Advent in France is a time of waiting and preparing for Christmas. It lasts for four weeks, starting on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. ‘Advent’ derives from the Latin ‘adventus’ meaning “coming”. In Europe, November is the first month of the year when the weather is usually dark and cold. If you have children, nieces and nephews, or grandchildren, you’re certainly familiar with the Advent calendar and its 24 windows. Scroll down and you’ll discover an unusual calendar with 24 sites in Alsace-Lorraine to discover during Advent in France! I hope it will give you ideas of visits… or at least spike your curiosity!
What does it mean to celebrate Advent in France?
The period of Advent represents the hope of Christmas when light conquers and expels darkness. The preparation for Christmas during the four weeks of Advent in France makes the sad days of November into an exciting time, particularly for children.
Children mark the progression of the four last weeks before Christmas by opening one door per day on an Advent calendar, while at home and in churches, Advent wreaths are lit.
The tradition of the Advent calendar
(le calendrier de l’Avent)
The Advent calendar has become a tradition in French homes today. They are mainly for children, for whom the countdown to Christmas is terribly exciting. Shops will sell mostly Advent calendars with 24 windows, behind which are chocolates or small toys. The calendars themselves are usually large rectangular cards, displaying a Christmas scene or a German-looking medieval town!
German Lutherans originally created the idea of Advent calendars in the 19th Century. The Austrian Landesmuseum dates the first printed Advent calendar to the beginner of the 20th century.
Why do we decorate our homes with Advent wreaths?
(la couronne de l’Avent)
The Advent wreath is made up of fir and pine tree branches for the first Sunday of Advent. It is traditionally knotted with beautiful red bows and decorated with pine or fir cones. Four candles top the Advent wreath, symbolising the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. Each candle is lit on each of the Sundays before Christmas. The last candle to be lit announces that Christmas is very near. Sometimes, the wreath decoration can also include holly, mistletoe and Christmas ornaments.
The wreath usually decorates a table. It adorns the front door or windows of a house as a decoration (without candles).
Symbolically the round form of the Advent wreath represents the sun and the promise that it will return after the winter season. As for the dominant green colour, it symbolises life, present in the rebirth which occurs at the beginning of spring.
The Advent candles meaning revealed!
The number of candles also relates to the four seasons and the four cardinal points. In addition, they also refer to four famous moments throughout the Old Testament which announced the coming of the Messiah and His salvation:
- The first candle is the symbol of forgiveness Adam and Eve received.
- The second candle evokes the faith of Abraham and the patriarchs to whom God gave the Promised Land.
- The third candle is about the covenant with God, which causes King David to rejoice.
- The last candle refers to the teaching of the prophets who announced a reign of justice and peace.
For Christians, the wreath is also an image to remind us of Christ wearing a crown of thorns on the day of the Crucifixion.
Advent in France
(l’Avent en France)
In many regions, Advent in France is the occasion for various and popular events.
- In Lorraine, Alsace and in Nord-Pas-de-Calais, the celebrations of Saint-Nicolas take place around 6 December with big shows, street parades and fireworks. This tradition of 6 December is also maintained in other areas of Northern and Eastern Europe.
- In Lyon, the Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières) has become the biggest event in town, when its monuments, hills and river banks are illuminated for four days.
- In Paris, the avenue des Champs-Elysées is traditionally lit up at the beginning of Advent, marking the start of a period of hectic Christmas shopping in the French capital.
- In Provence, the Sainte Barbe (Saint Barbara) celebrations on 4 December are associated with an old Advent tradition.
The Preparations for Christmas in France
(les préparations de noël)
In France, the four weeks before Christmas is a period of great activity when everyone is focused on Christmas. The spirit of Christmas generosity is manifested by the purchase of gifts (les cadeaux), which are wrapped and hidden until 25 December. Crowds can be overwhelming in town centres, particularly in Paris near the Grands Magasins on Boulevard Haussmann.
Aside from the gifts, Christmas shopping also includes buying ornaments and decorations, food and other items which will be useful for the big dinner on Christmas Eve.
Christmas in France for kids!
Christmas is a time enjoyed by young and old – but especially by children! Craft activities are a way to prepare children for Christmas and to help them discover the meaning of the celebration. They can get inspired by visits to Christmas markets, department stores and churches (for the Nativity scenes) and by making their own Christmas decorations, such as ornaments, tinsels, garlands, etc.
The Advent period for Christians
For Christians, the period of Advent is a time of meditation for what Christ accomplished 2,000 years ago. If Christmas is considered the greatest Christian celebration, it is because His coming to our world heralds His death on a cross on Good Friday and His resurrection on Easter Sunday.
The Advent Calendar of 24 Christmas Sites in Alsace-Lorraine!
Here’s a rather unusual Calendar for Advent in France…
24 Days to discover the most beautiful Christmas sites in Alsace-Lorraine. Enjoy the visit!
1. Thann
The South Gate to the Alsace Wine Route. Thann is famous for its little Christmas market decorated with fir trees.
Discover the Thann Christmas market on the blog
2. Guebwiller
At Guebwiller, one celebrates a “Noël bleu”, that is “a Blue Christmas”.
3. Saverne
In Saverne, Advent in France implies beautiful illuminations on the façades of the main street.
4. Altkirch
Altkirch, the capital of the Sundgau, welcomes an enchanted forest in its town centre.
Discover the Enchanted Forest in Altkirch on the blog
5. Strasbourg (Petite-France district)
The picturesque district of Petite France in Strasbourg gathers some fine half-timbered houses, beautifully decorated at Christmas time.
Read my Discover Guide of Christmas in Strasbourg
6. Nancy (Marché de St Nicolas)
The Saint-Nicolas market occupies Place Charles III. It’s the name given to the Christmas market of Nancy, in honour to Lorraine’s patron saint.
Read my Discover Guide of Christmas in Nancy
7. Colmar (Petite-Venise)
The Little Venice district is one of the most picturesque in Colmar. With fine half-timbered houses bordering the canal, it’s pure enchantment at nightfall.
Read my Discover Guide of Christmas in Colmar
8. Ecomusée d’Alsace
Come to the Ecomusée d’Alsace (France’s largest open-air museum) to experience a Yesteryear Christmas.
Discover the Ecomusée d’Alsace on the blog
9. Metz (Trail of Lanterns)
It’s become a tradition… and a must-see site in Metz. Each year the Trail of Lanterns offer a fairy-tale atmosphere to its visitors, young and old alike!
Read my Discover Guide of Christmas in Metz
10. Ribeauvillé
The little town of Ribeauvillé hosts an authentic medieval Christmas market during two weeks of Advent in France.
Discover the Ribeauvillé Christmas market on the blog
11. Kaysersberg
Kaysersberg was one of the first towns in Alsace and France to open an authentic Christmas market in the 1980s. It’s proven a real success… the market is open during the four weekends of Advent.
Discover the Kaysersberg Christmas market on the blog
12. Haguenau
The little city of Alsace prides itself with beautiful illuminations and Christmas decorations. Its stunning Christmas market is a must-see in the region.
13. Strasbourg (Rue des Orfèvres)
The narrow street of rue des Orfèvres displays astonishing Christmas decorations put together by the association of local traders of Carré d’Or.
Read my Discover Guide of Christmas in Strasbourg
14. Obernai
“In Obernai, Dream about Christmas!”, says the promotional slogan. Well, it says it all and yes, it’s worth a visit! Not only for the Christmas lights but also for its Christmas market and local mulled wine made-in Obernai!
Discover the Obernai Christmas market on the blog
15. Riquewihr
The Gem of the Alsace vineyards has everything it takes to offer an unforgettable Christmas visit. This is one of France’s most beautiful villages and its Christmas market is a real success among locals and foreigners.
Discover the Riquewihr Christmas market on the blog
16. Sélestat
This is the birthplace of the Christmas tree. It was here that it was mentioned for the first time in 1521 in the city’s records.
Discover the Sélestat Christmas market on the blog
17. Eguisheim
One of France’s most beautiful villages… and one of the country’s finest Christmas markets. Although small in size compared to neighbouring Colmar, needless to say, its picturesque setting offers a fairy-tale atmosphere…
Discover the Eguisheim Christmas market on the blog
18. Strasbourg (Christmas market)
The Strasbourg Christmas market is France’s most famous festive event. In 2019 it celebrates its 450th edition (it was created in the 16th c).
Read my Discover Guide of Christmas in Strasbourg
19. Wissembourg
At the northern tip of Alsace, the little town of Wissembourg hosts an authentic Christmas market during the four weekends of Advent in France.
20. Nancy (place Stanislas)
During Advent in France, the famous royal square of Place Stanislas is adorned with a majestic Christmas tree.
Read my Discover Guide of Christmas in Nancy
21. Mulhouse
As the third-largest Christmas market in Alsace, Mulhouse is a mind-blowing destination for Christmas! The Alsace town is known for its Christmas market dominated by a Ferris Wheel, and rich fabric renewed each year.
Discover the Mulhouse Christmas market on the blog
22. Metz (Christmas market)
In Metz, people are Christmas savvy for sure! No less than 5 Christmas markets are spread across the old town. On top of that, the majestic Gothic cathedral St-Etienne celebrates 2020 its 800th anniversary…
23. Colmar (Christmas market)
“The magic of Christmas in Colmar”. This is how the festive season is promoted in Colmar. With 5 Christmas markets, amazing decorations and the fantastic setting of the old town, there’s so much to see in Colmar. What could we ask for more?
24. Strasbourg (Christmas tree)
Here’s the last window of our Advent Calendar. And I chose to end with the famous Christmas tree in Place Kléber. This is the symbol of the season of Advent in France.
Read my Discover Guide of Christmas in Strasbourg
Wishing you all a ‘Joyeux Noël’ !
Very nice indeed. You made me think of my grannie. Years ago, whenever I would visit her I would promise to learn French, her native tongue. That was always her Christmas wish because her children were taught to learn English. I don’t know why this made me think of her, but there it is. Anyway, this Advent, I am learning. Thanks for sharing your French pictures to people!
Thank you Jim, I’m glad to hear you enjoy the photos! Wishing you all the best with your new French-learning adventure! 🙂