French Christmas Celebration Part 2 ~upd~ Direct
The holiday spirit transitions into La Saint-Sylvestre on December 31st. Unlike Christmas, which is strictly for family, New Year’s Eve is celebrated with friends. High-end restaurants offer bespoke tasting menus, and champagne flows freely. At midnight, the French exchange kisses under the mistletoe ( le gui ) and wish each other a Bonne Année (Happy New Year). The Grand Finale: Epiphany and the Galette des Rois
French Christmas Celebration Part 2: From the Feast to the New Year French Christmas Celebration Part 2
Running throughout Advent, the (Christmas markets) are the beating heart of the French festive season. While they have German origins, France has embraced them wholeheartedly. Strasbourg , known as the "Capital of Christmas," hosts France’s oldest market, the Christkindelsmärik , which dates back to 1570. For the 2025 season, it operates from November 26 to December 24. The holiday spirit transitions into La Saint-Sylvestre on
Yes, you read that correctly: for a single family meal. This is the ultimate expression of French regional pride. At midnight, the French exchange kisses under the