# festive

/ˈfɛstɪv/ (US) · /fˈɛstɪv/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/festive
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. atmosphere or decoration

adjective · CEFR B1

looking or feeling happy and bright because of a holiday or celebration.

For teachers: relating to or suitable for a feast or festival; characterized by bright decorations and a joyful atmosphere.

- The city looked very festive with all the colorful lights and decorations.
- The town square was transformed into a festive marketplace, complete with traditional music and stalls selling seasonal treats.

### 2. mood or attitude

adjective · CEFR B2

feeling happy and ready to celebrate a special event.

For teachers: describing a person's joyful or celebratory disposition.

- Everyone was in a festive mood after the team won the championship.
- Despite the cold weather, the crowd remained in a festive spirit as they waited for the parade to begin.

## Examples

- The city looks very festive with all the colorful lights.
- Everyone was in a festive mood as they gathered for the annual neighborhood block party.
- The dining hall was transformed into a festive space, decorated with evergreen branches and candles to welcome the guests for the winter banquet.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.