Christmas celebrations in France blend religious traditions and popular customs. For those looking to
learn French in France, this period is particularly interesting. Families gather to celebrate Christmas Eve, Christmas markets enliven the cities, and decorations light up the streets. To fully understand the
vocabulary and traditions of the holiday season, it’s important to note that this festive period, which lasts from early December until Epiphany in January, is punctuated by traditions, some of which are little known.
These unique or regional customs, which combine the sacred and the secular, make for a special time of year. These fun facts deserve a closer look to explain their origins and meanings.
These
Christmas traditions in France are particularly expressed during the dinner on December 24th. In addition to turkey with chestnuts, it is common to have "capon," which is a young rooster that has been fattened.
In some families, the tradition of the "poor man's place" persists, an extra setting laid for an unexpected guest. "The poor man's share" was a custom rooted in Provence until the early twentieth century and is one of the oldest
French Christmas traditions.
For young learners interested in the French language, did you know that the tradition of "papillotes" originated in Lyon? These are chocolates wrapped in golden or silver paper, with a famous quote or a riddle written inside.
In northeastern France, the donkey holds a special place. This
Christmas period
is particularly appreciated as a time for children and juniors. In Alsace and Lorraine, the donkey accompanies Saint Nicholas during his tour from December 5th to 6th. In the Ardennes and Hauts-de-France, the donkey participates in parades, adorned with colorful covers and bells.
The animal carries two panniers: one for rewards for well-behaved children and the other for punishments for those who have been unruly. This tradition, less widespread than that of Santa's reindeer, retains its place in local festivities and regional Christmas markets.
Epiphany, or "Three Kings' Day," celebrated on January 6th or the second Sunday after Christmas, marks the visit of the Magi to baby Jesus. Discovering
how Christmas is celebrated in France also involves understanding these traditions that follow Christmas Day. Sharing the "galette" is the central moment of this celebration: generally, the youngest child among the guests is tasked with "choosing the king." For this, they go under the table or to another room in the house to randomly assign slices of the "galette."
On the French Riviera, renowned for its
summer campus in Cannes, locals enjoy a brioche with candied fruits or a puff pastry galette filled with almond cream, although the latter is more popular in northern regions.
The figurine hidden inside the galette designates the king or queen for the day. Interestingly, there are even "fabophiles," or people who collect these figurines!
These
fun facts about Christmas in France include discovering traditional Christmas markets. Strasbourg, Europe's oldest Christmas market since 1570, is known for its wooden chalets and warm ambiance, making it a favorite spot for teens and adults alike.
In Nice, the Christmas Village offers sixty chalets divided into four zones: the Caléna Path for crafts, the Pichouï Corner for children, Santa's World with his house, and a dining area. Puppet shows and theatrical performances animate the scene.
In Antibes, the Christmas Village is set up on the Esplanade du Pré des Pêcheurs, offering a magical atmosphere with its gourmet and artisanal chalets and children's rides. Students attending classes at the "Le Port" school of the International Center of Antibes can discover this festive village starting at 11 a.m. The Christmas Village is open from November 30th to January 5th, 2025.
To understand
Christmas and New Year vocabulary, it is essential to know culinary traditions like the thirteen Provençal desserts representing Jesus and the twelve apostles.
The "pompe à huile," made with olive oil and orange blossom, symbolizes the sharing of bread. The four beggars (almonds, figs, hazelnuts or walnuts, raisins) represent monastic orders. As for the three types of nougat (white, black, and red), each has specific garnishes. Dates, finally, recall the gifts of the Magi. The tradition is complemented by regional specialties like Aix calissons or quince paste, seasonal fruits (oranges, apples, ...), an exotic fruit, and concludes with "verdaù," the green melon.
For those interested in Christmas in France, this type of dessert is an essential aspect of our Riviera culture.
This tradition dates back to 590 AD when Pope Gregory I established three masses: the evening before, at midnight, and on Christmas morning. Midnight Mass marks the presumed time of Jesus's birth. Worshippers then sing traditional carols like "Angels We Have Heard on High" or "He Is Born, the Divine Child."
French holiday traditions include both religious and secular songs.
In families who do not attend Mass, the custom is to place the figurine of baby Jesus in the nativity scene at midnight. This tradition dates back to the French Revolution when nativity scenes were banned from churches.
Popularized in France in the 1970s, the Advent calendar counts down the days to Christmas. The original religious images have been replaced by chocolates and then by various gifts: toys, cosmetics, teas, etc. For those attending
standard French courses in December in France, you will likely see these calendars in shops or homes. Did you know that some brands like Alain Ducasse, Pierre Hermé, or Ladurée even offer luxurious versions?
This tradition was once accompanied by the Advent wreath, adorned with four candles lit successively each Sunday before Christmas. Although less common today, this practice persists in some Alsatian families. In this region, the countdown to Christmas is also tied to the tradition of preparing the nativity scene: each day, children would add a new decorative element.
