festal

(fĕs'təl)
adj.
Of, relating to, or of the nature of a feast or festival; festive.

[Middle English, from Old French, from Late Latin fēstālis, from Latin fēstum, feast. See feast.]

festally fes'tal·ly adv.

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Both words are derived from the Latin words festum meaning 'feast' and festus meaning 'joyful', and mean 'in the nature of a feast or festival'. Festive is much the more common, and is the one generally chosen when the meaning is 'cheerful, joyous, celebratory':

A room can look festive and jolly without being overwhelmed by lots of gaudy decorations—Ideal Home, 1991.

Festal lies somewhat closer to its etymological connection with festivals:

It was eaten with a spoon and served on festal days as part of the main course—Good Food, 1992.

The festive season is a way of describing Christmas, and festive also occurs with words such as air, atmosphere, mood, and occasion.

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See words rhyming with "festal."