French Christmas Carols (Chants de Noel)
Although many popular French Christmas carols are translations of English and German carols, there are some of French origin. "Petit Papa Noel" and "Cantique de Noel" are examples of Christmas classics of French origin.
The French Christmas songs that I've selected to feature are: Cantique de Noel, Noel Blanc, Petit Papa Noel, Mon beau sapin, Vive le vent, and Douce nuit, sainte nuit. As with all song translations, the French versions are not necessarily literal translations of the originals, but do capture a similar mood and spirit.
These selections could all be used to create a French Christmas theme for your holiday parties and events, or could simply be used as part of your Christmas music repertoire. I've also included resources on French Christmas traditions and cuisine, as well as Christmas tree ornaments and decorations, to help you plan a French Christmas. Going to midnight mass on Christmas eve, followed by the "reveillon" (Christmas meal), as well displaying a nativity scene, are all part of French and French Canadian Christmas tradition.
Joyeux Noel! (Merry Christmas!) Happy listening.
{Photo of French Santa courtesy of author Jacob Windham on Wikimedia Commons. Creative Commons}
Article copyright Heidi Brault.
© 2011 Heidi Brault. All Rights Reserved
Cantique de Noel (Minuet, chretiens)
O Holy Night
This video is of a live performance of the late, great Italian tenor, Luciano Pavarotti, singing "Cantique de Noel", in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Noel blanc
White Christmas
Santa Claus
Father Christmas
Santa Claus is referred to as "Pere Noel" in French-speaking areas of Canada and Europe. The literal translation of "Pere Noel" is Father Christmas. {Public domain image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.}
Petit Papa Noel
Mon beau sapin
O Christmas Tree
Nativity Scene
Nativity scenes are a popular Christmas tradition among the French as well as for French Canadians, with many homes and churches displaying nativity scenes, or "creches", during the Christmas season. (Photo of a French nativity scene, courtesy of Guillaume Piolle on Wikimedia Commons. GNU Free Documentation
Vive le vent
Jingle Bells
Douce nuit, sainte nuit
Silent Night
French Christmas Traditions
Christmas in France and Canada
Articles on Christmas traditions in France and Canada.
- Christmas in France
- Article on holiday traditions in France.
- Christmas in France: French Christmas Traditions and Customs
- Overview of Christmas traditions in France.
- Christmas Traditions Around the World: France
- Article on Christmas traditions and customs in France.
- Christmas in Canada
- Article on Christmas traditions in Canada, including a section on French Canadian traditions.
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Your Turn
Did you enjoy this selection of French Christmas carols?
My guestbook is open for comments from visitors and Squidoo members. Let me know you've dropped by!
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Joan4
Apr 6, 2012 @ 7:26 am | delete
- Beautiful French Christmas songs!
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lisadh
Apr 5, 2012 @ 1:50 pm | delete
- I love Christmas carols in any language.
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joycetmann
Dec 19, 2011 @ 1:25 pm | delete
- The French certainly have some lovely Christmas music.
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TamaraKajari
Dec 3, 2011 @ 5:48 pm | delete
- We have a French in our family and I'll have to ask him to sing us some of these songs this year. What a nice lens. Thank you for making it. Blessed by a SquidAngel.
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BrianS Nov 30, 2011 @ 12:58 pm | delete
- Might have to learn a few of these, we are spending Christmas in France this year. Bonne Noel :-)
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