What is the traditional French name for New Year's Eve, celebrated on December 31?

The traditional French name for New Year's Eve, celebrated on December 31, is La Saint-Sylvestre.

The name refers to Saint Sylvester's Day, the feast day of Pope Sylvester I, who died on December 31, 335. In France, the saint's day became closely connected with the final evening of the calendar year, so a religious date also became the everyday name for the celebration.

French speakers may also call the evening le réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre. Réveillon describes a late, festive meal associated with major holidays. New Year's Eve gatherings commonly feature a special dinner, champagne, music, and a midnight toast, although customs differ between families and regions.

Saint Sylvester's Day is not unique to France. December 31 is also associated with Saint Sylvester in several European countries, but the French expression is particularly familiar as the name of the New Year's Eve celebration.