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The holiday season is all about spreading joy, celebrating with loved ones, and sharing festive greetings. If you want to join in the Christmas celebrations with French-speaking friends and family, learning how to say "Merry Christmas" in French is a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer. Here are three common French Christmas phrases to help you express your best wishes during this magical time of year.
How to Say Merry Christmas in French: JOYEUX NOËL – The Classic "Merry Christmas" in French
Pronunciation: [zhwah-yuh noh-el]
The most straightforward and widely recognized way to say "Merry Christmas" in French is Joyeux Noël. This phrase is the French equivalent of "Merry Christmas" and can be used in both formal and informal situations. Whether you're addressing close friends, family, or colleagues, Joyeux Noël is the go-to greeting for the Christmas season.
Joyeux means "joyful" or "merry."
Noël means "Christmas."
So, when you say "Joyeux Noël," you're wishing someone a joyful Christmas season! It’s simple, elegant, and perfect for holiday cards, social media posts, or when toasting with friends.
BONNES FêTES DE NOËL – How to Say Merry Christmas in French and Happy Holidays for the Entire Christmas Season
Pronunciation: [bon fet duh noh-el]
Another popular French Christmas greeting is Bonnes Fêtes de Noël, which translates to "Happy Holidays of Christmas." This phrase extends the well-wishes beyond just Christmas Day and encompasses the entire holiday season, including both Christmas and New Year's celebrations. It’s a great choice if you want to wish someone a festive and joyous time throughout the season.
Bonnes means "good" or "happy."
Fêtes refers to celebrations or holidays, and in this context, it means "festive season."
De Noël specifies that the holidays are for Christmas.
Bonnes Fêtes de Noël is widely used in France and other French-speaking countries and is suitable for both casual greetings and more formal interactions. It's ideal for sending to a wide range of people, from family and friends to business contacts.
PASSE UN JOYEUX NOëL – How to Say Merry Christmas in French with a Personal and Heartfelt Christmas Greeting
Pronunciation: [pahs uh zhwa-yuh noh-el]
If you're looking to make your holiday greeting more personal, "Passe un Joyeux Noël" is a great choice. This phrase means "Have a Merry Christmas," and it’s a more intimate way to wish someone joy during the Christmas season. It’s perfect for close friends, family members, or anyone with whom you want to share a warm and heartfelt sentiment.
Passe means "to spend" or "have" (as in "have a good time").
Un Joyeux Noël again means "a merry Christmas."
So, when you say "Passe un Joyeux Noël," you’re wishing someone a lovely, joyful Christmas day, and it’s often used just before parting ways or signing off a holiday message.
THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS CARD SET FOR SPREADING JOY IN FRENCH! This year, if you want to send your Christmas wishes in French with a touch of elegance, I’ve found the perfect set for you: "Joyeux Noël" cards with gold foiling and embossing, perfect for sharing the holiday magic!
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Please note that if you make a purchase through my links, I may receive a small compensation at no additional cost to you, which helps support my blog.
BONNE FêTES DE NOëL À TOUS ! ✨
"Joyeux Noël and warmest wishes from French Smile! May this festive season bring you joy and inspire new journeys into the richness of French language and culture. I look forward to guiding your progress in the year ahead!"
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I’m sharing my family’s traditional French Christmas menu and the traditions behind it. Plus, discover festive French tips like how to say “cheers” 🥂 and express gratitude 🎁 in French this season!
À BIENTÔT ! ✨
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