Christmas

The Observance of Christmas, also known as Noël in French, serves as a combination of religious and secular celebrations. The nativity of Jesus Christ in Christianity and festive merriment co-exist in harmony during this event. Despite its Christian rooted origin, over time, the Observance has transcended religious boundaries, with most people recognizing it as a celebration of love, peace, giving, and a tradition in family union. The Christmas tree, Midnight Mass, gift-giving, and communal feasts underscore the important aspects of this Observance.

Christmas in France has a rich history. During the Gallo-Roman times in France, the pagan celebration of the winter solstice was the chief festivity. With Christianity's advent, the Observance of Christmas supplanted this festival over time. Although the format has evolved, the essence remains: celebrating light in the midst of winter darkness. For French people, Christmas holds a unique warmth. It is notably marked with “La Messe de Minuit” (Midnight Mass), displaying nativity scenes called “la crèche,” and the grand “Réveillon” (Feast). Moreover, French regions have their distinctive customs, such as “Santons” (hand-painted terracotta nativity figurines) in Provence and “La fête de la Lumière” (Festival of Lights) in Lyon.

The Observance of Christmas in France typically begins with the Advent on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. It involves an Advent calendar, usually for children, counting down the days until Christmas. The actual Christmas celebrations start on December 24 with families gathering for the grand Réveillon dinner followed by the Midnight Mass. Decorated streets, homes, and shops are emblematic of this season. Cities and towns across France hold Christmas markets, serving as hubs for Christmas delicacies, artwork, crafts, and gifts. As in many other countries, Christmas in France is a public holiday and is observed on the 25th of December.