How to say merry Christmas in French.
The phrases French speakers actually use — not a dictionary line — with what each means and who it is for, plus full messages by a native speaker you can send as a card in French in a minute.
“Joyeux Noël !” means “Merry Christmas!” and is what French speakers say. “Joyeux Noël et bonne année !” (“Merry Christmas and happy New Year!”) is the warmer version. The one everybody says.
The French phrases, and when each one fits
French uses 'tu' with family and friends and 'vous' with colleagues you are not close to, clients and anyone older you do not know well. Many workplaces are 'tu' between peers and 'vous' upwards — when in doubt, 'vous' is never rude.
- Joyeux Noël ! — “Merry Christmas!”. The one everybody says.
- Joyeux Noël et bonne année ! — “Merry Christmas and happy New Year!”. The classic card line.
- Joyeuses fêtes ! — “Happy holidays!”. Neutral — colleagues, clients.
- Passez de belles fêtes en famille. — “Have beautiful holidays with the family.”. 'Passez' is formal/plural; 'passe' for one close person.
- Meilleurs vœux ! — “Best wishes!”. The New Year card line — the French send these well into January.
- Que la magie de Noël vous accompagne. — “May the magic of Christmas be with you.”. A warmer, slightly literary closing line.
Christmas messages in French, written for the person
Full messages by a native speaker — pick the person and send one as a card, in their language.
Three French messages to start from
Merci pour votre confiance et pour notre collaboration tout au long de l'année. Nous vous souhaitons un joyeux Noël et une excellente année.
Joyeux Noël ! Merci pour une année de bonne collaboration, de mauvais café et de meilleures blagues encore. Profite bien de la pause.
Joyeux Noël de loin ! Je serai là pour l'appel vidéo, pour les jeux, et — en pensée — pour chaque part de bûche.
Questions people ask
Can I mix English and French in one card?
Yes — and natives find it charming. Open with the French phrase, write your real message in English, and sign off in French (Je t'embrasse, or Bisous,). The effort is the point.
How do I sign off a French card?
Je t'embrasse, · Bisous, · Avec toute mon affection, · Amicalement, · Bien à vous, — from warmest to most neutral. Family and close friends get the first two; colleagues the last.
Will the card itself be in French?
Yes. Our Français builder is a full translation, with example messages written by native speakers, and your recipient opens the card in French.
Christmas wishes in other languages
Send it in French — free.
A real card, in their language, in about a minute. No account, no watermark.