What Happens in France in December: Events, Festivals & Key Dates

First published: 3rd December 2024 by Carol Paylor

Feature

What Happens in France in December: Events, Festivals & Key Dates

By Carol Paylor

December means we are truly gearing up for Christmas in France, although one of the things we love about living in the beautiful Charente is that it is much less commercialised than our UK experience of Christmas – and, although it is slowly changing here in the countryside, we do enjoy the slower, lower-key build-up. However, France can be equally magical at Christmas, from the City of Lights’ illuminations and DisneyLand Paris to the amazing French Christmas markets in Alsace.

If you are considering a taste of France this December, here is a flavour of what you might experience.

DisneyLand Paris

France’s most famous theme park is hosting its annual Disney Christmas extravaganza from the 9th of November 2024 until the 6th of January 2025! Experience Mickey’s Dazzling Christmas parade and more.

French Christmas Markets

France is famous for its stunning Christmas markets. Usually, stalls are chalet style, and you can expect mulled wine a-plenty and maybe even a warm cider too, as well as roasted chestnuts and lots of decadent festive treats.

Our local town of Aigre 16140 was one of the first towns to establish a Christmas market in the Charente region, and it always takes place on the first weekend of December. This year it is the 1st of December and sees dance displays, artisanal produce, mulled wine and lots of stalls.

Elsewhere, Metz has an incredible six main Squares filled with market stalls, Strasbourg has one of the oldest Christmas markets, dating from 1570, Colmar has a reputation as one of the most magical Christmas markets due to its exquisitely atmospheric Christmas lights, and Amiens has over 130 market stalls to dazzle its visitors.

Lyon Light Festival

Lyon’s annual Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières) takes place from the 5^th to the 8th of December, and sees the entire city illuminated by a series of spectacular sound and light shows.

Fête de Saint Nicholas, Nancy

Nancy hosts the festival of Saint Nicolas throughout December with plenty of Father Christmas-themed images adorning the city’s monuments. Expect festive parades, live shows and children’s entertainment, and plenty of high-quality seasonal treats on sale.

Carpentras

Carpentras in Provence is transformed into an open-air theatre with a carnival atmosphere from the 14th of December, with all street theatre performances entirely free.

School Holidays

Schools break up in France this year from the 22nd of December until the 5th of January 2025. Only the 25th of December is actually a public holiday and if you are planning a trip to France for the festivities, do not leave it too late to book.