This guide will give you an overall idea about Christmas food traditions in France.
Experiencing France during the Christmas season is truly exceptional. All the Christmas markets and lights are truly magical. However, we can’t talk about Christmas without mentioning the iconic French holiday food. I was in Paris around the holidays last year so I thought I’d sum up my experience with French Christmas food and tell you about everything I tried so you can get back to this whenever you’re planning on spending the holiday season or New Year’s Eve in France.
Oysters
It’s a French Christmas tradition to have seafood as part of the Christmas feast.
On Christmas day it’s super typical to have fresh oysters, it’s usually prepared with a side sauce called mignonette sauce which is made from shallot and vinegar.
The briny taste of the oysters combined with the zesty sauce creates a burst of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Foie gras
Another staple in a French Christmas meal is Fois gras, it is considered a classic on the dinner table for special occasions. it’s a luxury dish made from the liver of a goose or duck.
Foie gras is often enjoyed on crusty bread or as a topping for a gourmet salad. but to eat it in the true French way, never spread it on toast, you just cut it with a fork put it on bread and eat it like that.
Sometimes it’s paired with candied onions or fig jam for a sweet and savory flavor.
Roast Turkey with Chestnuts
Another popular choice for the main course is roast turkey with chestnut stuffing. it’s a roast turkey but with a classic French twist. the turkey is roasted to perfection, resulting in tender and juicy meat that is complemented by the nutty flavors of the chestnuts.
Cheese platter
It’s not a secret cheese is an important part of French culture and Christmas is no different. after the main meal and before dessert, it’s time for a cheese course. a selection of soft and hard French cheeses is served with bread and fruit. From creamy brie to tangy Roquefort, each cheese offers a unique taste and texture that will satisfy cheese lovers of all kinds.
Scallops
Scallops or coquilles saint-jacques as the French people call them, are another staple for many French families during the holidays. i never got to try it before but it is considered one of the traditional Christmas foods. so, I thought this guide wouldn’t be complete without it. They are often served with a creamy wine sauce or pudding.
Escargots are also one of the traditional dishes during Christmas, usually cooked with garlic and butter.
Christmas Desserts
No holiday season is complete without a selection of desserts and sweets. and when it comes to desserts French cuisine does not disappoint
Pain d’épices (Spice Bread)
flavored with honey and fragrant spices, Pain d’épices is the perfect blend between spice cake and gingerbread. or you can consider it the traditional French gingerbread.
whatever you want to call it, this classic loaf is full of flavors perfect for the festive season.
La Bûche de Noël (Yule Log Cake)
The Bûche de Noël, also known as the Yule Log Cake, is a traditional French dessert enjoyed during the Christmas season. This festive cake is inspired by the custom of burning a yule log as a symbol of the winter solstice and the coming of longer days.
it is typically made of a light and fluffy sponge cake shaped like a log, filled with chocolate or coffee-flavored buttercream, and decorated with intricate designs that make for a stunning centerpiece for the Christmas table. You can also find an ice cream version that is also really good.
Christmas Market Delicacies
You can’t visit France that time of the year without visiting the Christmas markets. you will be greeted with a variety of food that by the time you leave you will definitely have a full stomach. whatever you decide to try I’m sure it will be a magical experience.
Crêpes
Buttery French pancakes filled with sweet or savory fillings, are a must-have at Christmas markets. Crepes are an essential part of French cuisine, and they are especially popular during the festive season. you can find the classic “complète” with ham, cheese, and egg, or the sweet “sucrée” with Nutella, banana, and whipped cream.
Whatever market you decide to visit, it’s an essential French experience that you won’t want to miss!
Churros
Churros are not exactly French but are considered a huge part of French street food. the crispy, golden Spanish doughnuts sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, are a popular treat at festive markets.
Bretzel
Bretzels, or pretzels, are a beloved treat in France, and they make a special appearance during the Christmas season. you can find the knot-shaped bread in different variations. such as sweet bretzels, cheese bretzels, and salty bretzels. Whatever you choose bretzels are a comforting and satisfying snack to enjoy as you wander through the French Christmas markets.
Hot Wine
At Christmas markets in France, you’ll find vendors serving up glasses of hot wine, aka vin chaud. The aromatic blend of red wine, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, nutmeg, and other spices creates a comforting and warming beverage that is sure to chase away the winter chill.
The festive atmosphere in France is truly magical. Whether you’re savoring traditional dishes, Food shopping in the supermarket, or exploring the delights of Christmas markets, the magic of a French Christmas will become a cherished part of your travel memories. So, immerse yourself in the delightful flavors and enchanting ambiance of this festive time.