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Introduction
The holidays are around the corner, a time for rest, family, and reflection. But while you’re ready to unplug, your inbox (and customers) might not be. That’s where a well-written holiday out-of-office message steps in.
An out-of-the-office message for the holidays lets clients and colleagues know you’re away while maintaining professionalism and warmth. Whether it’s a Christmas out-of-office message, Thanksgiving OOO reply, or a general holiday out-of-office email, it reflects your tone, reliability, and readiness to communicate transparently.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about writing one, from what it is, to why it matters, tips to personalize it, and 100+ message templates you can copy, customize, and send instantly.
Why It Matters to Set a Holiday Out-of-Office Message
Here’s why crafting an effective holiday out-of-office reply matters more than you think:
- Sets expectations: Clients know when you’ll return.
- Shows professionalism: Demonstrates responsibility and respect for communication.
- Enhances brand warmth: A friendly holiday out-of-office email spreads festive cheer.
- Reduces miscommunication: Helps redirect urgent messages appropriately.
- Automates engagement: Tools like Emitrr can automate replies, SMS notifications, or voicemail greetings for holidays, ensuring no message goes unanswered.
10 Types of Holiday Out-of-Office Message Templates
Below are 10 categories of out-of-office message examples for holidays. These are perfect for professionals, businesses, clinics, and teams who want to balance clarity with creativity.
1. Professional Holiday Out-of-Office Messages
If you want to stay polished and courteous, these are ideal for client-facing roles or corporate settings. These examples of out-of-office messages for the holidays keep your tone professional yet warm.
“Thank you for your message. I’m currently out of the office for the holidays and will return on [Date]. For urgent matters, please contact [Name] at [Email].”
“Our office is closed for the holiday season from [Date] to [Date]. We’ll get back to you promptly upon our return.”
“Happy Holidays! I’m away celebrating with family until [Date]. Please reach out to [Contact] for immediate assistance.”
“I’m currently out of the office enjoying the holiday break. I’ll respond as soon as I return on [Date].”
“Season’s Greetings! Our office is on holiday closure and will reopen on [Date]. Thank you for your patience.”
“We appreciate your email. Please note that we’re observing the holiday break until [Date].”
“Thank you for reaching out. I’m out of office for the holidays and will resume work on [Date].”
“I’ll be out of the office celebrating the holidays until [Date]. Wishing you a wonderful season!”
“Our team is out for the holidays and will return refreshed on [Date]. Happy Holidays!”
“This is an automated holiday out-of-office reply. I’ll respond to your message when I return on [Date].”
2. Friendly & Warm Holiday Out-of-Office Messages
Perfect for small businesses, clinics, or creative professionals who want to sound approachable. Use these holiday out-of-office message templates to keep it personal and warm.
“Hey there! I’m off celebrating the holidays with friends and family. I’ll get back to you on [Date].”
“Thanks for your note! I’m currently enjoying the festive season and will respond after [Date].”
“I’m out of the office for the holidays — likely drinking hot cocoa and avoiding my inbox till [Date]!”
“Happy Holidays! I’ll be out of office until [Date]. May your days be merry and bright!”
“Our team is unplugging for the holidays! We’ll return on [Date] ready to serve you again.”
“Wishing you joy and peace this holiday season! I’ll be back on [Date].”
“I’m away for the holidays and will reply when I’m back on [Date]. Meanwhile, have a cheerful season!”
“Thank you for writing! I’m away for a short holiday break. Talk soon after [Date].”
“Happy Holidays! I’ll respond when I return from the holiday break on [Date].”
“Currently out of office spreading holiday cheer! I’ll reconnect on [Date].”
3. Funny Holiday Out-of-Office Messages
Add humor to your funny holiday out-of-office message, ideal for creative teams and friendly workplaces.
“I’m out of the office for the holidays. If this is an emergency, please contact Santa.”
“Currently OOO until [Date]. My autoresponder and I wish you Happy Holidays!”
“I’m out of office, building gingerbread houses and pretending calories don’t count. Back [Date]!”
“Gone to find out if reindeer really know how to fly. Back on [Date].”
“I’m out celebrating the holidays with too much pie. Be back soon!”
“Currently OOO, send coffee, not emails. Returning [Date].”
“You’ve reached me during my annual inbox detox. Back [Date].”
“Holiday break mode: activated. Responses will resume post-recovery on [Date].”
“I’m not ignoring you, just out of the office for the holidays. Be right back!”
“Out celebrating! Replies are delayed, but my festive spirit isn’t.”
4. Christmas Out-of-Office Message
Whether you need a Christmas out-of-office message or general business Christmas message templates, these are perfect.
“Merry Christmas! I’ll be out of office celebrating until [Date]. Wishing you joy and laughter!”
“Our office is closed for Christmas from [Date] to [Date]. We’ll get back to you soon.”
“Wishing you a Merry Christmas! I’ll respond once we return from the holiday break.”
“I’m away for the Christmas holidays. Your message is important and will be replied to after [Date].”
“The Christmas tree is up, and my laptop is off. I’ll return on [Date].”
“It’s Christmas time! I’m taking a break till [Date]. Enjoy the festivities!”
“Thank you for your email. Our team is on Christmas break till [Date].”
“Season’s Greetings! We’re out of office for Christmas and will respond once we return.”
“Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! I’ll be back at work on [Date].”
“Our office is closed for the Christmas season. Thank you for your understanding.”
5. Thanksgiving Out-of-Office Messages
These are perfect for your out-of-office message for Thanksgiving or the Thanksgiving holiday. And if you also run a business, then you may want to check out Thanksgiving business sms templates as well.
“Happy Thanksgiving! I’m out of the office until [Date], giving thanks and enjoying pie.”
“Our office is closed for the Thanksgiving holiday. We’ll be back on [Date].”
“I’m away celebrating Thanksgiving with family. I’ll respond after [Date].”
“Thank you for your message! I’m out for Thanksgiving and will reply soon after the holiday.”
“We’re closed for the Thanksgiving break. Wishing you gratitude and great food!”
“Currently OOO giving thanks and counting blessings. Back [Date].”
“Happy Thanksgiving! I’ll be away till [Date]. Hope your holiday is filled with joy!”
“Our office is observing Thanksgiving. We’ll respond once we reopen on [Date].”
“Out of office for Thanksgiving, I promise to return less stuffed on [Date].”
“Thanksgiving vibes only! I’ll check your message after the holiday weekend.”
6. New Year Out-of-Office Messages
If you are on leave this New Year, then use these New Year out-of-office message templates. If you also run a business, then you can also use these business New Year message templates.
“Happy New Year! I’m out of the office celebrating and will return on [Date].”
“Out of office for the New Year festivities. Wishing you a wonderful start to [Year]!”
“We’re on a short break to welcome the New Year. Back on [Date].”
“Thanks for reaching out! I’m away celebrating the New Year. Be back soon.”
“Ringing in the New Year with family! I’ll respond after [Date].”
“Our team is out celebrating the New Year and will be back soon.”
“Taking time off to set goals and eat cake. See you after [Date]!”
“I’ll reply once I’m back from our New Year break on [Date].”
“Out for the New Year holidays, may yours be joyful and bright!”
“Starting the year offline! Replies resume on [Date].”
7. Short & Simple Holiday Out-of-Office Messages
These are concise holiday out-of-office templates for quick setup.
“Out of office for the holidays. Back on [Date].”
“I’m on holiday break till [Date].”
“Currently OOO for the holidays. Replies delayed.”
“Holiday closure: [Date]–[Date].”
“Out for the holidays. Happy New Year!”
“Holiday OOO message: I’ll reply after [Date].”
“Office closed for holidays till [Date].”
“I’m on break! Back [Date].”
“Out of office for the holidays.”
“Taking time off. Back soon.”
8. Team or Company-Wide Holiday OOO Messages
Perfect for businesses and organizations.
“Our team is on holiday break from [Date] to [Date]. We’ll respond once we return.”
“Happy Holidays! Our entire staff is out until [Date].”
“We’re taking a short break for the holidays and will be back refreshed.”
“Our business is closed for the holiday season. Thank you for your patience.”
“The team at [Company] wishes you Happy Holidays! We’ll be back on [Date].”
“Our office is closed for seasonal holidays. We look forward to reconnecting soon.”
“We’re off for the holidays and will resume operations on [Date].”
“Happy Holidays from all of us at [Company]! We’ll reply after [Date].”
“We’re closed for a short holiday break. Happy Holidays!”
“Thank you for contacting us. We’re away for the holidays and will respond after [Date].”
9. Clinic or Healthcare Holiday Out-of-Office Messages
Great for clinics using Emitrr to manage patient communications during holiday closures.
“Our clinic is closed for the holidays from [Date] to [Date]. For emergencies, please contact [Number].”
“Thank you for your message! We’re closed for the holiday break and will reopen on [Date].”
“Our healthcare team is taking a short break for the holidays. We’ll respond soon.”
“Happy Holidays! Our clinic is closed till [Date].”
“We’re out for the holidays but will resume appointments on [Date].”
“Our office is closed for seasonal holidays. Thank you for your understanding.”
“Out of the office for holidays. For urgent matters, visit your nearest emergency center.”
“Holiday closure notice: [Clinic Name] will reopen on [Date].”
“We’re taking a short holiday pause. Messages will be reviewed after [Date].”
“Thank you for reaching out. Our clinic will reopen after the holidays on [Date].”
10. Automated Holiday Out-of-Office Messages
If you rely on email or text automation tools, these holiday out-of-office templates are perfect for setting up scheduled replies across channels.
“You’ve reached us during our holiday break. This is an automated response, we’ll get back to you after [Date].”
“Our team is currently out celebrating the holidays. Your message has been received and we’ll reply soon.”
“Thank you for your email! This automatic holiday out-of-office reply confirms we’ve received your message.”
“We’re out of the office for the holidays. Replies will resume once we return on [Date].”
“This is an automated holiday OOO message. We’re closed till [Date] and will respond shortly after.”
“Thanks for reaching out! Our system has recorded your message while we’re away for the holidays.”
“Our office is closed for the holidays, but your inquiry has been received. Expect a reply after [Date].”
“Automatic reply: We’re currently out for the holiday season and will follow up as soon as we return.”
“We’re away celebrating the holidays, but don’t worry, your message is safe in our inbox.”
“Holiday mode is on! This is an automated out-of-office response. We’ll reconnect after [Date].”
Tips for Writing a Great Holiday Out-of-Office Message
- Keep it clear: Mention your holiday period and return date.
- Add a touch of warmth: Use phrases like Happy Holidays! or Season’s Greetings!
- Include an alternative contact: Always give someone’s email or number for emergencies.
- Use your brand voice: Stay consistent with your tone, friendly, fun, or formal.
- Customize for each holiday: A Christmas out-of-office message will differ from a Thanksgiving OOO reply.
- Automate it smartly: Schedule responses via platforms like Emitrr for SMS, website, VoIP or chat automation.
How Emitrr Can Help You Automate Holiday Out-of-Office Messages
When your business or clinic is closed for the holidays, communication doesn’t have to stop. Emitrr makes it easy to:
- Set up automated holiday out-of-office messages across channels- Website, SMS, voicemail, and chat.
- Notify patients, clients, or customers instantly when you’re unavailable.
- Schedule automated follow-ups once you’re back in office.
- Customize holiday OOO templates with your brand tone using Emitrr AI.
Here’s what more you can do with Emitrr AI:
Instead of worrying about missed messages during the holidays, let Emitrr handle your communications, so you can truly relax and enjoy the season.
How to Use Emitrr to Set Holiday Out-of-Office Messages?
Setting your Holiday out-of-office message doesn’t have to be a manual process. With Emitrr, you can easily automate your holiday auto replies across channels- whether it’s text, chat, or phone.
Emitrr’s automation tools make it simple to schedule and customize your Holiday messages, ensuring clients and patients get timely updates even when you’re offline. Here’s how you can set it up:
Step 1: Log in to Your Emitrr Dashboard
Head to your Emitrr account and sign in. From your main dashboard, navigate to the “Automation” or “Auto-Reply Settings” section.
Step 2: Choose Your Channel
Select where you’d like your Thanksgiving out of office message to appear- SMS, web chat, or voice. Emitrr lets you manage auto-replies across all communication channels in one place.
Step 3: Create a New Auto Reply
Click “Create Auto Reply” or “Add New Rule.” You can now draft your out-of-office message for holiday. Choose from a short professional message or a warm, friendly note, just like the examples above. Or use Emitrr AI to create holiday out-of-office message with a simple prompt.
Take a look at how Emitrr AI works and what more it can do:
Step 4: Set the Active Dates
Specify your start and end dates for the auto reply, for instance, November 27–December 1. Emitrr will automatically turn your Holiday OOO message on and off based on these settings.
Step 5: Save and Test Your Message
Once you’ve reviewed your message, click Save. Emitrr allows you to preview and test the message to ensure it looks perfect before it goes live.
FAQs
A good out-of-office message for the holidays clearly states that you’re away, includes your return date, and wishes the sender happy holidays. For example: “Thank you for your message! I’m out of the office for the holidays and will return on [Date]. Wishing you a joyful holiday season!”
To write an OOO message for a public holiday, mention the specific holiday, closure dates, and when you’ll respond. Example: “Our office is closed on [Holiday Name]. I’ll respond to your email once we reopen on [Date]. Thank you for your understanding.”
You can say your office is closed for the holiday in a friendly, professional tone such as: “Our office is closed for the holidays and will reopen on [Date]. We look forward to reconnecting with you then.”
An OOO holiday refers to an “Out of Office” status set during holidays, usually an automated email or text reply that informs senders you’re away celebrating and will respond after returning. It helps maintain communication flow and prevents misunderstandings while you’re on break.
To announce that a business is closed for a holiday, keep it simple and clear. Example: “[Business Name] is closed for the [Holiday Name] and will resume regular operations on [Date]. We wish you a happy holiday!”
Conclusion
A thoughtful holiday out-of-office message shows you care about your clients and your brand image. Whether it’s a funny holiday OOO email, a professional holiday out-of-office reply, or a Thanksgiving out-of-office message, the goal remains the same: clear, kind, and consistent communication.
Take inspiration from these holiday out-of-office templates, personalize them, and let automation tools like Emitrr do the rest, ensuring your business stays connected, even when you’re out celebrating. Book a free demo to learn more.