In parts of
Northern France, Christmas arrives (as he does in Belgium)
on St.
Nicholas Day on December 6th when Père Noel, or Father
Christmas, is known to deliver toys and treats to deserving
good little girls and boys.
For most of
regions of the country, French children can count on waking up
on Christmas morning to find presents from Père
Noel, but not before staying up late the night before for
the main celebration on Christmas Eve.
That's when
homes or neighborhood restaurants are filled with friends and
family celebrating the traditional le réveillon, or Christmas
feast, usually consisting of lots of seafood appetizers followed
by a big roast goose or turkey, all washed down with lots of good
local wine or champagne. The evening may be topped off with a
variety of French pastries, or the traditional Bûche
de Noël, a rich and creamy yulelog cake.
Even in sophisticated Paris, the holidays bring out warm and friendly crowds to shop the traditional Paris Christmas markets in season throughout December.
Around the
Web, find out what else goes into the making of a fine French
Christmas with more on on holiday customs, sights, sounds, food
and feasting ...
More information about Christmas in France around the Web:
The Francofiles Christmas in France Noel en France - Check out an extensive look at customs and traditions, including typical French Christmas decorations, menus & recipes, carol lyrics in French and English, photo gallery, word glossary.
Christmas
Traditions in France and in Canada - Find colorful comparisons of Old
World and New World French traditions with information on the
Christmas creche, family celebrations, religious ceremonies and
historical background from the Middle Ages and beyond.
Christmas
shopping in Paris
- Check out a beautifully illustrated overview of Paris Christmas Markets along with more on holiday shopping in Strasbourg and other cities.
The Best Christmas Markets in France - Check out the most popular Christmas markets and festive events happening this winter with photos and details on those in Paris, Strasbourg,
Alsace, Menton and elsewhere throughout the country.
Noël
à Strasbourg - Strasbourg Christmas Market
- Discover a knockout Web site with all you need to know about France's
best and biggest Christmas market including the complete December
- January schedule of events, historical background, practical
info and transportation, contact details.