This holiday season, share the festive cheer by learning how to wish your global friends a Merry Christmas in their native tongues.
A “Merry Christmas” in their mother language can make your friends feel closer to home during the holidays. Knowing how to say it in the local language when celebrating abroad helps spread holiday spirit.
Christmas is celebrated worldwide, but customs vary greatly across cultures, each with unique traditions.
Learn how to say “Merry Christmas” in various languages and discover diverse holiday celebrations around the globe.
In Spanish, “Merry Christmas” is “¡Feliz Navidad!”.
This phrase enjoys widespread recognition, given Spanish’s global prevalence.
Even non-Spanish speakers often recognize it.
Spain boasts rich Christmas traditions, including the Lotería de Navidad, a lottery dating back to 1812, where groups often pool funds for tickets. Winning numbers are announced by schoolchildren on a live broadcast on December 22nd.
Nochebuena, a large gathering with family and friends, is another significant tradition. Instead of Santa Claus, Spanish children receive gifts from Los Reyes Magos (the Three Kings) in a January 5th parade.
In Portuguese, “Merry Christmas” is “Feliz Natal!.”
In Portugal, Christmas Eve, not Christmas Day, is the main event. Families gather for a large dinner featuring bacalhau (salted cod), exchange gifts, and attend Missa do Galo (midnight Mass).
Impress your French friends this holiday season with “Joyeux Noël!”, the French equivalent of “Merry Christmas.”
Advent calendars are popular gifts for children. Children eagerly await Père Noël (Father Christmas) on Christmas Eve, often enjoying a large feast called Le Réveillon, and attending Midnight Mass, with Nativity scenes commonplace.
In Italian, say “Buon Natale!” for “Merry Christmas.”
Italy features numerous Christmas markets offering unique gifts. Many religious services, including midnight Mass, are held. Festivities extend to Epiphany (January 6th), where children receive gifts from La Befana, a “good witch” who delivers presents by broom.
In Icelandic, “Merry Christmas” is “Gleðileg Jól!.”
Iceland offers a high probability of a white Christmas, often with stunning views of the Northern Lights. The holiday is celebrated for 26 days (December 11th to January 6th), featuring family time, food, and gift-giving. Thirteen Santa Clauses, or Yule Lads, deliver gifts in the 13 days leading up to Christmas. Boxing Day (December 26th) provides another opportunity for gatherings.
In Swedish and Norwegian, “God Jul!” means “Merry Christmas.”
Swedish celebrations include Saint Lucia’s Day (December 13th), marking the winter solstice. Christmas Eve centers around a buffet-style Julbord. Jultomten (Santa) personally distributes gifts.
Norway also features a Christmas Eve dinner with ribbe (pork ribs or pork belly).
In Greek, “Merry Christmas” is “Καλά Χριστούγεννα! (Kalá Christoúgenna!)”.
Greek traditions include decorating boats, though Christmas trees are also common. Children participate in carol singing. Gift-giving typically occurs on St. Basil’s Day (January 1st), though Christmas gift exchanges are not uncommon.
In Croatian, “Merry Christmas” is “Sretan Božić!”.
Croatian festivities start weeks before December 25th, beginning with the creation of an Advent wreath. St. Nicholas Day (December 6th) and St. Lucia’s Day (December 13th) are also celebrated, with St. Stephen’s Day (December 26th) offering another opportunity for family gatherings.
In Polish, “Merry Christmas” is “Wesołych Świąt!”.
Poland observes Wigilia, a Christmas Eve feast preceded by fasting. Families share opłatek (a thin wafer), with carp as the main dish.
In German, “Merry Christmas” is “Frohe Weihnachten!”.
Christmas is widely celebrated in Germany, with 81% participating in 2023. Putting up a Christmas tree and gift-giving are customary, alongside adventskranz (Advent wreaths) and Advent calendars. Saint Nikolaus Day (December 6th) involves children leaving their boots for gifts.
German Christmas markets offer numerous festive treats and trinkets.