Christmas
Latest news, information and cultural background about Christmas and yuletide traditions.
Why is Christmas 'secular' in France?
France is a secular republic and has laws in place to ensure that religion plays no part in the state - so Christmas is largely counted as a non-religious holiday. Here's how that works.
Vive le vent: The French phrases you need at Christmas time
If you're in France for the festive season then there are few words, phrases and expressions that will come in handy. Joyeux Noël is a decent start, but here are some thoughts on where to go from there.
What’s open and what's closed in France over Christmas
Christmas is a holiday and a time for family get-togethers in France, but not everything shuts down over the festive period.
Why do the French eat so much seafood at Christmas?
If you've spent time in France over Christmas one thing you're likely to have noticed is the amount of fish and seafood that is around, so what are the roots of this festive tradition?
EES and ETA: What to expect when travelling to and from France this Christmas
Christmas is always a busy time for travel, but this year travellers may have to reckon with new rules including the EU's 'Entry & Exit System' and the UK's ETA - here's what to expect if you are travelling to or from France by air, ferry, train or car.
12 unusual French Christmas traditions
From abseiling Santas to floating choirs and mechanical elephants, France has some slightly unusual Christmas customs.
Santons: Meet France's traditional Christmas 'little saints'
Provence in the south of France adds a unique touch to its Christmas celebration with traditional 'santons', little figurines with a big history.
The 12 dishes that make up a classic French Christmas feast
If you're expecting figgy pudding and mince pies in France at Christmas you're likely to be disappointed - but the home of gastronomy of course has some wonderful festive food traditions of its own. French food blogger Florence Richomme explains more.
Will France have a white Christmas this year?
Beloved of Christmas card designers and directors of festive films, an official white Christmas is actually a rare event in western Europe - so what are the chances for France in 2025?
10 food and drink treats to sample at French Christmas markets
As well as shopping for gifts, French Christmas markets also offer a great opportunity to try regional and seasonal food and drink.
Can you bring French meat or cheese into the UK this Christmas?
If you're travelling to the UK from France this Christmas you might be thinking of bringing gifts of France's famously excellent cheese, pâté, charcuterie or foie gras - but a change in British import rules is still in effect.
The French Christmas markets you have to visit in 2025
From huge and world-famous to small, cute and traditional, France has plenty of options for enjoying a Christmas market.
Saint Nicolas: What is the festival celebrated in parts of France on December 6th?
While Christmas is the main event in terms of December festivals, certain parts of France have an extra day of celebration on December 6th.
How kids in France can send letters to Santa Claus this Christmas
The French postal service is now accepting letters to Père Noël - in either English or French. Here's how children across France can send Father Christmas their wishlist.
What's the deal with sending Christmas gifts from France to the US this year?
Sending packages to the US for Christmas this year will likely be more complicated than it has been in previous years. Here's what to expect.
French pawnshops give back for Christmas
They pawned objects worth up to €50 in order to make ends meet and will now receive them back for Christmas in an act of solidarity and charity by a municipally owned pawnshop in southern France.
Trains, roads and planes: What to know about travel in France this Christmas
From rail strikes to traffic warnings, here is the latest on travel by rail, road and air in and around France over Christmas.
Christmas shopping in France: How to avoid scams and fakes
The season of big-spending is upon us, as shoppers up and down the country scour the online stores and high streets of France in search of the perfect Christmas gift – but how can you be sure your purchases are safe and genuine?
Gifts, drinks and dinner: What do the French spend their money on at Christmas?
The average spend for Christmas in France – including food and gifts – is set to be the lowest in eight years amid continuing worries about the cost of living.
11 Christmas gift ideas to stay connected with friends and family back home
The festive season can be difficult for people living abroad far away from their loved ones back home, but we've put together a few gift ideas for staying close to friends and family.
Deadlines to send Christmas packages to and from France in 2024
Christmas is approaching. Here are the deadlines for when you should send your Christmas parcels and letters to and from France.
Advent calendars 'are secular' declares French education minister
Advent calendars are part of a 'largely secular' tradition, France's education minister has ruled, as part of the by-now traditional French Christmas argument over festive events in schools.
10 of the most fun French Christmas traditions
The Christmas and New Year holidays in France are not quite as big a deal as they are in some countries, but they are still full of fun traditions - from eating 13 desserts to visiting a light festival or being stalked by a terrifying old man with a whip.