How to Say Merry Christmas in Spanish
Learn how to say Merry Christmas in Spanish. The classic phrase is 'Feliz Navidad' (feh-LEES nah-vee-DAHD), often paired with 'y próspero Año Nuevo.'
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Quick answer
To say Merry Christmas in Spanish, say 'Feliz Navidad' (feh-LEES nah-vee-DAHD), literally 'Happy Nativity.' It is the universal greeting across all Spanish-speaking countries and is often extended to '¡Feliz Navidad y próspero Año Nuevo!' (Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year).
Feliz Navidad
/feh-LEES nah-vee-DAHD/ — Spanish
How to Say Merry Christmas in Spanish
The most beloved Christmas phrase in any language might be Feliz Navidad (feh-LEES nah-vee-DAHD) — made famous worldwide by José Feliciano’s 1970 song. It is the universal way to wish Merry Christmas across every Spanish-speaking country.
The Classic Greeting: Feliz Navidad
Feliz Navidad — pronounced feh-LEES nah-vee-DAHD
Literally “Happy Nativity,” this phrase works in cards, texts, in person, and online, in every Spanish-speaking nation. Feliz means “happy” (Spanish doesn’t use a separate word for “merry”), and Navidad is “Christmas,” from the Latin nativitas, “birth.”
Copy the Phrase
The Spanish for Merry Christmas is Feliz Navidad (feh-LEES nah-vee-DAHD).
All the Ways to Say Merry Christmas in Spanish
| Spanish | Pronunciation | Meaning / When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Feliz Navidad | feh-LEES nah-vee-DAHD | Merry Christmas — universal |
| Felices Fiestas | feh-LEE-ses fee-ES-tas | Happy Holidays — inclusive |
| Felices Pascuas | feh-LEE-ses PAS-kwas | Happy holidays / season (regional) |
| Feliz Nochebuena | feh-LEES no-che-BWEH-na | Happy Christmas Eve |
| Feliz Año Nuevo | feh-LEES AH-nyo NWEH-vo | Happy New Year |
| Próspero Año Nuevo | PROS-peh-ro AH-nyo NWEH-vo | Prosperous New Year |
| Feliz Día de Reyes | feh-LEES DEE-ah deh RREH-yes | Happy Three Kings’ Day (Jan 6) |
The Full Holiday Greeting
The most common extended wish is:
¡Feliz Navidad y próspero Año Nuevo! — Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
You’ll also see ¡Feliz Navidad y Feliz Año Nuevo! Both are warm, complete season’s greetings perfect for cards.
Formal vs. Informal
Unlike many phrases, Feliz Navidad is neutral — it works for your boss, your grandmother, and your best friend alike. To make it more personal you can add a name or pronoun:
- Informal: “¡Feliz Navidad, que la pases genial!” (Merry Christmas, have a great one!)
- Formal: “Le deseo una muy feliz Navidad” (I wish you a very Merry Christmas — usted form).
- Plural / inclusive: “Felices Fiestas a toda la familia” (Happy Holidays to the whole family).
Pronunciation Tips
- z and soft c: an “s” in Latin America, a soft “th” in much of Spain (Feliz → fe-LEESS or fe-LEETH).
- v sounds like a soft b (Navidad → nah-bee-DAHD).
- The ñ in Año is a “ny” sound, as in “canyon”: AH-nyo.
- Stress lands on the last syllable of Feliz and Navidad.
Cultural Notes
Christmas celebrations in Hispanic cultures center on Nochebuena (Christmas Eve, December 24), often the biggest family meal of the year. In Spain and Latin America, Día de Reyes (Three Kings’ Day, January 6) is a major gift-giving occasion, sometimes bigger than December 25. So the season’s well-wishes extend well into January — making Felices Fiestas a handy catch-all greeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say Merry Christmas in Spanish?
Say 'Feliz Navidad' (feh-LEES nah-vee-DAHD). It is the standard, universal Christmas greeting everywhere Spanish is spoken. To wish someone a full holiday season, add '¡Feliz Navidad y próspero Año Nuevo!' (Merry Christmas and a happy New Year).
How do you pronounce Feliz Navidad?
'Feliz Navidad' is pronounced feh-LEES nah-vee-DAHD. Stress falls on the second syllable of each word: fe-LIZ and na-vi-DAD. The final 'z' in 'Feliz' is an 's' sound in Latin America and a soft 'th' in much of Spain. The 'v' sounds close to a soft 'b.'
What is the literal meaning of Feliz Navidad?
'Feliz Navidad' literally means 'Happy Nativity' — 'feliz' is 'happy' and 'Navidad' comes from the Latin 'nativitas' (birth), referring to the birth of Jesus. English uses 'Merry,' but Spanish uses 'feliz' (happy), the same word as in 'feliz cumpleaños' (happy birthday).
How do you say Happy Holidays or Happy New Year in Spanish?
'Happy Holidays' is 'Felices Fiestas' (feh-LEE-ses fee-ES-tas) or 'Felices Pascuas' (used regionally). 'Happy New Year' is 'Feliz Año Nuevo' (feh-LEES AH-nyo NWEH-vo) or simply '¡Próspero Año Nuevo!' (a prosperous New Year). Together: '¡Feliz Navidad y Feliz Año Nuevo!'
Are there regional ways to wish Merry Christmas in Spanish?
'Feliz Navidad' is understood everywhere. In Spain you'll also hear 'Felices Fiestas' (happy holidays) and 'Felices Pascuas.' Some Christmas-season greetings include 'Feliz Nochebuena' for Christmas Eve and 'Feliz Día de Reyes' for Epiphany (Jan 6), which is a major gift-giving day in Hispanic culture.