festivity

[fe-stiv-i-tee]

noun

plural

festivities 

1. a festive celebration or occasion.

2. festivities, festive events or activities.

   the festivities of Christmas.

3. festive character or quality; gaiety; merriment.

festivity

/ fɛsˈtɪvɪtɪ /

noun

1. merriment characteristic of a festival, party, etc

2. any festival or other celebration

3. (plural) festive proceedings; celebrations

Word History and Origins

Origin of festivity¹

1350–1400; Middle English festivite (< Old French ) < Latin fēstīvitās. See festive, -ity

Example Sentences

Tension underlies the preparation for the festivities: Nick is arriving home after a stint of several months in a psychiatric institution, after crippling anxiety forced him to withdraw from college.

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How do you wind down after the festivities?

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Historically, festivities occur after the year’s last harvest in either October or November.

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While Disneyland has yet to announce its full slate of programming for 2026, popular festivities such as Lunar New Year and the Food & Wine Festival are set to return.

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At 10 p.m., post-gala festivities will begin, and tickets for that event are available for purchase here.

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Related Words

• bash 
• festival 
• hoopla