Discover the meaning of New Year Day's and how French People celebrate it.
- virginieinprovence
- Nov 21, 2024
- 3 min read
Hello everyone!
Today, I’d like to talk to you about New Year’s Eve — because it’s always a big celebration for us, both for kids and adults.
Every year, we get together with friends who live nearby. We prepare a big dinner, open some bubbles, and of course, at midnight sharp, we wish each other a happy new year!
When we were younger, we used to go out dancing until sunrise… That’s less and less the case now. These days, it’s more our kids who are in that party mood.
As for us, we prefer cozy evenings with friends — around a beautiful table, a delicious meal, and lots of laughter.
I. How do we wish a Happy New Year in France?
Among friends, we simply say:
Bonne année ! Bonne santé !
Those are truly the four words you hear most often.
If you want to be a bit more formal, you can say:
Je te souhaite une bonne année → “I wish you a happy new year” (friendly but polite form)
Je vous souhaite une bonne année → “I wish you a happy new year” (very formal, often used at work)
But in everyday life, with a glass of champagne in hand, it’s mostly a big cheerful “Bonne année!” — with a smile and a few kisses on the cheek.
II. The origin of New Year’s Day
When and how did all this begin? I’m sure you’ve wondered!
In Roman times, the end of the year didn’t always fall on the same date — often it was in February. It was Julius Caesar who, by reforming the calendar, decided that December 31st would mark the end of the year.
The Romans already celebrated this period with big banquets and the exchange of wishes. They would offer coins and sweets to wish one another happiness and abundance.
Later, it was Charles IX who officially set January 1st as the first day of the year in France.
III. Saint Sylvester: Where does the name come from?
December 31st is called La Saint-Sylvestre simply because it’s the day when the Catholic Church commemorates the death of Pope Sylvester I, who passed away on December 31, 335.
Originally, it had nothing to do with New Year’s celebrations — it was a religious holiday, like Saint Nicholas or Saint Catherine.
It’s just a coincidence that the commemoration of this saint happens to fall on the last day of the year. Over time, since that date became New Year’s Eve, the name Saint-Sylvestre naturally came to refer to December 31st’s celebrations.
IV. The New Year’s Meal: between elegance and togetherness
The New Year’s Eve dinner is usually less formal than Christmas dinner, but just as festive.
It often includes:
foie gras,
smoked salmon,
seafood,
and of course, champagne 🍾
Younger people often prefer a cocktail-style dinner before going out, while adults enjoy a gourmet sit-down meal — a lovely way to close the year.
At midnight, everyone counts down the last ten seconds aloud, then hugs and kisses amid laughter and joyful cheers.
In some towns and villages, you can even admire a fireworks display to welcome the new year. 🎇
V. New Year’s resolutions
In France, New Year’s Day is also the time for good resolutions.
Quit smoking, exercise more, spend less time on screens… everyone has their own little promise.
I must admit that, with time, I make fewer and fewer!I prefer to adapt to what life brings rather than setting unrealistic goals.
But if I had to choose one for 2026, it would probably be to do more sport — even though I’ve already made a good start in 2025!
VI. A Time to recharge
Since my birthday is on January 5th, I like to use this time to slow down, refocus, and spend time with my loved ones.
It’s a gentle pause before diving back into immersions, classes, and all the year’s projects.
VII. And You?
And you — how do you celebrate the New Year?Do your traditions look a bit like ours in France?
Send me your messages or photos — I love discovering how this celebration is lived around the world!
When you come to stay with me for a French immersion in Provence, I’ll show you this region the way I live it: simply, joyfully, and under the southern sun. ☀️
🧡 See you soon in Provence!
Virginie in Provence
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