Christmas

The French word for Christmas is “Noël.” It is a masculine noun, but you don’t have to use the article “le” before it, in most situations.

“Christmas time” is “la période de Noël.” If you want to say “at Christmas,” it is simply “à Noël.”

To wish someone “Merry Christmas,” you say (or write) “Joyeux Noël !”

“Christmas” used before a noun (in English) is “de Noël.” So a Christmas present is “un cadeau de Noël.” A Christmas cake is “un gâteau de Noël.” A Christmas carol is “un chant de Noël.” A Christmas decoration is “une décoration de Noël.” Christmas holidays are “les vacances de Noël.” Christmas lights are “des illuminations de Noël.” A Christmas tree is “un sapin de Noël,” “un sapin,” or “un arbre de Noël.” “Un sapin de Noël” is the most common term and means “a fir tree of Christmas.” A Christmas stocking is “une chaussette de Noël” (literally “a sock of Christmas”). Christmas Day can either be “le jour de Noël” or just “Noël.” Christmas Eve can be said in one of two ways: either “le réveillon (de Noël)” or “la veille de Noël.” A Christmas wreath is “une couronne de Noël” (literally “a crown of Christmas”).

However, a Christmas cracker is “une papillote surprise.” And a Christmas card is “une carte de vœux” (literally, a card of wishes). While the Christmas story is “l’histoire de la nativité (du Christ).”

Don’t miss new articles!

Get 1 email a week with new articles about French

We don’t spam! Read more in our privacy policy

Similar Posts

  • guérir

    The French verb “guérir” means “to heal,” “to cure,” “to recover” or “to cure oneself.” It can be used in three different ways: transitively, intransitively and reflexively. Let’s see what that means below. Transitive Used transitively, “guérir” means “to cure” someone of something. Transitive means that the verb “guérir” will have a direct object, which…

  • -ism nouns become -isme

    Many English nouns ending in -ism correspond directly to French nouns ending in -isme. This is one of the most stable and predictable conversion patterns between English and French. The words are usually shared international terms, often built on Greek or Latin roots that entered both languages through scholarly, political, or scientific use. Examples such…

  • verb: se plaindre

    “Se plaindre” means “to complain,” “to whinge” or “to moan.” Conjugations in Present Tense and Passé Composé: Present tense: Passé composé tense: Etymology: The origin of “se plaindre” can be traced back to Latin, where the root “plangere” meant “to lament” or “to beat one’s chest.” Idiomatic Expressions and Usage:

  • bec et ongles

    The French saying “bec et ongles” derives its origin from the Latin expression “rostrum et unguibus,” which also means “beak and nails.” This ancient phrase refers to the beak, symbolizing the fierceness and determination of a bird, and the nails, representing strength and tenacity. Throughout history, birds have often been associated with bravery and courage,…

  • Motif

    1. Gender and Basic Definition “Motif” is a masculine noun in French, so it is always used with masculine articles and adjectives. For example: 2. Meanings of “Motif” The noun motif has several meanings in French, depending on the context. Here are the two most common ones: a. Reason or Cause In many cases, motif…