{"id":118325,"date":"2015-12-03T06:10:28","date_gmt":"2015-12-03T11:10:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/learn\/french-christmas-vocabulary\/"},"modified":"2025-01-30T00:57:18","modified_gmt":"2025-01-30T05:57:18","slug":"french-christmas-vocabulary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/french\/french-christmas-vocabulary\/","title":{"rendered":"100 French Christmas Vocabulary Words"},"content":{"rendered":"

When Christmas time comes around, whether you’re in your home country or in France, you’ll want to talk about the holiday.<\/p>\n

Here’s our list of the most used French Christmas vocabulary to add some holiday spirit to your learning.<\/p>\n

[fluentu-toc]<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The Most Used French Christmas Vocabulary<\/h2>\n

1. No\u00ebl<\/em> \u2014 Christmas<\/p>\n

2. La<\/em> f\u00eate<\/em> \u2014 Celebration<\/p>\n

3. Le sapin de<\/em> No\u00ebl<\/em> \u2014 Christmas tree<\/p>\n

4. Les d\u00e9corations<\/em> \u2014 Decorations<\/p>\n

5. La guirlande<\/em> \u2014 Garland<\/p>\n

6. La boule de No\u00ebl<\/em> \u2014 Christmas ornament<\/p>\n

7. L’\u00e9toile<\/em> \u2014 Star<\/p>\n

8. Le P\u00e8re No\u00ebl<\/em> \u2014 Father Christmas (Santa Claus)<\/p>\n

9. La m\u00e8re No\u00ebl<\/em> \u2014 Mother Christmas (Mrs. Claus)<\/p>\n

10. Les cadeaux<\/em> \u2014 Gifts<\/p>\n

11. Le tra\u00eeneau<\/em> \u2014 Sleigh<\/p>\n

12. Les rennes<\/em> \u2014 Reindeer<\/p>\n

13. Le lutin<\/em> \u2014 Elf<\/p>\n

14. La chemin\u00e9e<\/em> \u2014 Fireplace<\/p>\n

15. La chaussette de No\u00ebl<\/em> \u2014 Christmas stocking<\/p>\n

16. La cr\u00e8che<\/em> \u2014 Nativity scene<\/p>\n

17. Les santons<\/em> \u2014 Nativity figurines<\/p>\n

18. La messe de minuit<\/em> \u2014 Midnight mass<\/p>\n

19. Le r\u00e9veillon<\/em> \u2014 Christmas Eve dinner<\/p>\n

20. Les traditions<\/em> \u2014 Traditions<\/p>\n

21. Les chants de No\u00ebl<\/em> \u2014 Christmas carols<\/p>\n

22. La musique de No\u00ebl<\/em> \u2014 Christmas music<\/p>\n

23. La neige<\/em> \u2014 Snow<\/p>\n

24. Le flocon de neige<\/em> \u2014 Snowflake<\/p>\n

25. Le bonhomme de neige<\/em> \u2014 Snowman<\/p>\n

26. Les<\/em> cloches<\/em> \u2014 Bells<\/p>\n

27. La couronne de No\u00ebl<\/em> \u2014 Christmas wreath<\/p>\n

28. Les lumi\u00e8res<\/em> \u2014 Lights<\/p>\n

29. Le march\u00e9 de No\u00ebl<\/em> \u2014 Christmas market<\/p>\n

30. Les marrons<\/em> \u2014 Chestnuts<\/p>\n

31. La b\u00fbche de No\u00ebl<\/em> \u2014 Yule log cake<\/p>\n

32. La dinde<\/em> \u2014 Turkey<\/p>\n

33. Le chapon<\/em> \u2014 Rooster<\/p>\n

34. Les marrons glac\u00e9s<\/em> \u2014 Candied chestnuts<\/p>\n

35. Les fruits secs<\/em> \u2014 Dried fruits<\/p>\n

36. Les chocolats<\/em> \u2014 Chocolates<\/p>\n

37. Le vin chaud<\/em> \u2014 Mulled wine<\/p>\n

38. Les biscuits de No\u00ebl<\/em> \u2014 Christmas cookies<\/p>\n

39. La cannelle<\/em> \u2014 Cinnamon<\/p>\n

40. Le pain d’\u00e9pices<\/em> \u2014 Gingerbread<\/p>\n

41. Le g\u00e2teau de No\u00ebl<\/em> \u2014 Christmas cake<\/p>\n

42. Le houx<\/em> \u2014 Holly<\/p>\n

43. Le gui<\/em> \u2014 Mistletoe<\/p>\n

44.\u00a0Les cloches de No\u00ebl \u2014 Christmas bells<\/p>\n

45. La carte de v\u0153ux<\/em> \u2014 Holiday card<\/p>\n

46. La f\u00eate des Rois<\/em> \u2014 Epiphany<\/p>\n

47. Le bonnet du P\u00e8re No\u00ebl \u2014 Santa hat<\/p>\n

48. La Saint-Sylvestre<\/em> \u2014 New Year’s Eve<\/p>\n

49. L’\u00e9paule de porc<\/em> \u2014 Pork shoulder<\/p>\n

50. Le festin<\/em> \u2014 Feast<\/p>\n

51. Le P\u00e8re Fouettard<\/em> \u2014 Father Whipper<\/a> (a scary monster character that accompanies Saint Nicolas around town before Christmas)<\/p>\n

52. La galette des rois<\/em> \u2014 King cake<\/p>\n

53. Minuit<\/em> \u2014 Midnight<\/p>\n

54. La magie de No\u00ebl<\/em> \u2014 Christmas magic<\/p>\n

55. Le jouet<\/em> \u2014 Toy<\/p>\n

56. Les bonbons<\/em> \u2014 Candies<\/p>\n

57. Le santon<\/em> \u2014 Little saint (a figurine)<\/p>\n

58. La f\u00eate de la Nativit\u00e9<\/em> \u2014 Nativity feast<\/p>\n

59. Le sapin<\/em> \u2014 Fir tree<\/p>\n

60. La chanson<\/em> \u2014 Song<\/p>\n

61. Le march\u00e9<\/em> \u2014 Market<\/p>\n

62. La veille de No\u00ebl<\/em> \u2014 Christmas Eve<\/p>\n

63. Le jour de No\u00ebl<\/em> \u2014 Christmas Day<\/p>\n

64. L\u2019avent<\/em> \u2014 Advent<\/p>\n

65. Le calendrier de l\u2019avent<\/em> \u2014 Advent calendar<\/p>\n

66. Le r\u00e9veillon de No\u00ebl<\/em> \u2014 Christmas Eve supper<\/p>\n

67. La Saint-Nicolas<\/em> \u2014 Saint Nicholas<\/p>\n

68. Le bonnet de No\u00ebl<\/em> \u2014 Santa hat<\/p>\n

69. L’arbre de No\u00ebl<\/em> \u2014 Christmas tree<\/p>\n

70. Les illuminations<\/em> \u2014 Christmas lights<\/p>\n

71. La f\u00eate des lumi\u00e8res<\/em> \u2014 Festival of Lights<\/p>\n

72. La saison des f\u00eates<\/em> \u2014 Holiday season<\/p>\n

73. La grande roue<\/em> \u2014 Ferris wheel<\/p>\n

74. Le march\u00e9 artisanal<\/em> \u2014 Craft market<\/p>\n

75. Les feux d’artifice<\/em> \u2014 Fireworks<\/p>\n

76. L\u2019ange<\/em> \u2014 Angel<\/p>\n

77. Le sucre d\u2019orge<\/em> \u2014 Candy cane<\/p>\n

78. La f\u00eate de fin d’ann\u00e9e<\/em> \u2014 Year-end celebration<\/p>\n

79. La bougie<\/em> \u2014 Candle<\/p>\n

80. Le lutin de No\u00ebl<\/em> \u2014 Christmas elf<\/p>\n

81. Les enfants sages<\/em> \u2014 Well-behaved children<\/p>\n

82. Les friandises<\/em> \u2014 Treats<\/p>\n

83. Les pommes de pin<\/em> \u2014 Pine cones<\/p>\n

84. Le biscuit en pain d’\u00e9pices<\/em> \u2014 Gingerbread cookies<\/p>\n

85. La pyramide de biscuits<\/em> \u2014 Cookie tree<\/p>\n

86. Les grelots<\/em> \u2014 Sleigh bells<\/p>\n

87. La hotte du P\u00e8re No\u00ebl<\/em> \u2014 Santa’s sack<\/p>\n

88. Le jus de pomme chaud<\/em> \u2014 Hot apple cider<\/p>\n

89. Le chocolat chaud<\/em> \u2014 Hot chocolate<\/p>\n

90. Le petit J\u00e9sus<\/em> \u2014 Baby Jesus<\/p>\n

91. Le divin enfant<\/em> \u2014 Divine Child<\/p>\n

92. La croix de No\u00ebl<\/em> \u2014 Christmas nativity cross<\/p>\n

93. La douce nuit<\/em> \u2014 Silent Night<\/p>\n

94. La nuit sainte<\/em> \u2014 Holy Night<\/p>\n

95. Le pr\u00eatre<\/em> \u2014 Priest<\/p>\n

96. Les bergers<\/em> \u2014 Shepherds<\/p>\n

97. La Vierge Marie<\/em> \u2014 Virgin Mary<\/p>\n

98. L’esprit de No\u00ebl \u2014 Christmas spirit<\/p>\n

99. Joyeuses f\u00eates<\/em> \u2014 Happy holidays<\/p>\n

100. Joyeux No\u00ebl<\/em> \u2014 Merry Christmas<\/p>\n

Celebrating Christmas in France<\/h2>\n

\"A<\/p>\n

The Night Before Christmas<\/h3>\n

We\u2019ve all got our own beloved family traditions when it comes to Christmas, and in France, it\u2019s not so different. The running of events, however, does tend to happen in a slightly different order, and in many French households, it\u2019s all about Christmas Eve. <\/span><\/p>\n

While traditionally, the family would attend a midnight mass service on Christmas Eve, many families now partake only in the huge feast that would follow the event, which can contain up to 5 or 6 courses.<\/span><\/p>\n

In many places, French children put out a pair of shoes on Christmas Eve<\/a> in the hopes that <\/span>P\u00e8re No\u00ebl <\/i><\/strong>(Father Christmas\u2014Santa Claus) will visit in the night to stuff them with gifts. <\/span><\/p>\n

On Christmas Eve, the French eat <\/span>le r\u00e9veillon <\/i><\/strong>(Christmas Eve dinner). The feast is packed with some of the most incredible culinary delights seen in France.<\/span>\u00a0Large families tend to gather, so many courses are served over the meal. While each region has its own traditional food, many people serve goose, stuffed turkeys, chicken or oysters.<\/span><\/p>\n

When it comes to dessert, however, many French families look to the same place for inspiration. <\/span>La b\u00fbche de No\u00ebl <\/i><\/strong>(Yule log cake) is a well-loved Christmas dish and includes chocolate and chestnuts presented within a log-shaped cake. <\/span><\/p>\n

Making a <\/span>b\u00fbche de No\u00ebl <\/span><\/i>is something that you can do at any time of year and, thanks to the Internet, there are a ton of easy and accessible recipes available!<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

\"Celebrate<\/a><\/p>\n

Other areas have their own traditions, too, and if you\u2019re lucky enough to be in Provence, you can expect to sample up to 13 desserts (celebrating Christ and his 12 disciples<\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

If you want to try your hand at Christmas French cooking, you\u2019re very well covered! Books like \u201cCelebrate Christmas \u00e0 la Fran\u00e7aise\u201d<\/a> <\/span>or the culinary classic \u201cMastering the Art of French Cooking\u201d<\/a><\/span>\u00a0are packed with traditional recipes that many French people still use today.<\/span><\/p>\n

Giving Gifts<\/b><\/h3>\n

While just like in English-speaking countries, customs do vary, it’s not unusual for children to receive gifts from extended family during the meal, saving their larger gifts from <\/span>P\u00e8re No\u00ebl<\/i>\u00a0for the day after. After all, he hasn\u2019t visited yet!<\/span><\/p>\n

In certain areas, however, gift giving might be a little different. More religious families in\u00a0France, who celebrate <\/span>la f\u00eate de Saint Nicolas <\/i><\/strong>(the holiday of Saint Nicholas) on the 6th of December, will give out their Christmas gifts on this day, rather than the 25th, which is instead marked with religious ceremonies and meals with the wider family.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Last Day of Christmas: Epiphany<\/h3>\n

The time between the 24th of December and the 6th of January is packed full of celebrations in France, and if you\u2019re in a French-speaking country with a large Christian population during this time, you can probably expect an invitation or two to a holiday party.<\/p>\n

The last day of Christmas, Epiphany, is also celebrated in France. The day when the Three Wise Men arrived in Bethlehem after being guided by the star, it’s very important for religious families and is marked accordingly.<\/p>\n

In the lead-up to this day, families will move their wise men figurines closer and closer to Jesus on their nativity scenes. When Epiphany finally comes around<\/a>, the Wise Men are moved into the stable.<\/p>\n

Many French families also choose to mark the day by ending their evening meal with a <\/span>galette des rois <\/i><\/strong>(Kings’ Cake). <\/span><\/p>\n

A pastry cake stuffed with frangipane<\/a>, the <\/span>galette des rois <\/span><\/i>has a small figurine hidden inside that must be found.<\/span>\u00a0Traditionally, the youngest member of the household will hide under the dinner table and select who is going to receive each slice of the cake as it is cut into pieces. <\/span><\/p>\n

Whoever finds the figurine in their cake gets to wear a paper crown<\/a>\u00a0and act as King or Queen for the night. If the family members don\u2019t obey their every command, there will be trouble!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

French Christmas Songs<\/h3>\n

Christmas songs are just as popular in France as they are elsewhere in the world, and in many cases, popular English Christmas carols have been translated into the French language! <\/span><\/p>\n

“Vive le vent”\u00a0<\/span><\/i>(“Jingle Bells”) has exactly the same tune as the English version, and is a great way of brushing up on your language skills. Even \u201cWhite Christmas\u201d (“<\/em><\/span>No\u00ebl Blanc”<\/span><\/em>)<\/em> has received the French language treatment!<\/span><\/p>\n

Here’s a great medley of popular French Christmas songs:<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/lite-youtube><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

If you\u2019re lucky enough to celebrate the Christmas season in France, then you will see just how much the French people love the holiday.<\/p>\n

From festive markets to family feasts and intricate decorations, the country is a magical place during the colder months, and no matter where you are, there\u2019s always something worth celebrating.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re staying at home, however, you can still practice French during the holiday season and incorporate some Francophile traditions into your own celebrations.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

And One More Thing...<\/h2>\r\n

\r\n\tIf you like learning French at your own pace and from the comfort of your device, I have to tell you about FluentU<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

\r\nFluentU makes it easier (and way more fun) to learn French by making real content like movies and series accessible to learners. You can check out FluentU's curated video library, or bring our learning tools directly to Netflix or YouTube<\/strong> with the FluentU Chrome extension. \r\n<\/p>\r\n

\r\n\"learn-french-with-videos\"<\/a><\/p>\r\n

\r\nOne of the features I find most helpful is the interactive captions<\/strong>\u2014you can tap on any word to see its meaning, an image, pronunciation, and other examples from different contexts. It\u2019s a great way to pick up French vocab without having to pause and look things up separately.\r\n<\/p>

\r\n\"learn-french-with-movies\"<\/a><\/p>\r\n

\r\nFluentU also helps reinforce what you\u2019ve learned<\/strong> with personalized quizzes. You can swipe through extra examples and complete engaging exercises that adapt to your progress. You'll get extra practice with the words you find more challenging and even be reminded you when it\u2019s time to review!\r\n<\/p>

\r\n\"practice-french-with-adaptive-quizzes\"<\/a><\/p>\r\n

\r\nYou can use FluentU on your computer, tablet, or phone with our app for Apple or Android devices. Click here to take advantage of our current sale! (Expires at the end of this month.)<\/a>\r\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

When Christmas time comes around, whether you’re in your home country or in France, you’ll want to talk about the holiday. Here’s our list of the most used French Christmas…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":234,"featured_media":249243,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"slim_seo":{"title":"French Christmas Vocabulary | FluentU French Blog","description":"Looking to celebrate Christmas French-style? Here's a whole slew of vocabulary for food, traditions and getting on board with all the festivities!"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[570,571],"tags":[],"coauthors":[679],"class_list":["post-118325","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-french","category-french-vocabulary"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/118325","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/234"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=118325"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/118325\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":197501,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/118325\/revisions\/197501"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/249243"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=118325"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=118325"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=118325"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluentu.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=118325"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}