Réveillon is the French name for the festive meal or party held on New Year's Eve.
The word refers to a late-night celebration, traditionally involving an elaborate meal that continues into the early hours. New Year's Eve Réveillon gatherings may include seafood, oysters, foie gras, champagne, pastries, and other special foods, although menus differ by region, family, and budget. In France, the evening is also called Saint-Sylvestre after the feast day of Saint Sylvester on December 31.
Réveillon is not limited to New Year's Eve. In French usage, réveillon can also describe the late-night meal associated with Christmas Eve. That shared term is a common source of confusion. The word comes from réveiller, meaning “to awaken,” reflecting the idea of staying awake through the night. French-speaking communities in other countries use the word too, but the foods and public customs can be different from those in France.