Embraced by the fragrance of freshly baked pastries and the glow of twinkling lights, Christmas in France unfolds as a harmonious blend of rich traditions and gastronomic indulgence. In France's north-east, the enchanting season commences with the eagerly awaited Saint Nicholas’ Day and reaches its zenith on the 24th of December with the opulent Réveillon dinner.
French cities come alive with captivating illuminations and festive markets, inviting locals and visitors to immerse themselves in the magic of the holiday spirit.
From the cherished tradition of crèches and Midnight Mass to regional delights like the Gros Souper in Provence, every corner of France paints a unique stroke on the canvas of Christmas celebrations. Join us on a journey through the heartwarming traditions, culinary extravagance, and festive merriment that define Christmas in France.
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The Basel Christmas Market is one of the highlights of my holiday travels, and it’s no surprise that it’s Switzerland’s largest festive market. Nestled on the border with France, the Swiss city of Basel (or Basle) offers a magical blend of local traditions and Christmas charm. Just a short journey from Mulhouse, France, you’ll be Read more…
The crib inside the Sacré-Cœur Basilica in Montmartre (18th arrondissement) is one of the most visited in Paris. Embracing local traditions is an integral part of experiencing any destination. Visiting the Nativity Scene at Sacré-Cœur allows you to partake in French Christmas customs. You can also attend Mass and explore the festive markets that often dot the neighbourhood. Why Read more…
One of the most beautiful Nativity Scenes in Paris is found inside the church of Saint-François-Xavier in the 7th arrondissement. The large scene refers to the tradition of a Provençal Nativity Scene with hundreds of ‘Santons‘. The Nativity Scene at Saint-François-Xavier church The church of Saint-François-Xavier is situated in the 7th arrondissement not far from Les Invalides. Its official Read more…
One of the most famous Nativity Scenes in Paris is found inside the Notre-Dame cathedral and attracts almost 2 million visitors from the first Sunday of Advent to Candlemas. We have been lucky enough to have been in Paris for two consecutive years to visit the simple yet monumental Nativity scene at Notre-Dame cathedral. The Nativity scene at Notre-Dame cathedral Tradition has Read more…
Coming from a long Catholic tradition, Nativity scenes are still present in many households, churches and public places in France today, in both miniature and life-size displays. The static indoors or outdoors Nativity scenes which appear across France from Advent take their inspiration from the story of the birth of Jesus as told in the Read more…
Many Catholic churches in Paris set up a Nativity Scene at Christmas, whether traditional, baroque or modern. Some, like that of Notre Dame cathedral, attract thousands of visitors during the festive season. Here are a few churches where to find Nativity scenes in Paris. Nativity scenes in Paris Nativity scenes have been a regular fixture Read more…
With its bright lights and dazzling ornaments, the Christmas tree is one of the symbols of Christmas. In Alsace, the tradition of putting up a decorated tree at Christmas dates back to the 16th century at least. The tradition reached the court of the King of France in the 18th century. It landed in French Read more…
They are at least three best-selling Christmas Tree types in France: spruce, Nordmann and noble fir trees. Christmas tree types in France Most people who want to have a real tree at home go to a Christmas Tree stand located at a local supermarket, Christmas market or a specific place designated by the municipality. There, the seller often Read more…
For decades, getting a Christmas Tree has stayed a popular tradition in France. In fact, the decoration of Christmas trees are known to have been popular in Alsace as far back as the sixteenth century. It is not surprising that residents would leave the shutters and curtains open so that all the people passing by can Read more…
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and what better way to kick off the holiday festivities than with a hearty dose of laughter? We all know the iconic figure in the red suit who brings joy and gifts to homes worldwide – Santa Claus himself! But what if we told you that even Santa isn’t Read more…
Bad news for those who wished to wonder at the traditional Christmas tree in Paris. Following the Great Fire of April 2019 there will be no Christmas tree in front of Notre-Dame cathedral. No Christmas tree in front of Notre-Dame Every year at Christmas time a tree over 20 metres tall is traditionally put up in front Read more…
The Christmas market of La Défense is arguably the largest in the Paris region. The cluster of its white chalets at the centre of the Esplanade seems at odds with the futuristic environment made up of tall skyscrapers. This is definitely France’s most surprising Christmas market… La Défense Christmas Market The presence of a Christmas market in Read more…
Pierre of French Moments joined Annie from the Join Us in France podcast to talk about Christmas in Paris and the difference between Christmas in the North East of France and the rest of the country. Join us in France podcast Last week Pierre was interviewed by Annie from Join Us in France about Read more…
As the frosty winds whisper through the cobbled streets of Alsace and Lorraine, a mystical figure clad in a crimson robe emerges from the shadows, carrying with him the enchantment of centuries-old traditions. Who is Saint Nicolas, this festive harbinger of joy, the bearer of gifts and the symbol of benevolence on the 6th of Read more…
Today is the first Sunday of Advent, a time of waiting and preparing for Christmas. Advent lasts for four weeks, starting on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. Lighting the first of the four candles on the Advent wreath is a tradition. The Advent wreath materialises the traditions of Advent. The wreath is topped by four Read more…
This year the Christmas holidays take place from Saturday 19 December 2015 to Sunday 3 January 2016 included. Christmas is a joyful time when children (and grown-ups alike!) marvel at the lights, Christmas markets and trees, without forgetting Nativity Scenes and an encounter with Santa. Here are our 10 favourite things to see in Paris Read more…
In 2015, the window display of the Galeries Lafayette are based on “a Christmas from another planet” with its lots of robots, Jedi, imperial troops, R2D2 and Stormtroopers echoing the release of a new Star Wars episode. Standing under the beautiful Art Nouveau cupola, the giant Christmas tree consists of a myriad of gold and Read more…
A visit to the Eiffel Tower at Christmas time has become one of the highlights of the festive season when discovering Paris. From Christmas markets to ice-skating rinks, the area of Trocadéro-Eiffel Tower-Champ-de-Mars is a trendy place for residents and tourists alike. Christmas time at the Eiffel Tower Vantage points There are Read more…
Since its creation in 1994, the Christmas market of Grenoble has become one of the most popular in the Rhône-Alpes region. The beautiful site of Grenoble, surrounded by the mountains of the French Alps, fits well with the festive atmosphere during Advent. Let’s find out why you should visit Grenoble at Christmas time! Grenoble: Read more…
Stuck in Paris and can’t visit Alsace this Christmas? No worries, Alsace comes to you! The Alsatian Christmas Market in Gare de l’Est, Paris, takes place under a marquee set on the forecourt of the railway station with trains servicing the Alsace. The region in eastern France near the German border is reputed to be the home of Read more…
At sunset we went to the parvis of Notre-Dame cathedral to admire the Christmas tree set in front of the Gothic façade. Here are 10 of our favourite photos of the Christmas Tree of Notre-Dame. The Christmas Tree of Notre-Dame In 2014, the Christmas tree of Notre-Dame Cathedral was donated by the generous people of Russia. Read more…
In the North of France, not far from the Belgian border, the town of Béthune hosts one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the Hauts-de-France region. Bethune is a short distance from England via the Eurotunnel or cross-Channel ferries. In fact, a British magazine recently began its article entitled “10 things to visit in Read more…
Ideally situated on the forecourt of the famous cathedral, the Reims Christmas market has become a significant event in the Champagne over the years. Its 140 stalls attract more than 1.5 million visitors annually, making it one of France’s most famous Christmas events. Organised by “Les Vitrines de Reims,” the city’s trading association, the Reims Christmas market Read more…
One of the most beautiful views of Paris at Christmas can be enjoyed from the giant Ferris Wheel at Place de la Concorde. Ideally located along the Historical Axis, the temporary structure offers a great view of the Eiffel Tower and River Seine. In the past, we made sure to embark at night on the dot of the hour Read more…
More than 125 streets in Paris are lit up for Christmas. Every night of Advent from 5 pm, the streets become a magical place where young and old will marvel at the decorative lights. Here is a list of arrondissements for the Paris streets lit up for Christmas. Paris streets lit up for Christmas Read more…
Christmas at the Grands-Magasins of Paris is always a treat for the eye. In December, Printemps, Galeries Lafayette, Le Bon Marché and Bazar de l’Hôtel de Ville compete with each other for the best Christmas decorations and invite their visitors to a fairy-tale world with their remarkable window displays. This tradition is now more than 50 years old and Read more…
The Arras Christmas Market has become one of the most important festive events in northern France. The event welcomed a record one million visitors in recent years. It occupies the remarkable Grand’Place with street lights and illuminations, animations for children, and concerts. This is an excellent opportunity to visit Arras and visit the main sights of Read more…
The Annecy Christmas market is the most important event in town during Advent. Each year the festive event “Christmas in the Alps” (Noël des Alpes) draws more than 500,000 visitors. This is when Annecy puts on her most beautiful festive clothes with street lights and illuminations, animations for children, concerts, Nativity scenes, Christmas markets, and more… Read more…
Every year on the 6th of January, the French celebrate Epiphany, which is synonymous with the “galette des Rois”. As today is Epiphany, here are a few words about the celebration and its traditions. Today is Epiphany! Epiphany is the occasion in France to “tirer les rois” which means deciding who is the king of the Read more…
Joyeux Noël! Merry Christmas! Feliz Navidad ! Buon Natale ! Frohe Weihnachten ! The French Moments team wishes you “Joyeux Noël“. Joyeux Noël from France! In France, the arrival of December brings an air of enchantment as the country prepares to celebrate the most cherished holiday of the year – Christmas. As the days Read more…
L’Enfant au Tambour… the story of the song known in English as “The Little Drummer Boy”. About the song The Little Drummer Boy was written by Katherine Kennicott Davis in 1941 and recorded by the Trapp Family Singers in 1955. It became famous in 1858 with a version by Harry Simeone Chorale. In the Read more…
Christmas on the Champs-Élysées takes place for nearly two months, from mid-November to early January. The Avenue des Champs-Élysées in Paris is then decked with lights and enchantment to celebrate Christmas and New Year. Until 2017 the Arc de Triomphe shared the spotlight with a temporary counterpart on Place de la Concorde: the great Ferris Read more…
The Paris Christmas markets originated in Alsace, where the tradition is strong and part of the local culture. France’s first and largest market is in Strasbourg, easily accessible by TGV from Paris-Gare de l’Est. The Paris Christmas Markets, a new tradition The presence of Christmas markets in Paris is relatively new. Since the mid-2000s, Read more…
The Christmas gastronomy of Alsace is much appreciated during the Holiday season. From Foie Gras to Kugelhopf, gingerbread and little Christmas cookies, the Alsatian gastronomic traditions will enchant young and old alike on their visit to one of the many Christmas markets taking place throughout the region. Christmas dishes in Alsace Foie Gras The reputed foie Read more…
The Saint Nicolas Day celebrations highlight Christmas in Nancy at the beginning of December. Until the New Year, several activities and events are organised to maintain the magic around the character of Saint Nicolas, including a Christmas market, elegant Christmas lights in the town centre and the grand Christmas tree standing on Place Stanislas. Embark Read more…
Ideally situated in the foothills of the Vosges, along the scenic Alsace Wine Route lies historic Obernai. As Christmas approaches, the wine town hosts one of the most enchanting Christmas markets. The Obernai Christmas Market has become over the years a not-to-be-missed event in Alsace. With lights and decorations, gastronomic experience and exciting festive events… there is much to Read more…
Located between Strasbourg and Colmar, the historic town of Sélestat is an important landmark in the history of Christmas traditions. The Sélestat Christmas Market occupies the old town selling Christmas decorations and ornaments, local produce and handicrafts from Alsace. The long Christmas tree tradition in Sélestat It was in Sélestat that the first Alsatian Christmas tree Read more…
My first visit to the Kaysersberg Christmas Market was back in 2012, and I still vividly remember the sense of wonder it sparked in me. The attention to detail was incredible—from the beautifully decorated half-timbered houses to the charming little courtyards, all twinkling under festive lights. Every corner felt like it was made to celebrate Read more…
Listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, Riquewihr is surrounded by the vineyards of Alsace. With its charming half-timbered houses, the Riquewihr Christmas Market attracts a large crowd of visitors at the approach of Christmas who come to marvel at the fairy-tale like village. Riquewihr Christmas Market The Christmas market of Riquewihr is certainly one of the Read more…
Eguisheim, the birthplace of the Alsatian vineyards, was chosen as the French’s most beautiful villages in 2013 during a TV programme aired on France 2. With its beautiful half-timbered houses, The Eguisheim Christmas Market is the perfect setting for a magical and unforgettable experience. Situated only 5km from Colmar, Éguisheim should not be missed if Read more…
For the Christmas season, the little town of Altkirch in the Sundgau radically departs from the Alsatian tradition of hosting a Christmas market. The fir trees of the Foret Enchantee of Altkirch (Enchanted Forest) spread out throughout the old town centre, creating a fantastic world of ancient local tales and legends. La Foret Enchantee of Read more…
The little town of Guebwiller is situated along the Alsace Wine Route at the foot of the Vosges mountains. For the Christmas season, Guebwiller distinguishes itself from the popular Alsatian destinations that are Colmar and Strasbourg with an original yet creative event called “Blue Christmas” (Noël Bleu). A Blue Christmas In 2014, the Christmas season Read more…
The little town of Thann is situated at the foot of the Vosges mountains and marks the entrance to the Thur Valley which links Alsace to Lorraine via the Bussang Pass. Thann is also the southern gateway to the scenic Alsace Wine Route. During Advent, the Thann Christmas market is themed on a “White Christmas” (Noël Read more…
Let’s start the season of Advent with a list of our 10 most beautiful Christmas markets in France’s North-East, all situated in the Alsace, Franche-Comté and Lorraine regions. Christmas markets are called “Marchés de Noël” in French and are organised in the historic town or village centre. Although they are a traditional event in Alsace, many Read more…
Lille Christmas Market is wonderfully set in the city’s busy shopping district and is a popular destination for French, British and Belgian visitors. Let’s look closely and find out why you should visit Lille during the festive season! Lille Christmas Market The Christmas Market of Lille is the largest of its kind in Read more…
As soon as France’s second-largest fair (Foire Saint-Romain) closes its doors, another popular event is about to start in the old Ducal town of Rouen, Normandy, as part of the Christmas festivities: the Rouen Christmas Market. Let’s find out why you should visit it! The “Frosted” Rouen Christmas market The Christmas market is the Read more…
You may know Dijon for its mustard, gastronomy, history, and monuments… but did you know that the capital of Burgundy puts on its most beautiful festive clothes for the holidays? To make you want to visit the city, I invite you to discover the Dijon Christmas market and its illuminations. Promise, you won’t forget your Read more…
Our team has come up with a English-French Christmas glossary that may be useful if you are looking for equivalences between the two languages! English-French Christmas Glossary Glossaire de Noël Français-Anglais Download You can download a PDF version of our French<->English Christmas Glossary.
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Christmas in Lorraine consists of traditions centred around the character of St. Nicholas, locally known as Saint-Nicolas. In Nancy the Patron saint of Lorraine is at the centre of a 40 day celebration with a big parade organised early December. The Vosges mountains with their towering fir trees offer great skiing opportunities while in Metz, a Christmas market – Read more…
Every year during Advent, the German-style Montbéliard Christmas market is held to the delight of the town’s young people. Since its first edition in 1986, the Christmas market has been one of the most popular of its kind in France, with more than 400,000 visitors. Montbéliard, the City of the Princes Montbéliard also nicknamed the Read more…
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