What is the name of the French New Year's Eve feast traditionally held on December 31?

The French New Year's Eve feast traditionally held on December 31 is called Réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre.

Réveillon is a long, festive meal held late at night, and the New Year's version is named for Saint Sylvester's feast day. In France, the evening may include several courses, champagne, seafood, oysters, foie gras or other celebratory foods, depending on region and household.

The word réveillon comes from réveil, meaning “waking,” because the meal historically kept people awake through the night. A separate Christmas Eve feast is also called a réveillon, so the date and saint's name matter when identifying the New Year's celebration.

The event is not identical to a public countdown or fireworks display. It is primarily a communal meal, although modern celebrations may combine it with parties, dancing and midnight toasts.