When can you find snow in Paris? Weather stations report a bit of annual snow likely to be deepest around December, especially close to early December. The best time to ski (if at all) in Paris is often around around December 3rd when fresh powder is deepest.

January

Upcoming 5 hours

Partly to mostly cloudy. High near 80F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.

Precipitation and snowfall will be much above normal, with the snowiest periods in mid-December, early to mid-January, and early to mid-March. Summer will be slightly cooler and rainier than normal in the east and hotter with near-normal rainfall in the west. The hottest periods will be in early June and mid-August.

As you might expect, on Christmas Day most of Paris is closed, but there are enough exceptions to be able to plan a wonderful day. For instance the Eiffel Tower is open daily, year round. Another excellent idea is this popular Christmas holiday lunch cruise that’s available on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Winter is the time to come if you don’t want to wait in line – and don’t mind the gray, chilly weather and short periods of daylight. Since the Christmas season in Paris lights up the city with holiday decorations, nights are much brighter than you might expect.

10 Traditional Christmas Dishes That You Will Eat in France

• Foie Gras. Foie gras isn’t for everyone.
• Boeuf Bourguignon. This dish is made by a lot of French families on Christmas Eve or Day, when the whole family dines together in a grand feast.
• Caviar.
• Escargots.
• Wildfowl.
• French Gratin Dauphinois.
• Soufflé
• Roast Turkey.

Capon or Turkey with chestnut stuffing This is the most popular and classic Christmas dish. Capon or Turkey is roasted in the oven with a generous chestnut stuffing. Sides are classic : chestnut again, green beans wrapped with bacon, truffle mashed potatoes… I add winter vegetables in my roasted capon recipe .

It is a four-day festival taking place around the 8 December. Why does it take place at this time? In France, the 8 December is a celebration in honour of the Virgin Mary – la Vierge Marie. In Lyon, during this festival, there are amazing, artistic light shows illuminating the buildings.

Père Noël

Many people in France put up a Christmas tree, visit a special church service, eat an elaborate meal and open gifts on Christmas Eve. Other activities also include walking in a park, participating in city life and sharing a meal with family and close friends.

The Thirteen Desserts

• Dates (perhaps stuffed with marzipan) representing the foods of the region where Christ lived and died.
• Dried plums from Brignoles.
• Calisson d’aix en Provence – a marzipan-like candy made from almond paste and candied melon.
• Quince fruit paste or jam.
• Candied melons.
• Casse-dents of Allauch – a biscuit.

Joyeux Noël is the most common way to say “Merry Christmas” in French.

Santa Claus in France is called “Père Noël”. Like in any places celebrating Christmas, the French Father Christmas wears a red suit and hat with white fur trimming with a broad black belt around his waist. He is tall and large, with ruddy cheeks and nose, bushy eyebrows, a white beard and moustache.

ExploreHow old is Santa? Saint Nicholas was born in 270 AD. That would make him 1,747 years old.

10 Beautiful French Gift Ideas For Him To Give This Christmas

• Perfume. Choosing a scent for someone other than yourself can be tricky to get right.
• Wallets & Cardholders. One thing a man can always use an upgrade at is his wallet.
• Champagne.
• Footwear.
• Coffee Table Books.
• Home Decor Gifts.
• Clothing Gifts.
• Kitchen Gifts.

Traditionally, the Père Noël likes to deliver presents to the well-behaved children after the Christmas Eve Mass. Children also don’t hang stockings by the fireplace, instead they leave slippers or shoes – and if they’ve been good, they’ll be filled with treats overnight!

Iceland

7 Christmas Stocking Alternatives

• Christmas Rainboots via Design Mom.
• Christmas Stocking Sacks via Not On The Highstreet.
• Christmas Cowboy Boots via HGTV.
• Christmas Buckets via DeLaDesign.
• Burlap Bags via Linen Chic.
• Christmas Shoes via Ala Parisienne.
• Upside Down Christmas Hats via My Home Ideas.

Santa Claus—otherwise known as Saint Nicholas or Kris Kringle—has a long history steeped in Christmas traditions.

The bad news: Santa Claus is definitely dead. Archaeologists in southern Turkey say they have discovered the tomb of the original Santa Claus, also known as St. Nicholas, beneath his namesake church near the Mediterranean Sea. Saint Nicholas of Myra (now Demre) was known for his anonymous gift-giving and generosity.

Yes, Santa Claus is real. The real name of Santa Claus was Saint Nicholas, also known as Kris Kringle. The story dates back to the 3rd century. Saint Nicholas was born in 280 A.D. in Patara, near Myra in modern-day Turkey.

The truth is Santa Claus is based on the very real Saint Nicholas and… ‘Saint Nicholas of Myra, also known as Nicholas of Bari, was an early Christian bishop of the ancient Greek maritime city of Myra in Asia Minor during the time of the Roman Empire.