France has many exciting traditions which come alive at Christmas, and here are some of the main ones.
Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, and one of the most exciting things about this time of the year is seeing how other parts of the world celebrate it.
This is because so many regions have unique Christmas traditions. France is undoubtedly one of them, with special Christmas eve gatherings, ways to set their table and, of course, the delicacies they indulge in during their Christmas feast.
So, if you want to glimpse France during the festive season, look at these wonderful Christmas traditions in France.
10. Mistletoe – a symbol of luck
Like many other parts of the world, the French love to use mistletoe as a decoration during the festive season, and as we all know, if two people meet under the sprig of mistletoe which generally hangs from a doorway, they must kiss.
It’s tradition, but in France, it is more of a symbol of good luck.
9. The papillotes – a sweet French tradition
Many of us indulge in plenty of sweets and chocolate over the festive period, and one of the main Christmas traditions in France involves paper-wrapped chocolates called papillotes, which generally decorate the table.
This tradition dates back to Lyon in the 18th century and is still a custom.
8. Shoes in front of the fireplace – a children’s tradition
When Père Noël visits houses in France, he seeks out the shoes of French children, which are usually placed by the fireplace, and this is where he fills them will small treats and presents when he comes down the chimney.
7. Christmas table decorations – the French way
While many people throughout the world decorate their tables at Christmas, the French have their way of doing it.
One of France’s most well-known Christmas traditions is decorating the table by knotting the edge of the tablecloth and placing three candlesticks on the table to symbolise the Holy Trinity.
6. Midnight mass – an important tradition
While many French people like to attend mass on Christmas Day, one of France’s most excellent Christmas traditions is the midnight mass, which many still consider rather important.
There is always something so peaceful about hearing Christmas carols at midnight, with the flicker of candlelight.
5. Christmas Eve gathering – food and family time
Christmas Eve is an extraordinary time for French people when everyone tries to come together to celebrate Christmas.
It is then that they spend hours eating great local street food and wine, spending quality time together and enjoying the joy that Christmas brings, and this can last for hours.
4. Advent calendar – the anticipation of Christmas
All Christmas traditions in France begin with the chocolate-filled advent calendar, which starts on 1st December each year.
This is a fantastic way to get excited for the upcoming festivities, especially for Children. It involves opening a new calendar window each day in the lead-up to Christmas Day.
3. Christmas markets – home to the oldest Christmas market in Europe
The French do Christmas markets right, which is why they attract many international visitors each year, especially since the oldest one in Europe is Strasbourg, which happened in 1570.
The festive markets typically feature French pastries and delicacies, little themed wooden houses, plenty of lights and decorations, and Christmas gifts and products.
2. Santons de Noel – an integral part of Christmas
Nativity scenes depict the birth of Christ and have become a symbol of Christmas and its true meaning since the 4th century.
In France, the nativity scene is considered an integral part of Christmas, and many houses and towns will feature their miniature or lifesize version of the scene.
1. Le Reveillon – a Christmas eve feast
Have you ever wondered what the French eat during Christmas? Christmas Eve is when the long feat known as Le Reveillon happens.
Families will share many delicious French foods local to their region, and some of the main delicacies include frog legs, snails, truffles and scallops.
So, now that we know that France is home to the oldest Christmas market in Europe, they feast for hours on the evening before Christmas, and they take pride in recreating the memorable nativity scene all over the country, it is clear that Christmas traditions in France are alive and well.
