Experience the magical Christmas and New Year’s Eve in France! Christmas time is coming to town with the best of it! Let the magic of Christmas and New Year amazes you. Christmas and New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to gather with friends and family. If you haven’t planned anything yet, apply for a France Visa and enjoy one of the best Christmas and New Year’s of your life in France.
Christmas Markets in France
Colmar
Colmar market was voted as the 2nd best European Christmas Market. Enjoy the soothing ambiance of old town with beautiful lightning enhancing town’s heritage, embellished like a fairy tale, and beautiful lights all over the Colmar. Colmar town centre features numerous architectural treasures like old churches, monuments and museums from the Middle ages to 19th century. The whole town is decorated with mesmerizing lights, turning the old center into an open air theater.
Strasbourg
The first edition of European oldest Christmas markets took place in Strasbourg in 1570, well known as the “Christkindelsmärik” (market of the Infant Jesus). Since then, this tradition of authentic and generous Alsatian Christmas has been continued in Strasbourg and this is why “Strasbourg, the Capital of Christmas” persists to gain repeated success.
The Strasbourg’s unique atmosphere offers 300 stalls, splendid Christmas trees, ravishing shows and concerts, events and activities, and an enduring Christmas celebration.
Amiens
Amiens Christmas Market has attracted visitors of all ages since 1997. The craftsmen of France and from across the globe offers a variety of handmade gifts and delicious delicacies in the Amiens Christmas Market. This year, the flower arranging displays are organized by Andrée Joinville.
Reims
Enjoy the magic of Christmas in Reims with your friends and family . Apply for France Visa and spend a unforgettable weekend exploring the Christmas markets in France and the streets of Reims, explore 145 chalets assembled on the Parvis of the Cathedrale, relish typical meals and beverages, enjoy sipping a glass of champagne above the illuminated city.
Metz
Metz is one of the most visited Christmas markets of France. Metz is famous for its stunning gothic cathedral, which established a branch in the Lorraine city in 2010.You can find hand-crafted gifts, enjoy mulled wine or hot chocolate. Traditional treats like the merry-go-round. Also, take a walk through the magical “Sentiers des lanternes”, or take a turn around an open ice-rink.
Christmas and New Year’s in Paris
If you are planning for Christmas and New Year’s in Paris, the champs-Elysées is the best place to welcome the brand new year. Generally, people start assembling this famous avenue by 9 PM on New Year’s Eve to get a amazing view of Eiffel tower where they can enjoy a sparkling light show at midnight.
Celebrate New year’s eve in France
New Year’s Eve is also known as “La Saint-Sylvestre” in French as because December 31 is the feast day of Saint Sylvestre.
Though there aren’t many traditions for New Year’s Eve in France, one of the most popular one is kissing under the mistletoe and counting down to midnight. Many communities and towns also organize a ball which is often a costumed affair. At midnight, participants kiss each other on the cheek two or four times. The French make New Year’s resolutions and welcomes the brand new year with a glass of champagne.
The ancient Babylonians are believed to be the first people to make New Year’s resolutions around 4,000 years ago. Nowadays , the tradition of making a New Year’s resolution has become an unavoidable part of the New Year’s tradition especially in the western Hemisphere, including France.
French New Year’s Meal
There’s no particular food tradition for the New Year’s celebration in France. People may choose a formal meal or something buffet style for a party— no matter what’s being served- Champagne, wine, oysters, cheese, and other gourmet delicacies are a must . Just be careful, do not drink too much or you may end up with a serious hangover.
There are plenty of restaurants, clubs, hotels, and bars with special offerings on New Year’s Eve.
Typical New Year’s Gifts in France
People generally don’t exchange gifts for the New Year in France, although some do. However, people generally give monetary gifts to delivery men, postal workers, household employees, and other service workers around Christmas and New Year’s Eve in France.
Planning to go to France? You really need to learn these few French words! This will make your France visit more comfortable!
- Happy New Year: Bonne Année! Joyeuse Année!
- Happy New Year and good health: Bonne année et bonne santé
- Happy holidays: Joyeuses fêtes!
- Season’s greetings: Meilleurs vœux!
- All my/our wishes for the New Year: Tous mes/nos voeux pour la Nouvelle Année
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