French Christmas Celebration Part 2 Jun 2026

The Réveillon is a true culinary marathon, and the menu can vary by region. In , it might feature coq au vin . In Alsace , roast goose is a star. In Paris and the north, you'll find a luxurious array of delicacies:

Note: In France, December 26th is a public holiday (except in Alsace-Moselle, which follows German traditions). Most French people return to work on the 26th. This is why Christmas Eve is so intensely celebrated – it’s the only long night.

How like La Chandeleur (Crepe Day) connect to this season. French Christmas Celebration Part 2

In early January, many Provençal villages perform the Pastrage , a traditional procession where local shepherds dressed in historic costume travel to the local church to present the newborn lamb of the season to the altar, accompanied by traditional flutes ( galoubets ) and drums ( tambourins ). Northern France and Flanders: Saint Sylvester Parades

Don’t serve the full meal too early. Réveillon is slow and social – plan for a 9 PM or 10 PM start. The Réveillon is a true culinary marathon, and

New Year’s Eve, known as Le Réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre , is celebrated with a second "Réveillon"—a lavish feast similar to Christmas Eve Olea Voyages.

The tradition of serving the cake follows a strict, playful ritual: In Paris and the north, you'll find a

At midnight, people embrace under the mistletoe ( le gui )—a botanical tradition that the French specifically associate with New Year's Eve rather than Christmas Day. They wish each other " Bonne Année " (Happy New Year). On January 1 ( Le Jour de l'An ), it is customary to exchange cards and small monetary gifts or tips, known as étrennes , with service workers like mail carriers, firefighters, and concierges to thank them for their year-long service. Epiphany and the Finale of the Season

In Part 1 , we explored the magic of the French Réveillon —the lavish, late-night feast held on Christmas Eve after Midnight Mass. However, in France, the celebration does not end when the last piece of bûche de Noël is eaten on December 24th.