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The New Year season is a time to unwind, reflect, and celebrate the accomplishments of the past year. As offices close and teams take a well-earned break, one small but essential task often gets overlooked- setting an out-of-office message for New Year.
A thoughtful New Year out-of-office message not only keeps communication professional while you’re away but also spreads a little holiday cheer. Whether you’re crafting a happy New Year out-of-office message for clients, colleagues, or customers, it’s your way of saying, “I’m away but still care.”
In this guide, you’ll discover:
- What a New Year OOO message is
- Why it’s important to set one before the holidays
- How to write a perfect out-of-office message for New Year
- 10 themed sections with 70 ready-to-use templates
Let’s dive in!
Why Set an Out-of-Office Message for the New Year?
As the year ends, setting a New Year out-of-office message is a simple yet impactful way to maintain communication etiquette. Here’s why it matters:
- Professionalism: It assures clients that you’re organized and considerate.
- Expectation management: People know when they’ll receive a response.
- Backup clarity: It directs urgent issues to the right contact.
- Festive warmth: A friendly happy New Year out-of-office message can strengthen relationships.
Whether you prefer a short, professional note or something cheerful and creative, the goal is the same- to stay courteous and clear while you take your holiday break.
How to Write the Perfect New Year OOO Message
Writing a New Year out-of-office message is all about finding balance. You want to sound approachable without being overly casual, festive without being unprofessional.
Here are key elements every out-of-office message for New Year should include:
- Greeting: A warm “Happy New Year!” sets a positive tone.
- Absence dates: Let readers know when you’ll be away and when you’ll return.
- Reason (optional): Mention that you’re on a holiday break or recharging for the new year.
- Alternate contact: Provide someone who can handle urgent matters.
- Closing wish: End with a cheerful New Year greeting.
Now, let’s explore 10 categories of New Year out-of-office message examples, each with seven original templates.
1. Professional New Year Out-of-Office Message Templates
These professional New Year Out-of-Office message templates are perfect for corporate communication- polished, courteous, and simple.
“Thank you for your message. I am currently out of the office for the New Year holidays and will return on January 2. Wishing you a Happy New Year!”
“I’m away celebrating the New Year with family and will be back on January 3. I’ll respond to your email as soon as possible. Happy New Year!”
“I’m currently out of office for the New Year break. I’ll return on January 2 with fresh energy for 2026. Warm wishes for a prosperous New Year!”
“Our office is closed for the New Year holidays. I’ll be back on [Date]. For urgent matters, contact [Name] at [Email].”
“Happy New Year! I am away for the holidays and will reply to your message when I return on [Date]. Thank you for your patience!”
“I’m out of office celebrating the New Year. Please expect a reply after [Date]. Wishing you success and happiness in 2026!”
“I’m currently away from the office for New Year’s celebrations. I’ll be back on [Date]. Have a wonderful start to the year!”
2. Friendly and Festive New Year Auto Replies
Add some personality and warmth to your New Year OOO message with these cheerful examples.
“Cheers to the New Year! I’m out of office, raising a toast to 2026. I’ll reply once I’m back on [Date]. Happy New Year!”
“I’m currently away, counting down to the New Year with family and friends. I’ll respond to your message after [Date].”
“It’s time to celebrate! I’m out of the office for the New Year and will return soon with fresh resolutions and energy.”
“Thanks for your note! I’m currently enjoying New Year festivities. Expect my reply after [Date].”
“I’m off to welcome the New Year, away from my inbox but full of good vibes! Back on [Date].”
“Happy New Year! I’m unplugged for the holidays and will reconnect on [Date]. Here’s to a great year ahead!”
“I’m out of office recharging for 2026. May your New Year be bright, joyful, and full of success!”
3. Short and Simple Out-of-Office Messages for New Year SMS Templates
For those who prefer brevity, these concise New Year out-of-office sms templates get the job done.
“Out of office for New Year. Back on [Date]. Happy New Year!”
“I’m currently away celebrating the New Year. Will respond after [Date].”
“Out of office for the New Year holidays. Wishing you joy and success in 2026!”
“Away for New Year’s break. Returning [Date].”
“I’m out of office until [Date] for the New Year holidays. Happy New Year!”
“Currently out celebrating New Year. Will reply when I return on [Date].”
“Taking a short New Year break! Back soon, Happy 2026!”
4. Humorous New Year OOO Messages
Bring a smile to your reader’s face with a witty happy New Year out-of-office message.
“I’ve swapped my keyboard for confetti and my inbox for champagne. Back after [Date]!”
“Currently unavailable- I’m making New Year’s resolutions I probably won’t keep. See you on [Date]!”
“My 2026 goal: zero unread emails. Step one: ignore them till [Date]. Happy New Year!”
“I’m out celebrating and pretending my diet starts next week. Back on [Date].”
“New Year’s countdown in progress! Emails paused until further notice (or January 2, whichever comes first).”
“Out of office- and into party mode! Will resume adulting on [Date].”
“Currently out setting unrealistic resolutions. Be back after [Date]. Happy New Year!”
5. Team or Department Out-of-Office Messages for New Year
Perfect for shared inboxes or group accounts.
“Our team is out celebrating the New Year and will return on [Date]. We’ll get back to you soon. Happy New Year!”
“The [Department Name] team is taking a short New Year break. We’ll reply after [Date].”
“We’re currently away for the New Year holidays and will return refreshed on [Date].”
“Happy New Year! Our office is closed until [Date]. Thank you for your patience.”
“The team is out recharging for 2026. We’ll be back on [Date] to assist you.”
“We’re out celebrating the New Year! Replies will resume after [Date].”
“Our department is currently offline for the holidays. Have a joyful New Year!”
6. Out-of-Office Messages for Extended New Year Breaks
If you’re taking a longer holiday, these templates make it clear while staying polite.
“I’m on an extended New Year break until [Date]. I’ll respond to your message when I return.”
“Taking a longer break to start the year fresh! Out of office until [Date].”
“I’ll be out of office for the New Year holidays and returning after [Date]. Wishing you a prosperous 2026!”
“Out of office and embracing New Year adventures! I’ll reply after [Date].”
“Enjoying an extended holiday season! I’ll return on [Date]. Happy New Year!”
“I’m on a New Year break through [Date]. I’ll get back to you once I return.”
“Taking a long-awaited New Year vacation! Responses will resume after [Date].”
Creative Happy New Year Out-of-Office Message Templates
These New Year Out-of-Office Message templates are great if you want something unique and memorable.
“I’ve hit pause on emails to make room for fireworks and family time. Back on [Date]!”
“New year, new inbox (hopefully cleaner). I’ll respond when I return on [Date].”
“Manifesting great vibes for 2026, away from my inbox until [Date].”
“Currently out celebrating, reflecting, and resetting for 2026. Be back soon!”
“I’m out chasing my New Year’s goals already. I’ll reply after [Date].”
“Taking time to recharge for a productive year ahead. Happy 2026!”
“This message is automated, but my wishes are heartfelt. Happy New Year!”
8. Corporate Happy New Year Out-of-Office Templates
When you need to keep it formal for clients and business partners, use these New Year Business SMS templates.
“Thank you for reaching out. I am currently out of office for the New Year holiday and will return on [Date].”
“Our offices are closed for the New Year holidays. We’ll resume operations on [Date].”
“Please note I am away for the New Year break and will respond upon my return on [Date].”
“I’m out of office for the New Year holiday. For immediate assistance, contact [Colleague Name].”
“Happy New Year! I’ll be out of the office until [Date]. Thank you for your understanding.”
“Out celebrating the New Year with loved ones, I’ll reply after [Date].”
“I am currently away for the holidays. I’ll get back to you promptly after [Date].”
9. Out-of-Office Messages for Clients and Customers
Keep your clients informed and appreciated with these considerate New Year OOO messages.
“Thank you for your message! Our team is on a New Year break until [Date]. We appreciate your patience.”
“We’re out celebrating the New Year! Our response time may be delayed until [Date].”
“Happy New Year! Our office is closed for the holidays. We’ll get back to you shortly.”
“We appreciate your business and look forward to serving you in 2026. We’ll reply after [Date].”
“Our team is taking a short New Year holiday and will be back soon. Have a joyful start to your year!”
“Thank you for contacting us. We’re currently offline for the New Year break.”
“Wishing you a prosperous 2026! We’ll reconnect with you once we’re back on [Date].”
10. New Year Out-of-Office Messages with Alternate Contacts
For when you need to include backup support information.
“I’m out of office for New Year’s celebrations until [Date]. For urgent matters, please contact [Name] at [Email].”
“Thank you for your message. I’ll be away for New Year holidays. Please reach [Colleague] for immediate help.”
“Out celebrating the New Year! For urgent issues, contact [Alternate Contact].”
“I’m away from the office and will return on [Date]. For urgent assistance, reach out to [Team Email].”
“Our team is celebrating the New Year! For urgent queries, please contact [Support Email].”
“I’m on holiday for the New Year. In my absence, please reach [Name] for any pressing concerns.”
“Currently away for New Year festivities, for assistance, contact [Alternate Name/Email].”
Best Practices for Writing a New Year Out-of-Office Message
Now that you’ve seen various examples, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Be clear: Mention your return date.
- Stay positive: Add festive wishes like “Happy New Year!” or “Wishing you success in 2026.”
- Be inclusive: Use language that suits both clients and colleagues.
- Keep it short: Aim for 2–4 sentences max.
- Check your automation: Test your New Year out-of-office message before activating it.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even the best New Year OOO message can go wrong if you forget these basics:
- Not updating your return date
- Forgetting alternate contact info
- Overly casual or off-brand humor
- Leaving your autoresponder active too long
Your out-of-office message for New Year should reflect both professionalism and personality.
How to Use Emitrr to Set New Year Out-of-Office Messages
If you’re using Emitrr, setting up your New Year out-of-office message is effortless, and it ensures that your holiday auto-replies reach customers across channels instantly.
Here’s how you can do it:
- Go to Settings → Automations: Navigate to the automations tab in your Emitrr dashboard.
- Create a new rule: Select ‘Auto Reply’ or ‘Out-of-Office Message’.
- Set your holiday dates: Choose your start and end date for the New Year break.
- Add your custom message: Paste one of your chosen templates, whether it’s a professional, fun, or creative New Year OOO message. Or ask Emitrr AI to draft the perfect New Year OOO message for you.
- Enable SMS and Voicemail Auto Replies: Emitrr lets you set both SMS and voicemail auto-replies, so customers receive acknowledgment instantly, even when your team is away.
- Test before activating: Preview and test your New Year auto reply to ensure it looks perfect.
Here’s a video explaining how you can set-up auto replies on Emitrr:
Key SMS Features That Make Emitrr Perfect for Holiday Auto Replies
- Two-Way Texting: Continue conversations automatically when you’re back with two-way texting.
- Auto-Responses: Set intelligent New Year OOO messages that trigger instantly.
- Custom Schedules: Define exact holiday hours to ensure timely responses.
- Personalization Tags: Automatically include the sender’s name or your return date in replies.
- Unified Inbox: Manage all messages- SMS, Facebook, Google, website from one place.
Emitrr ensures that your New Year out-of-office messages go beyond email- keeping your customers informed and engaged even while you’re away.
FAQs
When crafting a New Year’s out-of-office (OOO) message, keep it polite, festive, and professional. Mention your return date, thank the sender for reaching out, and include a warm New Year greeting.
Example: Thank you for your email. I’m currently out of the office for the New Year holidays and will return on January 2. Wishing you a joyful and successful New Year!
To say “Happy New Year” in a professional setting, use warm yet courteous language. Avoid overly casual expressions, keep it respectful and polished.
Examples: “Wishing you a prosperous and fulfilling New Year.“
“May the year ahead bring continued success and growth to you and your team.“
A short OOO message should clearly mention your absence, return date, and alternate contact (if any). Example: “I’m currently out of the office until January 2. I’ll respond to your message upon my return. For urgent matters, please contact [Name] at [Email].”
A holiday OOO message should reflect the festive season while maintaining professionalism.
Example: “Happy Holidays! I’m out of the office celebrating the holiday season and will return on January 2. Wishing you a joyful holiday and a bright New Year!”
Conclusion
A well-written New Year out-of-office message is more than just an automatic email, it’s a reflection of your professionalism, personality, and positivity.
Whether you go for a happy New Year out-of-office message that’s festive and fun or a short, sleek corporate version, it helps maintain goodwill and clear communication while you enjoy your holiday.
Use Emitrr to set up messages for your business or to improve your SMS marketing or SMS communication with your customers. Book a demo to know more.