The festive nature of Hol HaMoed is expressed in several ways in addition to the restrictions on the performance of certain labors.

On the intermediate days of the festival, many do not don tefillin. This is the universal custom in Israel. However, among Ashkenazim outside of Israel there are those who have the custom to don tefillin even on Hol HaMoed.

In Grace after Meals, as well as in the blessing known as “Me’ein Shalosh” (which is recited after eating grain-based foods or fruits that are included in the seven species of produce mentioned in connection with the Land of Israel), and likewise in the Amida prayers during Hol HaMoed, one adds a reference to the festival. In Grace after Meals and the Amida, this is done by reciting a passage known as Ya’aleh VeYavo, which includes a reference to the specific festival being observed. On Hol HaMoed of Sukkot one inserts the line “On this day of the festival of Sukkot,” and on Hol HaMoed of Passover one says, “On this day of the festival of matzot.”

The day after Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot is called Isru Hag, based on the verse, “Bind the festival offering [isru hag] with cords, and from there to the horns of the altar” (Psalms 118:27). This is homiletically interpreted to mean: Bind the days of the festival to the rest of the calendar. Accordingly, one extra day “accompanies” the festival, although it is almost completely a normal weekday. The slightly festive nature of the day is expressed in the fact that the supplicatory Tahanun prayer is not recited. Some add special dishes to their meals in honor of Isru Hag.