New Year's Eve(Réveillon du Nouvel An) en 🇫🇷 France

Le Reveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre is one of France's grandest dining occasions. The French approach New Year's Eve as an opportunity for a multi-course gastronomic experience, whether at home or in a restaurant. A typical reveillon menu includes foie gras, oysters, smoked salmon, lobster or langoustines, a cheese course, and a buche de Noel or other elaborate dessert.

Paris draws millions of visitors to the Champs-Elysees, where crowds gather to watch a light and sound show projected onto the Arc de Triomphe. The Eiffel Tower sparkles at midnight with a fireworks display visible from vantage points across the city. The Seine river banks fill with revellers sharing champagne.

Throughout France, bals du reveillon (New Year's balls) are held in town halls, community centres, and restaurants. In rural areas, these are often elaborate community affairs with live music, dancing, and prix-fixe menus that run from 8 PM well past midnight.

The French take their champagne seriously on this night, and the selection of the midnight bottle is a considered decision. Vintage champagnes, blanc de blancs, and prestigious cuvees are opened with ceremony. The tradition of exchanging kisses under mistletoe (gui) carries into the first moments of the new year.

The last day of the Gregorian calendar year, celebrated worldwide with countdown parties, fireworks, and midnight toasts welcoming the new year.