A French Christmas Eve dinner | A Coffee Break with Max

The French Christmas Eve tradition, known as *le réveillon de Noël*, centers on a multi-course culinary celebration typically held on the evening of December 24th. The meal begins with *l'apéro*, featuring wine or champagne paired with light bites like mini quiches, salmon toasts, and *roulés à la saucisse*. Starters often include regional delicacies such as oysters with lemon or snails prepared with garlic and parsley butter. The centerpiece of the feast is traditionally a turkey with chestnuts, accompanied by crunchy green beans and sautéed potatoes. A diverse cheese board featuring varieties like Brie and Roquefort precedes the final course, a chocolate Yule log or *bûche au chocolat*. Unlike many other traditions, gift-giving often occurs throughout this five-to-six-hour dinner on the 24th rather than waiting until Christmas morning, marking the evening as a comprehensive social and gastronomic event.