Joyeux Noël
neutral
In Canadian French you say Joyeux Noël for "Merry Christmas". In Quebec Joyeuses fêtes is also very common and covers the whole holiday season.
Meaning: Christmas greeting (phrase)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| Joyeux Noël | neutral |
| joyeuses fêtes | season |
Say Joyeux Noël on or just before December 25. Joyeuses fêtes fits cards and messages when you wish someone well for Christmas and New Year together.
Which one should you use?
The phrase is the same as in France. Quebecers often add et bonne année, for example Joyeux Noël et bonne année!
How do you pronounce it?
Noël sounds like "no-EL".
Did you know?
- In Quebec many families celebrate with a late meal after midnight mass called the réveillon.
Examples in context
- Joyeux Noël, tout le monde!Merry Christmas, everybody!
- Joyeuses fêtes à toute la famille!Happy holidays to the whole family!
- Joyeux Noël et bonne année!Merry Christmas and happy new year!
Example conversation
Marie calls her aunt Hélène in Quebec City on Christmas Eve.
- MarieAllô, matante Hélène! Joyeux Noël!Hi, Aunt Hélène! Merry Christmas!
- HélèneJoyeux Noël, ma belle!Merry Christmas, my dear!
- MarieJoyeuses fêtes à toute la famille.Happy holidays to the whole family.
