10 Ways To Celebrate Christmas In France 2020

Christmas in France is a magical time of the year, filled with sparkling lights, festive markets, and delicious holiday treats. From the snow-capped mountains of the Alps to the charming streets of Paris, France offers a unique and unforgettable Christmas experience. In this article, we'll explore 10 ways to celebrate Christmas in France in 2020.

Noël, as Christmas is known in French, is a time for family, friends, and festivities. The holiday season officially begins on December 6th, Saint Nicholas' Day, and lasts until January 6th, Epiphany. During this time, the French enjoy a range of traditions, including decorating their homes, cooking special meals, and exchanging gifts.

1. Visit a French Christmas Market

France is famous for its Christmas markets, which offer a festive atmosphere, local crafts, and delicious food. Some of the most popular Christmas markets in France include the Strasbourg Christmas Market, the Lyon Festival of Lights, and the Paris Champs-Élysées Christmas Market.

What to Expect at a French Christmas Market

• Local crafts and handmade gifts
• Traditional French food, such as mulled wine, gingerbread, and roasted chestnuts
• Festive decorations and lights
• Live music and entertainment
• A magical and cozy atmosphere

2. Go Ice Skating in Paris

Paris is a beautiful city during the winter season, and ice skating is a great way to enjoy the festive atmosphere. The city offers several outdoor ice skating rinks, including the famous rink at the Eiffel Tower.

Best Ice Skating Rinks in Paris

• Eiffel Tower Ice Rink
• Montparnasse Ice Rink
• Champ de Mars Ice Rink
• Galeries Lafayette Ice Rink

3. Take a Sleigh Ride in the French Alps

The French Alps offer a magical winter wonderland, perfect for a festive sleigh ride. Many ski resorts, such as Courchevel and Méribel, offer horse-drawn sleigh rides through the snowy mountains.

Best Ski Resorts for Sleigh Rides

• Courchevel
• Méribel
• Val d'Isère
• Chamonix

4. Enjoy a French Christmas Feast

French cuisine is famous for its rich flavors and delicious dishes, and Christmas is no exception. Traditional French Christmas foods include foie gras, oysters, and bûche de Noël (a Christmas log cake).

Traditional French Christmas Foods

• Foie gras
• Oysters
• Bûche de Noël (Christmas log cake)
• Roasted goose
• Gingerbread

5. Attend a Midnight Mass

Midnight Mass is an important part of French Christmas traditions. Many churches throughout France hold special midnight masses on Christmas Eve, which are often accompanied by beautiful music and decorations.

Best Churches for Midnight Mass

• Notre-Dame de Paris
• Sacré-Cœur Basilica
• Saint-Sulpice Church
• Chartres Cathedral

6. Go on a Christmas Lights Tour

France is famous for its beautiful Christmas lights, which illuminate the streets and buildings of its cities and towns. Many companies offer guided Christmas lights tours, which take you to the most beautiful and festive spots.

Best Cities for Christmas Lights Tours

• Paris
• Lyon
• Bordeaux
• Strasbourg

7. Take a Christmas Cruise on the Seine

A Christmas cruise on the Seine is a unique and romantic way to celebrate the holiday season. Many companies offer special Christmas cruises, which include festive decorations, live music, and a delicious meal.

Best Christmas Cruise Companies

• Bateaux-Mouches
• Vedettes de Paris
• Yachts de Paris
• Le Calife

8. Visit a French Castle

France is famous for its beautiful castles, many of which are decorated festively during the holiday season. Some of the most popular castles to visit at Christmas include the Château de Versailles, the Château de Chambord, and the Château de Chenonceau.

Best Castles to Visit at Christmas

• Château de Versailles
• Château de Chambord
• Château de Chenonceau
• Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte

9. Go Skiing in the French Alps

The French Alps offer some of the best skiing in the world, with resorts like Courchevel, Méribel, and Val d'Isère. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, skiing in the French Alps is a great way to enjoy the festive atmosphere and beautiful winter landscapes.

Best Ski Resorts in the French Alps

• Courchevel
• Méribel
• Val d'Isère
• Chamonix

10. Celebrate New Year's Eve in Paris

New Year's Eve in Paris is a magical experience, with fireworks, live music, and champagne toasts. Many people gather on the Champs-Élysées to watch the famous light show and countdown to midnight.

Best Places to Celebrate New Year's Eve in Paris

• Champs-Élysées
• Eiffel Tower
• Montmartre
• Seine River

We hope this article has inspired you to celebrate Christmas in France in 2020. Whether you're interested in trying traditional French Christmas foods, visiting a festive Christmas market, or going skiing in the French Alps, there's something for everyone in France during the holiday season. Don't forget to share your own French Christmas experiences with us in the comments below!