The traditional French New Year's Eve celebration, especially its festive dinner, is called réveillon.
A réveillon is a long celebratory meal held late at night, traditionally associated with Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve. The word comes from the French verb réveiller, meaning “to awaken,” reflecting the idea of staying awake through the night. On New Year's Eve, it may include elaborate courses, champagne, seafood, pastries, and other special foods.
The term refers primarily to the meal and gathering rather than to one single national street event. Families, friends, restaurants, and hotels may all host réveillons, and menus differ by region and household.
Réveillon is sometimes confused with Bastille Day, France's national day in July, or with Mardi Gras celebrations. Those are separate occasions. In French usage, the context determines whether a speaker means the Christmas réveillon or the New Year's Eve réveillon.