Christmas in France

Christmas in France falls on December 25 (main celebration often on the evening of December 24). For many families the celebration stretches across several days, with quieter moments at home alongside the busier public events.

Many homes display a small nativity scene called a crèche, often with handmade clay figurines known as santons in Provence. Children commonly leave their shoes by the fireplace or the tree on Christmas Eve. Families gather for a long, multi-course meal that can run into the early hours of December 25.

Réveillon often includes oysters, smoked salmon, foie gras and a roast such as capon or turkey with chestnut stuffing. The traditional dessert is a bûche de Noël, a rolled sponge cake shaped like a yule log. In Provence, families set out thirteen small desserts.

Younger children commonly receive their main gifts overnight on Christmas Eve, found by their shoes or under the tree on Christmas morning. Older children and adults often exchange gifts on December 25.

The festive figure most associated with Christmas in France is Père Noël. Names, costumes and gift giving dates can vary from family to family and from region to region.

In Provence, the tradition of thirteen desserts at Christmas represents Jesus and the twelve apostles, and the table is often left set for three days.