What do they call Christmas in France?

In Breton (spoken by some people in Brittany, Northern France) it's 'Nedeleg Laouen', in Corsican it's 'Bon Natale' and in Alsatian (spoken by some people in Alsace, in Eastern France) it's 'E güeti Wïnâchte'.

What is the word for Christmas in France?

The French translation for Christmas is Noël.

What is the Christmas feast in France called?

In France, the main festive Christmas meal is enjoyed on the Christmas Eve - December 24th. The tradition has its name - it's called Le Réveillon - and basically it's a long dinner followed by staying up all night for the arrival of Père Noël: Father Christmas - French Santa Claus.

What do France call Santa?

Santa Claus, as in other cultures and languages, there are many ways to call Santa Claus in French, like, “Père Noël”, “Papa Noël”, “Saint Nicolas”. The most commonly used “Père Noël”.

What is France known for Christmas?

As it is in so many places, Christmas in France is all about family, friends, and food. While it's generally a low-key affair marked by gatherings of relatives and treats for children, it also has the culinary high point of the year: Le Réveillon de Noël (Christmas Eve dinner).

What is Christmas like in France?

What does Santa look like in France?

Père Noël, much like Father Christmas or Santa, is generally seen in France as a kindly old man with a white beard, wearing red robes with white fur lining. Since the first references to this character, which appeared in the 19th century, he has become a central image of Christmas for French children.

What are 3 facts about Christmas in France?

These are some unique facts about Christmas in France. The word “Noël” first appeared in France in the 12th century. Christmas was set on December 25th by a Pope in 354. Christmas trees came to France from Germany in the 16th century.

Does French Santa say Ho Ho Ho?

Although the Père Noël largely resembles this image, there are a few differences that make him French – and no, it's not because he walks around with a baguette and cigarette in hand, nor does he say “Oh là là” instead of “Ho ho ho”. Here are a few reasons why the French Santa Claus is different.

Do the French put up Christmas trees?

Decorating for Christmas is very common in France. Many households, public spaces, and businesses are decorated with lights and Christmas trees. Advent wreaths (Couronnes de l'Avent) are also common, they are made up of fir and pine tree branches for the first Sunday of Advent.

What do French children call Santa?

In France, the name for Santa is simply Père Noël, which translates to Father Christmas. You might also hear the little ones calling him Papa Noël, but it all amounts to the same thing.

What do the French drink at Christmas?

Families usually kick things off by opening a bottle of fine Champagne, like the Champagne Paul Michel. Others may choose to begin with a traditional method French Crémant from the Loire, Limoux or Burgundy and bring out the Champagne later in the meal.

What are 5 facts about Christmas in France?

Is Christmas big in France?

With the scrumptious feasts, magical markets, charming traditions and beautiful decorations, Christmas really is the most wonderful time of year in France. From the gift-giving Père Noël to the magnificent Réveillon and the Fête des Rois traditions, here is how to celebrate a real French Christmas. Joyeux Noël!

Why is Christmas called Noel in France?

Where did the word Noel come from? The first records of the word Noel in English come from the early 1800s. It comes from French Nöel—the French way of saying “Merry Christmas” is Joyeux Noël. The word derives from Latin word nātālis (diēs), meaning “birthday.” Another name for Christmas is Nativity.

What do the French eat at Christmas?

Christmas Dinner

Dishes might include roast turkey with chestnuts or roast goose, oysters, foie gras, lobster, venison and cheeses. For dessert, a chocolate sponge cake log called a bûche de Noël is normally eaten. Another celebration, in some parts of France, is that 13 different desserts are eaten!

What are the 13 desserts of Christmas in France?

What food do they eat in France on Christmas?

How does Santa dress in France?

In France, Père Noël, also known as Father Christmas, is the gift-giving figure during the holiday season. Père Noël is often depicted as a bearded man in a red suit and hat.

Do French people believe in Santa?

Père Noël The familiar white-bearded character of Father Christmas is ever-present in the French festive season, but his name is Père Noël. Not of French origins initially, Sinterklaas was a Dutch/German inspiration whose name gradually morphed into Saint Nicholas over time.

What food do people eat in France?

What is the most Christmassy town in France?

Strasbourg, Capital of Christmas.

What do French children do for Christmas?

What is Christmas like in France? Forget about stockings, it's all about the shoes as each child leaves a pair of their own shoes at the foot of the Christmas tree before going to bed on Christmas Eve. This means Father Christmas will know exactly where to leave everyone's presents.

Do the French hang stockings?

The favourite British tradition of the Christmas stocking isn't really a thing in France, as it's replaced by children leaving out their shoes and boots for St Nicholas instead. Both traditions come from the same place, however.

What do French kids leave out for Santa?

France Carrots and Biscuits

While in France, Père Noël munches on some tasty biscuits as his ultimate snack, while his reindeer refuel on carrots. Children leave the carrots in their shoes, which Ol' Pierre then fills with toys and sweets to thank them for being so helpful to his traveling companions.

What does Santa eat in France?

In France, children leave out carrots and cookies in their shoes. The French make sure Santa Claus isn't hungry by leaving him treats — like biscuits — as well as carrots for the reindeer. They typically leave the goodies in their shoes and awake to find the food gone and presents in their place.