Merry Christmas in French

Joyeux Noël

(Merry Christmas)

If you are looking for how to say “Merry Christmas” in French or want to send holiday greetings in French, this guide gives you the exact words and phrases you need.

The standard way to say Merry Christmas in French

The most common way to say Merry Christmas in French is Joyeux Noël. This phrase is used in greetings, cards, and spoken wishes during the Christmas season.

• Joyeux Noël !
  (Merry Christmas!)

Pronunciation of Joyeux Noël

The word joyeux sounds like “zhwah-yuh” and Noël is pronounced “noh-ell”. Say both parts clearly when giving a greeting.

Formal and polite variations

If you want to be slightly more formal, especially in writing, you can say:

• Je vous souhaite un joyeux Noël.
  (I wish you a Merry Christmas.)

For friends or family, you can say:

• Je te souhaite un joyeux Noël.

Related French holiday greetings

Happy Holidays

To say “Happy Holidays,” use Bonnes fêtes.

• Bonnes fêtes de fin d’année !
  (Happy end-of-year holidays!)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

A common combined greeting is:

• Joyeux Noël et bonne année !
  (Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!)

This is often used on cards, emails, or signs during the holiday season.

Christmas phrases you might see in France

• Marché de Noël = Christmas market

• réveillon de Noël = Christmas Eve dinner

• cadeaux de Noël = Christmas gifts

• sapin de Noël = Christmas tree

• chant de Noël = Christmas carol

These terms appear in holiday decorations, menus, and events throughout French-speaking regions.