How to Say Merry Christmas in Italian is something every holiday enthusiast should know — especially if you’re celebrating the season with Italian-speaking friends or family.
The most common phrase is “Buon Natale”, a warm and joyful way to share Christmas cheer. Whether you’re writing a card, traveling to Italy, or just want to learn festive phrases, saying Buon Natale will help you spread holiday spirit in true Italian style.
Italian is a language full of warmth and expression, and learning its holiday greetings adds a personal touch. So this Christmas, go beyond English and share your joy the Italian way!
Say Merry Christmas in Italian
Let’s explore 15 festive greetings that will help you spread joy—Italian style!
🌟 15 Ways to Say Merry Christmas in Italian 🌟
| 🇮🇹 Italian Phrase | 🔊 Pronunciation | 🎁 Meaning | 🎄 Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🎅 Buon Natale | Bwohn Nah-TAH-leh | Merry Christmas | Standard, most common |
| 🎁 Auguri di Buon Natale | Ow-GOO-ree dee Bwohn Nah-TAH-leh | Best wishes for a Merry Christmas | Formal, warm |
| 🌟 Tanti auguri di Buon Natale | TAHN-tee Ow-GOO-ree dee Bwohn Nah-TAH-leh | Many wishes for a Merry Christmas | Friendly, heartfelt |
| 🎄 Buone Feste | BWOH-neh FEHS-teh | Happy Holidays | General holiday greeting |
| 🎀 Felice Natale | Feh-LEE-cheh Nah-TAH-leh | Happy Christmas | Formal, polite |
| 🎉 Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo | Bwohn Nah-TAH-leh eh Feh-LEE-cheh AHN-noh NWOH-voh | Merry Christmas & Happy New Year | Seasonal greeting |
| ❄️ Sereno Natale | Seh-REH-noh Nah-TAH-leh | Peaceful Christmas | Thoughtful, warm |
| ✨ Splendido Natale | SPLEN-dee-doh Nah-TAH-leh | Splendid Christmas | Joyful, expressive |
| 💖 Buonissimo Natale | Bwoh-NEES-see-moh Nah-TAH-leh | Very good Christmas | Informal, enthusiastic |
| 🌙 Natale Sereno | Nah-TAH-leh Seh-REH-noh | Serene Christmas | Poetic, heartfelt |
| 🎶 Che il Natale ti porti gioia | Keh eel Nah-TAH-leh tee POR-tee JOY-ah | May Christmas bring you joy | Personal wish |
| 🎇 Che la magia del Natale ti accompagni | Keh lah mah-JEE-ah del Nah-TAH-leh tee ah-com-PAHN-yee | May the magic of Christmas be with you | Warm, poetic |
| ❤️ Un Natale pieno di amore | Oon Nah-TAH-leh PYEH-noh dee ah-MOH-reh | A Christmas full of love | Very affectionate |
| 🎁 Ti auguro un felice Natale | Tee OW-goo-ro oon Feh-LEE-cheh Nah-TAH-leh | I wish you a happy Christmas | Polite, personal |
| 🎊 Buon Natale a tutti | Bwohn Nah-TAH-leh ah TOO-tee | Merry Christmas to everyone | Friendly, collective |
1. Buon Natale
Meaning: Merry Christmas
Origin: This is the standard and most widely used greeting across Italy. “Buon” means “good” and “Natale” means “Christmas,” stemming from the Latin word natalis (birth).
Example:
👤 User A: Buon Natale, Marco!
👤 User B: Buon Natale anche a te!
Use: Universally appropriate; works in any setting.
2. Tanti auguri di Buon Natale
Meaning: Many good wishes for a Merry Christmas
Origin: A more affectionate version that combines “tanti auguri” (many wishes) with the classic greeting.
Example:
👤 User A: Tanti auguri di Buon Natale, zia Maria!
👤 User B: Grazie tesoro! Che il Natale ti porti tanta felicità!
Use: Warm and personal; often used in cards or close relationships.
3. Auguri di Natale
Meaning: Christmas greetings / Christmas wishes
Origin: “Auguri” comes from Latin augurium, meaning omen or wish—used in all celebratory contexts.
Example:
👤 User A: Auguri di Natale a tutti voi!
👤 User B: Ricambiamo con tanto affetto!
Use: Neutral to friendly; used in writing or speaking.
4. Felice Natale
Meaning: Happy Christmas
Origin: While less common than “Buon Natale,” it is still correct and occasionally used in formal writing or poetic language.
Example:
👤 User A: Felice Natale e Buone Feste!
👤 User B: Felice Natale anche a voi!
Use: Slightly more formal or literary.
5. Buone Feste
Meaning: Happy Holidays
Origin: Covers Christmas, New Year’s, and sometimes even Epiphany (La Befana). It’s the go-to greeting for inclusive holiday wishes.
Example:
👤 User A: Buone Feste a tutti!
👤 User B: Anche a te! Divertiti!
Use: Broad and polite; good in mixed or professional settings.
6. Auguroni!
Meaning: Big wishes!
Origin: This is a superlative form of “auguri” and adds extra enthusiasm.
Example:
👤 User A: Auguroni per un Natale pieno di amore!
👤 User B: Grazie mille! Tantissimi auguroni anche a te!
Use: Very informal, affectionate, and expressive.
7. Natale felice e sereno
Meaning: A happy and peaceful Christmas
Origin: Often used in more reflective or spiritual greetings, especially on cards.
Example:
👤 User A: Ti auguro un Natale felice e sereno.
👤 User B: Che gentile! Buon Natale anche a te.
Use: Warm and thoughtful; great for meaningful messages.
8. Che tu possa passare un Natale meraviglioso
Meaning: May you have a wonderful Christmas
Origin: Subjunctive phrasing in Italian often conveys heartfelt wishes and hopes.
Example:
👤 User A: Che tu possa passare un Natale meraviglioso con i tuoi cari!
👤 User B: Che bella frase! Grazie di cuore.
Use: Emotional and personal; ideal in messages or spoken with sincerity.
9. Un caloroso Buon Natale
Meaning: A warm Merry Christmas
Origin: “Caloroso” adds a heartfelt, cozy tone to the usual greeting.
Example:
👤 User A: Un caloroso Buon Natale da parte mia e della mia famiglia.
👤 User B: Che dolcezza! Tanti auguri!
Use: Personal and loving; used in family or close relationships.
10. Buon Natale e tanta felicità!
Meaning: Merry Christmas and lots of happiness!
Origin: A combination greeting that adds wishes for happiness beyond just the holiday.
Example:
👤 User A: Buon Natale e tanta felicità per il nuovo anno!
👤 User B: Grazie! Lo stesso per te!
Use: Cheerful and forward-looking.
11. Auguri sinceri di Buon Natale
Meaning: Sincere wishes for a Merry Christmas
Origin: Used in formal letters and business holiday greetings.
Example:
👤 User A: Auguri sinceri di Buon Natale e Buon Anno.
👤 User B: La ringrazio! Tanti auguri anche a lei.
Use: Formal and respectful.
12. Ti auguro un Natale pieno di magia
Meaning: I wish you a Christmas full of magic
Origin: A more poetic or romantic expression, often seen in festive cards or messages.
Example:
👤 User A: Ti auguro un Natale pieno di magia e sorrisi!
👤 User B: Che bello! Grazie mille.
Use: Creative and warm; especially for couples or friends.
13. Buon Natale a te e famiglia
Meaning: Merry Christmas to you and your family
Origin: A caring and inclusive phrase, common in spoken Italian during family gatherings.
Example:
👤 User A: Buon Natale a te e famiglia!
👤 User B: Grazie, carissimo! Tanti auguri anche a voi!
Use: Friendly, personal, and warm.
14. Tantissimi auguri di cuore
Meaning: Lots and lots of heartfelt wishes
Origin: Emphasizes the emotional sincerity of your greeting.
Example:
👤 User A: Tantissimi auguri di cuore per un bellissimo Natale!
👤 User B: Commosso, grazie davvero!
Use: Deeply emotional; great for best friends or family.
15. Buon Natale e che tutti i tuoi desideri si avverino
Meaning: Merry Christmas and may all your wishes come true
Origin: A hopeful, dream-like sentiment often seen in modern greeting cards.
Example:
👤 User A: Buon Natale e che tutti i tuoi desideri si avverino!
👤 User B: Che augurio meraviglioso! Grazie!
Use: Ideal for cards, social media, or to express heartfelt optimism.
FAQs:
1. What is the most common way to say Merry Christmas in Italian?
The most common phrase is “Buon Natale!” which means Merry Christmas.
2. How do you pronounce “Buon Natale”?
It’s pronounced: bwohn nah-TAH-leh.
3. Is “Felice Natale” also correct?
Yes, Felice Natale also means Merry Christmas, but Buon Natale is more commonly used.
4. How do you say Merry Christmas to a group?
Same phrase — Buon Natale a tutti! (Merry Christmas to everyone!)
5. How do Italians greet during the holidays instead of Merry Christmas?
They sometimes say “Buone Feste!” which means Happy Holidays.
6. How to say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year in Italian?
Say: Buon Natale e Felice Anno Nuovo!
7. Is it okay to just say “Natale” in greetings?
No — Natale means Christmas the word itself.
You need Buon Natale to make it a greeting.
8. How do you write Merry Christmas in a message?
Buon Natale! Ti auguro gioia e pace.
(Merry Christmas! I wish you joy and peace.)
9. Do Italians exchange gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day?
Many families open gifts on Christmas Eve at midnight, but traditions vary.
10. How should I say Merry Christmas politely to elders in Italy?
Say it warmly with respect:
Buon Natale, Signore/Signora.
Conclusion:
Now that you know how to say Merry Christmas in Italian, you can celebrate the holidays with a touch of Italian charm. Saying “Buon Natale” is a simple yet meaningful way to share warmth and joy with others.
Whether you’re speaking with loved ones, writing holiday cards, or exploring Italian traditions, this festive phrase will help you spread cheer in the most heartfelt way. 🎁🇮🇹
