Things to do in France at Christmas
There are many reasons why you should visit France during the Christmas period. Here are a few of our favourite things to see and do.
If you’re dreaming of a French Christmas, meeting Saint Nicholas and eating possibly the longest meal of your life, here’s everything you need to Noël about celebrating Christmas in France.
Why visit France during the Christmas season?
France at Christmas time is a winter wonderland. It’s home to a sparkling array of festive traditions, from extravagant meals on Christmas Eve to cosy Christmas markets and fantastic cultural events happening throughout December. It’s also a great time to enjoy new and exciting experiences with your friends and family, so why not pop to France during the Christmas period and discover a new festive tradition?
French Christmas activities at a glance
| event | location | best for |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas markets | Paris, Strasbourg, Colmar and in towns and cities across France | Families, couples |
| Winter festivals and events | Nancy, Épernay and other French towns and cities | Families, couples, singles |
| Shopping | Paris, and other French cities | Couples, families, singles |
What can you do in France at Christmas time?
Experience French Christmas traditions
Réveillon on Christmas Eve (or New Year's Eve)
In France (and also French-speaking places such as Québec, Romania, Portugal and Belgium) a réveillon is a long, enjoyable meal which is often the start of an evening of entertainment. It takes place either on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve (or both) and anyone enjoying a réveillon properly must stay awake until midnight and, ideally, into the wee hours.
Traditionally, Christmas Eve is to be enjoyed with close friends and family members, while New Year’s Eve is for everyone to enjoy together. This French Christmas tradition features the most beautiful of French dishes, such as smoked salmon on blinis, oysters and scallops, while the star of the show is often roasted turkey with chestnuts.
Saint Nicholas Festival in Nancy
Saint Nicholas is the folktale inspiration for Father Christmas, and there are some regions of France where Saint Nicholas Day (December 6th) is as important as Christmas Day. Nancy, in Lorraine, north-eastern France, is one such city. Its Saint Nicholas Festival runs from late November to early January, and celebrates Nicholas, the Patron Saint of Lorraine, protector of the weak and oppressed.
On the weekend closest to December 6th, Nancy comes alive with parades, floats and performances. The city chooses a different theme each year, inspired by the history of Lorraine. It’s a fantastic family-friendly event and one that’s rooted in French culture, so be sure to check it out if you’re in the area.
Habits de Lumière in Épernay
The heart of the Champagne region hosts their annual Habits de Lumière! (Credit: Ville d'Épernay)
Famous for being the capital of the Champagne region, Épernay hosts the fantastic Habits de Lumière event. For three days in mid-December the city lights up and a parade leads spectators down the famous Avenue de Champagne! It’s a really Christmassy festival, with plenty of sparkle, lights and decorations.
A celebration of the city’s local art, culture and food, you can enjoy brilliant theatre and arts performances, as well as cooking demonstrations which highlight some of the best local produce, such as Champagne vineyards, regional cheeses and mouth-watering desserts. There is a vintage car parade that takes place on Sunday morning, and even a tea party in the afternoon for the little ones.
Visit French Christmas Markets
For all the festive feels, it has to be a Christmas market! There are some fabulous ones in France, from Strasbourg and Colmar in the Alsace, steeped in tradition and a vintage old world atmosphere, to Amiens in the north, with its nightly cathedral light display, funfair rides and skating rink. Seasonal food and drink is at the heart of every Christmas market in France, as well as chalets selling artisan crafts, ornaments and locally made gifts. You’ll be seduced by the smells of spiced gingerbread, roasting chestnuts and steaming vats of mulled wine, and at some markets there are street performers and children’s entertainment.
Strasbourg is often called the 'capital of Christmas' in France
Go Christmas shopping
If the Christmas markets do not tick everything off your gift list, then head to the malls for some serious seasonal shopping. Paris is the obvious destination, with its fashion boutiques and historic department stores like Galeries Lafayette, which are worth visiting if all you do is browse. Head to Montmartre, the Latin Quarter or the Marais for more independent gift hunting. Lille is also a great place for scouring the boutiques, vintage stores and bookshops for that special gift.
Try festive French dishes
In France they love their Christmas food – and go all out to fill their tables and menus with all sorts of delicacies, from lobster and foie gras to snails and oysters. As the réveillon consists of multiple courses, you’ll be tasting a rich assortment of dishes, from small bites to mains like roast goose and coq au vin. The Christmas season in France isn’t complete without the festive pudding, the galette des rois, a puff pastry cake filled with frangipane or apples. If you find the small porcelain charm or bean hidden inside the cake, you are crowned king or queen for the day!
Book your Christmas trip to France from the UK
Popping to France for the Christmas period? With LeShuttle you can travel from Folkestone to Calais in just 35 minutes.
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