Holiday out of office messages
Holiday auto-replies are a little different from normal ones. Often the whole company is closed, people expect it, and you can afford to be warmer.
Here are messages for the main holidays and for company-wide closures. Change the dates, and if the office is fully closed, say so. It stops people waiting for a colleague who is also on holiday.
Holiday out of office messages: 9 to copy
1. Christmas and New Year
Subject: Closed for the holidays, back [date]
Hi, Thanks for your email. Our office is closed for the holidays from [date] and reopens on [date]. I'll reply to your message as soon as I'm back. Wishing you a restful break and a happy new year. [Your name]
2. Christmas, personal
Subject: Out for Christmas
Hi, I'm out for Christmas and back on [date]. For anything urgent, please contact [name] at [email]. Merry Christmas, [Your name]
3. New Year
Subject: Back on [date]
Thanks for your message. I'm away for New Year and back on [date]. Happy new year, and I'll be in touch soon. [Your name]
4. Thanksgiving
Subject: Out for Thanksgiving
Hi, I'm out for Thanksgiving and back on Monday, [date]. I'll reply as soon as I'm back. Happy Thanksgiving, [Your name]
5. Easter
Subject: Away for Easter
Hello, I'm away for the Easter holiday and return on [date]. For urgent matters, please contact [email]. Happy Easter, [Your name]
6. Eid
Subject: Out for Eid
Hello, I'm out of the office for Eid and back on [date]. For anything urgent, please contact [name] at [email]. Eid Mubarak, [Your name]
7. Summer closure
Subject: Office closed [dates]
Hi, Our office is closed from [date] to [date] for our summer break. All orders placed during this time will ship from [date]. We'll answer every email once we're back. Thanks for your patience. [Company] team
8. Generic public holiday
Subject: Out for the public holiday
Thanks for your email. Today is a public holiday here and I'm out of the office. I'll reply on [date]. [Your name]
9. Customer service, holiday hours
Subject: Holiday hours: replies may be slower
Hi, Thanks for reaching out. Our team is on reduced hours from [date] to [date], so replies may take up to [number] business days. You can track orders here: [link]. For returns, see [link]. Happy holidays, [Company] support
Tips for holiday auto-replies
- If the whole company is closed, say "our office is closed", not "I'm out". Otherwise people go looking for your colleagues.
- For neutral wording that works for any audience, "happy holidays" or "enjoy the break" is safe.
- Mention shipping or order cut-offs if you sell anything. That's the question most people are emailing about.
- Set the end date in Gmail or Outlook before you leave so the reply switches off by itself.
Frequently asked questions
What do you say in a holiday out of office message?
Say you're out for the holiday, give the date you're back, and give a contact for urgent issues. A short holiday greeting at the end is a nice touch.
Should I say the office is closed?
If the whole company is closed, yes. It tells people not to bother emailing your colleagues either, and it sets the right expectation for replies.