The French word for the festive New Year’s Eve dinner and celebration traditionally held on December 31 is Réveillon.
A réveillon is a long, celebratory meal held late at night, especially on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve. In the New Year context, it commonly includes friends or family, multiple courses, wine or champagne, and a toast at midnight. Restaurants and hotels may also advertise special réveillon menus.
The word comes from the French verb réveiller, meaning “to wake up” or “awaken,” reflecting the late-night nature of the meal. It is not limited to one fixed menu: regional dishes, seafood, pastries, and other festive foods may all appear depending on the household or location.
Réveillon can refer to both the meal and the broader social evening. It should not be confused with Bastille Day, France’s national day, or Mardi Gras, a carnival season whose timing changes each year.