In Western Europe, the festive season unfolds as a rich tapestry of traditions, infusing the winter landscape with warmth and joy. France, with its elegant flair, embraces the spirit of Noël with elaborate decorations and indulgent feasts.
The French revel in the culinary delights of Réveillon, a sumptuous Christmas Eve dinner featuring roasted meats, foie gras, and delectable pastries.
Germany, renowned for its enchanting Christmas markets, transforms towns into magical realms where handcrafted ornaments and the scent of mulled wine captivate visitors. The Advent season, marked by festive calendars and wreaths, sets the stage for a joyous celebration.
The United Kingdom, with its timeless charm, brings forth traditions like pulling Christmas crackers adorned with festive surprises and partaking in a hearty Christmas dinner featuring the beloved roast turkey.
Switzerland, nestled in snowy splendour, embraces the season with festive markets and enchanting Samichlaus traditions. Families gather, exchanging gifts and enjoying culinary delights against snow-covered landscapes.
Across these Western European nations, Christmas weaves a universal tale of togetherness, culinary delights, and the timeless magic of the season. As streets illuminate with twinkling lights and carolers serenade, the spirit of Christmas unites these diverse cultures in a celebration of joy and goodwill.
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French Christmas Traditions are something special. Ask any French person, and they’ll tell you that Christmas is one of the most important holidays—right up there with Bastille Day! For many, it’s the most magical time of the year, filled with memories of family gatherings, festive meals, and beloved customs passed down through the generations. But Read more…
During 12 days in November and December 2018 we criss-crossed the regions of Lorraine and Alsace at the invitation of several Tourist Boards. The journey of this Christmas Trip brought us across France’s north-east region in 10 stages. With lots of photos, I hope this little summary of our trip will give you ideas of places Read more…
At French Moments we are carefully choosing selected partners to work with, who can help add value to your next French or European experience, and we think we’ve found one that you will love! I recently had the great pleasure of trying out Dineindulge, which offer a private chef experience. They got in contact with Read more…
Here are the dates of Christmas markets in France for 2024. Each year, Christmas markets open in towns and villages across France. With their unique architectural settings, French towns and villages deliver an enchanting setting enhanced with lights and decorations. Come and enjoy the aromas of mulled wine, hearty food, roasted chestnuts, and local delicacies Read more…
I have two favourite sites when it comes to Christmas in the Seine-et-Marne département. These are the château of Vaux-le-Vicomte and the Provins medieval Christmas market. The latter is a significant event in the region and takes place during one Advent weekend. Situated one hour from Paris, the medieval town of Provins is worth a Read more…
A joyous medieval atmosphere awaits all who come to Ribeauvillé! Open on two weekends during Advent, the Ribeauvillé Christmas market has become over the years a not-to-be-missed event in Alsace. In the waiting of Christmas, the historic wine town welcomes its visitors in a fairy-tale setting. Here, as in many villages of the Alsatian vineyard, the fine Read more…
On the first Sunday of Advent our French blog Mon Grand-Est organised a blog carnival on the theme of “An Enchanting Christmas“. To celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, French bloggers came together to write about their Christmas. We invite you to click on the links to their websites to find out more about Read more…
Christmas 2016 at Galeries Lafayette is just amazing. The department store has done a great work this year with beautiful and creative decoration. The theme chosen for the window display and the Christmas tree is magical and refers to our childhood dreams. Here are a few photos I took on the 10th December to show you how it looks Read more…
On the occasion of the Holiday season, the façade of Reims cathedral is magically enhanced by a visual and audio scenography: the Rêve de Couleurs light show. Thanks to the photos taken by the talented Frédéric Leroux, discover the majestic Gothic façade of the Notre-Dame de Reims in a new light! The Rêve de Couleurs light show Read more…
The Alsace Wine Route is a scenic itinerary that criss-crosses the Alsatian vineyards from Marlenheim to Thann. During the Advent period, many villages and towns host Christmas markets in a magical atmosphere. Lights, Christmas trees, Advent wreaths, beautiful Christmas window displays… here are 5 Christmas markets on the Alsace Wine Route to discover. Christmas Read more…
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…
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