Jollity

n.joyful, energeticliterary

What it means

Cheerful activity, laughter, and shared enjoyment.

Reach for it when naming a lively social atmosphere in traditional or literary prose

Warm lights and music added jollity to the winter gathering.

playful
high spirits
the group's energetic mood is the main impression
not when High spirits can become disruptive and need not be welcoming.
everyday
cheer
visible good spirits should sound plain
not when Cheer is broader and can mean encouragement or a shout.
warm
merriment
shared laughter and festive pleasure are central
not when Merriment is slightly more active and less about the quality of an atmosphere.
formal
bonhomie
easy friendly sociability around others is central
not when Bonhomie is clubby and calmer than lively jollity.
formal
festivity
organized celebration shapes the setting
not when Festivity may be ceremonial without much laughter.
literary
gaiety
bright social pleasure suits historical prose
not when Gaiety is dated and can be misunderstood through modern identity language.

seasonal jollity
Seasonal jollity spread through the market without crowding the quiet stallholders.
air of jollity
An air of jollity returned once the missing child was found.
general jollity
General jollity accompanied the volunteers' final meal together.

Jollity is somewhat old-fashioned. Merriment or cheer will usually sound more natural.

The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.