What is the name of France’s traditional New Year’s Eve feast?

France’s traditional New Year’s Eve feast is called Réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre.

The name refers to a late, festive meal eaten on December 31, the feast day of Saint Sylvester in the Western Christian calendar. Depending on the household or restaurant, it can include oysters, seafood, foie gras, champagne, pastries, and other special dishes, but there is no single mandatory menu for all of France.

Réveillon comes from the French verb réveiller, “to wake up,” reflecting the historical idea of staying awake through the night. The term is also used for the Christmas Eve feast, Réveillon de Noël, so the Saint-Sylvestre qualification identifies the New Year celebration specifically.

French-speaking communities outside France may use Réveillon for their own New Year meal or party, with local foods and customs. The feast is distinct from the galette des rois, a pastry eaten around Epiphany in January, often containing a hidden figurine or bean.