Christmas in France Unit Study

In this free unit, your child will learn how Christmas is celebrated in France. In addition, they’ll learn about the geography of France, as well as a little related history and language arts. Unlike other “free” unit studies, you won’t have to buy or search for a bunch of required books. Everything you need, except the ingredients for a recipe, is available for free online.

This unit study is designed to last five days and can be used with a wide range of ages, making it a fun activity for the entire family to do together. With younger children, read the assignments aloud to them, and skip the written work if they aren’t ready for it. Older students can read their assignments independently. If you have teenagers, you may want to have them research France and its Christmas traditions further, either at the library or online. Then they could present what they’ve learned to the rest of the family.

Day 1: Introduction to France and Its Geography

Read National Geographic Kids: France and click through the picture slideshow.

Watch Geography Now! France.

Have your children find France on a world map or globe. Have your older children label France and the countries that border it (Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, and Andorra) on this map of Europe. Here’s an answer key.

Day 2: Christmas in France Part 1

Read about Christmas in France at WhyChristmas.com.

Watch How is French Christmas Different?

Day 3: Christmas in France Part 2

Watch Epcot Holidays Around The World: Père Noël France Storyteller.

Watch How to Say Merry Christmas in French.

Have your children color a Joyeux Noël (Merry Christmas) coloring page as they listen to French Christmas music.

Day 4: Christmas in France Part 3

Watch Rick Steves’ European Christmas: France. Caution: At about 1:16, the video briefly shows a painting of a topless woman in a shop window. If you don’t want your kids to see this, start the video at 1:20.

Have your children write about and illustrate what they have learned on one of these notebooking pages or regular paper.

Watch Madeline’s Christmas book read aloud.

Day 5: Christmas in France Recipes

Prepare a Bûche de Noël (Yule Log Cake) or chocolat chaud (hot chocolate).

More Christmas Around the World Unit Studies

If you enjoyed this unit study, don’t miss our other Christmas Around the World units. We have several countries to choose from!

Note: This post was originally published on December 16, 2021 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.