French Christmas Celebration | Part 2

In Part 1, we covered the Advent season, decorations, and church traditions. Now, we dive into the heart of French Christmas: (pronounced reh-vay-on ), the long, lavish dinner held on Christmas Eve (December 24th) after midnight mass — or sometimes on Christmas Day itself.

For those seeking a more maritime centerpiece, the Réveillon might feature a Chapon de Mer (a large, expensive lobster) or a Bar en Croûte (sea bass baked in a pastry crust).

On Christmas Day, or le jour de Noël, families gather together to share a festive meal, often featuring many of the traditional dishes mentioned earlier. The day is spent relaxing, enjoying good food and company, and perhaps engaging in a few traditional activities, such as playing games or going for a winter walk. French Christmas Celebration Part 2

Many families reduce the 13 to 7 or 9, but the spirit remains: abundance and sharing.

(coming next), we’ll explore:

French Christmas celebrations are a true delight, filled with rich traditions, delicious food and drink, and festive festivities. From decorating the home to enjoying a midnight mass, and from savoring foie gras to sampling mulled wine at a festive market, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're French or simply visiting the country during the holiday season, Christmas in France is an unforgettable experience that's sure to leave you feeling festive and inspired. Joyeux Noël!

where 13 different sweets, representing Jesus and the 12 Apostles, are served [8, 16]. Galette des Rois (Epiphany): In Part 1, we covered the Advent season,

This ritual causes immense joy and cheating (parents usually slide the slice with the fève to a child, who then screams "I am the king!"). Bakeries sell hundreds of these cakes in the first week of January. It is the perfect, low-stress end to the high-stress luxury of Christmas.

If you want a universally loved French Christmas main, choose dinde aux marrons — it’s classic, festive, and available in most French supermarkets in December. On Christmas Day, or le jour de Noël,