What is the most popular Christmas tradition in France?

The evening of December 24th is when French families sit down together to celebrate Christmas and enjoy festive French foods and wines. If you’ve heard about French people eating long and slowly, this dinner is the greatest example of this French custom. The meal can go for up to six hours.

How is Christmas traditionally celebrated in France?

Many people in France put up a Christmas tree, visit a special church service, eat an elaborate meal and open gifts on Christmas Eve. Other activities include swimming in a park, participating in city life and sharing a meal with family and close friends.

What are some Christmas activities in France?

9 Things to Do in France at Christmas

• Sample the seasonal fare.
• Shop for gifts at a Christmas market.
• Take yourself on a Christmas décor tour.
• Stoke your love of skiing on the slopes.
• Experience a winter wonderland.
• Paris is even more stunning during Christmastime.
• Soak up the sun on the Riviera.

What is the most famous tradition in France?

The 14th of July, or Bastille Day is easily one of the most celebrated French traditions. This is the French National Holiday, or the equivalent of Independence Day in many other countries. Bastille Day refers to the storming of the Bastille on July 14th, 1789.

What are some traditions in France?

Traditional French Holidays and Festivals

• Labour Day on May 1.
• World War II Victory Day on May 8.
• Feast of the Ascension, held 40 days after Easter, typically a Thursday in May.
• All Saints Day (La Toussaint) on November 1, when graves are adorned with wreaths or potted chrysanthemums.
• Armistice Day on November 11.

What is a unique tradition in France?

France’s April Fools’ Day pranks are a little fishy Not only does this delightful and uniquely French tradition see young children pranking adults by sticking a paper fish onto their back, they also dash away swiftly and yell “poisson d’avril!”

Did you know the French traditions of Christmas?

Did you know that the French traditions of Christmas play an integral part in celebrating the birth of Jesus in France? Well, the festive season consists of many favourite customs such as the Christmas tree, the chocolate bûche, the Père Noël and the great Christmas Eve dinner.

Where to see Christmas lights in France?

Read more about the French traditions of Christmas in Paris. Apart from Paris, the City of Lights, one has to get to the North-East of France to discover the lights of Christmas, The “lumières de Noël” are inextricably related to Christmas markets of Alsace and Lorraine.

When do you open Christmas presents in France?

Often presents are opened on the evening of 24 December, after the Christmas Réveillon dinner or after the midnight mass. Read more about Santa Claus. The presents offered to each other at Christmastime represent Saint Nicolas’s caring attitude for children.

How do the French decorate their streets for Christmas?

And often a glittering Christmas tree standing on the main square. Main cities of France would decorate their streets with repetitive and plain Christmas decorations. In Alsace, tradition has it that the Advent period is the moment to express one’s decorative skills.