15 Other Ways to Say “Happy Holidays” (With Examples)

Whether you’re writing a card, an email, or a social post, finding other ways to say “Happy Holidays” can feel challenging when you want to avoid sounding generic or repetitive. The usual phrase works—but it may not always suit every tone, audience, or setting.

This article helps you explore fresh, thoughtful alternatives that fit both professional and personal greetings, so your message feels more meaningful and memorable.

What to Say Instead of “Happy Holiday”?

Here are 15 other ways to say “Happy Holiday”:

1. Seasons Greetings
2. Wishing you a joyous holiday season
3. Happy holiday season
4. Glad tidings of comfort and joy
5. Holiday Wishes
6. Warmest Wishes
7. Joy to the World
8. Receive My Heartfelt Happy Holiday Wishes
9. Yuletide Greetings
10. Celebrate the Season
11. Happy New Year
12. May Your Holidays Shine Bright
13. Merry Christmas
14. Festive Cheers
15. Winter Blessings

1. Seasons Greetings

“Seasons Greetings” is a classic, inclusive way to say happy holidays. It covers all holidays within the season, making it perfect for mixed audiences or professional environments. This phrase offers a warm, festive tone without referring to any specific celebration.

Example 1: Suppose you’re sending a holiday card to your coworkers, many of whom celebrate different holidays. You want to wish them well. You could write: “Seasons Greetings from our team!” Picture the card on their desks, bringing smiles during a busy workday.

Example 2: Imagine you’re hosting a neighborhood holiday party with diverse guests. You raise a toast: “Seasons Greetings to all!” Visualize everyone clinking glasses, feeling included.

Example 3: Suppose you’re emailing a client you don’t know well. You want to keep it professional. You write: “Seasons Greetings and best wishes!” Picture them reading it, appreciating the warm tone.

2. Wishing You a Joyous Holiday Season

This version of Happy Holidays adds energy and emotion to your greeting. It’s cheerful, warm, and well-suited for friends, family, or any message where you want to express heartfelt joy. It feels like wrapping someone in a festive hug.

Example 1: Suppose your friend is traveling abroad for the holidays. You want to send a festive message. You could text: “Wishing you a joyous holiday season!” Picture them smiling at your message in a cozy café.

Example 2: Imagine you’re writing a holiday note to your family. You want to spread cheer. You write: “Wishing you a joyous holiday season!” Visualize them reading it around the dinner table, feeling loved.

Example 3: Suppose you’re posting on social media to your followers. You want to share positivity. You post: “Wishing you a joyous holiday season!” Picture likes pouring in from friends near and far.

3. Happy Holiday Season

A simple variation on happy holidays, this phrase still captures all the celebrations while slightly emphasizing the broader time period. It’s easy to use in everyday conversations or quick notes.

Example 1: Suppose you’re greeting customers at your small business during December. You want to spread joy. You could say: “Happy holiday season, thanks for stopping by!” Picture them smiling as they browse your shop.

Example 2: Imagine you’re sending a group text to your book club. You want to wish them well. You text: “Happy holiday season, friends!” Visualize them replying with festive emojis.

Example 3: Suppose you’re leaving a voicemail for a colleague. You want to keep it light. You say: “Happy holiday season, talk soon!” Picture them listening, feeling the holiday spirit.

4. Glad Tidings of Comfort and Joy

This poetic alternative to happy holidays brings a nostalgic and cozy feeling. It’s especially appropriate for older recipients or those who appreciate tradition. It evokes warmth, peace, and a bit of holiday magic.

Example 1: Suppose you’re writing a holiday card to your elderly neighbor. You want to evoke tradition. You could write: “Glad tidings of comfort and joy to you!” Picture them smiling by their fireplace, reading your card.

Example 2: Imagine you’re at a community holiday event, greeting attendees. You say: “Glad tidings of comfort and joy, everyone!” Visualize families clapping, feeling the festive vibe.

Example 3: Suppose you’re texting a friend who loves classic holiday songs. You want to be playful. You text: “Glad tidings of comfort and joy, pal!” Picture them chuckling, humming a carol.

5. Holiday Wishes

“Holiday Wishes” is short and flexible—a quick way to express festive cheer. It works in both personal and professional settings, offering a heartfelt alternative to happy holidays without sounding too formal or too casual.

Example 1: Suppose you’re emailing your yoga class clients before the holidays. You want to keep it inclusive. You write: “Holiday Wishes from your instructor!” Picture them reading it, feeling appreciated.

Example 2: Imagine you’re leaving a note for your roommate before a holiday trip. You want to spread cheer. You write: “Holiday Wishes, see you soon!” Visualize them finding it on the fridge, smiling.

Example 3: Suppose you’re greeting a delivery person during the holiday rush. You say: “Holiday Wishes, stay warm!” Picture them nodding, grateful for the kindness.

Related Post: 15 Other Ways To Say “Happy Thanksgiving” (With Examples)

6. Warmest Wishes

This phrase adds tenderness and care to your holiday message. It’s more intimate than happy holidays, making it perfect for close friends, mentors, or anyone you want to appreciate in a deeper way.

Example 1: Suppose you’re sending a holiday card to your best friend. You want to show love. You could write: “Warmest Wishes for a joyful season!” Picture them reading it, feeling your bond.

Example 2: Imagine you’re emailing a mentor who’s been supportive all year. You want to express gratitude. You write: “Warmest Wishes this holiday!” Visualize them smiling at their desk.

Example 3: Suppose you’re at a holiday market, chatting with a vendor. You say: “Warmest Wishes, happy selling!” Picture them beaming, handing you a purchase.

7. Joy to the World

Inspired by a classic holiday song, this greeting spreads happiness in a big, bold way. If happy holidays feel too quiet for your occasion, this is a festive upgrade that invites celebration.

Example 1: Suppose you’re hosting a holiday karaoke party. You want to kick it off. You could say: “Joy to the World, let’s sing!” Picture your friends cheering, grabbing mics.

Example 2: Imagine you’re posting a holiday video on social media. You want to spread cheer. You caption: “Joy to the World, happy holidays!” Visualize likes flooding in from your followers.

Example 3: Suppose you’re at a school holiday concert, greeting parents. You say: “Joy to the World, enjoy the show!” Picture them smiling, settling into their seats.

8. Receive My Heartfelt Happy Holiday Wishes

This is the most formal and deeply emotional version of happy holidays. It works beautifully for letters, thank-you notes, or reconnecting with someone after a long time. It feels special—like an embrace in words.

Example 1: Suppose you’re writing a holiday card to your grandparents. You want to show love. You could write: “Receive My Heartfelt Happy Holiday Wishes!” Picture them tearing up, reading it by their tree.

Example 2: Imagine you’re emailing a long-distance friend. You want to reconnect. You write: “Receive My Heartfelt Happy Holiday Wishes!” Visualize them replying with a warm message.

Example 3: Suppose you’re sending a note to a teacher who inspired you. You write: “Receive My Heartfelt Happy Holiday Wishes!” Picture them smiling, pinning it to their bulletin board.

9. Yuletide Greetings

For a vintage or literary touch, “Yuletide Greetings” feels like a warm nod to the holiday traditions of the past. It’s perfect when you want to bring charm and history into your message, offering a unique take on happy holidays.

Example 1: Suppose you’re hosting a holiday dinner with a vintage theme. You greet guests: “Yuletide Greetings, welcome!” Picture them entering, admiring your candlelit decor.

Example 2: Imagine you’re sending a card to a history-buff friend. You want to be thematic. You write: “Yuletide Greetings from us!” Visualize them chuckling, loving the old-school vibe.

Example 3: Suppose you’re at a holiday fair, chatting with a crafts vendor. You say: “Yuletide Greetings, beautiful work!” Picture them beaming, showing you their wares.

10. Celebrate the Season

This expression is energetic and inviting—great for group activities, parties, or community events. Compared to Happy Holidays, it’s more action-oriented and suggests joy through participation.

Example 1: Suppose you’re hosting a holiday block party. You want to welcome neighbors. You could say: “Celebrate the Season with us!” Picture everyone dancing under string lights.

Example 2: Imagine you’re texting your college friends to plan a holiday reunion. You write: “Celebrate the Season, let’s meet up!” Visualize them replying with excited plans.

Example 3: Suppose you’re at a workplace holiday event, greeting colleagues. You say: “Celebrate the Season, enjoy!” Picture them mingling, grabbing festive treats.

Related Post: 15 Other Ways To Say “Happy Mother’s Day” (With Examples)

11. Happy New Year

“Happy New Year” is a direct and hopeful greeting that looks ahead, making it an excellent substitute for happy holidays when the focus is on fresh beginnings. It’s especially useful in messages sent toward the end of December or early January.

Example 1: Suppose you’re at a New Year’s Eve party, greeting friends. You raise a glass: “Happy New Year, here’s to us!” Picture everyone cheering, watching fireworks.

Example 2: Imagine you’re sending a card to a cousin before January. You want to wish them well. You write: “Happy New Year from our family!” Visualize them displaying it on their mantle.

Example 3: Suppose you’re emailing a client in late December. You write: “Happy New Year and best wishes!” Picture them appreciating the timely sentiment.

12. May Your Holidays Shine Bright

This uplifting variation of happy holidays paints a beautiful, light-filled picture. It’s poetic and inspiring, perfect for personal messages, greeting cards, or any situation where you want to add a bit of sparkle and magic to your words.

Example 1: Suppose you’re writing a holiday card to your niece. You want to spark joy. You could write: “May Your Holidays Shine Bright!” Picture her reading it, eyes wide with excitement.

Example 2: Imagine you’re posting on social media for your followers. You want to be festive. You post: “May Your Holidays Shine Bright!” Visualize friends commenting with holiday photos.

Example 3: Suppose you’re at a holiday choir concert, greeting attendees. You say: “May Your Holidays Shine Bright!” Picture them smiling, inspired by the music.

13. Merry Christmas

“Merry Christmas” is a timeless greeting specifically tied to the Christian holiday. While it’s less inclusive than happy holidays, it’s warmly welcomed in settings where you know the recipient celebrates Christmas. This phrase radiates tradition and joyful spirit.

Example 1: Suppose you’re visiting your parents for Christmas. You greet them: “Merry Christmas, love you!” Picture you all by the tree, exchanging gifts.

Example 2: Imagine you’re sending a card to a friend who loves Christmas. You write: “Merry Christmas from us!” Visualize them hanging it by their stockings.

Example 3: Suppose you’re at a church holiday event, greeting attendees. You say: “Merry Christmas, welcome!” Picture families nodding, feeling the festive spirit.

14. Festive Cheers

Looking for a more modern, cheerful twist on happy holidays? “Festive Cheers” feels casual and fun—like toasting to joy and celebration. It works well in party invitations, casual workplace chats, or group texts that aim to spread energy and good vibes.

Example 1: Suppose you’re hosting a holiday happy hour at your bar. You greet guests: “Festive Cheers, grab a drink!” Picture everyone mingling, toasting happily.

Example 2: Imagine you’re texting your coworkers for a holiday lunch. You write: “Festive Cheers, see you there!” Visualize them arriving, ready to celebrate.

Example 3: Suppose you’re at a holiday parade, waving to friends. You shout: “Festive Cheers, enjoy!” Picture them waving back, wrapped in scarves.

15. Winter Blessings

If you’re looking for a peaceful, calming expression to replace happy holidays, “Winter Blessings” is a beautiful choice. It’s poetic, and spiritual, and focuses on the serenity of the season, making it especially suitable for nature lovers or reflective holiday messages.

Example 1: Suppose you’re writing a holiday card to a friend who loves nature. You want to be thoughtful. You could write: “Winter Blessings to you!” Picture them reading it by a frosty window.

Example 2: Imagine you’re at a winter solstice gathering, greeting attendees. You say: “Winter Blessings, happy solstice!” Visualize everyone nodding, feeling connected.

Example 3: Suppose you’re emailing a yoga teacher after a holiday class. You write: “Winter Blessings, thank you!” Picture them appreciating the peaceful vibe.

Conclusion

Choosing the right holiday greeting can make all the difference, especially when you’re aiming for something more heartfelt or inclusive. By exploring these other ways to say “Happy Holidays”, you add warmth, personality, and intention to every message you send.

For even more creative expressions that fit every mood and moment, don’t hesitate to explore the homepage of Other Ways To Say—because the right words don’t just say something, they mean something.