The Christmas season is a special time of year for many people in the world. The holiday has so many traditions and symbols that aren’t limited to one day on the calendar. If you’re looking for the perfect way to describe this wonderful holiday, take a look at these popular Christmas words listed from A to Z.
Christmas Words A-C
Angels on the tree, cookies baking in the oven, chestnuts roasting —it must be Christmas! Whether you celebrate Christmas as a religious occasion, a secular holiday, or just part of the winter season, these Christmas words that start with “A,” “B,” and “C” appeal to all of your senses.
Word | Part of Speech | Definition |
Advent | proper noun | a period that consists of the four weeks leading up to Christmas, commemorating the coming of Christ |
Advent calendar | noun | a calendar that includes small colored flaps that are opened each day of Advent, typically revealing a treat, trinket, or picture |
angel | noun | a spiritual being acting as an attendant or messenger of God; a person of immense virtue, beauty, or good |
baking | verb (or gerund) | to cook food via dry heat without direct exposure to flame (particularly with sugar cookies and gingerbread this time of year); the process of cooking in this way |
belief | noun | trust, faith, or confidence in something or someone; acceptance that something is true or existent |
bells | noun | hollow instruments that are usually shaped like an inverted cup and make a clear musical note when struck |
Bethlehem | proper noun | the biblical birthplace of Jesus located in the central West Bank of Palestine |
birth | noun | the act or instance of being born |
blessing | noun | a special favor, benefit, or mercy; a favor or gift bestowed by God |
Blitzen | proper noun | one of Santa’s reindeer; from the Dutch word for lightning |
boot | noun | a type of footwear that covers the entire foot, ankles, and sometimes the part of the leg just below the knee |
bow | noun | a knot featuring two loops and two loose ends, particularly used when tying decorative ribbons |
box | noun | a usually rectangular container with a lid or removable cover |
Boxing Day | proper noun | (in Britain) the first weekday after Christmas Day |
bûche de Noël | noun | a traditional Christmas cake that consists of sponge cake and frosting rolled and decorated to look like a log |
candle | noun | a piece of tallow or wax with an embedded wick that is burned for light |
candlelight | noun | the light of a candle |
candy cane | noun | a hard candy shaped with a hook or curve in one end, usually peppermint flavored with red and white stripes |
card | noun | a piece of thin paper or cardboard with a message of sentiment or holiday greeting |
carol | noun | a joyful song; a Christmas song or hymn |
caroling | verb or gerund | to sing Christmas songs, especially as a group traveling house to house. |
ceremonious | adjective | formally or elaborately polite |
charity | noun | generous actions or donations to aid people in need |
cheer | noun | cheerfulness, optimism; a shout of joy or encouragement |
cheerful | adjective | openly happy and optimistic |
chestnut | noun | a glossy brown nut that is typically roasted and eaten |
chimney | noun | a vertical pipe or channel that transports smoke and other gases (or Santa!)from a fireplace out of the home |
chocolate | noun | a (usually sweet) food made from roasted and ground cacao seeds |
Christmas Eve | proper noun | December 24th, the day or evening before Christmas |
Christmas Day | proper noun | December 25th |
Christmas tree | noun | an evergreen tree decorated with ornaments and lights to celebrate Christmas |
Christmastide | proper noun | the festival season from Christmas to after New Year’s Day; in England, the period from Christmas Eve to Epiphany |
church | noun | a building for public worship in Christianity |
cider | noun | juice pressed from fruit (usually apples) used for drinking |
coal | noun | a black or dark brown rock mainly consisting of carbonized plant material, often burned as fuel |
cookies | noun | small, sweet cakes that are usually flat and round in shape with a crispy or chewy texture |
Comet | proper noun | the name of Santa’s fifth reindeer |
cranberries | noun | small, red, acidic berries used in cooking |
Festive Fact:If you’re wondering what bûche de Noël is, you’re in for a treat! It’s the French name for a yule log, which is a flourless chocolate cake in the shape of a log. Try it out this year if you’re looking for something new to serve at your next holiday party.
Christmas Words D-I
In December, many people exchange gifts and decorate with garland — but don’t forget the figgy pudding! See how many of these D-I words to describe Christmas should be on your list.
Word | Part of Speech | Definition |
Dancer | proper noun | the name of Santa’s second reindeer |
December | proper noun | the 12th month in the standard Gregorian calendar |
decorations | noun | things serving as ornaments |
Donner | proper noun | the name of Santa’s seventh reindeer |
eggnog | noun | a Christmas drink made from beaten eggs, cream, spices, and often alcohol |
elf | noun | a supernatural creature often represented as small with pointed ears and magic powers; Santa’s helpers at the North Pole |
Emmanuel | proper noun | another name for Jesus Christ according to the Gospel of Matthew |
epiphany | noun | the manifestation of Christ to the Gentiles as represented by the Magi |
evergreen | noun | any plant that maintains green leaves all year |
exchange | noun | the act of giving one thing and receiving another |
faith | noun | complete trust, confidence, or belief in something or someone |
Father Christmas | proper noun | the traditional English name for a personification of Christmas; now synonymous with Santa Claus |
festive | adjective | cheerful and happily celebratory |
figgy pudding | noun | a traditional dessert made of flour, suet, and dried fruit |
fir | noun | a type of evergreen tree featuring flat needle-shaped leaves and upright cones |
fireplace | noun | a structure designed for fire, usually at the base of a chimney |
frankincense | noun | an aromatic gum resin taken from an African tree and burned as incense |
Frosty | proper noun | a snowman who comes to life with the help of a magic hat |
fruitcake | noun | a cake containing fruit and nuts |
garland | noun | a wreath of flowers and leaves hung as a decoration or worn on the head |
generosity | noun | the quality of being kind and giving |
gingerbread | noun | a cake made with molasses and ginger |
gingerbread house | noun | a decorative miniature house made from gingerbread and other sweets |
glad tidings | noun | good news |
Gloria | noun | Latin for “glory”; shortened form of the hymn “Gloria in Excelsis Deo” |
goodwill | noun | feelings or attitudes involving friendliness, help, or cooperation |
grace | noun | courteous goodwill |
greetings | noun | polite words, signs of recognition or welcome |
Grinch | noun | a person who is mean-spirited, unfriendly |
holiday | noun | a day of celebration or recreation where no work is done. |
holly | noun | a shrub featuring red berries, white flowers, and dark green leaves |
hot chocolate | noun | a warm beverage made with chocolate and milk or water |
hymn | noun | a religious song or poem praising a god |
ice skating | verb or gerund | the sport of skating on ice |
icicle | noun | a hanging piece of ice that forms when dripping water freezes |
Festive Fact:When someone wishes you a "Feliz Navidad,"they’re wishing you "Merry Christmas" in Spanish. Don’t be a Grinch— wish it right back! It’s a great way to spread glad tidings to your fellow human.
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Christmas Words J-O
It may be the little drummer boy in Jerusalem, Jack Frost nipping at your nose, or mistletoe hanging in the doorway. No matter what you love about Christmas, these words that start with “J,” “K,” “L,” “M,” “N,” and “O” will put you in the holiday mood.
Word | Part of Speech | Definition |
Jack Frost | proper noun | the name for the personification of frost or winter |
Jerusalem | proper noun | the capital of Israel and a holy city in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism |
Jesus | proper noun | Jesus Christ, Jesus of Nazareth, the source of Christian religion |
jingle bells | noun | an alternate name for sleigh bells; (capitalized) title of the Christmas song “Jingle Bells” |
jolly | adjective | happy and cheerful |
King Wenceslas | proper noun | Duke of Bohemia, patron saint of the Czech state, and subject of the carol “Good King Wenceslas” |
Krampus | proper noun | (in Alpine folklore) name of a horned, anthropomorphic creature who comes out during the Christmas season to scare and sometimes punish children who have misbehaved |
Kris Kringle | proper noun | name synonymous with Christkind, a personification of baby Jesusand Santa Claus |
Little Drummer Boy | proper noun | Christmas carol originally titled “Carol of the Drum,” written by Katherine Kennicott Davis |
manger | noun | a long trough or open box for horses and cattle to feed |
Mary | proper noun | the mother of Jesus |
miracle | noun | an improbable or extraordinary event or accomplishment that brings welcome consequences |
mistletoe | noun | a parasitic plant that bears white glutinous berries in the winter; tradition dictates that two lovers standing under mistletoe must kiss |
mitten | noun | a glove with one section for the thumb and one section for the other four fingers |
myrrh | noun | a fragrant resin obtained from trees and used in medicines, perfumes, and incense |
Nativity | proper noun | the birth of Jesus Christ |
naughty | adjective | disobedient or badly behaved |
nice | adjective | pleasant, agreeable, or well behaved |
Noel | proper noun | Christmas, often used in Christmas cards and carols |
North Pole | proper noun | the northernmost point on Earth and the location of Santa’s home and workshop |
nutcracker | noun | a device used for cracking open nuts |
ornaments | noun | accessories or articles used to improve the physical appearance of something |
Festive Fact:You may have heard of Kris Kringle, but have you heard of Krampus? According to folklore from Central Europe, Krampus is a horned creature who punishes children who have been naughty. Unlike Kris Kingle, Krampus doesn’t reward the nice list.
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Christmas Words P-S
Season’s greetings! After you see Santa Claus in the Christmas parade, get that Christmas sweater and presents ready for the party. These Christmas words that start with P-S may make you want to create snow angels outside your door!
Word | Part of Speech | Definition |
package | noun | an object wrapped in paper or packed in a box |
pageant | noun | a public event celebrating Christmas, usually involving a parade, Nativity play, or performance |
parade | noun | a public procession, usually in celebration of an event or special day |
partridge | noun | a short-tailed game bird |
peppermint | noun | the aromatic leaves from the plants of the mint family, used as a flavoring; candy flavored using peppermint oil |
pine | noun | an evergreen tree featuring long, needle-shaped leaves |
poinsettia | noun | a small shrub native to Mexico and Central America characterized by large red bracts surrounding small yellow flowers |
popcorn | noun | any varietal of corn whose kernels pop open and puff out when exposed to dry heat |
Prancer | proper noun | Santa’s third reindeer |
proclaim | verb | to announce publicly or officially |
receive | verb | to be paid, given, or presented with something |
reindeer | noun | a deer indigenous to the tundra and subarctic regions of North Americaand Eurasia, often domesticated and used for pulling sleds |
rejoice | verb | to feel or show great joy or delight |
ribbon | noun | a strip of fabric used for tying something or decorating |
Rudolph | proper noun | Santa’s ninth reindeer with a characteristic red nose that glows |
Saint Nicholas | proper noun | a 4th century bishop, patron saint of Russia, and precursor to Santa Claus |
Santa Claus | proper noun | a benevolent, legendary figure who brings gifts to children on Christmas Eve |
savior | noun | a person who saves or rescues |
Scrooge | proper noun | Ebenezer Scrooge, the miserly character in Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol; generally, a miserly person |
Secret Santa | noun | a Western Christmas tradition wherein people within a group are randomly and secretly assigned a person to whom they give a gift |
shepherd | noun | a person who takes care of sheep |
sled | noun | a vehicle for conveying goods or people over ice and snow, usually pulled by dogs, horses, or a motor vehicle |
sleigh bells | noun | tinkling bells attached to the harness of a horse pulling a sleigh |
snow angel | noun | a snow design made by lying on your back and moving your arms up and down and your legs side to side, creating the shape of an angel |
snowman | noun | a representation of a human made using compacted snow |
stocking | noun | a long sock or similar receptacle hung by families on Christmas Eve for Santa to fill with gifts |
sugarplum | noun | a round candy made from boiled sugar |
sweater | noun | a knit top with long sleeves |
symbol | noun | a mark or object used as a representation of a separate object |
Festive Fact:Ebeneezer Scrooge, the main character from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, has become a symbol of hard-heartedness and frugality during the holiday season. Scrooge’s selfish ways are challenged when he discovers the true spirit of Christmas with journeys to the past, present, and future.
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Christmas Words T-Z
What’s your favorite Christmas tradition? Is it enjoying some wassail, hanging tinsel in the tree, or unwrapping all the toys? Even if your favorite part of the holiday season is being on vacation, these Christmas words from T-Z are sure to bring you tidings of joy.
Word | Part of Speech | Definition |
Tannenbaum | noun | a Christmas tree |
Three Kings Day | proper noun | January 6th, a holiday celebrating the biblical tale of the Three Wise Men visiting baby Jesus |
tidings | noun | news or information |
tinsel | noun | thin strips of shiny metal foil used as decoration |
Tiny Tim | proper noun | Timothy “Tiny Tim” Cratchit, a character in Charles Dickens’A Christmas Carol; appears as a disabled boy who leads Scrooge to change his ways |
toys | noun | objects for kids to play with |
tradition | noun | a custom or belief that has been passed on from generation to generation |
trimming | verb | to decorate something |
vacation | noun | an extended period of rest and leisure |
Vixen | proper noun | Santa’s fourth reindeer |
wassail | noun | a beverage of spiced ale or mulled wine |
Winter Wonderland | song title | a song written by Felix Bernard and Richard Bernhard Smith in 1934, often considered a Christmas song |
wise men | noun | biblical Magi who are said to have visited baby Jesus, presenting gold, frankincense, and myrrh as gifts |
worship | noun | an expression of reverence or adoration for a god |
workshop | noun | a room or building where goods are manufactured or repaired |
wrapping paper | noun | decorative paper used for wrapping packages or presents |
wreath | noun | a combination of flowers, stems, and leaves arranged in a ring for decoration |
Xmas | proper noun | shortened form of “Christmas” |
yule log | noun | a large piece of wood burned in the fireplace on Christmas Eve; an alternate name for bûche de Noël |
yuletide | noun | the Christmas season |
Festive Fact:Three Kings Day, also known as El Dia del los Reyes or the Feast of the Epiphany, is celebrated in the Catholic faith in Spain and Latin America on January 6th. The holiday commemorates the Three Kings visiting baby Jesus and marks the last day of the Christmas season.
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Christmas Phrases for the Holiday Season
Along with the words above, Christmas phrases give you some great options for greeting others or writing out your next holiday card. Whether you go with Merry Christmas or Joyeux Noel, you’ll always have the right Christmas phrase for any occasion.
Phrase | Definition |
Bah, humbug! | expression used when someone disapproves or does not enjoy something other people enjoy, like Christmas; popularized by Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol |
Eat, drink, and be merry | shortened form of “Eat, drink, and be merry for tomorrow we die,” essentially encouraging enjoying life while you can |
Feliz Navidad | Spanish for “Merry Christmas” |
Frohe Weihnachten | German for “Merry Christmas” |
Happy Christmas | popular greeting said during Christmas (more common in the U.K.) |
Happy Holidays | general, nondenominational greeting for winter holidays |
Ho ho ho! | Santa Claus’ main catchphrase, signifying his jolly laugh |
Joyeux Noel | French for “Merry Christmas” |
Merry Christmas | popular greeting said during Christmas |
Season’s greetings | a general greeting for the winter holiday season |
‘Tis the season | “it’s the season”; usually an exclamation to acknowledge that it’s the winter holiday season |
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Printable Christmas Vocabulary Word List
There are so many great Christmas words, it's hard to choose a few to use. Download and print this fun list of over 20 Christmas words for the classroom or at home.
Popular words christmas season
Click to View & DownloadGet in the Christmas Spirit
Christmas has many words to describe it, but there’s nothing like being in the Christmas season itself. After you’ve put up your decorations and wrapped the gifts, it’s time for some games and laughs!
- Gather a group and play a game of Christmas charades using some of these vocabulary words.
- Use only holiday words in a game of Scrabble.
- Printand complete a few Christmas word scrambles.
- Find your new favorite holiday jokes with these Christmas puns that will make you laugh your “elf” silly.
- Enjoy the season with a list of timeless Christmas poems.
- Learn the meanings of some old-fashioned words from Christmas carols.