Christmas Day 2025
Date: December 25, 2025 (Thursday)
Country: French Guiana Public Holidays
Description
Christmas Day in French Guiana is a national public holiday celebrated on December 25. It marks a day when many people stop work and schools close so families and communities can observe the occasion together.
For many residents the day has a strong religious meaning. Christians see it as the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Churches hold services that many people attend to pray and reflect on faith.
Beyond religion the holiday is a time for family and close friends to come together. It is a pause from daily routines that allows people to rest, share meals, and strengthen social bonds within multicultural communities.
Christmas also has wider cultural importance in French Guiana. It helps remind people of shared values like generosity, charity, and hope. As a public holiday it plays a role in uniting people across different backgrounds.
Traditions
In French Guiana families go to midnight mass or a church service before they eat. People sing Creole carols and sometimes play drums and guitars. Neighbors visit each other and children meet Père Noël.
The meal mixes French and Creole dishes. You might find roasted chicken, fish stews, cassava couac, rice, salads, and sweet fruit cakes. People also enjoy local rum punch or fruit juices and share many small plates together.
Homes often have nativity scenes and candles. Some families light a special candle for each child. Gifts are opened after the meal or on Christmas morning, with hugs, songs, and loud laughter filling the house.
Travel Tips
Beau coup de magasins et de services fermés le 25 décembre. Les banques et les bureaux publics sont fermés. Les petits commerces touristiques peuvent ouvrir. Les transports en commun sont réduits. L aéroport fonctionne mais est souvent chargé. Prévoyez cash et médicaments.
Cherchez les marchés et événements locaux matinaux. Évitez les zones isolées la nuit. Protégez vous des moustiques et du soleil. Buvez de l eau. Respectez les communautés locales et soutenez les commerçants du coin pour profiter en toute sécurité et utilement.