holiday season

American  

[hol-i-dey see-zuhn] / ˈhɒl ɪˌdeɪ ˈsi zən /

noun

1. a period of days or weeks in which two or more annual observances occur, especially in the United States, where it most often refers to the approximately 5–6 weeks from Thanksgiving in November to New Year’s Day in January.

   The kids will be singing Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa songs for the holiday season.

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Usage

What is the holiday season? The holiday season is the period that starts on Thanksgiving and continues until New Year’s Day. It includes the holidays of Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s Eve.The holiday season is sometimes called the holidays. These terms are typically used to refer collectively to all of the holidays that occur during this time, regardless of whether the person using the term celebrates them or not. In contrast, the terms Christmas season and Christmastime specifically refer to the period leading up to Christmas.People often wish each other a happy holiday season by saying happy holidays.Example: I start feeling all warm and fuzzy as soon as the holiday season begins.

Etymology

Origin of holiday season

First recorded in 1840–45

Example Sentences

Macy’s wrapped up the holiday season on a strong note, posting an unexpected rise in same-store sales in the fourth quarter as its Bloomingdale’s brand propels its turnaround.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

Five Below said that the most recent holiday season was its best since it became a public company in 2012.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 18, 2026

Fortunately, the hot spell will not come with a widespread risk of fire weather thanks to the record-breaking soaking the Southland endured over the holiday season and the lack of significant winds.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 12, 2026

The December 2025 retail sales report delivered a lackluster finish to what had otherwise been a better-than-feared holiday season.

From Barron's • Feb. 11, 2026

Joylette, Kathy, and Connie would never again be able to experience the joy of the holiday season without also reliving the ache that came from their father’s death.

From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly