Who Is Le Père Noël?

Imagine reading about the identity of Père Noël while you’re cozied up by a crackling fireplace. Picture yourself as one of his candy-loving elves, sifting through the endless list of nice children’s names from around the world. And wafting in the air is this warm scent that makes you feel as if the only thing you are missing is a steaming hug mug of hot chocolate. I’m talking about a very rich, velvety hot cocoa. Yum yum. Add a plate of cookies, brownies, or churros for snacking, and voilà—you’ve got the perfect holiday scene.

Who is Père Noël?

Père Noël is what Santa Claus or Father Christmas is known as in France and other French-speaking places. He is a ho-ho-ho jolly old man with a long white beard, who wears a red outfit, a red cloak, and a white fur hood. He brings treats and presents to children who have been good throughout the year.

Le Père Noël is accompanied by le Père Fouettard. Père Fouettard is a menacing-looking character, and he punishes children who have been naughty throughout the year.

Does Père Noël travel on a sleigh?

Père Noël lives in the North Pole and he travels by flying on his magical sleigh with his donkey called Gui.

Do children leave milk and cookies for Père Noël?

Short answer: no, children do not leave milk and cookies for Père Noël. But, they might leave a glass of wine or Calvados (a type of brandy from Normandy made from apples or pears) for Père Noël, because he is French like that.

Where does Père Noël leave his presents?

Based on tradition, before children go to bed on Christmas Eve, they leave their shoes and slippers by the fireplace with carrots and lots of treats for Gui. Of course, usually after the Christmas Eve Midnight Mass, Père Noël takes the offerings and leaves gifts in exchange. If the children have been nice during the year, they get gifts and toys stuffed in their shoes and slippers, or sometimes the pile of presents is placed under the Christmas tree.

Common traditions around Père Noël

• Children write letters to Père Noël asking for presents, and they receive a postcard in response.
• Children fill their shoes and slippers with treats and place them by the fireplace or Christmas tree for Père Noël and Gui.

Common holiday greetings

• I wish you a Merry Christmas: Je vous souhaite un Joyeux Noël
• Season’s Greetings: Meilleurs vœux
• Happy Holidays: Joyeuses Fêtes
• Merry Christmas and Happy New Year: Joyeux Noël et bonne année
• Happy Kings Day: Joyeuse Fête des Rois