Christmas in France

Joyeux Noel! In France, Christmas is celebrated with respect to family, friends and religious beliefs.Tap into your ancestry and celebrate like your French predecessors. We have some great information on some very French, Christmas traditions

French, Christmas Traditions

The Nativity Scene

Just as in Italy, displaying The Nativity is a tradition so many across the country take part in. So much so that the little clay figures called "santons" or "little saints" that are placed in the creche (or Baby Jesus' cradle) are made and sold by artisans yearlong.

Pere Noel

The children in France hang up their shoes or wooden clogs in hopes that Pere Noel (the equivalent of the American Santa Claus) will visit and leave them presents, fruits, sweets and nuts. He is accompanied by Pre Fouettard, who helps him remember who has been good or bad all year long.

La Reveillon

Christmas Eve dinner is quite the feast in France. Typically eaten after midnight mass, the dinner is referred to as "Le Reveillon" and changes depending on the region. Along with plenty of cheese, fruit and wine, some of the more popular menu items include goose, oysters, foie gras and turkey with chestnuts.

Buche de Nol

One common tradition throughout all of France is the "Buche de Nol" or "Christmas Log" for dessert. Basically, it is a rolled cake filled with cream and decorated to resemble a woodland log.