Learn how to say “Merry Christmas” in 20 different languages!

As the winter holidays approach, our thoughts turn to Christmas. The holiday season is a time for celebration, and one of the most common ways to express the festive spirit is to say, “Merry Christmas!” 

Whether you’re traveling overseas, making new friends from other cultures, or simply improving your language abilities, learning how to wish someone a Merry Christmas in multiple languages is a fun and practical way to share cheer.

Christmas is celebrated around the world, and while the basic sentiment of wishing joy, peace, and goodwill remains the same, the way it’s expressed varies from culture to culture. Here are some of the most popular ways to say “Merry Christmas” in different languages, along with a few fun facts to enrich your holiday greetings!

Ready to share holiday cheer? Let’s plunge in!

1. English: Merry Christmas!

Let’s begin with the classic, “Merry Christmas!” It’s the most popular greeting in English-speaking countries, however “Happy Christmas” is also used in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The phrase gained popularity in 16th-century England and has since become the classic Christmas greeting around the world.

2. Spanish: ¡Feliz Navidad!

In Spanish-speaking countries, “Feliz Navidad” is the most common greeting during Christmas. The term “Feliz” means “happy” or “joyful,” whereas “Navidad” means “Christmas.” This greeting is commonly heard in Spain, Mexico, Argentina, and other Latin American countries.

Fun fact: José Feliciano’s song “Feliz Navidad” is a famous song that is appreciated all over the world, helping to spread the Christmas greeting even further.

Also for you: Unwrapping the Magic: A Guide to Spanish Christmas Vocabulary

3. French: Joyeux Noël!

In France and other French-speaking regions, “Joyeux Noël” is the phrase you’ll hear to wish someone a Merry Christmas. “Joyeux” means “joyful” or “happy,” and “Noël” translates to “Christmas.” You can use this greeting in France, Canada, and various other parts of the Francophone world.

4. Italian: Buon Natale!

In Italy, you say “Buon Natale” to wish someone a Merry Christmas. “Buon” denotes “good” or “happy,” while “Natale” alludes to Christmas. Italy is well-known for its festive Christmas customs, which include wonderful cuisine, stunning decorations, and holiday markets, making this message extremely warm and meaningful.

5. German: Frohe Weihnachten!

In Germany, where Christmas traditions are centuries old, the greeting is “Frohe Weihnachten.” “Frohe” translates to “joyful” or “merry,” whereas “Weihnachten” is the German term for Christmas. Christmas is celebrated in Germany with festive markets, Advent calendars, and a variety of tasty foods such as Stollen and gingerbread.

6. Portuguese: Feliz Natal!

“Feliz Natal” is the Portuguese version of Merry Christmas, commonly used in Portugal and Brazil. Just like in Spanish, “Feliz” means “happy,” and “Natal” is the word for Christmas. Brazilians celebrate Christmas with big family gatherings, fireworks, and music, making this greeting extra special.

7. Dutch: Vrolijk Kerstfeest!

In the Netherlands and Belgium, “Vrolijk Kerstfeest” is the common way to say Merry Christmas. “Vrolijk” means “joyful” or “cheerful,” and “Kerstfeest” translates to “Christmas celebration.” The Dutch celebrate the holiday with beautiful Christmas lights, seasonal treats, and traditional Christmas markets.

8. Swedish: God Jul!

In Sweden, the holiday greeting is “God Jul,” which exactly translates as “Good Yule.” “God” translates to “good,” while “Jul” is an old Norse name for the Christmas season. The Swedes have excellent Christmas traditions, such as the “Julbord” (a festive Christmas buffet) and the Christmas Eve celebration with family and friends.

9. Russian: С Рождеством! (S Rozhdestvom!)

In Russia, Christmas is celebrated on January 7th, according to the Eastern Orthodox Church calendar, but the traditional greeting is still “С Рождеством!” (S Rozhdestvom!), which means “Merry Christmas.” Russians celebrate with family gatherings, traditional foods, and church services, making this a deeply spiritual time of year.

10. Japanese: メリークリスマス (Merī Kurisumasu)

In Japan, Christmas is not a traditional holiday, but it has become popular in recent years, especially as a time for couples and families to get together. The greeting “メリークリスマス” (Merī Kurisumasu) is simply a phonetic translation of “Merry Christmas.” While it’s not a national holiday, Christmas lights, decorations, and festive meals are common in Japan.

11. Polish: Wesołych Świąt!

In Poland, the Christmas greeting is “Wesołych Świąt,” which translates to “Happy Holidays.” “Wesołych” means “happy,” and “Świąt” refers to “holidays” or “festivities.” Christmas Eve is the main holiday celebration in Poland, and it’s marked by a big family dinner and the sharing of an opłatek (a Christmas wafer).

12. Greek: Καλά Χριστούγεννα (Kalá Christoúgenna)

In Greece, Christmas is celebrated with both religious and secular traditions. The greeting “Καλά Χριστούγεvνα” (Kalá Christoúgenna) is used to wish someone Merry Christmas. “Καλά” means “good,” and “Χριστούγεννα” is “Christmas.” The Greek Christmas celebration includes feasts, music, and the tradition of the “Christougenniatiko dente” (Christmas tree or ornament).

13. Arabic: عيد ميلاد مجيد (Eid Milad Majid)

In many Arabic-speaking countries, Christmas is celebrated with the greeting “عيد ميلاد مجيد” (Eid Milad Majid), which translates to “Glorious Birthday” or “Merry Christmas.” This greeting is used in countries like Egypt, Lebanon, and other Middle Eastern nations. Christmas is a religious celebration for Christians in these regions, and the holiday season is marked by church services, feasts, and family gatherings.

14. Finnish: Hyvää Joulua!

In Finland, the home of Santa Claus, the greeting is “Hyvää Joulua,” which means “Merry Christmas.” “Hyvää” means “good” or “happy,” and “Joulua” refers to Christmas. Finland is famous for its stunning winter landscapes and unique holiday traditions, including the Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi.

15. Norwegian: God Jul!

Similar to Sweden, Norwegians also say “God Jul,” which translates to “Merry Christmas.” Norway is known for its beautiful snowy landscapes, traditional Christmas dinners, and the holiday tradition of lighting up the Christmas tree in the town square.

16. Hungarian: Boldog Karácsonyt!

In Hungary, the Christmas greeting is “Boldog Karácsonyt.” “Boldog” means “happy,” and “Karácsonyt” is the word for “Christmas.” Hungarians celebrate with rich meals, candlelit church services, and festive holiday markets.

17. Turkish: Mutlu Noeller!

In Turkey, “Mutlu Noeller” is the phrase to wish someone a Merry Christmas. “Mutlu” means “happy,” and “Noeller” is the Turkish word for “Christmas.” Christmas is not as widely celebrated in Turkey, but it’s still recognized as a festive time for many.

18. Korean: 메리 크리스마스 (Meri Keuriseumaseu)

In South Korea, Christmas is growing in popularity as a public holiday, and the greeting is “메리 크리스마스” (Meri Keuriseumaseu), a phonetic translation of “Merry Christmas.” Christmas is celebrated with vibrant decorations, light displays, and festive meals, especially in the capital city, Seoul.

19. Chinese (Mandarin): 圣诞快乐 (Shèngdàn kuàilè)

In Mandarin Chinese, “圣诞快乐” (Shèngdàn kuàilè) means “Merry Christmas.” “圣诞” (Shèngdàn) refers to Christmas, and “快乐” (kuàilè) means “happy” or “joyful.” Christmas is becoming more popular in China, especially in cities with large international communities, and is often marked by festive shopping and seasonal decorations.

20. Thai: สุขสันต์วันคริสต์มาส (Suk San Wan Christmas)

In Thailand, the greeting “สุขสันต์วันคริสต์มาส” (Suk San Wan Christmas) translates to “Merry Christmas.” While Christmas is not a traditional holiday in Thailand, it’s still widely celebrated, especially in big cities where shopping malls, restaurants, and hotels often feature Christmas decorations and special events.

Ready to Celebrate?

As we’ve seen, Christmas greetings differ around the world, but the sentiment stays the same: a hope for peace, love, and happiness this holiday season. Greetings like “Feliz Navidad” (Spanish), “Merry Christmas” (English), and “Joyeux Noël” (French) bring people together throughout the holiday season.

Now that you know how to say “Merry Christmas” in 20 different languages, why not start practicing? Your friends, family, and fellow language learners will be impressed by your multilingual holiday cheer!

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