6 Awesome Christmas Traditions in Paris You Should Experience
Christmas in Paris is seriously one-of-a-kind. The city takes all the end-of-year traditions and turns them up a notch, making it an absolute must-visit during this festive season.
As a Belgian, I used to hop over to Paris for a weekend getaway since it’s just a quick train ride away (only an hour and a half). Now that my parents live in France, my husband and I make it a point to spend a few days in the city before heading to Bordeaux.
But let me tell you, Christmas in Paris has always held a special place in my heart. Even though I was close by, there are certain traditions and cultural aspects of Christmas in Paris that we don’t have in Belgium. And who knows, you might not have them either!
To help you make the most of Christmas and New Year in Paris, here are 6 unique Christmas and New Year traditions in the city that you absolutely have to experience when you’re there!
Réveillon: The Grand Christmas Eve Feast
Réveillon is the fancy French family feast of all feasts, and it happens on Christmas Eve. It’s THE traditional Christmas Eve meal for French families.
This extravagant multi-course feast lasts well into the night. It kicks off with an apéritif (usually a glass of champagne and some appetizers), followed by mouthwatering dishes like foie gras, oysters, smoked salmon, and even escargot (yup, snails!).
The main course usually features a roasted bird – typically turkey or goose – stuffed with chestnuts.
And then it’s time for the cheese and dessert, which is usually a divine Bûche de Noël (yule log).
The name Réveillon refers to the late hour when the guests are expected to “awaken” (réveiller in French) from the table.
This Christmas Eve feast tradition dates back to the early 19th century, stemming from the practice of devout Catholics attending Midnight Mass before gathering for a nighttime feast.
While not as many French families go to Midnight Mass nowadays, they still love indulging in a fabulous family feast on Christmas Eve!
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Midnight Mass at Notre Dame
In 2019, for the first time in over 200 years, there was no Midnight Mass at Notre Dame.
As I mentioned earlier, attending Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve is a deeply rooted tradition for devout Christians. And in Paris, Notre Dame has always been the go-to spot.
Since the famous cathedral is undergoing restoration (expected to reopen in 2024), there are alternative chapels and churches in the city where you can attend Midnight Mass.
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The Paris Christmas Markets
One place I highly recommend checking out during this time is the gorgeous little church called Sainte Chapelle – it’s absolutely breathtaking! Another option is the Sacré-Cœur, where you’ll be treated to an incredible view of the city when you step out of the Basilica. Exploring the Christmas Markets of Paris
Christmas in Paris is pure magic.
The heart of the city is transformed into festive Christmas markets known as Marchés de Noel. These markets offer all sorts of seasonal decorations, gifts, and crafts.There’s also lots of delicious gourmet food and drinks to enjoy, like hot mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. The biggest market is the Christmas Village at La Défense, which has over 350 chalets.
Other popular markets include the Magic of Christmas at the Tuileries Garden, the Alsatian market at Gare de l’Est, and the charming Montmartre market.
From mid-November to early January, the streets of Paris light up with twinkling lights, creating a really cheerful and festive atmosphere.
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Window displays at Lafayette and Printemps
One of the highlights of the Christmas season in Paris are the window displays at Galeries Lafayette and Printemps.
These famous department stores on Boulevard Haussmann are known for their amazing displays that are loved by kids and adults alike.
Each year, they come up with different themes and designs that showcase the most beautiful animated scenes. In 2022, Printemps had a circus theme with special wooden stairs for kids to get a better view.
Galeries Lafayette’s display, titled ‘Planet Fir Tree,’ featured various tree installations and even included pieces from galleries and museums. In 2023, Printemps was adorned with 25,000 flowers designed by Iris Van Herpen from the Château de Versailles museum.
Sometimes, artists are hired to create these enchanting window displays. In 2023, artist Mathilde Nivet created 11 Galeries Lafayette windows filled with intricately crafted paper birds.
These Parisian department stores never fail to captivate the crowds with their magical Christmas window displays.
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The Crèche Vivante (Living Nativity Scene)
The Crèche Vivante, or Living Nativity, is a unique French Christmas event, where a live portrayal of the nativity story is performed by ordinary villagers wearing costumes to play the Holy Family, shepherds, Wise Men, and important community figures.
These independent groups often perform in the village square, inside the church, or in open fields during cold weather – all while recreating the Bethlehem stable.
The atmosphere is one of reverence and awe.
The setting is usually minimal and quiet, allowing the audience to absorb the Christmas story.
Sometimes, within the 10-minute performance, the villagers incorporate a short play or narration that includes local traditions or connects to local folklore.
The Crèche Vivante takes the tradition of the nativity scene to the next level, creating a powerful and emotional event that embodies the spirit of Christmas.
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La Bûche de Noël (Yule Log)
La Bûche de Noël, also known as the Yule Log Cake, is a classic French Christmas dessert that has become a traditional holiday treat worldwide.This awesome dessert is made by rolling a chocolate sponge cake filled with whipped cream frosting into a cylinder and frosting outside it to look like a curling wooden log.
The cake is like a modern version of the Yule log, which people used to burn in their homes across Europe on Christmas Eve (back in the day when they followed the Julian calendar). It was believed to bring back the sun during the darkest days of winter and bring good luck for the upcoming year.
Nowadays, the Bûche de Noël is decorated with meringue mushrooms, sugared cranberries, and sprigs of rosemary to give it a rustic woodland look.
While chocolate is the classic filling, you can also find variations with coffee or chestnut, as well as fruit creams or frostings. Served at Christmas feasts, it’s a festive and nostalgic reminder of the traditional, Franco-Provencal cuisine.
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