Key practical and cultural dates for your diary in France for December 2025

Practical dates

December 2 – National strike

Three unions – FSU, CGT and Solidaires – have called a nationwide strike to demand social, fiscal and environmental justice in response to the draft 2026 budget. Expect possible disruption in transport, healthcare and education. Further action later in December is also possible.

December 15 – Taxe d’habitation deadline (paper/cheque payments)

Last day to pay the taxe d’habitation on second homes – or the taxe sur les logements vacants – if not paying online.

Mid-December (approx.) – Income tax corrections

Final window to submit corrections to your 2024 income tax return.

December 20 – Online payment deadline for taxe d’habitation

The cut-off for paying the taxe d’habitation online.

December 20 – January 5 – School holidays

Christmas holidays for all school zones in France.

December 29 – Direct-debit payment

For those who opted for a one-off direct debit (prélèvement à l’échéance) for the taxe d’habitation, the payment will be taken today.

December 31 – Deadline to contest taxe foncière errors

Last day to challenge any mistakes on your property tax (taxe foncière) bill.

Reminder: driving at night or in poor weather

As winter approaches, police are reminding drivers of the rules for using vehicle headlights in different weather or visibility conditions.

The Gendarmerie du Cher recently published guidance on the various types of vehicle lights and their correct use to ensure you can see – and be seen – on the road.

These rules are specified in Articles R313-1 to R313-32-1 of the Code de la route. Drivers risk a €68 fine for failing to use proper lighting, and police can immobilise a vehicle at any time if it is deemed insufficiently visible.

Cultural dates 

December 3–7 – Les Trans Musicales, Rennes

Rennes’ annual festival of cutting-edge new music returns to the exhibition park, showcasing emerging artists from France and beyond.

December 5–8 – Fête des Lumières, Lyon

Lyon’s iconic festival sees the city illuminated with projections, artistic installations and outdoor spectacles across its central districts.

December 6 – Saint Nicholas Day

Celebrated particularly in northern France and Alsace, where Saint Nicholas visits with sweets for children. In the rest of France, attention begins to turn to Père Noël.

December 25 – Christmas Day

A public holiday nationwide, marked by family gatherings, festive meals and longstanding traditions.

December 31 – New Year’s Eve (Réveillon de la Saint-Sylvestre)

Celebrations take place across France with dinners, firework displays in major cities and midnight countdowns.

Throughout December – Christmas markets and illuminations

Christmas markets, light displays and seasonal street scenes can be found throughout France, notably in Strasbourg, Colmar, Reims and Paris.