Translations
Joyeux Noël
What is Merry Christmas?
Gingerbread
What is Pain d'épices?
Marchés de Noël
Christmas Markets! Towns across the country host festive Christmas markets.
Noël dernier
What is Last Christmas?
Le Père Noël
What is Santa Claus (Father Christmas)?
A common entrée
What is Foie Gras? Commonly served on brioche and gingerbread with sweet wine or jam
La Messe de Minuit
Midnight Mass- Many families attend church services late on Christmas Eve, followed by the continuation of the Réveillon
Tout ce que je veux pour Noël, c'est toi
What is All I want for Christmas is you?
Les lutins
What is elves?
Popularly served before dessert
Les fromages! A curated board of French cheeses (such as Brie, Comté, Roquefort, or Chèvre) are served with a simple green salad dressed in a light French vinaigrette before dessert
The main event of the holiday season
Le Réveillon de Noël (Christmas Eve): The main event of the holiday season is a long, multi-course feast held on December 24th that often stretches into the early morning
Ça commence à bien ressembler à Noël
What is It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas?
The oldest French Christmas market
The oldest Christmas market in France is the Christkindelsmärik in Strasbourg, which has been held continuously since 1570.
Une crèche
What is a nativity scene?
La Bûche de Noël
What is A traditional Yule log cake? Usually a rolled sponge cake covered in rich chocolate or chestnut buttercream—serves as the dessert
La Galette des Rois: The holiday season officially wraps up on January 6th with the cutting of the King Cake, which contains a hidden porcelain charm (la fève)
C'est la plus merveilleuse période de l'année
What is It's the most wonderful time of the year?
When did the word Noël first appear in French texts
Early 12th century
Meilleurs vœux
What is Best wishes / Season's greetings?
Les Treize Desserts
In Provence, families traditionally serve 13 different desserts representing Jesus and the 12 apostles, featuring dried fruits, nuts, and local sweets
Shoes! Instead of hanging stockings, French children leave their shoes or slippers (les souliers) near the fireplace or under the Christmas tree for Père Noël to fill with small gifts, candies, and fruit
Se déhancher autour du sapin de Noël
The 1962 French Postal Service law
By a 1962 French law, any letter sent by a child to Père Noël is legally required to receive a written response