Christmas in France is not just a meal, a tree and a few gifts.
It is a real cultural ritual, with its traditions, its codes… and sometimes its little surprises for foreigners who discover France for the first time.
 

If you’re planning to spend Christmas with a French family or if you simply want to understand how the French experience this time of year, this article is for you.
 

Here, I share with you the most important cultural etiquette rules, the faux pas to avoid, and the little details that will make you the perfect guest.
 

 

Christmas Eve in France: the real “big moment” of Christmas

In many countries, December 25th is the main event.
In France… not exactly.
 

👉 The evening meal on the 24th is often the most important.

It’s called “le rĂ©veillon”. And that’s when the French spend hours eating, drinking, chatting, laughing, telling stories and remaking the world.
 

What you need to know:

  • Arriving on time is appreciated (even if the French are sometimes flexible).

  • The meal often lasts a very long time: 3, 4, sometimes 6 hours.

  • You don’t start with the main course: there is a specific order.
     

 

Christmas dinner in France… and how not to feel lost

The French Christmas meal follows a pattern that you’ll find almost everywhere in the country.
 

Here is the typical order:

  1. Aperitif (champagne, small bites)

  2. Starter (often foie gras, smoked salmon, seafood)

  3. Main course (turkey, capon, beef, or regional specialties)

  4. Cheese (yes, always before dessert)

  5. Dessert: the famous “bĂ»che de NoĂ«l” (Yule log)
     

Important etiquette:

  • Don’t refuse dishes systematically. You can say “juste un petit peu” (“just a little bit”).

  • The French love talking about food. Saying “C’est dĂ©licieux” (“It’s delicious”) gives you +20 points instantly.

  • You don’t cut cheese just any way. Yes, this is serious.
    → Tip: cut following the shape of the cheese, not by making an “ugly slice” in the middle.
     

 

What people talk about… and what to avoid talking about in France

French dinners are known for lively conversations. But be careful: there are “safe” topics and others to avoid.
 

You can talk about:

  • travel

  • food / gastronomy

  • Christmas traditions in your country

  • films, music

  • your experience in France
     

To avoid on Christmas Eve:

  • politics (risk of debates until 3 a.m.)

  • money

  • religion (unless someone else opens the topic)
     

The French love hearing how Christmas is celebrated elsewhere. It’s the perfect opportunity to create a beautiful connection.
 

 

Gifts: French subtlety vs international generosity

In some countries, giving many expensive gifts is normal.
In France, the logic is simpler and more moderate.
 

To remember:

  • People often bring a small gift for the host.

  • A bottle of wine, a bouquet, or a box of chocolates works very well.

  • The French don’t always open gifts immediately after they are given.
    → Sometimes everyone waits for a specific moment (like after dessert).

The most important thing: think about the gesture, not the price.
 

 

Unspoken rules: what the French never say… but still expect

French politeness can seem subtle.
Here are a few unspoken rules that make a big difference:
 

✔ Never arrive empty-handed: flowers, chocolates, a bottle of wine.

✔ Always say thank you for the meal, even if you don’t like foie gras.

✔ Always help to clear the table or at least offer to help.

✔ Never leave without saying goodbye to everyone individually. A “bise” (cheek kiss) or a handshake is the norm, depending on the family context.

 

 

Music, games, atmosphere: what surprises many foreigners

In France, Christmas is not necessarily a very “festive” evening like in other countries.
 

Often:

  • There is no music playing all evening.

  • People sometimes play board games.

  • People talk… a lot.

  • Children open their presents and disappear to play.

  • Adults stay at the table long after the meal.
     

The French call this “refaire le monde autour d’un bon repas” (“remake the world around a good meal”).
It’s an art. A tradition. A philosophy.
 

 

 What people expect from you as a foreigner:

You don’t need to be perfect or know all the traditions.
But there are three things the French really appreciate:
 

Making the effort to speak French

Even a few simple phrases like
“Merci beaucoup”
“C’est trĂšs bon”
“Joyeux NoĂ«l”
make a huge difference.
 

Showing interest in their traditions

Asking: “Pourquoi vous faites ça comme ça ?” (“Why do you do it this way?”) is an excellent way to create a connection.
 

Sharing your own country’s traditions

The French love comparing cultures, meals and habits.

It’s an ideal evening to practice French without pressure, surrounded by kind people (and often very curious ones).
 

 

What surprises foreigners the most (and how to prepare for it)

Here are the most common surprises:
 

🎄 The meal lasts a very long time.

Prepare your stomach and your energy.
 

đŸ· Wine flows easily…

But nobody likes seeing someone too drunk at Christmas.
Stay moderate.
 

🧀 Cheese is a religion.

You’ll witness passionate debates about regional cheeses.
 

🎁 Gifts are not the centre of the evening.

It’s the table, the family and the conversation that really matter.
 

 

Conclusion: Christmas in France is an invitation to experience the culture “from the inside”

Spending Christmas in France means understanding something essential:
 

👉 the French don’t celebrate Christmas “quickly”.
They create a moment that brings people together, that lasts, that is savoured.
 

And if you’re a foreigner, it’s a unique opportunity to enter the soul of the country through the table, conversation, traditions… and of course, through the language.

 

Want to feel comfortable in French for your next Christmas?

If you want this Christmas to be the moment when you understand everything people say to you
and when you take part in conversations without stress…
 

Then maybe it’s time to put French at the centre of your daily life.
 

Inside the Ohlala French School, you learn French by speaking every week in a kind, simple, human and effective environment. 👉 You can try it free for 7 days.
 

Because the best way to experience France… is to be able to understand it and be part of it.