Christmas Day in France
Discover how Christmas Day is observed in France.
Public Holiday
Fixed Holiday
Thursday, 25 December 2025
There are 182 days left until this holiday.
Christmas is one of the most important Christian holidays, celebrated on December 25 in memory of the birth of Jesus Christ.
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History
The holiday originated in the 4th century. The date of December 25th was chosen to replace pagan winter solstice festivals. In Poland, Christmas has deep family and spiritual meaning.
Traditions
Christmas Eve (Wigilia) is the most important part, involving sharing of wafer (opłatek), 12 traditional dishes, and leaving an empty seat at the table. Midnight Mass (Pasterka) is a key religious event.
Contemporary celebrations
It is a public holiday. Streets are decorated with lights, carols are sung, and children eagerly await gifts. Family and faith take center stage during this peaceful time.
Also celebrated in:
Holiday Patterns in France
- This country has 12 public holidays each year.
- 4 holidays are movable (date changes each year).
- 1 holiday(s) fall on Sundays.
- 12 holiday(s) are unique to this country.
- The longest stretch without a holiday is 109 days.
- Most holidays fall in: May.