the Saint Nicholas Day Parade, popular in northeastern France, in regions like Alsace and Lorraine, where the event is a cornerstone of the holiday season. 

The parade is a kaleidoscope of colours, sounds, and community spirit with floats, musicians, dancers, and, of course, St. Nicholas himself, often riding a donkey handing out sweets and treats.

No 4 La Crèche – the Nativity scene

In many countries, a nativity scene typically includes figures of the Holy Family, the Three Wise Men, shepherds, and angels.

But in France, the crèche is a whole miniature world filled with people and things that represent everyday life.

In the tiny little village of Castelmoron D’Albert in the Gironde in South West France, the villagers display crèches in the windows of their homes made out of all sorts of materials, from wood, paper and stone to more creative varieties using paper, toys and even eggs.

It’s a tradition that’s been going on for over 20 years now and runs through till Epiphany.

La Crèche Vivante

The “Crèche Vivante,” or Living Nativity, takes the tradition of the crèche to a whole new level.

It’s as if you’re stepping into a life-sized nativity scene, complete with real people and sometimes even live animals. 

It’s often a community-led event, involving local volunteers who dress up as the Holy Family, shepherds, Wise Men, and various village characters.

It’s usually staged in public squares, churches, or even open fields.

The setting is designed to resemble a Bethlehem stable, and the atmosphere is one of reverence and awe.

The tableau often remains silent, allowing visitors to absorb the scene and reflect on the Christmas story.

However, in some versions, there might be a short play or narration, sometimes incorporating local traditions and folklore.

No 5 Santons de Noël

These aren’t just any figurines, they’re miniature works of art, each one telling a story that goes beyond the biblical narrative of Christmas.

They often form part of the Crèche, or nativity scene and come from Provence.

“Santons” translates to “little saints,” and these clay figurines are handcrafted with an extraordinary level of detail. The art of santon-making is a skill often passed down through generations.

Artisans take immense pride in their work, carefully moulding and painting each figure to capture not just the likeness but also the essence of the character it represents.

What sets the Provençal crèche apart is its inclusion of everyday villagers. From the baker with his fresh baguettes to the fisherman holding his catch, these figures bring a slice of Provençal life to the nativity scene.

It’s a way to make the Christmas story relatable and rooted in local culture.

No 6 Midnight Mass

Although I didn’t live in France as a kid, I remember going to Midnight Mass in the UK, and I loved it. There was something so magical with all the candles, not to mention being able to stay up that late was always exciting. For our family, it marked the start of Christmas, although we still went to church on Christmas Day.

In France, Midnight Mass is very popular and something worth experiencing if you’re here.

No 7 Putting Jesus in the Crèche at Midnight

In France, the act of placing the baby Jesus figurine in the crèche at midnight marks the official start of Christmas. Often, the youngest family member is given the honour, symbolising the innocence and purity associated with the birth of Christ. 

This ritual usually takes place just before the family heads to Midnight Mass.

For children, it’s an early introduction to the spiritual aspects of the holiday presented in a meaningful way.

H2 The Fun French Christmas Traditions

No 8 Le Père Noël – Santa Claus

Like many other countries, France has its own version of Santa Claus, and he’s called Père Noël. While Le Père Noël may share a global reputation with Santa Claus, the French iteration of this beloved character has its own set of customs and stories.

For instance, instead of a sleigh pulled by reindeer, he rides a donkey named Gui.

No 9 Le Père Fouettard

Often described as the dark counterpart to St. Nicholas, Le Père Fouettard is a figure of admonition. While St. Nicholas rewards well-behaved children with gifts and treats, Le Père Fouettard is said to punish those who have been naughty.

Dressed in dark clothes and sometimes carrying a whip or a bundle of sticks, his presence serves as a somewhat scary reminder to children to be on their best behaviour.

When my daughter was little, I found that bribing her with eating all her veggies worked a treat rather than evil dark legends.

According to folklore, Le Père Fouettard was originally an innkeeper who captured and killed three children. St. Nicholas resurrected the children, and, in some versions of the tale, Le Père Fouettard repents and becomes St. Nicholas’s companion.

It’s common to see both characters together at the Saint Nicholas parades.

No 10 Sapin de Noël – Christmas Trees

The tradition of decorating a fir tree originated in the Alsace region in the 16th century but is now, like everywhere else in the world, a big Christmas symbol. 

The tree is usually put up at the beginning of Advent, and while some families opt for a real tree, artificial ones are also common, especially in urban areas.

Ornaments include the usual culprits such as baubles, stars, tinsel, and lights, but you’ll also find some uniquely French touches. For instance, it’s not uncommon to see intricate paper roses in Provence or handcrafted wooden ornaments in the mountain regions.

The tree is usually topped with a star or an angel, symbolising the Star of Bethlehem or the angel who announced Jesus’s birth. 

And in some regions, it’s traditional to place small gifts or candies on the tree branches.

No 11 Le Secrétariat du Père Noël

Close to my home in the Bordeaux Wine Region lies Libourne, where you’ll find the Father Christmas Post Office. Established in 1962, the “Secretary of Father Christmas” role, or Le Secrétariat du Père Noël, was introduced.

At Libourne’s La Poste, a dedicated group of 60 secretaries—essentially Père Noël’s elves—respond to the influx of Christmas letters sent by children across France.

Regardless of their origin or how they’re addressed, each letter is legally required to receive a response. 

The tradition has evolved over time, transitioning from handwritten letters to emails, yet every single correspondence gets a reply.

Although digital communication via the interactive website has somewhat overshadowed traditional letters, they still arrive in the thousands.

Today, the service handles an astounding 1.3 million-plus letters and emails, far surpassing similar initiatives in other countries.

No 12 No Christmas Stocking

Instead of hanging stockings by the fireplace, French children place their shoes or slippers near the fireplace or under the Christmas tree.

The next morning, if they’ve been good, they’ll find their shoes filled with small gifts, candies, and sometimes even money.

No 13 Le Réveillon

In France, the main celebration unfolds on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas Day and is commonly known as Le Réveillon.

Believe me, the French spare no expense when it comes to this festive meal.

It starts around 6 pm and can last for several hours with quite a few courses.

As you probably know, the French savour their food and like to take their time, so everything happens at a leisurely pace with each course spread out so you don’t get too full. 

Every region has its favourite dishes, but you’ll usually see oysters, foie gras, escargots and, of course, champagne on most menus.

The planning starts weeks in advance, not unlike our big Christmas dinner, and has been one of the highlights of the festive period in France for me.

No 14 Les Étrennes – New Year’s Eve Gifts

Les Étrennes is a French New Year’s Eve tradition of gift-giving. The practice dates back to Roman times and has evolved over the centuries.

Originally, these gifts were branches of sacred trees given for good luck. Today, the tradition has expanded to include small gifts of money or tokens of appreciation, often given to service workers like your local postman or woman, pompiers or rubbish collectors as a thank-you for their year-round efforts.

Our post lady usually brings round calendars, and in return, we give a donation. We usually donate €20 to the cause, which might seem extortionate for a calendar, but if you want to ensure good service throughout the year, trust me, it’s worth it. 

Plus, she’s lovely, and always gives our dog Lottie dog biscuits and makes a fuss of her.

No 15 La Chandeleur

La Chandeleur, also known as Crêpe Day, is celebrated on February 2nd, 40 days after Christmas. Rooted in both pagan and Christian customs, La Chandeleur was originally a day for venerating the Virgin Mary. Over time, however, the focus shifted more toward welcoming the arrival of spring.

When it comes to food, it is all about crêpes. Why crêpes? Well, their round shape and golden hue are symbolic of the sun, essentially teasing the upcoming spring.

Some even try their luck at flipping a crêpe while holding a coin, believing it will bring prosperity.

Christmas Food Traditions in France

No 16 Les Treize Desserts – The 13 Desserts

Originating from the region of Provence, this tradition is hugely popular, especially amongst those with a sweet tooth, which includes me.

It involves setting up a table with 13 different desserts, representing Jesus and the 12 Apostles at the Last Supper and is usually served after Midnight Mass.

Some people go all out on this, and the first time I witnessed this it took my breath away. For someone who loves desserts, I’d died and gone to heaven.

Traditionally you’re likely to find a range of items like fruits, nuts, and sweets.

The four “mendiants” are a must — these are almonds, raisins, figs, and hazelnuts, symbolizing the four monastic orders.

Alongside these, you’ll typically see nougat, quince paste, and various local treats. 

A speciality dessert you might see is the “calisson d’Aix,” an almond-paste candy from Aix-en-Provence. I think this, along with No 17, Bûche de Noël, are possibly my two favourites.

No 17 Bûche de Noël – Christmas Log

Also known as the Yule Log, it is traditionally enjoyed during Christmas Eve celebrations.

In the UK we simply call it a chocolate log and I remember making it in one of our first practical cookery lessons at school.

For those of you who aren’t familiar it’s a sponge cake rolled with cream and covered in chocolate or coffee-flavoured buttercream, and it’s designed to resemble an actual log. 

The history of the Bûche de Noël stems from the ancient Celtic tradition of burning a real log during the winter solstice.

With the advent of Christianity, the practice evolved, ultimately finding its way to the French dining table, and it now forms a part of my French Christmas traditions.

No 18 Les Papillotes De Noel

Originating from Lyon, Papillotes De Noel are chocolate or candied fruit-filled treats wrapped in chocolate paper that often contain a small note or quote inside. 

I love this tradition as It’s so romantic. It dates back to the 18th century, inspired by a young assistant chocolatier who wanted to impress his sweetheart.

He wrapped sweets in love notes and sent them to her, and voila, the concept caught on and spread across France.

No 19 Pain d’épices – Gingerbread

I don’t think Christmas is Christmas without gingerbread. When my daughter was young, we used to make gingerbread houses and had so much fun doing it.

In France, you’ll see gingerbread everywhere in the Christmas markets.

Traditionally made with rye flour, honey, and a medley of spices like anise, ginger, and cinnamon, it can be traced back to ancient times.

But it became especially popular in France during the Middle Ages when the spice trade was booming.

No 20 Vin Chaud – Mulled Wine

Another favourite at the Christmas markets in France is Vin Chaud, filling the air with an aromatic blend of spices like cinnamon and cloves.

Mulled wine has ancient origins, initially popularized by the Romans as a way to heat wine, usually red, during cold weather. 

One of my favourite things to do when I’m at a Christmas market is to get some gingerbread and dip it into my vine chaud.

No 21 La Galette des Rois

La Galette des Rois, or the King’s Cake, marks the celebration of Epiphany on January 6th, rounding off the extended Christmas festivities in France.

The cake is made from puff pastry and often filled with frangipane, a creamy almond paste.

A key element of the tradition is the “fève,” a small figurine hidden inside the cake.

The lucky person who finds it in their slice gets to be the king or queen for the day, complete with a paper crown.

Although the tradition is rooted in Christian history, commemorating the visit of the Three Wise Men to the infant Jesus, it has broad appeal across French society today.

Over time, the cake has seen various forms and flavours, but the thrill of finding the “fève” remains constant.

Handy French Christmas Vocabulary

• Joyeux Noël: Merry Christmas
• Bonne Année: Happy New Year
• Réveillon de Noël: Christmas Eve Dinner
• Marché de Noël: Christmas Market
• Père Noël: Santa Claus
• Calendrier de l’Avent: Advent Calendar
• Cadeau de Noël: Christmas Gift
• Carte de Noël: Christmas Card
• Étoile de Noël: Christmas Star

FAQS: What happens at Christmas in France

Final Thoughts: Fun Facts and Traditions about Christmas in France

As we wrap up this journey through France’s holiday traditions, I think you’ll agree that Christmas in France is a tapestry of delicious foods, historic rituals, and communal celebrations.

Each region adds its unique flavour, from the lavish 13 Desserts in Provence to the twinkling Christmas markets of Alsace.

So whether you’re sipping Vin Chaud in a bustling market or discovering a hidden “fève” in your slice of Galette des Rois, you now know the wonderful traditions that make up a French Christmas.

The post 21 Fun Facts and Traditions about Christmas in France appeared first on Life in Rural France.