Before you order
First, here's what you need to know
Before you write a single script, get clear on what's changing this season. Your answers become your list of messages, and the dates tell you when each one should start and stop.
Step 1: Answer four questions
Step 2: Plan the timing for how you'll make them
AI voices and professional recordings need very different amounts of lead time.
Flexible. Make and change messages anytime.
- Write it fast. Type your script, or ask Snappy, the built-in AI writer, to draft your holiday greeting.
- Pick a voice. Choose an AI voice made for phone systems, and translate your message for bilingual callers.
- Add holiday music. It's mixed under your message automatically. With the Music add-on, switching to holiday music costs nothing extra.
- Listen, then download. Get your message in a file format optimized for your phone system.
- Plans change? Edit the wording and download again in minutes.
Ready in minutes. AI voices mean no waiting on a recording, so you can make your messages the day you need them.
Learn moreScript examples
Write your holiday messages
Copy these scripts, swap in your business name and dates, and you're done.
Set the tone
Add a holiday greeting to your main menu
A short seasonal hello shows callers your business is active and paying attention. Keep the rest of your menu the same so regular callers aren't thrown off.
Happy holidays, and thank you for calling ABC Solutions!
If you know your party's extension, you may press it at any time.
For Sales, press 1. For Support, press 2.
For all other calls, please remain on the line.
No surprises
Announce holiday hours in advance
Use two messages: one that plays in the days before a closure, and one that plays while you're closed. Tell callers when you'll be back, where to get help in the meantime, and what to do in an emergency.
Happy Holidays from all of us at ABC Automotive! Please note that we'll close early on Thursday, December 24, at 1 PM, and we'll be closed on Friday, December 25.
If you know your party's extension, you may press it at any time.
For Sales, press 1. For all other calls, please remain on the line.
Thank you for calling ABC Automotive. Our office is closed for the holidays, and we'll reopen on Monday, January 4.
For roadside assistance, press 1.
To leave a message for Sales, press 2.
You can also book service anytime at abcautomotive.com.
- Give the exact date you reopen, not "after the holidays".
- Offer an on-call or emergency option if callers may need urgent help.
- Point callers to your website for orders, returns or bookings.
- Several locations with different hours? Record each location's version so every caller hears the right times.
After hours, still helpful
Update your voicemail with a holiday message
Voicemail is often the first thing after-hours callers hear. Thank them, say when you're closed, and set a clear expectation for when you'll call back.
Happy holidays, and thank you for calling Radiant Dental. Our office is closed from December 24 through January 1. Please leave your name, number and a short message, and we'll call you back when we reopen on Monday, January 4. Have a wonderful holiday season!
Make the wait count
Promote holiday offers
with on-hold messages
Call volume often goes up in December, and so does hold time. Use it to answer common questions and mention what's new.
Thanks for holding, and happy holidays from ABC Home Goods. Our holiday sale is on now: save 20% on bedding and kitchen essentials through December 24, in store and online. Please stay on the line, and a member of our staff will be with you shortly.
Set the mood
Choose festive on-hold music
Snap Recordings has eight seasonal albums, from traditional to modern, so the music fits your brand.
RealVoice + Music and Phonzai subscribers can switch hold music and create holiday messages in the Mixer App at no extra cost.
Listen to holiday musicSet it and forget it
Schedule your changes, then switch back
Most business phone systems let you schedule greetings and after-hours rules ahead of time, so holiday messages turn on and off by themselves.
Upload
Most systems play 8 kHz WAV or µ-law files. RingCentral customers can send Phonzai and RealVoice messages straight to their extensions with RingEX Manager.
Schedule
Set your holiday greetings and closed-day rules to turn on and off on the right dates.
Test
Call in from an outside line and try every menu option before the holiday starts.
Switch back
Put a reminder on your calendar for Monday, January 4 to restore your regular messages.
Two ways to get it done
Create your holiday messages in minutes,
or have a pro record them
Need help with wording? Browse the phone script library or see all pricing.
Quick answers
Holiday phone message FAQ
What should a holiday voicemail message say?
Thank the caller, say which days you're closed, give the exact date you reopen, and tell them when to expect a call back. Add an emergency or on-call option if customers may need urgent help.
How far ahead should I order holiday phone messages?
Professional RealVoice recordings arrive in 3–4 business days, or 1–2 business days with rush delivery. We recommend ordering at least one week in advance, so there's time for a round of changes and to upload and test. AI voices from Phonzai are ready in minutes.
How do I set holiday hours on my phone system?
Most business phone systems let you add holiday dates to your business hours and choose which greeting plays on those days. Upload your holiday greeting, set the dates, then call in from an outside line to test it.
Should I say "Merry Christmas" or "Happy holidays"?
"Happy holidays" works for every caller and covers New Year's too. Use "Merry Christmas" if it fits your brand and your customers.
When should I remove my holiday messages?
On your first day back. For most businesses in 2027 that's Monday, January 4. Scheduling the switch ahead of time means nobody has to remember.