Commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, 25th December is a day filled with religious and cultural importance. You might have gotten an idea with Jesus Christ about the day we are talking about? It’s the most charming festival, i.e. Christmas!
If you love celebrating vibrant festivals and dive into the joy of Christmas, then France should be at the top of your bucket list. With the vibrant feasts, charming traditions, magical markets, and beautiful decorations, France christmas celebration is the most wonderful time. From destinations to traditions, here is how to celebrate French Christmas and get a France visa appointment, which is the key to this celebration.
History of Christmas day
Widely celebrated on 25th December, Christmas day commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. This festival has its roots dated back to the Christian communities in the 4th century. This date was widely accepted to celebrate Jesus’s birth which also aligned with the festivals marking the winter solstice.
The holiday is a perfect blend of traditions and modern celebrations which showcases its pre-christian roots. Some of the practices are gift giving, decorating with greenery, festive feasts etc. Over time, the celebration turned into a culture blending the customs of different regions.
In the middle ages, it transformed into a religious observance with the beginning of church services, community gatherings and caroling. Nowadays this tradition is a renowned secu;lar holiday which is recognised with those glittering decorations, sparkling christmas trees, exchange of gifts, enjoying meals and more.
But what makes it different in France? And which destinations are renowned for christmas celebration, let’s head to them!
Best destinations for Christmas in France
Searching for fabulously festive cities to visit in France at Christmas? Look at these enlisted destinations. A guaranteed magic here!
Paris - Christmas lights
The city of lights goes all the way to the top in the list of festivities for Christmas. When you head to France, don’t miss visiting Paris during CHristmas. The outstanding Christmas tree at Galleries Lafayette, memorable ice skating at the Eiffel tower, delicious hot chocolate at terraced cafe and perfect Christmas markets.
Sarlat - Christmassy
The town of Sarlat hosts three weeks of vibrance and warmth at its charming village. It’s made up of forty two charming chalets which are set up around an ice skating rink. This type of architectural beauty showcases the hard work of craftsmen in France and you will also get an incredible variety of items in this village which are best for gifting ideas.
What locals love the most are the truffles, walnuts, and foie gras etc. Presence of the Tavern is also captivating which enhances the decor of this village.
Strasbourg - Capital of Christmas
Popularly known as Christkindelsmarik, an amazing Christmas market is what makes Strasbourg a perfect destination for Christamns visit. It is the oldest in Europe and is held from the end of November to the end of December.
Filled with beautiful lights and decorations, this is the most vibrant festive Christmas market you will see and what makes it more stunning is the tallest decorated christmas tree installed here. Take a boat ride and see the enchanting place!
Tours - Loire Valley
Loire valley turns into a magical paradise when it comes to Christmas. While taking the tour, you can head to the stunning chateau of Chenonceau filled with floral bouquets. The show has Amboise, Langeais, Azay-le-Rideau, Loches and more. So, during December to January, are you ready to get surprised by these Loire Valley Chateaux.
Lille - A jewel
If you are a fair lover or adventurer, then thai jewel of the north is perfect to go during Christmas. During this festive season, the Grand place in Lille is transformed with a Ferris wheel, Chalets, and an 18 meter high christmas tree.
You can also enjoy the lively christmas market of this place which has thousands of shops from high street to unique boutique. Have joyful Christmas shopping here!
Not just the christmas market is lively, but also the old town of thai region is vibrant. When you head to the old streets, you will be surprised to see those knight animals, elves, festive stalls and decorative galores.
Montpellier
From November to December, Montpellier is a different experience taking you to a bright side. During this festive season, thai place lights up in decoration for a mediterranean style christmas.
During the whole month, you can enjoy the traditional market, local parades, and crafts creating an unmatchable festive ambience.
Reims - Bubbles all over
The Christmas market at Reims is remarkable and regarded as the biggest in the region. What makes it the largest in France are its 135 chalets. Thes chalets are the key to joy. Yes, they are as they offer a range of gourmet items, crafts, art and gift suggestions.
This market is held annually in the tree-lined pedestrian streets around the city centre and Place d’Erlon. What’s the most attractive thing about this place is the international craft market, Santa’s Grotto in the Place du Forum and ice skating rink. You will also be captivated by the traditional funfair and ferris wheel which offers spectacular views. Light show, creative workshops, events, gourmet food, festive gifts and more, what else a traveler needs?
Dijon - Food & Festival
Place de la République in Dijon has always been a beautiful place but it's even more vibrant than usual at Christmas when it's decorated with wooden chalets.
You will also find an ice rink in the Place de la liberation and a joyful little train for rides at Place Darcy. Dijon is a paradise for foodies, so don’t miss this super market.
Christmas Traditions in France
L’Avent
The festivities of Christmas begin with the tradition of Advent calendars. As per the tradition, childrens are handed over the calendars before December to inculcate the excitement for Christmas. This way they eagerly await the 1st December and enjoy the chocolates attached with the calendars, hidden behind the door each day.
Père Noël
Santa Claus is “Pere Noel” in France, who travels around handling the presents. Earlier French children used to fill the shoes with carrots for Pere Noel’s donkey and put them near the fireplace, but nowadays Christmas trees are put near them. On Christmas morning, children eagerly see the gifts on the Christmas tree which Father Christmas brought for them.
Letter from Pere Noel
There is a tradition during Christmas to write letters to Santa. But in France this is quite different when children get letters back. This started when the country passed a law in 1962 ordering that the children sending letters to Santa must receive a postcard back. This way postal services reply to chi;dren on behalf of Santa Claus.
Marchés de Noel
The best part of Christmas are Christmas markets which are popularly known as Marches de Noel. From Paris to Nice, you will find these vibrant markets at every corner of the country. The biggest Christmas market is held in Strasbourg in the Alsace region where the very first market was started in 1570.
Here you’ll be surprised by the charming wooden chalets decorated with lights and sparkling ornaments. From handicraft to artisanal products. The French Christmas market has everything. So, wait no more and grab a French mulled wine!
Decorations and decor during Christmas
Christmas is a widely popular festival which is now celebrated in the whole world and not restricted to European countries. From food to markets, this festival captures the attention of every visitor and is a big celebration in each household of France. Being such a big celebration, this country creates a paradise world filled with decor and joyful events.
Although decoration is done in every country but still France has a different spark. Many households, businesses and public spaces are decorated with sparkling lights and Christmas trees. Advent wreaths created with fir and pine tree branches are also commonly seen. This wreath is topped by four candles which symbolizes four Sundays leading to Christmas. This connects this decor with the culture when each candle is lit on each sunday. .
Trees are also decorated to enhance the ambience. They are simply as well as traditionally decorated. Earlier when the ornamental christmas decorations were used, these days red ribbons replaced this decor.
To symbolize the apples which were traditionally used, nowadays glass or plastic ornaments are widely used in France. Along with the ornaments, small white candles are also added to enhance the beauty.
One of the most used items is mistletoe which is considered vital to bring good luck. Due to this perception, you will see mistletoe hanging on doors in each household in France. These are kept till new year and it is widely believed that kissing it at midnight will favor you and your life will be filled with happiness and prosperity.
Some of the unique decorations include using shoes instead of stockings and use of candles on tables and window sills. Many households in France nowadays have nativity scenes and the tradition of decorating each corner is just beautiful!
How to book france visa appointment
If you are excited to see these beautiful streets and experience the charm of Christmas in France, then you might be wondering about the France visa appointment?
This must be the first thing to do when you want to be a part of this vibrant celebration. This festive season shows that France is much more than those Eiffel tower and streets of Paris.
Majority of travelers desire to visit this country at least once during the Christmas festival. Therefore, while planning a Christmas trip here, applying for a visa is necessary. But, do you know to get a visa you need an appointment scheduled at the visa centre? Definitely, yes.
But don’t fret! Leave this to FRANCE SCHENGEN VISA and focus on your Christmas plans as they can book your appointment with the visa centre fastly and help you in obtaining the visa within two weeks.
A France visa appointment is booked for the documentation process and to determine whether you match the entry criteria or not during this festive season. On the scheduled day, you are required to bring the necessary documents and get them verified. Along with documentation, you will be asked at the visa centre to register the biometric details too, so make sure you are physically present on the day.
Conclusion
In conclusion, undoubtedly Christmas in France is a perfect blend of celebrations, traditions and vibrantly decorated destinations. From the largest market of Strasbourg to the twinkling lights of Provence, each region offers a unique experience enjoyed by every visitor.
Whether you are enjoying the traditional wine or participating in customs, embracing the Christmas festive vibes is never a bad idea. So, if you are planning a visit, don’t forget to check the requirements for France visa appointment.
Let the joy of Christmas inspire you!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are recognised symbols of Christmas in France?
Christmas symbol in France is generally a “La creche”, a nativity scene which displays holy family, saints, magi, shepherds as well as community characters like bakers.
Which town is considered the most Christmassy in France?
Strasbourg is considered the most Christmassy town in this country. It is also known as the “Capital of Christmas”.
What is Santa Claus called in France?
Santa Claus is known as Pere Noel in France and sometimes chi;dren also call him as Daddy Christmas.
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