French & Swiss Christmas Traditions: What Expats Need to Know

Discover the most important Christmas traditions in France and Switzerland. A helpful guide for expats: markets, food, customs, vocabulary, and festive tips.

If you’re an expat living in France or Switzerland, you’ve probably already noticed that Christmas here feels both magical and deeply cultural. From regional traditions to festive foods and winter markets, December is one of the most beautiful times of the year in both countries.

This guide helps you discover the most authentic French and Swiss Christmas traditions and learn the festive french vocabulary that comes with them.

Christmas in France: Traditions Every Expat Should Know

1. Advent and Christmas Markets (Marchés de Noël)

One of the most cherished French traditions is the Christmas market.The most famous is in Strasbourg, often called “The Capital of Christmas”. Throughout France, you’ll see markets selling mulled wine (vin chaud), regional crafts, and festive street food.

Popular markets:

• Strasbourg

• Colmar

• Paris (Tuileries Garden, La Défense)

• Lyon

2. Shoes by the Fireplace for Saint Nicholas (Dec. 6)

In eastern France—Alsace, Lorraine, Franche-Comté—children receive gifts on Saint Nicholas Day. They leave their shoes out the night before, and Saint Nicholas fills them with sweets and oranges.

3. Christmas Eve Dinner: Le Réveillon

The main celebration often happens on December 24th with an elegant, often lengthy dinner called Le Réveillon. It can last several hours and includes:

• Foie gras

• Oysters

• Smoked salmon

• Capon or turkey with chestnuts

• Cheese platter

• The Bûche de Noël, a log-shaped cake

In many Catholic families, the dinner is followed by Midnight Mass.

4. The Bûche de Noël

This iconic French dessert (a “yule log” cake) comes in both traditional and modern flavors—chocolate, chestnut, passion fruit, praline, or even ice-cream versions.

5. January 6: La Galette des Rois

Christmas celebrations extend into January with the Epiphany cake, La Galette des Rois. A small charm (la fève) is hidden inside; whoever finds it becomes king or queen for the day.

Christmas in Switzerland: Festive Traditions Across Cantons

Switzerland shares some customs with France but also has unique traditions influenced by its German, Italian, and French-speaking regions.

1. Saint Nicholas Day on December 6

Known as Samichlaus (German), Saint-Nicolas (French), or San Nicolao (Italian), he arrives with his companion, Schmutzli or Père Fouettard.Children recite poems and receive tangerines, nuts, and chocolates.

2. Advent Windows & Living Advent Calendars

A beautiful Swiss tradition: each night of Advent, a different house, shop, or school “opens” a decorated Advent window, often with lights, music, and hot drinks.

3. Swiss Christmas Markets

Swiss markets are smaller but incredibly atmospheric, often surrounded by Alpine scenery.

Must-see markets:

• Basel (voted one of Europe’s best)

• Montreux (with Santa flying over the lake!)

• Zurich

• Lucerne

4. Traditional Swiss Christmas Foods

Food varies by region, but common dishes include:

• Fondue or raclette for cozy family gatherings

• Bärner Platte (Bernese meat platter)

• Gingerbread and Swiss Christmas cookies like Milanais, Brunsli, and Zimtsterne

• Stollen, especially in German-speaking areas

5. Christmas Day vs. Christmas Eve

In many Swiss families, December 24th is the main celebration, but some regions—especially German-speaking ones—exchange gifts on December 25th.

6. New Year and The Three Kings Cake

Just like in France, Switzerland celebrates Epiphany on January 6 with the Königskuchen, the Swiss version of the king cake. Whoever finds the hidden king figure gets to wear the crown.

For Expats: How to Enjoy Christmas Like a Local

1. Try the regional specialties

Whether it’s a French Bûche de Noël or Swiss Zimtsterne, tasting traditional holiday foods is the easiest way to immerse yourself.

2. Visit local Christmas markets

This is where local culture, food, and crafts come alive. Many expats say markets help them feel connected to their new home.

3. Participate in small community traditions

Advent windows, village concerts, charity events, and local workshops are common in both countries.

4. Learn the vocabulary

Understanding key festive expressions helps you integrate and enjoy conversations.

Useful French Christmas phrases:

• Joyeux Noël — Merry Christmas

• Bonnes fêtes — Happy holidays

• Le Réveillon — Christmas Eve dinner

• Les décorations de Noël — Christmas decorations

Learn More About French Culture While Improving Your Language Skills

Understanding French Christmas traditions is also a great way to practice your language skills! During online private French lessons or online French conversation classes, you can explore the meanings of festive expressions, learn pronunciation, and discuss real French customs with a teacher. It’s a fun and immersive way to connect language and culture—especially during the holidays.

Essential French Christmas Vocabulary for Expats

• Le Réveillon – Christmas Eve dinner

• Le Marché de Noël – Christmas market

• Les décorations de Noël – Christmas decorations

• Le sapin de Noël – Christmas tree

• Les cadeaux – Gifts

• Le Père Noël – Santa Claus

• La Bûche de Noël – Yule log cake

• Les chants de Noël – Christmas carols

• La Galette des Rois – King cake (Epiphany)

🎄 Final Thoughts

Whether you’re spending your first or tenth Christmas in France or Switzerland, the holiday season offers a unique way to connect with local culture. From traditional foods to magical Christmas markets, both countries invite you to slow down, savor the moment, and celebrate in a warm, festive atmosphere.

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Audrey, your French teacher.