6 Ways To Say Merry Christmas In French

Do you wish to spend the holidays in France and blend in with the locals? Then you must learn how to greet someone in French with “Merry Christmas!”

There are a few phrases and rituals you should become familiar with if you want to wish someone a Merry Christmas in French.

While the word “Merry Christmas” has a universal translation, there are additional French phrases that can be used to wish someone a nice holiday throughout the Christmas season.

6 Ways To Say Merry Christmas In French

Here are the best ways to say Merry Christmas in French and tips on how to use them.

1. How to Say Merry Christmas in French

Joyeux Noel is the most common translation. You will have a better understanding of the translated phrase if you break the two words down and analyze each one individually. You will also have an easier time remembering it.

A pleasant, joyous, jolly, or gay adjective, that’s Joyeux.

Many French students like to conceive of the translation as ‘Joyous Christmas’ as a kind of memory aid to trigger the French adjective ‘joyeux’ because it most closely resembles ‘joyous’ in English.

Christmas is simply referred to as Noel in French. The First Noel, a Christmas carol, may remind you that this is the French term for “Christmas.”

Joyeux Noël ! – Merry Christmas!

Joyeux Noel, like its English equivalent, is a typical way to wish someone a happy Christmas in French.

It can be shared with anybody you know, from family to friends to coworkers to the hotel doorman or your favorite barista. 

2. Bonnes fêtes de fin d’année ! – Happy Holidays!

“Bonnes fêtes de fin d’année!” literally translates to “fantastic end-of-year celebrations.” Christmas, New Year‘s Eve, and all the festivities that go along with it are referred to as Fêtes de Fin d’année.

This greeting, however, can also be used with non-Christmas folks.

If you don’t want to offend someone who doesn’t celebrate Christmas for religious or other reasons, welcome them in this manner.

This greeting is appropriate for both formal and casual situations. It’s also a great way to finish off your emails before heading off to enjoy the holidays!

Other Ways to Say Happy Holidays in French

If you want fancier ways to say “Merry Christmas” in French especially when writing letters or gift cards, or simply want variety in your holiday greetings, here are other ways to do it:

Je vous souhaite d’excellentes fêtes, et bonne année – I wish you an excellent holiday season and a happy new year.

This one is another elegant greeting to add to your Christmas card to give to friends and family.

Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année de la part de… – Season’s greetings from… 

For your Christmas cards, how about this simple greeting? Just state, “Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année de la part de…” then follow with your name.

It can be attached to gift cards and used professionally or informally.

Passez un Joyeux Noël en famille – Have a happy Christmas with your family

Because Christmas is often spent with family, this greeting would be more personal and genuine. It might also indicate something like “enjoy Christmas with your family.”

Vœux de Bonheur pour un Joyeux Noël – Happy wishes for a Merry Christmas

This Christmasy greeting sounds a bit posh,  and a more sophisticated Christmas greeting that can be used in cards or holiday communications.

Want to learn more French phrases? Check out our language guides below:

• Most Common French Terms of Endearment
• Happy Mother’s Day In French
• Happy New Year In French
• Happy Valentines Day In French