What is the French term for a New Year’s Eve dinner or party?

The French term for a New Year’s Eve dinner or party is réveillon.

A réveillon is a long, festive meal or social gathering held on Christmas Eve or New Year’s Eve. In France, the New Year’s version is commonly associated with December 31 and may include multiple courses, champagne, seafood, oysters, foie gras, or elaborate desserts, although menus vary widely by region and household.

The word comes from the French réveil, meaning “waking” or “awakening.” That connection reflects the custom of staying awake late into the night. The term is not limited to New Year’s Eve: réveillon de Noël refers to the Christmas Eve meal, while réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre refers specifically to New Year’s Eve.

A réveillon is therefore a type of celebration or meal, not the name of France’s midnight countdown itself. French speakers may also call December 31 la Saint-Sylvestre, after Saint Sylvester’s feast day. These overlapping terms can cause confusion for learners translating New Year’s Eve customs.