12 different ways to say Merry Christmas in French [+Audio]

In France, we love Christmas!

For some of us, it’s a cultural celebration, a time for family gatherings and festive celebrations and gift-giving, especially if children are involved.

For others, it's a religious feast. France has traditionally been predominantly Catholic, and many people attend Midnight Mass − it may be the only time they see the inside of a church all year (other than for weddings or funerals).

And many homes display a Nativity scene.

Christmas is a very public affair, with a festive spirit visible in the smallest of villages: Christmas markets, public illuminations and extraordinary displays in the capital's legendary department stores, which are actually covered as media events.

So how do you wish your loved ones a Merry Christmas?

While the most common greeting is Joyeux Noël, there are a number of ways we can wish people a Merry Christmas. 

This can depend on the degree of familiarity, the work relationship, the specific occasion or place, or the number of people.

Let's take a closer look at spreading the holiday spirit in French. A new language is never easy, but you'll master some of the simpler greetings whatever your language skills.

The basics: How to say "Merry Christmas" in French

Want to cut through the nuances?

Just whip by with a cheerful Joyeux Noël: this is #1. Joyeux Noël works pretty much anywhere, from family get-togethers to a quick celebratory text message.

This simple greeting means Merry Christmas, or more technically, joyful Christmas, or joyous Christmas.

Getting fancy: other ways to wish a Merry Christmas in French

If you’re looking for something a slightly more elaborate French phrase − not formal, mind you, just a bit beyond the basics − here are some alternatives to the ever-cheery Joyeux Noël.

• #2 – Bonnes fêtes (happy holidays, holiday greetings): Perfect for covering the entire holiday season, but watch your spelling − leave off the final “s” and you’ll be wishing someone a happy birthday!

• #3 – Bon Noël (Good Christmas): A shorter, cheerier alternative to Joyeux Noël, still packed with warmth and friendship.

• #4 – Meilleurs voeux pour Noël (Best Wishes for Christmas): A bit more formal, often used in cards rather than in conversation.

A classic French nativity scene. You'll find these in churches, at home under the Christmas tree or on the mantlepiece, in shop displays or in private windows and doorways. Photo by Dominique Mollicone, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

How to wish kids a Merry Christmas in French

When it comes to French children, the trick is to infuse your greetings with a touch of magic and affection. 

There is no set formula for this, but the following are examples of phrases that work well when wishing children a Merry Christmas:

• #7 – Joyeux Noël, mon trésor! Que cette journée t’apporte plein de joie et de beaux cadeaux! (Merry Christmas, my treasure! May this day bring you joy and beautiful presents!) This is something you would say to a young child, yours or perhaps a niece or nephew.

• #8 – Passe un merveilleux Noël, rempli de magie et de surprises! (Have a wonderful Christmas, filled with magic and surprises!) You could use this with your family members, as above, but also with other people’s children.

Santa Claus comes in many shapes and forms in France - and not always pulled by reindeer! Photo by Thomas Bresson, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

What about our loved ones?

Do we use the same phrases with our loved ones? Our significant others?

Yes, some people text their season's greetings…

If you need to send a quick text greeting during the festive season, here are a few informal festive messages you can whip off quickly!

• Joyeux Noël ! 🌟 🎄 – you know this one by now!
• Noël magique à toi ! ✨ – a magical Christmas to you
• Joyeuses fêtes ! 🎉 – happy  holidays
• Joyeux Noël avec tout mon amour ! ❤️ – Merry Christmas with all my love
• Hohoho ! Joyeux Noël ! 🎁 – Ho Ho Ho! Merry Christmas
• Joyeux Noël 🎁 Profite bien ! – very Merry Christmas (enjoy your Christmas)
• Un Noël plein de joie ! 🎉 – A Christmas full of joy

Other words related to Christmas

These aren’t wishes but they are Christmas-related, so I’ve added them in case they’re useful:

After Christmas celebrations, Midnight Mass begins at the Cathedral of Orange. Photo by jean-louis zimmermann, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Beyond Christmas time: how to say Happy New Year in French

New Year’s is around the corner from Christmas, so a few phrases on the year’s transition may be useful:

• Bonne année – Happy New Year (or have a good year) - this is The most straightforward and common phrase

• Joyeuse année – Happy New Year (or have a joyful new year) –  this is a slightly more enthusiastic version of the classic greeting.

Before you go...

If you're looking for more insights into French daily life, including how to pronounce certain tricky things in French, check out some of these stories.

And if you're looking for a French-themed Christmas gift for that special someone, look here first!

Joyeux Noël!

🇫🇷

Bonjour! I’m Leyla! I was born in Paris and now live in the bucolic mountain foothills of Eastern France between Lyon and Annecy. 

I'm rediscovering my own back yard after years of living abroad in Canada, Spain and Switzerland as a journalist and a diplomat － and I'm loving every minute.

Passionate about history and culture, I’ve created Offbeat France to seek out my country’s mysteries and legends, less-traveled destinations, along with plenty of food stops and many castles － I am French, after all!

Read more!

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