Christmas customs, originating in the Middle East, were introduced to France by the Romans. Reims was the site of the first French Christmas celebration when, in 496, Clovis and his 3,000 warriors were baptized. Bishop Rémi chose the day of the Nativity for this significant event. Over the years, many important moments in French history have occurred on Christmas Day.
Charlemagne received his crown from Pope Leo III on Christmas Day in 800. In 1100, Baudouin, the brother of Godefroy de Bouillon, was crowned in the Basilica of Saint Mary in Bethlehem. Later, King Jean-le-Bon founded the Order of the Star to honor the manger, which remained in existence until 1352. In 1389, the people of France shouted "Noël! Noël!" to welcome Queen Isabeau of Bavaria to Paris.
Thus, Christmas gradually became both a religious and secular celebration. Until the end of the Middle Ages, Christmas and the New Year were often celebrated as one. Today, Christmas in France is a cherished family holiday, combining religious observance and festive joy for both adults and children.
The fir tree was first presented as the holy tree of Christmas in Strasbourg in 1605. It was decorated with artificial colored roses, apples, sugar, and painted hosts, symbolizing the tree in the Garden of Eden. Today, the Christmas tree remains a central decoration in French homes.
In Paris and other major cities, department store windows feature elaborate animated displays that captivate visitors, making a day spent admiring the displays a beloved family tradition.
Families begin decorating the Christmas tree a few days before Christmas, with candles, lights, tinsel, and colorful stars. On Christmas Eve, after the children are asleep, small toys, candies, and fruits are hung on the branches as an extra treat to complement the gifts left by Santa Claus in the children's shoes placed by the fireplace.
The custom of the manger, or "la crèche," originated in 12th-century France as a form of liturgical drama. Initially resembling an altar, it was placed in or near churches, such as at the Abbey of Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire. Antique mangers can still be seen today in churches and museums across France.
Provence is famous for its crèches, where children gather natural materials like rocks and moss to create a setting for the manger. Little terra-cotta figurines called "santons," representing not only the Holy Family but also villagers like the mayor, priest, and butcher, are grouped around the manger. The ox and donkey are placed close to baby Jesus, with Mary and Joseph welcoming visitors. Since 1803, the Santon Fair in Marseilles has been a popular December event, and Aubagne is known as the world capital of santon-making.
Puppet shows are a favorite Christmas tradition in France, particularly in Paris and Lyon. One of the most famous is "Bethlehem 1933," a masterpiece of popular art by de Marynbourg.
On Christmas Eve, families attend the midnight mass. Churches and cathedrals are illuminated and echo with the sound of carols, bells, and carillons. Many churches display a crèche, and in the past, some even included a real infant in the manger during the service.
After midnight mass, French families enjoy a late supper called "le réveillon." The meal varies by region: in Alsace, a traditional goose is served, while in Burgundy, turkey and chestnuts are popular. Parisians enjoy oysters, foie gras, and the famous "bûche de Noël," a Yule log-shaped cake that harkens back to the ancient tradition of burning a Yule log in the hearth on Christmas Eve.
The wines served at réveillon often include Muscadet, Anjou, Sauterne, and Champagne, adding a touch of French elegance to the festive meal.
Children in France put their shoes by the fireside before going to bed, hoping for gifts from "le Père Noël" or "le Petit Jésus." In the past, peasants used wooden shoes called sabots, and today, chocolate versions of these shoes are made by pastry shops and filled with candies.
In Alsace, a region rich in Christmas tradition, marchés de Noël (Christmas markets) are a popular attraction. In some towns, shepherds offer a lamb on Christmas Eve, and in others, the réveillon is held in the mountains or preceded by a song festival. In the village of Solliesville, the community gathers to share a symbolic meal in honor of the apostles, followed by a supper for the townspeople and their guests.
The magic of Christmas in France has its roots in ancient traditions, and many of the legends once told around the fire on Christmas Eve have evolved into fairy tales. Stories like the homeless matchgirl who finds her way to paradise and the dancers condemned to dance for a year remain part of France's rich Christmas folklore.
French holiday celebrations are marked by delicious and decadent dishes that reflect the country’s rich culinary heritage. From savory main courses to delightful desserts, these traditional recipes are enjoyed by families across France during Christmas. Here are a few authentic French holiday recipes:
Bûche de Noël, or Yule Log, is a classic French Christmas dessert. This rolled sponge cake, filled with buttercream and shaped to resemble a log, is often decorated with chocolate frosting and festive elements such as meringue mushrooms.
Foie gras is a traditional delicacy served during the holiday season in France, especially as part of the réveillon feast. Often spread on toast or served with a fruit compote, this dish is a luxurious start to a festive meal.
Coquilles Saint-Jacques is a luxurious seafood dish often served as an appetizer during the French Christmas feast. It features scallops cooked in a creamy wine sauce, served in their shells with a sprinkle of breadcrumbs and cheese.
Galette des Rois, or King’s Cake, is traditionally eaten on Epiphany in France, marking the arrival of the Three Kings. This puff pastry dessert is filled with almond cream, and a small charm or "fève" is hidden inside for one lucky person to find.
These traditional French recipes bring the flavors and elegance of the holiday season to your table. Enjoy preparing and sharing these festive dishes with family and friends during your Christmas celebrations!