Riding his black horse, he roams the countryside of northern Alsace with a vengeance. Hans Trapp is the terror of Alsatian gatherings. On St Nicholas' Eve, he proudly ... Read more!
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Petit Papa Noël: the story of the song
Everyone in France knows the only French secular song “Petit Papa Noël”. Grandparents, parents, children… everyone has listened to it over and over again in their younger years ... Read more!
Christmas Toys: the History of a Tradition
It’s Christmas morning. Impatient as ever, the children can no longer stay in bed… at full speed, they rush down the stairs to the living room where the ... Read more!
Christmas presents in France: Origins and Traditions
Christmas presents are traditionally given to children (and also to grown-ups!) at Christmas. Wrapped in a shiny gift paper with a beautiful ribbon, it is given out by ... Read more!
The Christmas pyramid: Origins and Traditions
The Christmas Pyramid, also known as the Advent Pyramid, is an important decorative element of the Christmas season in German countries. It has been making its way into ... Read more!
Top 20 Destinations to Visit in France at Christmas
Here is a list of 20 destinations to visit in France at Christmas. This is an opportunity to discover places that you may not have known about, and ... Read more!
A photographic journey to a French Winter Wonderland
For many, the words ‘Winter Wonderland’ refers to a popular American song played during the holiday season. As this year Christmas is looking like no other, I came ... Read more!
The French Christmas Traditions: Timeless Customs to Explore
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! ... Read more!
Dates of Christmas Markets in France 2025
Here are the dates of Christmas markets in France for 2025. Each year, Christmas markets open in towns and villages across France. With their unique architectural settings, French ... Read more!
Provins Medieval Christmas Market: A 2023 Guide
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 ... Read more!
What makes the Ribeauvillé Christmas Market special
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. ... Read more!
An Enchanting Christmas: a blog carnival
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 ... Read more!
Christmas 2016 at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
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 ... Read more!
5 Christmas Markets on the Alsace Wine Route
The Christmas markets on the Alsace Wine Route are among the most atmospheric in France, weaving together centuries-old traditions, half-timbered charm, and the soft glow of Advent lights. ... Read more!
Discover the Basel Christmas Market in Switzerland
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 ... Read more!
Christmas Nativity Scene at Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Montmartre
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 ... Read more!
Christmas Nativity Scene at Saint-François-Xavier, Paris
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 ... Read more!
Nativity Scene at Notre-Dame Cathedral, Paris
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 ... Read more!
Christmas Nativity Scenes in France
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 ... Read more!
Christmas Nativity Scenes in Paris
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 ... Read more!
