In France, Christmas is called “Noël.”

Main term in France

  • The French word for Christmas is Noël , used for the day, the season, and most holiday-related phrases.
  • People say Joyeux Noël to mean “Merry Christmas.”

Related French words

  • Christmas Day is called le jour de Noël and is a public holiday on December 25.
  • The big festive Christmas Eve meal is known as le Réveillon de Noël or simply Réveillon in everyday speech.

Quick recap

  • Name of the holiday: Noël (Christmas).
  • Typical greeting: Joyeux Noël (Merry Christmas).
  • Christmas Eve feast: Réveillon de Noël.