“Merry Christmas” in Italian
To say “Merry Christmas” in Italian, say Buon Natale (pronounced bwon nah-TAH-leh). It is used universally across Italy and fits any context, whether formal or casual, with a friend, a colleague or a shop assistant.
However, Natale (Christmas) in Italy is a vibrant blend of traditions that spans from December 24th (la Vigilia di Natale) to January 6th (l’Epifania). When I think of Christmas, I think of the entire holiday season.
Here, I will guide you through essential phrases to greet friends and family. This way, if you’re looking to extend Christmas greetings to the overall period, you’ll have the right words to do so.
Merry Christmas in Italian: quick answers
| English | Italian | When to use it |
| Merry Christmas! | Buon Natale! | The everyday Christmas greeting, in any context |
| Happy holidays! | Buone feste! | Any time in the holiday season, to cover Christmas and New Year |
| Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! | Buon Natale e felice anno nuovo! | Cards, messages and emails |
| Happy New Year! | Buon anno! | After Christmas and through early January |
| Best wishes! | Auguri! | The shortest greeting, also used for birthdays and other occasions |
What does “Buon Natale” mean and how do you pronounce it?
Buon Natale literally means “good Christmas”. Buon is the short form of buono (good) before a masculine singular noun, the same as in buon compleanno (happy birthday) and buon appetito. If you want to see how buono differs from bravo, bello and bene, read the lesson on buono, bravo, bello and bene. Natale comes from the Latin word for the day of birth and is related to nascere (to be born) and nato (born).
To pronounce it, say buon as one syllable (bwon) and put the stress on the second syllable of Natale: na-TA-le. The final -e is always pronounced, so the word ends in -leh, not -l.
“Merry Christmas” or “Happy Christmas”?
English has two versions, Italian has one: Buon Natale covers both. You will also see Felice Natale on cards and in written messages. It is correct, but Buon Natale is what people actually say out loud.
When do you say “Buon Natale”?
Italians say Buon Natale on Christmas Eve, on Christmas Day and on Santo Stefano (December 26th). Before that, Buone feste or Auguri! work well when you won’t see the person again before the holidays. Once Christmas is over, the greeting changes to Buon anno! (Happy New Year).
How to say “Merry Christmas” in Italian
General Holiday Greetings
To encompass the entire holiday season, including New Year’s, Italians use broader greetings such as:
Tanti auguri di buone feste!
Best wishes for the holidays!
Buone feste natalizie!
Happy Christmas holidays!
Buon Natale a tutti!
Merry Christmas, everyone!
These phrases are ideal for wishing someone joy and peace throughout all holiday festivities, from Christmas to Epiphany.
Personalized Holiday Wishes
Adding a personal touch to your holiday greetings can make them more meaningful. Here are some warm, expressive phrases:
Ti auguro un Natale pieno di gioia e amore.
I wish you a Christmas full of joy and love.
Pace e serenità a te e alla tua famiglia!
Peace and serenity to you and your family!
Che la magia del Natale ti accompagni per tutto il nuovo anno.
May the magic of Christmas be with you throughout the new year.
Un caloroso augurio di un sereno Natale e un prospero Anno Nuovo!
A warm wish for a peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
Auguri di un sereno e felice Natale!
Wishing you a peaceful and happy Christmas!
Tanti auguri a te e alla tua famiglia!
Best wishes to you and your family!
Che il Natale porti pace e serenità nella tua casa.
May Christmas bring peace and serenity to your home.
These expressions emphasize the importance of togetherness, joy, and familial bonds, core values of Italian Christmas celebrations.
Combining Christmas and New Year Greetings
When wishing someone both a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, use:
Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Buon Natale e buon anno!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! (a shorter, more casual version)
This expression is especially popular in end-of-year cards and messages. If you are toasting at the dinner table, you can pair it with the Italian for cheers.
Christmas Cards and Messages
A short Christmas card or text has three parts: a greeting, a wish, and a closing. Here is an example:
Caro Luca, buon Natale e felice anno nuovo! Un abbraccio.
Dear Luca, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Warm regards. (literally, “a hug”)
Common closings are:
- Con affetto (with affection)
- Un abbraccio (a hug, warm regards)
- Un caro abbraccio (a warm hug)
The word auguri also appears on birthday cards, so if you want more wishes for other occasions, see how to say happy birthday in Italian.
Responding to Christmas Greetings
When someone wishes you Buon Natale, simply replying with grazie (thank you) may come off as impolite. Instead, add:
Grazie, e altrettanto!
Thank you, same to you!
Grazie, anche a te!
Thanks, you too! (informal)
Grazie, anche a Lei!
Thanks, you too! (formal Lei)
Grazie, anche a voi!
Thanks, you too! (plural)
Altrettanto!
Same to you! (short and works with anyone)
These responses show that you appreciate the holiday spirit and wish the same for the sender.
The Italian Christmas
Christmas-Related Words
- Natale (Christmas)
- Vigilia di Natale (Christmas Eve)
- Santo Stefano (December 26th, a public holiday)
- San Silvestro (New Year’s Eve, December 31st)
- Capodanno (New Year’s Day, January 1st; people also use it for the New Year’s Eve celebrations)
- Epifania (Epiphany, celebrated on January 6th)
- Presepe (Nativity scene)
- Babbo Natale (Santa Claus)
- Albero di Natale (Christmas tree)
- Regalo (gift; i regali are the presents)
- Messa di mezzanotte (midnight mass)
- Mercatino di Natale (Christmas market)
Italian Traditions
- Il Presepe: originating in 1223 with St. Francis of Assisi, i presepi are detailed depictions of the birth of Jesus and are seen in homes and squares, especially in Naples, the epicenter of this art form.
- La Befana: on January 6th, Epiphany marks the visit of La Befana, a folkloric witch who brings gifts to children. This tradition blends religious stories with folklore and is cherished nationwide.
- Gathering Meals: on Christmas Eve, Italians host il cenone (the big dinner), a seafood-based rich meal. Instead, pranzo di Natale (Christmas’ lunch) is typically marked by tortellini in brodo – my favorite dish ever – roasted meats, and sweet treats like panettone and pandoro.
- Gift-giving: in Italy, this tradition holds special significance and typically takes place during la Vigilia or on Christmas morning. We typically bring a small present, like wine or chocolates, when visiting someone’s home, a gesture that embodies the Italian spirit of hospitality and appreciation.
- L’albero di Natale: many families put up the tree and the presepe around December 8th, the feast of the Immacolata.
- A saying about family: Italians say Natale con i tuoi, Pasqua con chi vuoi (Christmas with your family, Easter with whoever you like), a reminder that Christmas is the holiday you spend at home.
