What’s on in France winter 2025-2026 | EUROtoday
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The winter season in France is glowing with festive occasions. From the tip of November to early January, Christmas markets are held throughout the entire nation. In February and March, it is carnival season. And there’s masses extra occurring – discover out what’s on in France winter 2025-2026:
National Events in Winter
December 25 – Christmas Day is a nationwide vacation.
December 31 – The Réveillon de la Saint Sylvestre – because the French name New Year’s Eve, named after the thirty third Pope of Rome, and his feast day. The French are inclined to rejoice it with a lavish feast of fabulous meals at residence with family and friends or in a favourite restaurant, events are held at city halls and salle des fête, and occasions with fireworks are standard. In Paris, 1000’s of revellers head to the hotspots of Montmartre or to the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, and there’s music and dancing on the streets! At midnight, it is time to want everybody completely satisfied new 12 months and lovers kiss underneath the mistletoe.
1 January – New Year’s Day is a public vacation. It’s a rising custom to courageous the chilly climate and ‘get pleasure from’ a dip within the sea, usually in fancy gown costumes. From some 2000 bathers in Dinard in Brittany, to a number of thousand in Dunkirk within the far north braving the cool waters of the English Channel, daring to take the brand new 12 months plunge is changing into an increasing number of standard!
6 January – Kings Day. It’s conventional to eat a particular cake known as the Galette des Rois on this present day (learn extra about it right here). You’ll see these scrumptious desserts in each patisserie in France. Traditionally a ‘fêve’, a little bit figurine fortunate appeal is hidden contained in the puff pastry filled with frangipane, and the one that finds it of their slice of cake is topped king or queen for a day! If you wish to make one at residence, here is a recipe for Galette des Rois
February 14 – St. Valentine’s Day
Christmas markets and festive occasions
Photo: Christmas decor the Chateau of Amboise, Loire Valley
Discover a great deal of details about the Christmas markets, Christmas lights, occasions and festive meals in our Ultimate Guide to Christmas in France on The Good Life France web site: thegoodlifefrance.com/ultimateguidetochristmasinfrance
Enjoy our podcast about Christmas in France!
What’s on
Festival of Lights, Lyon
5-8 December 2025
For 4 days every December, Lyon sparkles in the course of the Fete des Lumières, the most important lights competition within the nation. The occasion pays homage to a time within the 17th century when plague was rampant in France and on orders of the municipal council, a procession climbed the hill to the Cathedral of Lyon by candlelight to wish to the Virgin Mary for salvation. Lyon was spared and it grew to become customary for residents to mild candles of their home windows annually to rejoice their salvation. Nowadays it is an enormous luminous celebration of artwork and lightweight, with stalls promoting scorching wine and roasted chestnuts, plus eating places providing particular menus and particular offers in the course of the competition.
Richerenches Truffle Festival, Provence
Mid-November 2025 – mid-March 2026
Truffle markets happen alongside the weekly market every Saturday morning within the medieval city of Richerenches, Vaucluse. Expect to bask in truffle flavored gourmand specialties. Take residence a few truffles, you will get them at a great value on the market.
Turkey Festival, Licques
13-14 December 2025
A enjoyable and quirky competition the place turkeys are celebrated. Held over a weekend, there is a gastronomic truthful with wine tasting and meals for all of your Christmas luxuries. Then on Sunday morning, sip the native liqueur, which is heated in an enormous cauldron, as a gaggle of gobbling turkeys are launched to “rampage” via the streets accompanied by native brotherhoods and dignitaries in all their festive finery. In the afternoon there’s an tried lunch and tea dance attended by tons of! paysdopale.fr
Epernay – Habits de Lumière, Champagne
12-14 December 2025
The well-known Champagne metropolis of Épernay, celebrates the gastronomic heritage of the area with a vibrant fete, the Habits de Lumière. For three days, the town is lit up and there are many actions on provide, together with pop up Champagne bars, firework shows and a giant road parade on Avenue de Champagne, exhibitions, musical leisure, cellar excursions and a complete host of exhibits for youngsters and adults. On the Sunday morning there’s a parade of a number of hundred collector’s automobiles, and within the afternoon, there’s a particular tea social gathering for youngsters.
Limoux Carnival, Aude
January 19 – March 30, 2025
This is the oldest carnival in France – it has been held for round 700 years! Taking place at a city 30km from Carcassonne, every weekend the carnival options masked dancers and performers and a parade. Read extra about it right here: thegoodlifefrance.com/limoux-carnival
Candlemas – Pancake Day in France
February 2, 2025
La Chandeleur or Crêpe Day is the day in France when folks historically eat crepes and drink cider! Here’s how you can make the right French pancake/crêpe.
Festival of Violets, Tourrettes-sur-Loup
1-2 March 2025
In the Alpes-Maritime division, the beautiful village of Tourettes-sur-Loup holds an annual violet competition the primary weekend of March, with farmers markets and a violet parade with a battle of the flowers, a really aromatic competition! tourrettessurloup.com
Coming up
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