How to Say Merry Christmas in Italian | Christmas Greetings
Cards, dinners, and parties characterize the Christmas period. While there are standard practices that most people embrace as traditions for this festive season, adding a little flare will go a long way.
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How to Say “Merry Christmas” in Italian
With the holidays approaching, it is time to think about how best to add a touch of uniqueness to how you celebrate. Learning how to say "Merry Christmas" in Italian can be one of those subtle but effective elements for you.
Buon Natale
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The Italian Frequency Dictionary series covers the 10,000 most common Italian words — ranked by how often native speakers actually use them, with IPA pronunciation, English translations, and bilingual example sentences at every level.
Browse all 4 volumes →The most common way to wish someone a Merry Christmas is by saying Buon Natale. This phrase literally means "Good Christmas."
Pronunciation: [bwˈɔn natale]
Christmas Greetings in Italian
Buone Feste
This phrase, Buone feste – Merry Christmas and a happy new year, acknowledges that once the festivities commence for Christmas, they run through to the New Year. It is ideal when sending cards to people who you will not be in contact with during the period, such as colleagues.
Pronunciation: [bwˈɔn feste]
Other Italian Christmas Wishes
- Ti auguro Buon Natale – I wish you a Merry Christmas
This is ideal for cards. It is more personalized and can be used for friends and family. If addressing a group, use Vi auguro. A formal wish would be Le auguro.
- Desiderando un gioviale Natale e un allegro anno nuovo – Wishing you a jolly Christmas and a cheerful new year
If you wish to specify wishes for Christmas, the right words are Ti auguro un sereno Natale, which translates as "I wish you a peaceful Christmas."
- I migliori auguri a te e ai tuoi cari in questa stagione festiva – Best wishes to you and your loved ones this festive season
When sending out wishes for someone with a family, it is kind to include their loved ones. This phrase can be used as a complete message or a conclusion.
- Spero che questa stagione ti offra il meglio che la vita ha da offrire. – I hope this season brings you the best that life has to offer.
This is ideal for a more personalized message for friends and family, allowing you to customize the message to portray the exact things you want the holiday to bring to them.
- Mi viene in mente questa stagione festiva, buon natale. – You are on my mind this festive season.
This is only appropriate for personal relationships and shows familiarity and closeness.
Useful Christmas-Related Vocabulary
- Bambino Gesù - Baby Jesus
- Cibo di Natale - Christmas food
- Panettone - A traditional Italian Christmas cake
How to Wish Someone a Happy Holiday in Italian
In addition to the phrases mentioned above, there are many ways to wish someone a happy holiday in Italian. These include:
- Ti auguro un Natale pieno di gioia - I wish you a joyful Christmas.
- Auguri per il Natale - Merry Christmas wishes.
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