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!
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Saturday, March 28
The "Francophone Dictation", organized annually by AFLE as part of the
Francophonie Festival, aims to raise participants' awareness of the diversity and richness of the French language through the discovery
of vocabulary, specific or traditional expressions.
# College La Salle
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.
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
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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
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Tuesday,
March 17, 2026 |
6.30 pm - 8.30 pm
# Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, 1 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai
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
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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!
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Saturday , 14 March, 8 pm
Sunday , 15 March , 3 pm
@ Lyric Theatre, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts
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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!
During the session, we will explain how beer is made and introduce the different styles of beer. To round things off, the workshop will conclude with a guided tasting of three different Belgian beers.
Learn how to open and enjoy the iconic Prat-Ar-Coum No. 3 oysters, sourced directly from Brittany.
Make Your Own Crêpe! The crêperie Fleur de Sel is delighted to offer participants the opportunity to make their own crêpe using professional equipment.
During this workshop, Michel Lo will captivate us with a surprise culinary demonstration, showcasing the significance of ingredients and creativity in the kitchen.
Discover four certified organic wines — two reds and two whites — by two different estates, one in the Loire Valley and the other in Burgundy.
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.
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Friday, 6 March, 6pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Join us this International Women’s Day: Alliance Française de Hong Kong is partnering with three Hong Kong-based organisations that support
migrant women in overcoming poverty and oppression throughout their migration journeys. Come meet them and learn how you can get involved!
Thursday, 5 March, 6:30pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Rejoignez-nous pour un atelier musical à la croisée du slam, du rap et de la poésie !
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
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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
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Saturday, 28 Feb, 2.30pm
AF Library, Jordan Center
To celebrate Mardi Gras, join us for a fun-filled event to make bugnes, a traditional French pastry, and create your own festive carnival
masks while dressed in your most creative costume!
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Friday, 27 February, 6pm
Sheung Wan - Central
Stroll around Hong Kong Island and enjoy live reading for the night!
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Wednesday, 25 February, 6.30pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Join us for our Tour de France of wine, second stop... Bourgogne!
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Wednesday, 28 January, 6.30pm
AF Library, Jordan Centre
Join us for our Tour de France of wine, first stop... Bordeaux!
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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.
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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!
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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.
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