What happens in southern France in Christmas?

The Pastorale or Christmas theatre A 'Pastorale' sometimes accompanies midnight mass and remains synonymous with a Christmas in traditional Provence. It's a theatrical performance of the Nativity, sung and spoken in Provençal. A little as though the santons of the crib had come to life.

What do they do at Christmas in France?

Many people in France put up a Christmas tree, visit a special church service, eat an elaborate meal and open gifts on Christmas Eve. Other activities include walking in the park, participating in city life and sharing a meal with family and close friends.

What are the Christmas traditions in Provence?

Christmas in Provence-Alps-Côte d'Azur offers up a feast of festivities and traditions: Saint Barbara's “wheat of hope”, Saint Lucia's lanterns, the crib scene decorated with “Santon” clay figurines, culinary rituals such as the “Gros Souper” supper and Thirteen Desserts on Christmas Eve, the “Pastrage” shepherds' ...

Where is the best place to go for Christmas in France?

Although the French capital is truly one of the best places to celebrate Christmas, Strasbourg arguably has it beat. While Paris is the capital of France, Strasbourg is widely considered the French Christmas capital. It's practically synonymous with the holiday season.

How is Christmas different in France?

While in North America, Christmas Eve tends to be a quieter affair, with the main festivities, opening of gifts and large family gatherings on Christmas Day, in France Christmas Eve is often a very special time for family to gather, enjoy a meal (either large or small, depending on local or familial tradition), perhaps ...

What Happens on Christmas in France

What are 5 facts about Christmas in France?

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 the most Christmassy town in France?

Strasbourg, Capital of Christmas.

What is the most beautiful Christmas village in France?

The small town of Colmar is one of the most exquisite in France with its historic center filled with medieval half-timbered houses and small winding canals. During Christmas, the streets of Colmar are impeccably decorated. It's impossible not to be amazed and get swept up into the magic of the season.

Where is the Christmas Village in France?

At Christmastime, Alsace-Lorraine is where it's at, and it's capital city Strasbourg is the region's—and Europe's—top destination de Noël. Its half-timbered buildings, giant Christmas tree (at Place Kléber) and 300 glittering Christmas chalets make an eye-catching setting for a citywide Marché de Noël.

What is a famous Christmas tradition in France?

Shoes by the Fire. In other countries, the tradition varies slightly with stockings and nibbles and drinks for Father Christmas, but French children leave their shoes by the fireplace in the hope that Father Christmas will fill them with presents.

How many desserts are served at Christmas in Provence?

Thirteen desserts are enjoyed after Christmas Eve dinner, traditionally representing Jesus and his twelve Apostles. Each guest must eat all thirteen in order to guarantee good luck for the year to come (13 is the minimum, we are presenting 14 here).

What is a Calendale?

This festive season, known as the Calendal period, runs from 4 December until Candlemas. There are lots of events and activities during this period: visiting Christmas markets, fairs with Christmas figurines, nativity scenes, and strolling through villages beautifully decorated with lights, to name just a few.

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.

What do the French call Christmas?

In France, Santa is called Père Noël (pronounced Peh-r No-eh-l), literally 'Father Christmas. ' As you may have guessed, the word for 'Christmas' is Noël, and it's named after the Saint who is celebrated on December 25. Back before Père Noël became the symbol of Christmas, the French celebrated Saint Nicolas.

What are the 13 desserts of Christmas in France?

What food do they eat in France on Christmas?

What do French people watch on Christmas?

Is Christmas Eve big in France?

Elsewhere in France, families exchange presents on Christmas Eve, which tends to be the biggest day of celebrations throughout Europe. Some families in France even wait until the 6th January, which is Epiphany or 'Three Kings Day', to give their gifts to each other.

Does France have any Christmas traditions?

“La crèche” is an important French Christmas tradition. It's part of the French Christmas decorations, and is a traditional element of the French Catholic Christmas. “Une crèche” – a Christmas manger in English – represents the night of the birth of baby Jesus.

What is the most popular Christmas decoration in France?

The most popular Christmas decoration in France is the Nativity scene, or “la crèche,” often featuring hand-painted terracotta figurines called “Santons.”

What part of France has sunshine for Christmas?

Happily, the south of France benefits from sunny weather all year round. Yes, you've got it, the Côte d'Azur is the perfect destination for. And trust us, the sunshine is not its only asset! Discover our 5 reasons for choosing the Côte d'Azur for the end of year festivities.

Do the French put up Christmas trees?

Like in most Westernised countries, the French put their tree up at the beginning of the season – whenever they choose to celebrate – and they will lay the gifts donated by Père Noël under the tree.

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.

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.