Holiday Greetings in Chinese: 70+ Phrases with Pinyin for Every Season (2026)

It is holiday season, and you want to send a warm message to your grandparents, a friend, or your child’s teacher in Chinese. But how do you say it, and how do you read it aloud? You are not alone. Many families and learners feel stuck at exactly this moment.

This guide gives you holiday greetings in Chinese that you can use right away, each with characters, pinyin, English, and when to use it. It sorts greetings by holiday and by person, covering Chinese festivals as well as holidays celebrated in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Here are the five most useful ones to start with.

All characters are simplified. If you need traditional forms, the five above are 節日快樂, 新年快樂, 聖誕快樂, 春節快樂, and 中秋快樂.

Holiday greetings in Chinese Audio Tool

General holiday greetings in Chinese

If you are not sure which holiday someone celebrates, 节日快乐 (jiérì kuàilè) works for everyone. It simply means “happy holiday,” so it never assumes a particular tradition. These all-purpose wishes also fit almost any occasion.

Christmas and New Year greetings in Chinese

In North America, the holiday season often runs from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. Many bicultural families celebrate these holidays alongside the Lunar New Year. If you are looking for Merry Christmas in Chinese, the answer is 圣诞快乐. Here is a wider set for the season. (Thanksgiving greetings are in the country-by-country section below.)

Note that 元旦 (Yuándàn) refers to January 1, while the Lunar New Year has its own name, 春节 (Chūnjié, “Spring Festival”). Choosing the right one shows you understand the difference.

Lunar New Year (Chinese New Year) greetings

The Lunar New Year is the most important family holiday for many Chinese communities. In 2027, it falls in early February, so Chinese New Year greetings are worth practicing in advance. Many Lunar New Year wishes are short, rhythmic, and built around good fortune, health, and family peace. That is why the phrases below often come in repeating patterns.

Some families also give and receive 红包 (hóngbāo, red envelopes) during this time, traditionally from elders to children and younger relatives. The festive period is often said to end with the Lantern Festival, 元宵节 (Yuánxiāo Jié).

Holiday greetings in Chinese for the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand

Many Chinese-speaking families celebrate two calendars at once: the holidays of their new home and the festivals of their heritage. Learning greetings for both lets children connect with grandparents, classmates, and neighbors. Below are the main holidays in each country, with natural Chinese greetings you can use.

United States

Note that 劳动节 (Láodòngjié, Labor Day) in China is May 1, while in the US it is the first Monday of September. Mentioning the date avoids confusion.

Canada

Canadian Thanksgiving falls in October, about six weeks before the American one. If your family lives across the border, it is worth sending two greetings.

Australia

People hold different views about January 26. If you are unsure how the person feels, 假期愉快 (jiàqī yúkuài, “have a good holiday”) is a safe, neutral choice.

New Zealand

Many New Zealand Chinese speakers simply keep the word “Matariki” in a Chinese sentence, so the pattern above sounds natural.

Family days shared across all four countries

Remembrance days: what to say (and what not to)

Some holidays are solemn. On Memorial Day and Veterans Day in the US, Remembrance Day in Canada, and ANZAC Day in Australia and New Zealand, people honor those who served or died. Avoid 快乐 (kuàilè, “happy”) on these days. Choose respectful wording instead.

Christmas and summer holidays in the southern hemisphere

In Australia and New Zealand, Christmas falls in summer, and school holidays run from December into January. Greetings can reflect that.

Where Chinese festivals fit in

In most of these countries, Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival are not national public holidays. Families often celebrate on the nearest weekend or gather in the evening after work. Because the Lunar New Year usually falls in late January or February, it is a summer festival in Australia and New Zealand. The Mid-Autumn Festival, in September or early October, lands in spring there. Mentioning the season can make a greeting feel warm and personal, especially in a bicultural home.

Who to say what to: elders, teachers, friends, colleagues

In Chinese, tone of voice depends on who you are talking to. A simple rule: use 您 (nín, the respectful “you”) with elders, teachers, and clients, and 你 (nǐ) with friends and peers.

Elders

Teachers

Friends

Colleagues and clients (a little more formal)

Simple phrases kids can learn this holiday season

Short phrases are the best way for children to join the celebration.

The last one is a playful line many kids enjoy saying with a grin. A good tip is to let your child record a short voice message for a grandparent. Real messages to real people are the best practice.

Roxy | K–12 Chinese Education Professional

I have been deeply involved in the K12 education field for many years, acquiring rich professional knowledge and experience. My extensive understanding of Chinese culture and education enhances my ability to integrate diverse educational methodologies. I hold a Master’s degree in Education from the University of Melbourne, which bolsters my expertise and pedagogical skills. Passionate about fostering educational environments that inspire and empower, I am committed to creating inclusive learning experiences. My aim is to positively impact students’ lives and equip them with tools for success in a globalized world.