How to celebrate the holidays in the region
Like the rest of France, Christmas in the Languedoc-Roussillon is a family holiday, a religious celebration and an occasion for merrymaking, marked by traditions that have become popular in many countries across the world, including a Christmas feast - called the Reveillon, Christmas trees and nativity creches. In certain parts of the region specific cultural traditions seems more prevalent than in others - this is largely due to the fact that the Languedoc-Roussillon is home to a varied and diverse population with historical links that place them culturally closer to neighbouring regions such as Provence, where the celebrated santons de noel are a big part of Christmas, and Catalonia, where Christmas celebrations focus on the arrival of the Three Kings on Epiphany.
In France and some other French-speaking places, a réveillon is a long dinner, and possibly party, held on the evenings preceding Christmas Day and New Year's Day. The name of this dinner is based on the word réveil (meaning "waking"), because participation involves staying awake until midnight and beyond. In Portuguese-speaking countries, it is also a designation for the party preceding the New Year's Day.
Food
The food consumed at réveillons is generally of an exceptional or luxury nature. For instance, appetizers may include lobster, oysters, escargots or foie gras, etc. One traditional dish is turkey withchestnuts. Réveillons in Quebec will often include some variety of tourtière.
Dessert may consist of a bûche de Noël. In Provence, the tradition of the 13 desserts is followed: 13 desserts are served, almost invariably including: pompe à l'huile (a flavoured bread), dates, etc.
Quality wine is usually consumed at such dinners, often with champagne or similar sparkling wines as a conclusion.
