The holiday season is here! Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or just the joy of hot chocolate and cosy sweaters, it’s the perfect time to spread some multilingual cheer. Saying “Happy Holidays” in another language isn’t just fun — it’s a thoughtful way to connect across cultures.
Let’s take a whirlwind tour around the globe to learn how to wish someone a joyous holiday season in different languages. Plus, we’ll throw in some easy pronunciations so you can say it like a pro (or close enough to make someone smile!).
French – zhwa-yuhz fet – Joyful holidays
Spanish – feh-lee-sehs fee-ehs-tahs – Happy holidays
German – froh-uh fye-er-tah-guh – Happy holidays
Italian – bwohn-eh fehs-teh – Good festivities
Dutch – pret-tih-guh feyst-dah-ghen – Pleasant holidays
Russian – shahs-lee-vikh prazd-nee-kov – Happy holidays
Japanese – hah-pee ho-ree-day – Happy holidays (borrowed from English!)
Chinese (Mandarin) – jyeh rih kwai luh – Happy holidays
Korean – heng-bok-han hyoo-il dwe-seh-yo – Happy holidays
Arabic – eed oot-lahl sah-ee-dah – Happy holidays
Greek – kah-less yyor-tess – Good festivities
Swedish – treh-vlee-gah helg-dah-gar – Happy holidays
Thai – sook-san wahn-yoot – Happy holidays
Vietnamese – chook moong kee ngh-ee – Happy holidays
But wait, what if you want to wish someone a Merry Christmas specifically? Here are some bonus phrases to make your festive greetings even more personal:
Filipino – mah-lee-gah-yang pahs-ko – Merry Christmas
French – zhwa-yuh no-el – Merry Christmas
Italian – boo-ohn nah-tah-leh – Merry Christmas
Vietnamese – zyàng sinh voo-ee vay – Joyful Christmas
Why Multilingual Greetings Matter
The holiday season is about connection, and what better way to connect than by speaking someone’s language? A simple greeting can light up a conversation, build a relationship, or even land you some bonus points with colleagues and clients.
At ABL Recruitment, we’re all about celebrating diversity. Our team works across cultures and languages, so we know how much a heartfelt, inclusive greeting can mean. Whether you stick with the classic “Happy Holidays” or try out a “Joyeuses Fêtes,” it’s the thought that counts.
Spread the Cheer!
Now that you’ve got a festive phrasebook, why not try it out? Whether you’re sending a holiday email, writing cards, or chatting at the office party, surprise someone with a greeting in their language. It’s a small gesture with a big impact.
From all of us at ABL Recruitment: Happy Holidays, Frohe Feiertage, and Felices Fiestas!
