Learn French this Christmas!
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👉 French Christmas vocabulary »
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Updated October 12, 2025 — Written by Calli Zarpas — Guest Contributor to FrenchLearner
If you’ve ever wondered what Christmas is really like in France, let me take you there. I spent the holidays here myself — wandering the markets, sipping vin chaud, and staying up far too late over endless courses. Here’s what I saw, tasted, and loved about a truly French Christmas.
🎄 How the French Celebrate Christmas
Bustling Christmas markets, rich hot chocolate served from a silver ladle, and sugar-dusted doughnuts are just a few things that remind me of Christmas in France. As one of the most important holidays of the year, the Christmas season is home to a lot of unique traditions.
During my first Christmas in France, I was enamored by the beautiful markets, the well-decorated streets, and the delicious Christmas Eve meal. So, if you’re curious about what it’s like to be in France for Christmas, here are some of the best (and most unique!) things to do, eat, and see during the holiday season.
🎁 French Christmas Markets (Les marchés de Noël)
The Christmas markets might just be the best place to experience French Christmas traditions. Each year, starting from the end of November until Christmas, towns around France open up their marché de noël.
At the market, you’ll find little chalets (cabins) selling:
- Handmade gifts
- Jewelry and local products
- Christmas decorations
And of course… the food! You’ll often find croustillons, little sugar-covered doughnuts you can only get at fairs and during the holidays — definitely a must-try!
To wash them down, there are always drinks nearby:
- Hot chocolate
- Vin chaud (mulled wine), sometimes with a regional twist — here in Normandy, we even have vin chaud du viking, made with calvados (apple brandy)
- Hot apple cider
- And surprisingly… hot orange juice made with cinnamon, cloves, and honey! I haven’t tried it, but it might be worth a sip!
🍽️ Food You’ll Eat During Christmas in France
But the food doesn’t stop at the Christmas markets! Christmas Eve dinner is home to an incredible spread of special French dishes.
The star of the show is la bûche de Noël — a log-shaped cake (similar to a Swiss roll) with light sponge and fluffy frosting. It’s the only reason to leave room after all the savory foods!
One surprising thing? The French love seafood for Christmas Eve. Don’t be surprised to find:
- Scallops
- Lobster
- Caviar
For the main course, fowl is very popular, such as:
- Turkey
- Guinea fowl
- Goose — sometimes stuffed with chestnuts (les châtaignes)
And of course… le foie gras, le saumon fumé (smoked salmon) and les huîtres (oysters), three exquisite French Christmas delicacies.
🎅 Le Père Noël vs. Le Père Fouettard
Le Père Noël (Santa Claus) is one of the most important figures of Christmas. But in France, he comes with a rather odd sidekick: Le Père Fouettard.
His name literally means “Father Spanker.” While Père Noël gives gifts to the good children, Père Fouettard handles the naughty ones — with coal… or sometimes a spanking! Not nearly as famous globally, but well-known in French folklore.
🕯️ Le Réveillon de Noël
Depending on who you ask, Le Réveillon de Noël can mean either Christmas Eve dinner or Christmas Eve evening — either way, it’s a big deal and can last for hours.
During my first Christmas Eve in France, we started dinner at 7:30 pm and didn’t finish until 1:30 am. Courses included hors d’oeuvres, appetizer, main dish, cheese, dessert, and champagne (of course!).
🎄 Sapin de Noël (Christmas Tree Traditions)
Just like in many other European countries, the French celebrate with a sapin de noël (Christmas tree). They decorate it with:
- Lights
- Ornaments
- Tinsel
You’ll usually start finding them in grocery stores and outdoor markets starting at the end of November.
🎁 More Christmas Lessons
Now that you know how the French celebrate, why not learn how to say it in French? Explore my Christmas vocabulary and song lessons and start sounding festive the French way!
👉 French Christmas Vocabulary
👉 Joyeux Noël (Word of the Day)
👉 Bonne Année (Word of the Day)
👉 French Christmas Songs
👉 Douce nuit, sainte nuit (Silent Night)
👉 Petit Papa Noël
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