In France, New Year’s Eve is commonly called Saint-Sylvestre, after Saint Sylvester I.
Saint Sylvester I was bishop of Rome from 314 until his death in 335. His feast day is December 31, which is also the final day of the civil year in the Gregorian calendar. French usage therefore connects the evening’s celebrations with the saint’s name.
A French New Year’s Eve party may also be called a réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre. Typical celebrations include a special meal, champagne, music, and a midnight exchange of good wishes. The name identifies the date and celebration rather than a single nationwide ritual.
Saint-Sylvestre should not be confused with Saint Nicholas, whose feast is December 6 and whose traditions are associated with gifts and winter celebrations in parts of Europe. The French term is also different from Réveillon, a broader word used in several French-speaking contexts.