Last Updated on December 11, 2025 by Viviana
Christmas is a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration, and with it comes a rich vocabulary that reflects the traditions, customs, and festivities surrounding the holiday. Whether you’re decorating the Christmas tree, enjoying delicious treats, or singing carols, knowing the right words can help enhance your experience. In this article, we’ll explore a range of Christmas-related vocabulary in both English and Spanish, offering you a comprehensive guide to celebrate the season in style.
Here’s a helpful table with 50 essential Christmas words and phrases in Spanish and their English translations. This list covers everything from food and decorations to festive greetings and traditions, making it an excellent reference for any bilingual holiday celebration.
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Navidad | Christmas |
| Nochebuena | Christmas Eve |
| Año Nuevo | New Year |
| Pesebre | Nativity scene |
| Árbol de Navidad | Christmas tree |
| Regalo | Gift / Present |
| Papá Noel | Santa Claus |
| Reyes Magos | Three Wise Men |
| Villancicos | Christmas carols |
| Belenes | Nativity scenes |
| Misa de gallo | Midnight Mass |
| Estrella de Navidad | Christmas star |
| Turrón | Nougat (typical Christmas sweet) |
| Caga Tió | Christmas log (Catalan tradition) |
| Campanas | Bells |
| Feliz Navidad | Merry Christmas |
| Feliz Año Nuevo | Happy New Year |
| Nieve | Snow |
| Luces de Navidad | Christmas lights |
| Cena de Navidad | Christmas dinner |
| Cena de Nochevieja | New Year’s Eve dinner |
| Fiesta de Navidad | Christmas party |
| Pavo | Turkey (common Christmas dish) |
| Dulces navideños | Christmas sweets |
| Tarjeta de Navidad | Christmas card |
| Roscón de Reyes | King’s cake |
| Adornos de Navidad | Christmas decorations |
| Copa de champán | Glass of champagne |
| Vino caliente | Hot wine (mulled wine) |
| Nochevieja | New Year’s Eve |
| Bastón de caramelo | Candy cane |
| Felices fiestas | Happy holidays |
| Año Viejo | Old Year |
| Manto de nieve | Blanket of snow |
| Fiesta navideña | Christmas celebration |
| Trineo | Sleigh |
| Ángel de Navidad | Christmas angel |
| Muérdago | Mistletoe |
| Pastores | Shepherds |
| Boda de Canaan | Wedding of Canaan (biblical) |
| Niño Jesús | Baby Jesus |
| Dulce navideño | Christmas sweet |
| Comida festiva | Festive food |
| Celebración navideña | Christmas celebration |
| Noche de paz | Silent night |
| Feliz navidad y próspero año nuevo | Merry Christmas and Happy New Year |
| Campanas de Navidad | Christmas bells |
| Árbol decorado | Decorated tree |
| Tarjeta de felicitación | Greeting card |
| Cuento de Navidad | Christmas story |
| Cena familiar | Family dinner |
| Celebración de fin de año | Year-end celebration |
| Fiesta en casa | House party |
| Villancico popular | Popular Christmas carol |
15 Christmas-related phrases in Spanish and their English translations:
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Vamos a comprar los regalos de Navidad. | Let’s go buy the Christmas gifts. |
| ¿Has visto las luces de Navidad en la ciudad? | Have you seen the Christmas lights in the city? |
| ¡Feliz Navidad y próspero Año Nuevo! | Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! |
| Me encanta cantar villancicos en Navidad. | I love singing Christmas carols. |
| Este año quiero un árbol de Navidad muy grande. | This year I want a very big Christmas tree. |
| Vamos a celebrar la Nochebuena con toda la familia. | Let’s celebrate Christmas Eve with the whole family. |
| ¿Te gustaría venir a nuestra fiesta de Navidad? | Would you like to come to our Christmas party? |
| Hoy vamos a hacer un belén en casa. | Today we’re going to make a nativity scene at home. |
| ¿Qué platos tradicionales vas a cocinar para Navidad? | What traditional dishes are you going to cook for Christmas? |
| Papá Noel me trajo el regalo que quería. | Santa Claus brought me the gift I wanted. |
| Quiero decorar la casa con muchas luces. | I want to decorate the house with lots of lights. |
| Este año la Navidad será muy especial. | This year Christmas will be very special. |
| Vamos a brindar con champán para el Año Nuevo. | Let’s toast with champagne for the New Year. |
| ¡Que la paz y el amor reinen en tu hogar esta Navidad! | May peace and love reign in your home this Christmas! |
| ¿Vamos a cantar un villancico a la puerta de los vecinos? | Shall we sing a Christmas carol at the neighbors’ door? |