Gorgeous French Christmas Decor items

A curated collection of gorgeous French Christmas decor for the home! Discover timeless elegance, rustic touches, and festive traditions. Add some European flair to your holiday home this year!

Earlier I shared my list of holiday decor that you need to buy early in order to avoid missing out. Now I’m sharing my curated list of my favorite French Christmas decor items with you. Some of these are things that I own and love and some are things that I’ve recently discovered and ordered for myself!

I’ve rounded them all up and provided links to each so you can shop before they sell out! This post is updated each year to include the latest French finds. This post has been updated with my 2023 finds. You can use the Table of Contents below to jump directly to the shopping section.

What do I consider French Christmas decor?

Well, think sparkle and texture. A bit of new mixed with old. It’s white, silver, and gold mixed with rattan and wood and all accented by gorgeous greenery. You can even add a pop of subtle color, like a soft pink, a gray-blue, or even some bronze.

A French-country Chistmas is simple and elegant.

Christmas Decorating in France

French Christmas decorating, often referred to as “Noël” embodies timeless elegance and a focus on understated luxury. It typically involves using natural elements like pine branches, holly, and mistletoe for decoration.

French homes are adorned with classic ornaments, delicate glass baubles, and candles. Colors like gold, white, red, and silver dominate the palette, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.

French Christmas decor often incorporates vintage items, such as antique candle holders and figurines. French homes may also feature a Nativity scene (crèche) as a significant part of their Christmas decorations.

Overall, French Christmas decorating emphasizes understated sophistication, celebrating the holiday with a touch of timeless beauty and grace. Some key elements of French Christmas decor include:

1. Christmas Trees: Just like in many other countries, the Christmas tree is a central decoration. Traditional French Christmas ornaments include delicate glass baubles, vintage-style decorations, and handcrafted ornaments. French families may opt for real trees or artificial ones. White lights are popular for a soft, elegant glow.
2. Nativity Scenes (Crèches): Nativity scenes are a significant part of French Christmas decor. Families often set up intricate nativity scenes, known as “crèches,” with figurines representing the Holy Family, shepherds, the Magi, and other characters.
3. Advent Wreaths: Advent wreaths with four candles are lit successively on each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. This practice is common in Catholic households.
4. Yule Log (Bûche de Noël): A chocolate Yule log cake is a traditional French Christmas dessert, representing the ancient custom of burning a log in the fireplace. The cake is often decorated to resemble a real log.
5. Christmas Lights: Many cities and towns in France are beautifully illuminated with Christmas lights. Paris, in particular, is known for its extravagant holiday lighting displays on the Champs-Élysées and around famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower.
6. Window Displays: Retailers in France create elaborate Christmas window displays to entice shoppers with festive scenes and holiday-themed merchandise.
7. Mistletoe and Holly: These classic holiday plants are used for decoration and are sometimes hung in doorways. Kissing under the mistletoe is a popular tradition in France.
8. Christmas Markets: Christmas markets are a staple of the holiday season in France, with vendors selling a wide range of seasonal products, including ornaments, decorations, and regional holiday foods.
9. Table Settings: French Christmas tables are beautifully set with fine linens, elegant dinnerware, and festive centerpieces. Often, the “Réveillon” feast is a grand, multi-course meal enjoyed on Christmas Eve.
10. Natural Materials: French decor often incorporates natural elements like fresh greenery, pinecones, and berries for a rustic, cozy ambiance.
11. Neutral Color Palette: Soft, neutral colors such as whites, creams, and muted pastels are common, creating a serene and elegant atmosphere.
12. Candles and Lights: Candles, both real and LED, are used extensively to create a warm and inviting glow. Chandeliers, lanterns, and fairy lights are also popular.
13. Poinsettias: While not native to France, poinsettias have become a popular Christmas plant, adding a vibrant touch of red to the decor.

French Christmas decorating reflects a commitment to preserving tradition and an appreciation for the finer details of the holiday season. It emphasizes a cozy, family-centered atmosphere with an understated elegance that is both timeless and enchanting.

My Favorite French Christmas Decor

Traditional Christmas colors are of course red and green. But, if like me and that’s not really your style, you might enjoy this list a bit better. These items add texture and sparkle but stay within a neutral color palette. As a self-proclaimed Francophile, this is my favorite look.

I’m hoping my early shopping will give you some inspiration for your own holiday season decorating! Whether you’re looking for a swag for your front door, hostess gifts for another, or the perfect accent decor for your home, I’ve got you covered.

Simply click on any of the images below to shop my favorite French country Christmas decor directly!

This of course isn’t an exhaustive list of my favorites, so I’ve rounded up a few more French Christmas decor options for you! These items sell out quickly, so be sure to shop sooner rather than later….or like me, buy this year to use for next year {unless I forget that I bought them and where I put them! Lol!}

More Holiday Gift Guides

• Gift Guides for Her & for Him!
• 15 of the Best Experience Gift Ideas to Give
• Holiday Gift Guide: 25+ Items For the Home
• Green and White French Christmas Living Room
• Easy & Elegant Christmas Wrapping Ideas

Happy shopping!