French Christmas Songs

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
Protected by Copyscape Web Plagiarism Checker

Cantique de Noel (Minuet, chretiens)

O Holy Night

"Cantique de Noel" is the original version of the classic "O Holy Night". This popular Christmas carol was composed by Adolphe Adam using the words to the French poem "Minuit, chretiens", which was written by Placide Cappeau. "Minuit, chretiens" translates to "Midnight, Christians".

This video is of a live performance of the late, great Italian tenor, Luciano Pavarotti, singing "Cantique de Noel", in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Luciano Pavarotti - Montreal - 1978 - Cantique de Noël (Minuit Chretiens)
by singercanela | video info

229 ratings | 113,028 views
curated content from YouTube

Noel blanc

White Christmas

"Noel blanc" is the French version of Irving Berlin's ever-popular "White Christmas". This particular recording is of the late singer Dalida.
Dalida - Noël Blanc
by fran25 | video info

143 ratings | 117,639 views
curated content from YouTube

Santa Claus

Father Christmas

santa claus pere noel

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

This French Christmas song was first sung by Tino Rossi in the film "Destins". "Petit Papa Noel" was written by Raymond Vincy and Henri Martinet, and translates to "Little Papa Christmas". The late Tino Rossi was a French tenor from Corsica, France.
Petit Papa Noel par Tino Rossi
by poppsboy | video info

271 ratings | 207,665 views
curated content from YouTube

Mon beau sapin

O Christmas Tree

"Mon beau sapin" is the French version of "O Christmas Tree", a popular Christmas classic which was originally written in German as "O Tannenbaum". This recording is of Les Petits Chanteurs a la Croix de Bois de Paris (literal translation: The Little Singers at the Wooden Cross of Paris).
O MON SAPIN. Les Petits Chanteurs à la Croix de Bois.mp4
by irisphloxe | video info

46 ratings | 46,746 views
curated content from YouTube

Nativity Scene

christmas 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

"Vive le vent" is the French version of "Jingle Bells", written by James Lord Pierpont. "Vive le vent" is not a literal translation of "Jingle Bells", but captures the same spirit of winter fun and the great outdoors. This recording is of Quebec artist, Ginette Reno.
Chanson de Noel - Vive le Vent - Ginette Reno
by lesproductionsmpd | video info

387 ratings | 895,864 views
curated content from YouTube

Douce nuit, sainte nuit

Silent Night

"Douce nuit, sainte nuit" is the French version of "Silent Night", This Christmas classic was originally written in German as "Stille Nacht" by Father Joseph Mohr and Franz Xaver Gruber. This recording of "Douce nuit, sainte nuit" is of the late singer Dalida.
Dalida - Douce Nuit, Sainte Nuit
by zorpar | video info

24 ratings | 12,333 views
curated content from YouTube

French Christmas - Poll

christmas

{Photo of a Christmas candle courtesy of author Gerbil on Wikimedia Commons.a>}

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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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Christmas Greetings - Joyeux Noel (Merry Christmas)

French Christmas Poster

French Christmas Music

French Christmas Music on CD and DVD

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French Christmas Ornaments

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French Christmas Decorations

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Paris - Vintage Christmas Tree Ornaments

These attractive, ceramic vintage ornaments add a French touch to your Christmas tree.

Eiffel Tower Paris Christmas Ornament

Eiffel Tower Paris Christmas Ornament

Paris Vintage

Paris Vintage

Vintage Santa over Paris Christmas Ornament

Vintage Santa over Paris Christmas Ornament

French Cuisine

Choose your French-cuisine cookbook to prepare French recipes for your friends and family.

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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!

  • Joan4 Apr 6, 2012 @ 7:26 am | delete
    Beautiful French Christmas songs!
  • lisadh Apr 5, 2012 @ 1:50 pm | delete
    I love Christmas carols in any language.
  • joycetmann Dec 19, 2011 @ 1:25 pm | delete
    The French certainly have some lovely Christmas music.
  • 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.
  • 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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Although I have written a number of travel articles, I've also created lenses on music, travel gifts, Indo-European languages, European geography, spirituality, food, gourmet items, Halloween costumes, fashion, jewelry, and decor. Many of my lenses incorporate a European theme.
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