Christmas in France is a magical time of year, blending centuries-old traditions with modern celebrations. From the twinkling lights of
Christmas markets to the warmth of family gatherings, the French embrace the festive season with elegance and joie de vivre. The traditions
vary by region, but common elements include religious observances, culinary delights, and the cherished exchange of gifts among loved ones.
One of the most beloved French Christmas traditions is the marché de Noël (Christmas market). These enchanting markets, particularly famous in Alsace and Strasbourg, transform town squares into winter wonderlands with wooden chalets selling artisanal crafts, mulled wine (vin chaud), and regional specialties. The tradition dates back to the 16th century and continues to draw visitors from around the world.
French families also celebrate with the Advent calendar, where children open a small door or gift each day leading up to Christmas Eve. Many homes display a crèche (nativity scene), with elaborate figurines called santons in Provence, representing not only biblical characters but also villagers from daily life.
The festive season officially begins on Saint Nicholas Day (December 6th) in some regions, particularly in the north and
east. Children leave their shoes by the fireplace, hoping that Saint Nicholas will fill them with treats and small gifts. In Alsace, the
legendary figure Père Fouettard accompanies Saint Nicholas, reminding children to behave throughout the year.
Then, kids and families await for the holiday season's to have some rest, visit the family, go skiing, etc.
The culinary traditions of Christmas in France are nothing short of spectacular. The centerpiece of the festive meal is the Réveillon,
a late-night dinner on Christmas Eve following Midnight Mass. This elaborate feast varies by region but typically includes oysters, foie
gras, escargots, and turkey or capon with chestnuts.
No French Christmas celebration would be complete without the Bûche de Noël (Yule Log), a festive sponge cake shaped like a log, often decorated with meringue mushrooms and buttercream. This tradition originated in the 19th century and remains a beloved symbol of the season.
Gift-giving in France traditionally happens on Christmas Eve rather than Christmas morning. Children place their shoes by the fireplace or under the Christmas tree, hoping that Père Noël (Father Christmas) will fill them with presents. Families gather around the tree, exchange gifts, and share stories, creating cherished memories that last a lifetime.
The emphasis on family and togetherness is at the heart of French Christmas celebrations. Whether attending Midnight Mass, enjoying the Réveillon feast, or simply spending time with loved ones, the French approach Christmas with warmth, tradition, and a deep appreciation for the joy of the season.
Become a member of Alliance Française and enjoy exclusive benefits! Learning French is easiest when you fall in love with the culture. Sign up for our French cultural workshops to discover more about French traditions!
You May Also Like
Sunday , 22 March , 2 pm - 4 pm
Avec le soutien et la collaboration des Consulats Généraux de Belgique, de France à Hong Kong, de l’Alliance Française de Hong Kong
et de Tintinimaginatio, la projection sonorisée des planches originales colorisées!
- En français sans sous titre, à partir de 7 ans.
Saturday , 21 March , 10 am - 6 pm
Organized by the Consulate General of France and the AFHK, the event invites the public to continue the celebration through a selection of
modern board games inspired by the theme Anticipation
Thursday , 19 March 2026 , 6 pm - 7.30 pm
# 14-24 Wellington St, Central
.png)
Thursday, 19 March 19:00 pm - 20:30 pm
Pianist Olivier de Spiegeleir, acclaimed in over 30 countries with more than 650 performances, invites you to embark on a captivating
creative journey through a narrated piano recital that spans from Bach to Bartók.
# Residence of the Consul Geral of Belgium
.png)
Tuesday,
March 17, 2026 |
6.30 pm - 8.30 pm
# Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai
Monday , 16 March , 7 pm - 9 pm
A screening of the film Hiver à Sokcho, inspired by the bestselling debut novel by Elisa Shua Dusapin, is being offered as part of the
Francophonie Film Festival
.png)
Sunday, 15 March , 8 am - 6 am
Organized in collaboration with PSG Academy, Sports Academy, Club Sport, AFHK, and the Francophone Consulates, the football competition is
back for its 3rd edition! Get ready!
.png)
Saturday , 14 March, 8 pm
Sunday , 15 March , 3 pm
@ Lyric Theatre, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
.png)
Saturday , 14 March , 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Join the improvisers from FIC for a special improvisation cabaret themed around
“Dis-moi dix mots: Un Monde à venir".
With your entry ticket, enjoy a coupon for the Francophonie gastronomic fair at the Fringe Club!
.png)
Saturday, 14 March 4:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Discover the gastronomy of the French-speaking world!
# Fringe Dairy
Friday, 13 March, 8 PM
Maryne, a 27-year-old Swiss singer, blends a soft and sincere voice with pop influences inspired by Julia Stone, Billie Eilish, and Dua
Lipa.
# Aftermath
Wednesday, 11 March , 7 pm - 9 pm
Swiss director Pauline Jeanbourquin films the adolescent period with great intimacy, capturing the aspirations, doubts, and beliefs
that accompany the transition into adulthood.
Saturday, 7 March 2026
Registration
open until February 15, 2026, at midnight.
Thursday, 5 March 2026 , 6 pm - 7.30 pm
# 14-24 Wellington St, Central
Wednesday, 4 March , 7 pm - 9 pm
8 victoires & 16 nominations dans les
festivals de films au Québec et à l'international!
Wednesday , 4 March , 10 am - 12 pm
The ceremony will be opened by representatives from the Francophone consulates, followed by a conference and discussion with our guest of
honor, Guy Delisle.
French, Cantonese (simultaneous translation)
Tuesday, 3 March , 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm
This
masterclass, aimed primarily at students and professionals in the creative arts, will feature a fascinating discussion with Guy Delisle.
Organisers: Hong Kong Arts Centre (Comix Home Base), Alliance Francaise de HK, Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, Consulate
General of Canada to Hong Kong and Macao, The Quebec Office in Shanghai
Rm 1501-1503 (15/F, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai
.png)
March 3 - March 17, 2026
Although featuring
illustrations spanning his entire career, the exhibition will focus more specifically on Guy Delisle's latest album, Muybridge.
Organisers: Hong Kong Arts Centre (Comix Home Base), Alliance Francaise de HK, Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, Consulate
General of Canada to Hong Kong and Macao, The Quebec Office in Shanghai
#
Comix Corner of the Hong Kong Arts Centre
Monday , 2 March , 7 pm - 9 pm
- César des meilleures costumes 2023
- César de meilleur son 2023
- César de meilleure musique originale 2023
- César de la meilleure photographie 2023
- César des meilleurs effets visuels
- Prix Louis-Delluc
Sunday, 1 March , 3 PM
Join acclaimed
artists Guy Delisle and Beatrice Alemagna for a special event celebrating illustration as storytelling.
# Fringe Club
Feb. 26, - March 31, 2026
Throughout the month of March, an exhibition dedicated to the work of Guy Delisle will be held at the Hong Kong Central Library.
# Central Library, 6 Causeway Road, Causeway
Bay
-ADV-(2160-×-1080-px).png)
Wednesday, 25 February, 6.30pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Join us for our Tour de France of wine, second stop... Bourgogne!
.png)
Wednesday, 28 January, 6.30pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Join us for our Tour de France of wine, first stop... Bordeaux!
-ADV-(2160-×-1080-px).png)
2026年1月21日（星期三），下午6:00
阿法圖書館，約旦中心
在2026年的閱讀之夜中，探索藝術作品《活的書籍》，參加創意寫作工作坊。
Meet Raygo, a student from Alliance Française de Hong Kong, here to discover French language learning and broaden his horizons through learning French.
.png)
Thur 11 Dec, 6.30pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Rencontre avec François Drémeaux, enseignant-chercheur à l'université d'Angers, spécialisé dans les relations
internationales et l'histoire maritime et sociale.
Tuesday, 9 December, 6:30pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Hoo! Hoo! Hoo! It is near Christmas time of the year ! My fellow adults, it's your chance to become master chefs and cook a delicious
chocolate cake!
Wed 3 December, 6pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Join us for a screening of the 13 Short Films of Alice Guy, the very first film director!
.jpg)
Thu 20 November, 7:30pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Watch Raw and attend to a Q&A session in the presence of Garance Marillier!
The 54th edition of Hong Kong French Film Festival is finally here! From November 19 to December 11, you can enjoy a large selection of 50 films in cinema! This year’s selection is a mix between a large 2025-film selection – with films only recently or not even released yet in France - and retrospectives on Gérard Jugnot, our godfather for this edition, and on 130 years of cinema. In all, there will be more than 50 films: 30 of the year, 20 of retrospective.
Tue, 4 November, 6pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Between Science and Fiction: A Conversation with Albert Tam and Pat To Yan
Friday 31 October, 6:30pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Rencontre avec Édouard Louis, auteur de « L'effondrement ».
Vendredi 24 octobre, 18h
Bibliothèque, Centre de Jordan
Projection du documentaire « Vivre, c’est vieillir » suivi
d'un débat avec Blandine Delcroix, réalisatrice du film et Justine Rochot, chercheuse au CEFC.
.png)
Tuesday, 21 October, 6:30pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Adults, it's your turn how to become master chefs and cook a delicious tarte rustique, with figs, goat cheese and honey!
Saturday 18 October, 2:30 - 4pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Join us for the screening of 8 short films you wouldn't want to miss!
Wednesday, 15 October, 6.30pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Join us for a tasting of French
spirits!
Wed 15 October, 6-7pm
Parenthèses French Bookshop - Duke Wellington House, 14-24 Wellington St, Central
To mark the 120th anniversary of Jules Verne's death, the Parenthèses invited Emilien Thuriès, literature teacher at the FIS to present
the writere, his books and his legacy. The evening will be followed by a short quiz with prizes to be won. Finally, an aperitif will
bring the evening to a close.
Wed 8 October, 6.45pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Meet Sue-Ying Koang, Baroque violin player!
Monday, 29 September, 5.30pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Conférence : les défis de la diplomatie française en Asie
.png)
Friday, 26 September, 6pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Join us for a AperO — Orientation: la Rentrée!
The Alliance Française de Hong Kong (AFHK) and Tramplus, a sister company of Hong Kong Tramways, unveiled the winning tram design from the inaugural Tram Design Competition last Wednesday at the Whitty Street Tram Depot. The event celebrated French creativity and cultural exchange, transforming one of Hong Kong’s most iconic transport modes into a moving canvas of French-inspired imagination.
Saturday 20 September, 2 - 4pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Create your own 3D open window, inspired by Henri Matisse’s Fenêtre ouverte, Collioure!
Wed, 17 September, 6pm - 10.30pm
La Galerie Paris 1839, 74 Hollywood Rd, Central
For this 2nd edition, Hong Kong performers will read out excerpts of 13 literature works by European writers in 13 different locations. Join us!
.png)
Saturday, 6 Sept, 12.00pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Ready to fight? Join us for an afternoon of friendly competition, where you will be able to play your favorite board games!
Thursday 28 August, 6pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Join us for a 4-day Movie Marathon, screening French movies you wouldn't want to miss!
Wednesday 27 August, 4:30pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Join us for a 4-day Movie Marathon, screening French movies you wouldn't want to miss!
Tuesday 26 August, 2pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Join us for a 4-day Movie Marathon, screening French movies you wouldn't want to miss!
Monday 25 August, 2pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Join us for a 4-day Movie Marathon, screening French movies you wouldn't want to miss!
.png)
Saturday 23 August, 2pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Come join us for the screening of a Kung-Fu movie followed by the demonstration of an expert in martial arts!
-(Présentation).png)
Thurs, 21 August, 2pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Kids and teens, learn how to cook a delicious cake marbré, a French classic!
.png)
Thursday 14 August, 2.30 - 3.30pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Learn about Van Gogh and create your own Nuit étoilée!
-(Présentation)-(2).png)
Thurs, 14 August, 2pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Kids and teens, learn how to cook a delicious tarte tatin, a French classic!
.png)
Tuesday, 12 August, 6.30pm - 8pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Blending French language and collage art? Guided by a French artist, create art, practice French, and take home your original collages.
Thursday 7 August, 4 - 5.30pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Let's dive into Murakami's world and design your own Flower!
-(Présentation).png)
Thurs, 7 Aug, 2pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Kids and teens, learn how to cook a delicious tarte au chocolat, a French classic!
.png)
Wednesday 6 August, 7 pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Come join us and explore the origins, the making and the characteristics of different variety of cheeses!
Thurs, 31 July, 2pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Kids and teens, learn how to cook a delicious tarte aux fraises, a French classic!
-(Présentation).jpg)
Tues, 22 July, 2pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Kids and teens, learn how to cook a delicious cake marbré, a French classic!
Thursday 17 July, 3 - 4.30pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Kids, create your own terrarium!
.png)
Sat, 12 July, 2pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Teens, learn how to cook a delicious fondant au chocolat, a French classic!
Thursday 10 July, 4 - 5.30 pm
AF Library - Jordan Centre
Join us for a fun-filled comic treasure hunt, followed by a creative cartoon drawing workshop, perfect for kids aged 7 to 12!
.png)
Wednesday 9 July, 4 - 5.30 pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Learn more about Claude Monet and create your own Nymphaea!
.png)
Sat 5 July, 3pm
AF Library, Jordan Center
Rencontre avec Justine Rochot et Gilles Guiheux, auteurs de Quand la Chine parle.
Friday, July 4, 11am
Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macao
Legends of French judo are coming to meet you at the beginning of July: Gévrise Emane, Margaux Pinot, Romane Dicko and
Sarah-Léonie Cysique, accompanied by Larbi Benboudaoud!
.png)
Saturday, 28 June, 3pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Celebrate Pride Month with us and join the screening of 4 short movies on LGBTQ+ featuring inspiring stories!
.png)
Wed, 25 June, 6.30pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
In the context of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference, taking place in Nice, France, from June 9 to 13, 2025, Join us the screening
of "City of Shells: Our Forgotten Oyster Reefs (香江遺礁)" screening followed by a conference with
oyster reef restoration specialists!
Fri - Sun, 20-22 June
The Wanch, The Fringe Club, Terrible Baby, The Trilogy and Coco Cabana
MMHK is an annual music festival for all, inspired by the French Fête de la musique.
.png)
Wednesday, 18 June, 6.30pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Elevate your home decor by crafting a Kokedama terrarium in this workshop, blending Japanese moss-balling with modern terrarium artistry to
create a personalised decorative piece!
Mon 16 June, 6pm
Parenthèses, Duke Wellington House, Central
En 2025, nous célébrons l’anniversaire littéraire de Françoise Sagan, née il y a 90 ans. L’événement gratuit sera accompagné d’un apéritif
et d’un quiz !
14 June - 8 pm or 15 June 3 pm
Theatre, Sheung Wan Civic Centre
French May Festival of Arts : A poetic and choreographic piece mixing dance, physical theater, live hand shadows and
videos.
.png)
Sat, 14 June, 6pm
Don’t miss an unforgettable evening of music featuring the remarkable Cantopop star Jay Fung and the wonderful French singer Joyce
Jonathan.
Wed 11 June, 6.30pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
A talk with Fiammetta Horvat who will share nostalgic and sensorial stories of her father's Frank Horvat
Hong Kong photographs, capturing cityscapes, people, and the city's unique atmosphere.
.png)
Thursday, 5 June, 6.30pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Blending French language and collage art? Guided by a French artist, create art, practice French, and take home your original collages.
4 Jun, 7.00 pm
Movie Movie Pacific Place
The life of Charles Aznavour, from his beginnings as the son of Armenian immigrants to his rise as an iconic singer.
4 Jun, 7.00 pm
Fringe Club (Jockey Club Studio Theater)
A docu-fiction that explores the decline of the Hollywood myth through a poetic stroll across Los Angeles.
.png)
Wed, 4 June, 6.30pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
In the context of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference, taking place in Nice, France, from June 9 to 13, 2025, AF is raising environmental awareness throughout the month of June. Join us for the opening of Hong Kong artist Alan Lo's underwater
photography exhibition.
3 Jun, 7.50 pm
Broadway Cinematheque
Jay, a taxi driver in Tokyo, reunites with his daughter Lily after nine years of absence, sparking a journey of reconciliation and familial
bonds.
2 Jun, 7.50 pm
Movie Movie Pacific Place
Tracing the life of Niki de Saint Phalle, a feminist artist whose journey was defined by resilience and creativity.
1 Jun, 3.00 pm
Broadway Cinematheque
Retracing the life of the iconic French actress, highlighting her passion, audacity, and enduring influence on theater and culture.
1 Jun, 7.50 pm
Movie Movie Pacific Place
Iris, a French expatriate in Seoul, teaches French. She navigates between chance encounters and introspection in a poetic quest for meaning.
31 May, 7.10 pm
Premiere Elements
The life of Charles Aznavour, from his beginnings as the son of Armenian immigrants to his rise as an iconic singer.
29 May, 7.25 pm
Movie Movie Pacific Place
This feature film, restored in color and 4K Ultra HD, showcases Maria Callas during her debut performance at the Paris Opera on December
19,1958.
Ce spectacle qui mêle danse contemporaine, théâtre physique, théâtre d’ombres en direct et séquences vidéo, offre un univers visuel original et une mise en scène sensible où les deux artistes explorent avec poésie les méandres de la mémoire.
From now on until July 10
Online
Create a tram exterior design inspired by French culture, art, fashion, and innovation, showcasing the concept of
"beauty."
28 May, 7.40 pm
Movie Movie Pacific Place
A young woman works in an isolated guesthouse in South Korea, where the arrival of a foreign author disrupts her reflections on love and
identify.
.png)
Wed 28 May, 6.30pm
AF Library, Jordan Center
Rencontre avec Mark O'Neill, auteur de « Out of Ireland » pour la présentation de son dernier livre «
Europeans in Hong Kong ».
Leave a Comment / Laissez un commentaire