Learning French
French words and sayings for celebrating New Year
A vocab guide for welcoming the new year in France
Find out what sparklers are called in French
fornStudio/Shutterstock
The end of 2025 is fast-approaching and everyone here at The Connexion would like to wish our readers a very happy New Year.
We have put together a helpful language guide to use during your end-of-year plans - whether celebrating at a soirée or extending a kind message to French friends, relatives or neighbours.
New Year’s Eve vs New Year’s Day
New Year’s Eve is known as La Saint-Sylvestre in France, since December 31 is the feast day of Saint Sylvester.
It can also be called le réveillon. This name is used to refer to both December 24 and 31, so you can rely on context or think about distinguishing whether you are referring to the eve of Christmas or New Year.
January 1 is le Jour de l’An, le Nouvel An, or le Premier de l’An (which is a slightly less common option). This is the only day over New Year which is considered a public holiday in France.
If you want to talk about the entire year ahead, you will refer to: la nouvelle année.
Be careful not to confuse le Nouvel An with la nouvelle année:
Well wishes
Happy New Year! - Bonne année !
Wishing you a happy new year - Je vous (te) souhaite une bonne année
Best wishes (for the new year) - Meilleurs vœux (pour la nouvelle année)
Happy holidays (for the end of the year) - Joyeuses fêtes (de fin d’année)
Season’s Greetings - Bonnes fêtes de fin d’année
May this year bring you happiness and health - Que cette année vous apporte bonheur et santé
To health and prosperity - Santé et prospérité
We are counting down to the New Year - On compte les secondes avant la nouvelle année
Cheers! - Santé, tchin-tchin, à la tienne or à la vôtre !
Read also: Discover the French tradition of sending cartes de vœux for Christmas and New Year
Party vocabulary
A party - Une fête or une soirée
A party game - Un jeu de fête or un jeu entre amis/famille
Fireworks - Les feux d’artifice
Confetti - Les confettis/cotillons
A sparkler - Un feu de Bengale
A countdown - Un compte à rebours
To celebrate - Fêter or célébrer
A hangover - Une gueule de bois (informal)
Resolutions - Les résolutions de fin d'année
