Christmas celebration in France

Christmas is the most important festival to be celebrated in France. Various traditions like crí¨che formation, marks the Christmas celebrations in France. Family functions, communal traditions and ceremonial functions are very much a part of the celebration.
 

Christmas traditions in France:

France is a country deeply rooted in its tradition and culture. The three main customs in this country during Christmas includes attending the three masses, visiting the crí¨che and Christ Child procession. Building of crí¨che is one

of the oldest traditions of the country, still followed by the people of today.

 

Apart from these, Pere Noel’s gifts and Pere Fouettard’s punishment is also an ancient belief still practiced in the country. In this Christmas custom, children leave their shoes in front of the fireplace. They hope Pere Noel or Papa Noel to visit and leave gifts for them in the shoes and also leave candies and fruits in the decorated Christmas trees.

 

La Messe de Minuit or attending the midnight mass is also an important tradition followed by the people of France. The masses are followed by Le Reveillon, which is a traditional feast marking the birth of Christ.

 

Christmas masses, family crí¨ches and the carols are commonly followed religion based customs in the country.

 

Christmas markets in France:

 

France celebrates Christmas with full zeal. Shopping at the Christmas markets in France is an amazing experience, with shops and stalls decorated with Christmas goodies, gifts and dí©cor items. You can find handcrafted items and latest goods along with traditional dí©cor items like, Santa Claus, wreaths and bells. Some of the best places to shop for during Christmas are:

 

1. Strasbourg Christmas Market
2. Christmas Market in Lyon
3. Christmas Market in Colmar
4. Nantes Christmas Market
5. Christmas Market in Avignon
6. Saverne Christmas Market
7. Christmas Market in Amiens
8. Arras Christmas Market

 

Top Christmas restaurants :

 

Christmas parties in

France are thrilling. You will love to dine at these restaurants, which pampers you the best in the Christmas season.

 

1. The Place
2. Cafí© les Saisons
3. Le Lup
4. Au Zaganin
5. Le Brigadier
6. Bio Sphere Cafí©
7. Restaurant Les Etoiles

 

Top Christmas Recipes :

 

Food is an important part of the Christmas celebrations in France. You will love to savor some of the mouthwatering delicacies during the festival.

 

• Baba Au Rhum
• Fougasse Bread
• Hazelnut and Chocolate brownies
• Provence style Tomatoes
• Pain d’Epices Recipes
• Honey Lacquered Duck Breast
• La Buche de Noel

 

Top Christmas holiday destinations:

 

If you have decided to spend your holidays in the country and enjoy its Christmas celebrations, you surely want to visit the best place. The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm all over the country. You can though, visit some of the holiday destinations that are known for its Christmas celebrations. Such Christmas holiday locations in France include:

 

• Paris
• Strasbourge
• Aix-en-Provence

Last updated on 14/07/2011