France is a country that does Christmas well and celebrates throughout the month of December. In France, Christmas is celebrated with lots of traditional food, decorations, and activities. Here are some fun facts about French Christmas traditions that will make your holiday season even more enjoyable!

Fun Facts about Christmas in France

1.  The Christmas tree is usually decorated with ornaments and lights in the traditional French style. The most popular color combination is red, white, and gold.
2. Santa Claus is called “Père Noël” in France and comes to visit children on the night before Christmas. He is often portrayed as an old man with a long white beard, a red cloak, and a fur-lined hood.
3. Nativity scenes have been popular in France since the 16th century. Many families create them as part of their decorations during the festive season.
4. On Christmas Eve, a festive dinner called the Réveillon is served after midnight mass. It consists of dishes such as oysters, foie gras, seafood platters, and more.
5. On Christmas morning, families gather around the tree and exchange gifts. Common French presents include books, candy, perfume, and clothing.
6. On New Year’s Eve, the French celebrate by wishing each other “Bonne année!” (Happy New Year!) and exchanging kisses.
7. Christmas in Paris is much more decorative and glamorous than Christmas in other parts of France, but both are charming in their way.
8. “The Capital of Christmas” is in France! It is in a town called Strasbourg, known for its Christmas Markets and lots of decorations.

What to make to celebrate like the French at Christmas

In France, the Yule Log is a big symbol of the season. It is a large log that burns from Christmas Eve and all the way until Christmas Morning as a way to welcome in the Season. Today some families burn the ends of their Christmas Trees, some get a really big log from the store, and many others decide to eat it instead! Read on….

 Buche de Noel

The Buche de Noel is an unusual-looking but delicious-tasting dessert. It is a French interpretation of the Yule log, but instead of wood, it is made from delicious cake and buttercream.

This looks difficult to make, but it is supposed to look like a log, so it needn’t be perfect!

Here is the recipe

What to make for a French Christmas craft

Yule Log Ornament

Remember the Buche de Noel we made for dessert? We will make a yule log you can hang on your Christmas Tree!

 

We will be following the awesome tutorial from Preschool Crafts for Kids.

Here is the tutorial.

Now that you have made your Yule Log, you can hang it from your Christmas tree or in a window and remember how Christmas in France is celebrated.

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Eiffel Tower Ornament

At Christmas, the Eiffel tower is all lit up, and you can see it for miles around! We will also make an Eiffel tower ornament for the Christmas tree.

This tutorial is from the site Nontoygifts and is a great family activity.

 

All you need are some brightly colored straws and a little bit of patience.

Check out the tutorial here!

French Christmas Carols

French Christmas Carols are similar to ones you might already know. But there may be some new ones for you. Here are some popular French carols that you can learn and sing:• Il Est Ne Le Divin Enfant (He Has Come, The Divine Child)• Mon Beau Sapin (O Christmas Tree) • Les Anges Dans Nos Campagnes (Angels We Have Heard On High)• Venez Divin Messie (Come, Divine Messiah) • Les Bergers d’la Crèche (Shepherds of the Stable). Enjoy singing these traditional songs and wishing your friends and family “Joyeux Noël!”

Listen to some French Carols Here

 

 

What to read about Christmas in France

This book is all about Christmas in France. You can learn all about how children celebrate Christmas. It is a great book for kids ages 5-10.

No products found.

 

Want to Decorate with some French Christmas Decor?

There are many beautiful Christmas decor pieces from around the world linked in this post on Christmas around the world.

I particularly love the Nativity creches that are found all over France!

 

I hope this inspires you to add some new things to your Christmas celebrations this year! I have written a number of posts about countries all over the world. Check out my homepage and click on Travel the World from Home.

If you are interested in more of this series, check out the article on Christmas in New Zealand.

Last update on 2026-06-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API