What to include in an out-of-office message
- The dates you’re away and the day you’re back (“I’ll be back on Monday 4 January”).
- Who to contact for urgent matters, with an email address.
- Whether you’ll check email (“with limited access” or “no access”).
- A friendly sign-off. Keep it under 80 words.
Safety tip: don’t say you’re “abroad” or “away from home” in replies to external senders, and avoid sharing your mobile number. A simple “out of the office” is enough.
Christmas and New Year out-of-office messages
- Thank you for your email. I’m out of the office for the holidays from Thursday 24 December and will return on Monday 4 January 2027. For anything urgent, please contact [Name] at [email]. Wishing you a happy holiday season!
- Hello, I’m currently on Christmas leave with no access to email. I’ll reply when I’m back on 4 January. If your message is urgent, please email [team@company.com]. Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2027!
- Thanks for getting in touch. Our office is closed for the festive period from 24 December to 1 January. I’ll respond to your message as soon as possible after I return on 4 January. Happy holidays!
- Season’s greetings! I’m out of the office until Monday 4 January 2027 with limited access to email. For urgent help, please contact [Name] on [email]. Thank you for your patience.
Short out-of-office replies
- I’m out of the office until 4 January. For urgent matters, contact [email]. Happy holidays!
- Away for the holidays, back 4 January. I’ll reply then. Merry Christmas!
- Thanks for your message. I’m on leave until [date] and will reply when I’m back.
Friendly and funny out-of-office messages
- Hi! I’m currently helping Santa with last-minute deliveries (or eating mince pies on the sofa). I’ll be back on 4 January. For anything urgent, please contact [Name] at [email].
- I’m out of the office recharging my batteries and my mince-pie levels. Back on Monday 4 January, ready to tackle your email. Urgent? Email [email].
- Thanks for your email! I’m taking a festive break and won’t see this until 4 January. If it can’t wait, [Name] can help at [email]. Happy holidays!
Only use funny replies if your workplace culture fits and the message goes to people you know. For clients and new contacts, stick with the professional versions.
Company-wide holiday closure message
- Thank you for contacting [Company]. Our offices are closed from Thursday 24 December 2026 and reopen on Monday 4 January 2027. Orders placed during this time will be processed when we return. For urgent support, please visit [help link]. We wish you a wonderful holiday season.
- Happy holidays from all of us at [Company]! We’re closed from 24 December to 1 January and will reply to all messages from 4 January. Thank you for your support this year.
Out-of-office messages for other holidays
- Thanksgiving (US): Thanks for your email. I’m out of the office for Thanksgiving on 26–27 November and will reply on Monday 30 November. Happy Thanksgiving!
- Bank holiday (UK): Thank you for your message. I’m out of the office for the bank holiday weekend and will be back on Tuesday. For urgent matters, contact [email].
- Annual leave: Thanks for getting in touch. I’m on annual leave from [date] to [date] with no access to email. Please contact [Name] at [email] if you need help before then.
- Public holiday (Australia/NZ): Thanks for your email. Our office is closed for the public holiday on [date]. We’ll be back on [date].
How to set an automatic reply
Outlook (new Outlook and Outlook on the web)
- Go to Settings → Account → Automatic replies.
- Turn on automatic replies and tick Send replies only during a time period; set start and end dates.
- Paste your message. Add a separate message for people outside your organisation if you like.
- Click Save.
Gmail
- Click the gear icon → See all settings.
- On the General tab, scroll to Vacation responder and turn it on.
- Set the first and last day, add a subject (“Out of office until 4 January”) and your message.
- Click Save changes at the bottom.
Working out the exact day you’re back? The date calculator adds working days and skips bank holidays.
Questions
What do you put in an out of office message for Christmas?
Say you’re away for the holidays, give your return date, name an urgent contact, and add a short festive wish. Example: “I’m out of the office until 4 January. For urgent matters contact [email]. Happy holidays!”
Should I say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays in an out of office?
“Happy holidays” or “Season’s greetings” is safest for external contacts. “Merry Christmas” is fine for internal teams who celebrate.
How long should an out-of-office message be?
Short: two to four sentences, under about 80 words.
How do I turn on out of office in Outlook?
In Outlook, open Settings → Account → Automatic replies, switch them on, set the dates, write your message and save.