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

  • roman

    What does the French word “roman” mean? Is it someone from Ancient Rome? Is it someone who lives in modern Rome? It’s neither – “roman” is the masculine noun meaning “novel” or “fiction” or “books.” “Le roman” also means “The Romanesque” period of architecture, from the 11th and 12th centuries AD. It can also refer…

  • verb: fondre

    The French verb “fondre” means “to melt,” along with a host of other meanings. It’s a useful verb to know if you’re heading into summer temperatures. “Fondre” can mean “to melt,” “to melt down,” “to thaw,” “to thaw out,” “to cast,” “to dissolve,” “to melt away,” “to waste away,” “to soften,” or when used reflexively,…

  • pour des prunes

    “Pour des prunes” is a French expression that literally means “for plums.” Its closest English equivalent is “for nothing.” The saying dates from the start of the 16th century. However, the association of plums with a complete lack of value dates back to the end of the Second Crusade, which finished around 1150 AD and was…

  • conscient

    Meanings of “Conscient” Etymology of “Conscient” The word “conscient” has a Latin origin, derived from the Latin word “conscientia,” which means “knowledge” or “consciousness.” Over time, this Latin term evolved into the Old French “conscient,” maintaining its core meaning of awareness or consciousness. It is important to note that the word “conscience” in modern French…

  • parer

    The French verb “parer” means “to ward off,” “to parry,” or “to fend off.” It can also mean “to protect,” “to attribute” or “to adorn.” So many meanings for one verb!