A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Merry christmas" in French
The standard French greeting for Christmas, perfect for wishing friends and family a happy holiday season.
Joyeux Noël
zhwah-yuh NOH-ellneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when greeting people on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. It's appropriate for both in-person and written messages during the holiday period.
Alternatives
- Bonnes fêtesUse this for a more general holiday greeting, covering Christmas and New Year.
- Joyeuses fêtesAnother general holiday greeting, very similar to 'Bonnes fêtes'.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing the 'J'
The 'J' in 'Joyeux' sounds like the 's' in 'pleasure', not like the 'j' in 'jump'.
Silent 'x'
The 'x' in 'Joyeux' is silent; it's pronounced like 'Joyeuse'.
A small cultural note
While 'Joyeux Noël' is the standard, some regions might have their own specific greetings, but this one is universally understood.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
When do French people say Merry Christmas?
French people typically start saying 'Joyeux Noël' from early December, but it's most common on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day itself.
Is Joyeux Noel formal or informal?
'Joyeux Noël' is a neutral greeting suitable for almost any situation. You can use it with friends, family, or even in shops.
What's the difference between Joyeux Noel and Bonnes fetes?
'Joyeux Noël' specifically means 'Merry Christmas', while 'Bonnes fêtes' is a more general 'Happy Holidays' that can include New Year's.
How do people in France say "Merry Christmas"?
In France, the most common way to say "Merry Christmas" is "Joyeux Noël".
Is it "joyeux noel" or "bon Noël"?
Both "Joyeux Noël" and "Bon Noël" are used to wish someone a Merry Christmas in French, though "Joyeux Noël" is more common.
How does Canada say "Merry Christmas" in French?
In French-speaking Canada, like in France, "Joyeux Noël" is the standard way to say "Merry Christmas".
