How Do You Say Merry Christmas in South Africa? In 11 Languages

How do you say Merry Christmas in South Africa?

After spending 7 months (and one Christmas) in South Africa, I’ve learned a lot about the different African languages and official languages that are spoken.

When it comes to Christmas day, it’s fascinating to learn how different cultures and countries celebrate this special occasion. In South Africa, a nation known for its rich cultural diversity and stunning landscapes, Christmas is a time of great festivities.

Join me on this journey through the Southern Hemisphere as we explore the unique ways South Africans spend their most celebrated holiday!

Merry Christmas in South Africa: A Multilingual Melting Pot

South Africa, with its eleven official languages, offers a beautiful tapestry of ways to wish someone a Merry Christmas. Africa is not just a continent of breathtaking landscapes and diverse cultures but also a treasure trove of languages.

With over 2,000 languages spoken across the continent, Africa is a linguistic mosaic like no other. 

Many African countries have multiple official languages, reflecting the multitude of cultures within their borders. These languages often intertwine, making the holiday season even more memorable. 

In South Africa, for instance, you’ll hear festive greetings in languages such as Afrikaans, Zulu, Xhosa and Tswana, among others. Each language adds its own unique flair to the Christmas celebrations. 

Whether you’re greeted with “Joyeux Noel”, in the French-speaking communities, “Feliz Navidad” by those influenced by Spanish traditions, or the warm and welcoming “Kuwa na Krismasi Njema” in Swahili, you’ll hear a variety of languages echoing through the air. South Africans celebrate in their own languages and it’s this diversity that makes Christmas in South Africa, truly special!

Here’s how you say Merry Christmas in South Africa in each language: 

• Afrikaans (South Africa, Namibia): Geseënde Kersfees
• English: Merry Christmas
• isiNdebele (Zimbabwe, South Africa): Ukresimende Omuhle
• isiXhosa (South Africa, Zimbabwe, Lesotho): Krismesi Emnandi
• isiZulu (South Africa, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Eswatini): Ukhisimusi Omuhle
• Sesotho (Lesotho, South Africa, Zimbabwe): Matsatsi a Keresemese a Mabotse
• Setswana (Botswana, South Africa): Keresemese e Monate
• siSwati (Eswatini, South Africa): Khisimusi Lomuhle
• Tshivenda (South Africa, Zimbabwe): Madekwana a Muratho
• Xitsonga (South Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique): Ku tlhariha ka Khisimusi
• Sepedi (South Africa): Mahlogonolo a Keresemose

The diversity of languages and cultures in South Africa makes for a truly unique and joyous Christmas time. 

Now you’ll never have to guess “how do you say Merry Christmas in South Africa” again!

When is Christmas in South Africa?

Christmas is the same time it is for the rest of the world in South Africa, on December 25th!

December is the summer season in South Africa and one of the best times to visit.

December is often referred to as the ‘festive season’ because there are so many festivities going on during the entire month and especially at Christmas time.

African Traditions with a Twist

South Africans have their own way of embracing the festive season, despite the summer heat in December. The warm weather doesn’t deter them from decorating Christmas trees with tinsel, lights and ornaments or from enjoying traditional Christmas dinners featuring roast beef, mince pies and plum pudding. 

Families gather together, exchange gifts and create their own version of nativity scenes, keeping the essence of the holiday alive in their own special way.

The warm climate lends itself to outdoor festivities, with families often opting for barbeques, or as they call it, an “African Barbeque” or “braai” (most commonly). 

Despite having grown up in Canada myself, I don’t love cold and snowy Christmases but really preferred the South African way!

If you’ve never spent a Christmas on a beach, I’d try to do it at least once!

Santa Claus in Africa

While Santa Claus is a familiar figure, South Africans also have their own version of ‘Father Christmas’.

He makes an appearance at malls, schools and community events, bringing joy to children across the country. 

Christmas Food in South Africa

Because Christmas in South Africa is celebrated during the summer season, festive meals are unique and reflective of the country’s warm weather and diverse cultural heritage.

Traditional Christmas food in South Africa blends global holiday favourites with local flavours!

A South African Christmas feast often includes roasted meats, such as turkey, beef, or chicken, served alongside vegetables and flavorful gravies.

Gammon is a popular centrepiece, typically glazed with honey, mustard, or apricot jam to add a sweet, tangy touch. Most families incorporate braai (barbecue) into their celebrations, grilling meats like lamb chops, boerewors (traditional sausage), and steaks.

Side dishes can include roasted potatoes, pumpkin fritters (pampoenkoekies), and fresh salads, which are particularly refreshing in the summer heat. South Africa’s rich multicultural background also introduces dishes like samp and beans, biryani, and spicy chutneys to the table.

Desserts are a highlight, with traditional treats like malva pudding, a moist sponge cake served with warm custard, and trifle, layered with sponge cake, custard, jelly, and cream.

Mince pies and Christmas fruit cake, often soaked in brandy, are festive staples. Many South Africans also enjoy seasonal fruits like watermelon and mangoes, adding a tropical flair to their Christmas tables.

Since South Africa is so multicultural, there isn’t just one way of doing a Christmas meal. Regardless, you’re always going to find delicious food available for Christmas in South Africa!

From Cape Town to Kruger National Park 

Whether you find yourself in the bustling city of Cape Town, the stunning landscapes of Kruger National Park, or anywhere in between, South Africans come together to celebrate Christmas with enthusiasm.

Churches hold special Christmas Eve services and Christmas songs fill the air, creating a magical atmosphere that transcends cultural boundaries. 

African Christmas Traditions

While South Africa has its own unique Christmas customs, other African countries like Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone and the Central African Republic also have their distinctive ways of celebrating the holiday. 

From Feliz Navidad in Equatorial Guinea to E Hu Iye Dun in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, you’ll find a diverse array of traditions and greetings across the African continent. 

A Global Celebration 

Christmas is a time when people all over the world come together to celebrate love, joy and togetherness.

Whether you’re in South Africa, the United States, Hong Kong, the Middle East or San Marino, the holiday season unites us all in the spirit of giving, sharing and creating precious memories with family and friends. 

With that said, there is something so special about the Christmas season in South Africa and I feel so grateful to have experienced it myself!

New Years in South Africa 

If you’re planning on spending Christmas and enjoying a happy new year in South Africa, I’d highly recommend spending your time at the beach! 

Keep in mind that New Years is a public holiday so during the Christmas season, beaches might be busier than usual.

However, don’t let that stop you from visiting some of the best beaches in Cape Town! 

Please read my South Africa safety guide here to avoid any trouble during the festive season.

Best Things to Do in South Africa

South Africa is an insane destination over Christmas and one I’d highly recommend visiting. To make the most of your time there over the holidays, here are some activities you should add to your South Africa list!

• Robben Island and Township Tour – Understand the history of Cape Town and understand how many people live in townships around South Africa.
• Bloukrans Bungy – Ready for an adrenaline rush? Jump from the world’s tallest bridge bungee!
• Stellenbosch Wine Tour – Visit 3 wine estates and taste 15 different wines along the way.
• The Best of Cape Town – Explore Cape Town’s colourful neighbourhood, visit the penguins nearby, see the top of Table Mountain & more!
• All Day Safari – Take a trip to Addo Elephant National Park and have a chance to see all of the ‘big 5’ while you’re there.
• Whale Watching – Head to Hermanus (known as the whale-watching capital of the world) for an experience of a lifetime.

Other Blogs You Might Find Helpful

• The best places to catch a sunset in Cape Town
• The 23 Best Clubs in Cape Town: Top Nightlife in South Africa
• Ultimate itinerary for 7 days in Cape Town

Merry Christmas!

So … are you still wondering, how do you say Merry Christmas in South Africa?

I hope this blog answers any questions you may have!

South Africa, with its rich tapestry of languages, cultures and traditions, offers a unique and heartwarming way to celebrate Christmas. From the warm summer weather to the multilingual greetings, the holiday season in South Africa is a special time that brings people closer together.

So, as we approach this festive season, remember that no matter where you are in the world, or the different ways the message of Merry Christmas is said because it carries the same warm and joyful sentiment!

I’ll be back shortly with a new blog but in the meantime, you can follow my adventures as a full-time traveller and digital nomad on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube! 

Cheers, 

Amy xx