The holidays are here, and in Italy, that means it’s time to break out the panettone, pour the prosecco, and brush up on all the essential phrases that Italians use to get through the season. Whether you’re wishing your Nonna a Buon Natale, begging someone to pass the pasta, or just trying to keep up with the endless auguri, here’s a guide to the essential (and often hilarious) Italian holiday phrases you need to survive the season with style.
“Buon Natale!” – Merry Christmas!
This is your bread-and-butter holiday greeting. In Italy, Buon Natale isn’t just said once; it’s repeated about a hundred times over the course of the season. You’ll say it to family, friends, the baker, the butcher, and the random guy walking his dog. In fact, you’ll say it so much that by New Year’s, you’ll feel like Buon Natale is the only Italian phrase you actually know.
Example: “Buon Natale! Yes, I’ll have two panettones, please.”
“Buone Feste!” – Happy Holidays!
If you want to be all-inclusive and cover the season, Buone Feste is your go-to. This is like the Swiss Army knife of holiday greetings — it works for Christmas, New Year’s, and even Epiphany. Italians use it when they’re not sure if they’ll see you again before New Year’s, and it’s basically their way of saying, “I’m covering all my bases.”
Example: “Buone Feste! If I don’t see you, enjoy your panettone and prosecco hangover!”
“Auguri!” – Best Wishes! (And Also… Just About Everything Else)
Auguri is the Italian holiday MVP. It’s a catch-all phrase for congratulations, well-wishes, happy holidays, and even “Nice haircut!” Italians will throw out an Auguri! like confetti, so just be prepared to say it back with enthusiasm.
Example: “Auguri! Oh, your sweater has sequins? Auguri for that too!”
“Felice Anno Nuovo!” – Happy New Year!
When the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, don’t just say “Happy New Year” — say Felice Anno Nuovo! Italians love to kick off the year with as much flair as possible, so pair this with a glass of spumante (Italian sparkling wine) and a solid New Year’s hug (air kisses optional).
Example: “Felice Anno Nuovo! May your pasta always be al dente and your wine glass never empty!”
“Passami il panettone, per favore.” – Pass Me the Panettone, Please.
This might be the most useful phrase in Italian during the holiday season. The panettone (or pandoro, if you’re in that camp) makes an appearance at every meal in December. Italians can eat their weight in panettone, so knowing how to politely ask for a slice is essential.
Example: “Passami il panettone, per favore. And don’t be stingy with the slice!”
“Ti auguro tanta felicità e amore.” – I Wish You Lots of Happiness and Love.
Italians love a heartfelt sentiment, especially around the holidays. This phrase is perfect for those holiday cards, texts, and anything else where you want to add a little touch of Italian sincerity. Just be prepared for Italians to get a little misty-eyed if you say it with enough heart.
Example: “Ti auguro tanta felicità e amore! And a lifetime supply of espresso.”
“Che la pace e la gioia del Natale siano con voi.” – May the Peace and Joy of Christmas Be with You.
This one is a little on the formal side but perfect if you want to impress Italian relatives or sound like you came straight out of a holiday movie. Italians will appreciate the gesture, even if they immediately follow it up with a less formal, “E passami il prosecco!” (And pass me the prosecco!)
Example: “Che la pace e la gioia del Natale siano con voi. Now let’s eat!”
“Buona Vigilia!” – Happy Christmas Eve!
In Italy, Christmas Eve is a big deal. It’s all about food, family, and the cenone (big dinner), so make sure to wish everyone a Buona Vigilia before they dig into their seafood feast. And don’t forget to add a touch of excitement — Italians treat Christmas Eve like the Super Bowl of family meals.
Example: “Buona Vigilia! Now, who’s bringing the baccalà?”
“Felice Epifania!” – Happy Epiphany!
Epiphany, or La Befana, is celebrated on January 6 and marks the end of the Italian holiday season. It’s also when La Befana, the friendly Italian witch, brings gifts to children. Italians love Epiphany because it means one last holiday (and one more excuse to eat), so don’t be surprised if people give you a big Felice Epifania! before heading off to more food.
Example: “Felice Epifania! May La Befana bring you something better than coal!”
“Brindiamo al nuovo anno!” – Let’s Toast to the New Year!
Italians are pros at toasting, and New Year’s Eve is practically a marathon of cin cin (cheers). You’ll hear Brindiamo al nuovo anno! all night long, and Italians will clink glasses for just about anything. Got a new sweater? Brindiamo! Managed not to burn the pasta? Brindiamo!
Example: “Brindiamo al nuovo anno! And to making it through Nonna’s feast without falling asleep!”
“Auguri di buona salute e prosperità!” – Wishing You Good Health and Prosperity!
Italians take their well-wishes seriously, especially when it comes to health and prosperity. This phrase is perfect for starting the year off on the right foot and showing that you’re serious about your New Year’s resolutions (even if your true goal is to eat more tiramisu).
Example: “Auguri di buona salute e prosperità! And may you find the best deals at the post-holiday sales!”
“Buon Capodanno!” – Happy New Year’s Day!
Italians know how to make New Year’s Day a celebration, too, with family lunches and plenty of lenticchie e cotechino (lentils and sausage) for good luck. Don’t forget to wish everyone a Buon Capodanno — and maybe grab some lentils for yourself if you want to start the year off Italian-lucky.
Example: “Buon Capodanno! And remember, lentils mean money… so eat up!”
Get Ready to Embrace the Italian Holiday Spirit
Now that you’ve got your Italian holiday phrases down, you’re ready to take on the season like a true Italiano. Whether you’re wishing Buon Natale, toasting the New Year with Brindiamo, or just making sure you get your fair share of panettone, these phrases will help you celebrate the season with all the Italian gusto it deserves. Buone Feste e Auguri!
