21 Restaurant Marketing Ideas for Christmas
The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes a golden opportunity to enhance your restaurant’s success. Are you looking for effective restaurant marketing ideas for Christmas? Want to make the most of the festive season with unique strategies? This guide offers a comprehensive list of Christmas restaurant marketing ideas that will help you attract more customers, increase sales, and create memorable experiences for your guests.
Restaurant Marketing Ideas for Christmas
As the holidays approach, it's essential to stand out and offer something special to your guests. Here are 21 effective ideas to inspire your Christmas marketing plan.
1. Host Special Holiday Events
Elevate your restaurant’s holiday charm by organizing unique events that cater to various interests and demographics. Engaging events enhance the festive mood and draw different customer segments, encouraging new and repeat visits. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Gingerbread House Workshops: Host fun-filled workshops for families where kids and parents can build and decorate gingerbread houses together. This provides a delightful family bonding experience and attracts family groups looking for kid-friendly dining experiences during the holiday season.
Holiday Wine Tastings: Attract wine enthusiasts with exclusive wine-tasting events led by a professional sommelier, featuring seasonal wines paired with a selection of your restaurant’s fine cheeses and appetizers. This is a perfect draw for adult guests interested in sophisticated evenings or looking to expand their wine knowledge.
Live Music Nights: Transform your space into a lively venue with nights dedicated to live music featuring local bands and artists. Opt for a mix of genres or themed music nights that celebrate classic holiday tunes to create a festive backdrop that complements the dining experience.
Each of these events diversifies your offerings and enhances your restaurant’s appeal as a community hub for holiday celebrations, creating memories that encourage guests to return year after year.
2. Offer Gift Cards with a Twist
Gift cards are a fantastic way to drive both immediate revenue and future restaurant visits. As a classic, go-to gift, they solve gift-giving dilemmas for your customers and ensure that new and returning patrons walk through your doors. Here’s how to make your restaurant's gift cards even more appealing this holiday season:
Bonus Cards: Kick your gift card sales into high gear by adding a bonus. For instance, for every $50 gift card purchased, throw in an additional $10 bonus card. It’s a simple gesture that can significantly increase the perceived value and encourage more people to buy.
Holiday Packaging: Presentation matters, especially during the festive season. Upgrade the gifting experience by offering beautifully designed, holiday-themed gift card packaging. Whether it’s a sleek envelope with a festive bow or a custom-designed holiday card holder, attractive packaging makes your gift cards more desirable and gift-ready.
By enhancing your gift card offerings with these thoughtful touches, you not only bolster your sales but also create a memorable experience that customers are eager to share with friends and family.
3. Implement a '12 Days of Christmas' Promotion
Capturing the festive spirit and the anticipation of counting down to Christmas can be a delightful way to engage your customers. Why not make each day leading up to Christmas a special one in your restaurant? Inspired by the traditional holiday song, the '12 Days of Christmas' promotion could be the perfect way to create excitement and encourage repeat visits during the festive season.
Here’s a sample itinerary to spark your imagination and help you set up a promotion that keeps your patrons coming back for more:
Day 1: Partridge in a Pear Tree - Offer a free appetizer with any entrée. Think pear-themed dishes to match the day’s theme!
Day 2: Two Turtle Doves—Serve a complimentary dessert for couples, perhaps a dove-shaped chocolate treat to sweeten the experience.
Day 3: Three French Hens—Kids eat free with a paying adult. The menu features chicken dishes that align with the day’s theme.
Day 4: Four Calling Birds—Introduce live music or a carol-singing quartet to enhance the dining atmosphere.
Day 5: Five Golden Rings - Hand out five exclusive discount coupons for future visits to the first 20 customers.
Day 6: Six Geese A-Laying - Launch a special on egg-based dishes like gourmet omelets or eggnog.
Day 7: Seven Swans A-Swimming - Feature a special on seafood dishes, celebrating the aquatic theme.
Day 8: Eight Maids A-Milking - Promote dairy-heavy desserts and creamy cocktails.
Day 9: Nine Ladies Dancing - Host a dance night or a salsa lesson at your venue.
Day 10: Ten Lords A-Leaping - Offer a leap into savings with 10% off the entire bill.
Day 11: Eleven Pipers Piping - Maybe it’s time for a Scottish-themed evening with bagpipe music and traditional dishes.
Day 12: Twelve Drummers Drumming—To end the promotion with a bang, host a live band or drum circle to celebrate the season.
This approach spices up the dining experience each day, and ties in the beloved Christmas carol everyone knows and loves, creating a memorable holiday marketing campaign. Encourage your staff to engage with customers about the daily specials and themes to boost the festive mood even more.
4. Create a Festive Holiday Menu
Captivate your guests with a special menu that captures the essence of Christmas. Introduce seasonal dishes and drinks featuring traditional holiday flavors like roasted turkey, cranberry sauce, peppermint desserts, and spiced mulled wine. Offering limited-time items adds excitement and encourages customers to visit during the festive season.
Consider crafting unique twists on classic recipes or introducing new creations inspired by the holidays. Offering special menus for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's celebrations can attract families and groups seeking memorable dining experiences.
Promote your festive menu through your website, social media, and in-house displays. High-quality photos of your holiday dishes can entice potential diners. Encourage your staff to describe the special menu items enthusiastically to enhance the overall experience.
5. Partner with Local Charities
Engaging with local charities during Christmas can significantly enhance your restaurant’s community image and contribute meaningfully to those in need. Consider these actionable steps:
Donate a Portion of Sales: Choose specific days or menu items on which a percentage of sales will go to a chosen charity. This not only supports a good cause but also encourages guests to dine on those days, knowing their meal contributes to the community.
Host a Food Drive: Set up a food collection bin in your restaurant. Encourage your guests to bring non-perishable food items when they visit. Offer a small incentive, like a discount on their meal or a free drink, as a thank you for their donation.
Sponsor Community Events: Get involved in local holiday events as a sponsor. Whether it’s a Christmas fair or a charity run, your restaurant’s presence and support can boost your visibility and reputation in the community.
By integrating these charitable activities into your Christmas marketing strategy, you help those in need and position your restaurant as a community-focused business, making your establishment a preferred choice for socially conscious diners. This approach can deepen connections with your local customer base and foster goodwill that lasts beyond the holiday season.
6. Leverage Social Media with Christmas Campaigns
Boost your restaurant's holiday visibility by engaging actively on social media. Use these strategies to connect with your audience and enhance your restaurant's festive appeal:
Festive Posts: Keep your followers in the loop with regular updates about your holiday preparations. Share photos and videos of your team decorating the restaurant, preparing special dishes, or setting up for holiday events. These behind-the-scenes glimpses not only entertain but also build anticipation.
Contests: Encourage interaction by hosting contests on your platforms. For instance, you could invite customers to post a photo of their festive meal at your restaurant and tag your account. Reward the best posts with prizes like a free dinner or discounts on their next visit. This not only drives engagement but also spreads word of mouth as participants share their experiences with your restaurant.
Hashtags: Create a unique holiday hashtag or use established ones like #ChristmasDining to increase the reach of your posts. Encourage your customers to use these hashtags when they share content related to your restaurant. This helps to keep all holiday-related posts in one easily accessible place, increasing your visibility and attracting new customers.
Social media platforms offer a cost-effective way to enhance your restaurant's reach and engage with a broader audience. By crafting engaging content and interactive campaigns, you can create buzz around your holiday offerings and encourage more guests to celebrate the season at your restaurant.
7. Run a Holiday-Themed Contest
Engage your guests and spark excitement with a holiday-themed contest. Here are two ideas that can enhance customer participation and create a festive buzz around your restaurant:
Ugly Christmas Sweater Night: Invite your diners to wear their most outrageous Christmas sweaters. Offer prizes for categories like 'Most Creative,' 'Ugliest,' and 'Best DIY' sweaters. It's a fun way to encourage guests to visit and enjoy their evening in a lighthearted, festive atmosphere.
Holiday Recipe Challenge: Encourage your customers to submit their favorite holiday recipes. These could be anything from a unique side dish to a festive dessert. Select a winner and feature their recipe on your menu for the remainder of the season. This will engage your community and add a personal touch to your menu, making your guests feel a part of your restaurant’s holiday celebration.
Both of these contest ideas are great ways to increase foot traffic and social media engagement. Customers love sharing their participation in contests, especially when they can show off their creative or humorous side, like sporting an ugly sweater or showcasing a beloved recipe. Plus, featuring a customer’s recipe on your menu not only honors the winner but also introduces a fresh, customer-approved dish that other diners will be eager to try.
8. Offer Special Takeout and Delivery Options
Many of your guests may prefer to celebrate at home during the Christmas season. This doesn’t mean they must miss your restaurant’s holiday offerings. By introducing holiday-themed takeout and delivery options, you can expand your reach and boost your sales, all while bringing the festive spirit directly into their homes. Here’s how you can cater to the at-home celebrator:
Create Holiday Meal Kits: Design meal kits that include everything a family needs for a festive dinner. Think of a main dish like a glazed ham or roasted turkey, sides such as mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables, and a dessert like pumpkin pie or Christmas pudding. These kits should be easy to cook or assemble, making holiday dinners stress-free and enjoyable.
Offer Free Delivery During Peak Times: To encourage more orders, provide free delivery services during select hours. This could be during mid-afternoon when people are preparing for dinner or late evening for those last-minute meal decisions. Free delivery is a great incentive for customers to choose your restaurant over others.
Provide Festive Packaging: Enhance the holiday experience with special packaging. Use boxes and bags adorned with festive designs, colors, and messages. This not only makes the delivery more exciting but also turns your meals into potential gifts. Consider including a small holiday card or ornament as a gift with each order.
By offering these special takeout and delivery options, you’re not just selling food but delivering a complete holiday experience. This approach not only meets your customers’ needs but also sets your restaurant apart from the competition during the festive season.
9. Introduce a Festive Loyalty Program
A festive loyalty program is a great way to build long-term relationships with your patrons during the holiday season. By offering Double Points Days, you encourage more visits during typically slower periods, enhancing your restaurant's foot traffic. For example, designate specific days where loyalty members can earn double the points on their purchases, which they can later redeem for discounts or free items.
Additionally, present Exclusive Offers only to your loyalty program members. These could include special discounts on new menu items or early access to holiday events hosted at your restaurant. These exclusive offers make your members feel valued, fostering a deeper connection with your brand.
Implementing a loyalty program not only rewards your current customers but also serves as an attractive feature for new guests considering where to dine during the holiday rush. By effectively promoting this program, you can increase both customer retention and satisfaction, turning occasional visitors into regulars.
10. Host Corporate Holiday Parties
As the festive season lights up the mood for celebrations, make your restaurant the go-to venue for corporate holiday parties. This is a great opportunity to boost your revenue by tapping into the business community looking for the perfect spot to host their end-of-year gatherings.
Offer Group Packages and Special Menus: Design special group packages that cater specifically to corporate needs. These can include multi-course meals, buffet options, or even cocktail receptions, depending on what best suits your setup. Tailor your menus to include festive dishes that bring out the holiday spirit, making each event memorable.
Provide Customizable Options for Exclusive Gatherings: Understand that each company may have different preferences and needs. Offer customizable options that allow businesses to personalize their events. This could range from selecting specific menu items to choosing decorations or even arranging entertainment that aligns with the company’s culture. Providing these options not only enhances customer satisfaction but also sets your venue apart as a flexible and accommodating holiday party destination.
Focusing on corporate holiday parties opens up a profitable avenue during the holiday season, ensuring that your restaurant stays busy and vibrant during the celebrations.
11. Create Limited-Time Offers
Creating a sense of urgency as the holiday season ramps up can significantly boost your restaurant’s sales. Consider introducing Early Bird Specials to reward diners who visit during typically slower periods, such as early afternoon or late evening. These discounts not only incentivize visits during less busy hours but also help spread out guest traffic, which can improve service and guest experience.
Additionally, embrace the power of Flash Sales to create spontaneous bursts of interest. Announce these exclusive, time-sensitive discounts through your social media platforms to create buzz and prompt immediate action from your followers. These could be anything from a significant discount on specific dishes to a buy-one-get-one offer on your most popular menu items, available only for a short duration or while supplies last.
Such strategies leverage the limited availability to drive quick decisions and increase foot traffic, making your restaurant a top-of-mind choice for diners looking for holiday deals. By effectively using limited-time offers, you not only enhance sales but also add an element of excitement to dining at your restaurant during the holidays.
12. Enhance Your Email and MMS/SMS Marketing Campaigns
Incorporating both email and SMS/MMS into your holiday marketing strategy can significantly amplify your restaurant's reach and engagement during the festive season. Here’s how you can make the most out of these channels:
Highlight Upcoming Events: Use email to provide detailed information about upcoming holiday events at your restaurant. SMS messages can serve as timely reminders, and MMS can add a visual appeal, showing images of the events or festive decorations, which encourages reservations.
Promote Special Offers: While email allows for more expansive content, SMS can deliver instant, attention-grabbing alerts about special promotions or discounts. MMS enhances this by allowing you to send visually appealing coupons or holiday-themed graphics that catch the eye and create urgency.
Send Personalized Greetings: Personalize your communications with heartfelt holiday greetings. In an email, you might include a detailed message from your team or a festive image. Use SMS for brief holiday wishes, and enhance this personal touch with MMS by sending a picture or video greeting, making it feel more special and memorable.
Combining the detailed reach of email with the immediacy of SMS/MMS ensures that your restaurant stays at the top of customers' minds as they make their holiday dining plans. This dual approach broadens your outreach and caters to the preferences of different customer segments, maximizing engagement and response rates.
13. Collaborate with Influencers and Bloggers
Teaming up with local food bloggers and influencers can significantly amplify your restaurant’s visibility during the festive season. Here’s how you can make this strategy work effectively for your holiday marketing:
Identify the Right Influencers: Look for food bloggers and influencers within your community who align with your restaurant's values and aesthetics. Their followers should be your target demographic.
Invite Influencers for a Tasting: Arrange a special session where influencers can try your holiday specials. This gives them a firsthand experience of your menu and provides content for their blogs and social media platforms.
Encourage Social Media Shares: Ask influencers to document their visit and share their genuine thoughts online. Whether through Instagram stories, Facebook posts, or tweets, their followers seeing your dishes can translate into new customers walking through your doors.
Feature Blog Reviews: Have bloggers write detailed reviews of their dining experience. This content can boost your SEO, helping more potential diners find your restaurant when searching for where to eat during the holidays.
This approach extends your reach and leverages the trust and credibility these influencers have with their audience, potentially bringing a wave of new patrons to your restaurant.
14. Enhance Takeout Packaging for the Holiday Season
Transform your takeout packaging this holiday season to leave a lasting impression on your guests. Opt for holiday-themed bags or boxes that reflect the festive spirit, turning every order into a potential gift. Including personalized thank-you notes within these packages adds a special touch that can significantly boost customer satisfaction and foster loyalty. These small yet impactful details not only delight your customers but also encourage sharing on social media, giving your restaurant extra exposure during one of the busiest times of the year.
15. Offer Cooking Classes
This holiday season, why not transform your restaurant into a vibrant classroom? Hosting cooking classes provides a unique experience that can draw in a diverse crowd, eager to learn and engage in new culinary adventures.
Consider setting up sessions where participants can bake festive holiday cookies or mix their own festive cocktails. These sessions not only offer a fun, engaging activity for families, couples, and groups of friends but also provide your guests with valuable skills they can take home. This can help set your restaurant apart as a community hub for learning and celebration, not just dining. Plus, participants are likely to linger for meals or drinks before or after class, increasing your sales opportunities.
16. Enhance Online Presence
The holiday season brings a flurry of activity, and your restaurant's online presence is crucial in capturing that festive footfall. Make sure your website is decked out for the season with a few key updates:
Post Holiday Hours: Clearly display your holiday hours to avoid any confusion. Whether you’re extending hours for late-night festivities or closing early on certain days, make this information easy to find on your homepage.
Enable Online Reservations: Simplify the booking process by ensuring your online reservation system is up to front and center. This makes it easier for guests to secure a table during busy times and help you manage your dining room capacity more efficiently.
Add Festive Visuals and Themes: Give your website a holiday makeover with festive visuals. Incorporate seasonal graphics, banners, and themes that evoke the warmth and joy of Christmas. This visual update can enhance the user experience and put visitors in the holiday spirit the moment they land on your site.
By refreshing your website with these holiday-specific updates, you ensure that anyone looking to dine or order from your restaurant gets all the necessary information easily and with a touch of seasonal cheer.
17. Provide Employee Incentives
During the holiday rush, your staff's motivation and enthusiasm are infectious and can transform the customer experience. To ensure your team remains upbeat and engaged, consider implementing these motivational strategies:
Offer Bonuses for Upselling: Incentivize your team by offering bonuses for successfully upselling holiday specials. This not only boosts your revenue but also encourages staff to be more proactive in promoting your festive offerings.
Host an Employee Appreciation Event: Show your appreciation with a special event just for your team. Whether it's a dinner in their honor or a fun outing, taking the time to celebrate their hard work fosters loyalty and appreciation, which they will pass on to your guests.
These incentives enhance staff morale and are crucial in delivering exceptional service that customers will remember long after the holiday decorations are packed away. Happy employees often result in happy customers, creating a festive atmosphere that encourages repeat visits and glowing recommendations.
18. Organize a Customer Appreciation Event
Host a special evening to thank your most loyal patrons. Extend invitations for an exclusive event where attendees enjoy complimentary appetizers or drinks. This gesture not only shows your gratitude but also reinforces their connection to your restaurant. It’s a perfect opportunity to express your appreciation, ensuring these valued guests continue to choose your establishment for their festive outings. Events like this deepen customer relationships and set the stage for increased loyalty and word-of-mouth promotion, which is crucial during the competitive holiday season.
19. Decorate Your Restaurant for the Holidays
Turn your restaurant into a festive retreat that captures the joy of the season. Start by hanging twinkling lights along windows and doorways to create a cozy and inviting glow. Place a beautifully adorned Christmas tree in a prominent spot, decorated with ornaments that reflect your restaurant's style. Wreaths with ribbons and bells can add a charming touch to entrances and walls.
Enhance the dining experience by adding holiday-themed centerpieces on each table—think candles nestled in pine cones or vases filled with shiny baubles. Swap out regular linens for ones in rich reds, greens, or golds to amplify the festive atmosphere. Consider playing soft holiday music in the background to set a cheerful mood.
Don't overlook the exterior- decorate your storefront with garlands and lights to draw in passersby. A festive environment not only delights your guests but also attracts new customers who are enticed by the holiday spirit radiating from your establishment. Embracing the season in your décor can make your restaurant a must-visit destination during the holidays.
20. Prepare for New Year's Celebrations
The festive season doesn't end with Christmas. Keep the holiday spirit alive by planning a standout New Year's Eve event. This is your chance to keep guests engaged with your restaurant right through the holiday season into the new year.
Plan a Memorable New Year's Eve Event
Capitalize on the excitement of the New Year by hosting a themed party, like a ‘Gatsby Gala,’ a ‘Winter Wonderland,’ or a gala dinner. Consider a countdown celebration with live music, a DJ, or a special guest appearance to draw a crowd. Offer exclusive ticket packages, including dinner, drinks, and entertainment, creating a comprehensive experience that ensures a memorable night.
Offer Special Menus and Entertainment
Craft special menus that cater to the festive mood of New Year’s Eve. Think luxurious items like lobster, steak, or a decadent dessert selection that fits the celebratory atmosphere. Pair your dishes with signature cocktails or a champagne toast at midnight. Additionally, line up entertainment that complements the vibe of your event, whether it’s a jazz band, a live DJ spinning top hits, or interactive activities like dance-offs or photo booths.
Extend the Celebration
Encourage guests to return in the new year by offering incentives such as return vouchers or discounts for those who attend your New Year’s Eve celebration. This shows appreciation and starts building your customer base for the upcoming year.
By incorporating these strategies into your holiday planning, you maintain momentum and maximize your restaurant’s potential for profitability during one of the busiest times of the year.
21. Utilize Technology to Enhance Customer Experience
Embracing modern technology can transform your restaurant's operations and significantly improve the customer experience during the busy holiday season. Here’s how you can integrate technology to streamline your services and enhance convenience for your guests:
Implement Online and Mobile Ordering: Offering online ordering through your website or a mobile app allows your guests to place orders conveniently from anywhere. This is particularly appealing when people are looking for quick and easy dining solutions during the holiday rush.
Use a Restaurant POS System: A robust restaurant POS system can centralize your operations, from tracking sales to managing orders. This integration simplifies workflows and reduces the chances of errors during high-volume periods like Christmas.
Introduce Handheld and Tablet POS Devices: Equip your staff with handheld POS or tablet POS devices for tableside ordering. This not only speeds up the service but also enhances order accuracy, allowing staff to send orders directly to the kitchen without walking back and forth.
Self-Ordering Kiosks: Deploy self-ordering kiosks to reduce wait times and allow guests to customize their orders without feeling rushed. This is especially useful during peak hours when your restaurant is crowded with holiday diners.
Mobile POS: With mobile POS systems, your staff can process payments directly at the table, cutting down wait times and improving the overall guest experience. This flexibility is crucial during the holiday season when every second counts.
Contactless Payments: Encourage the use of contactless payments to ensure a quick and safe transaction process. Contactless options like NFC payments can speed up the checkout process and cater to the preferences of health-conscious customers.
By integrating these technologies, you can ensure that your restaurant offers a seamless and modern dining experience that meets the expectations of today’s tech-savvy consumers. These solutions help manage the holiday crowds more effectively and position your restaurant as a forward-thinking establishment ready to meet future challenges.
Conclusion
Implementing creative marketing strategies during the holiday season can turn your restaurant into a festive destination that delights customers and boosts sales. By embracing these Christmas marketing ideas, you can enhance customer engagement, increase revenue, and create memorable experiences that will keep guests returning throughout the year.
To bring these ideas to life effectively, having the right technology is essential.
Chowbus POS offers an all-in-one restaurant POS solution designed to enhance operational efficiency and boost revenue. Our system streamlines ordering, reservations, and leverages powerful restaurant marketing tools and POS marketing features, allowing you to focus on providing an unforgettable holiday experience.
Book a Free Demo with Chowbus POS today! Let us help you make this holiday season the most successful one yet.
Frequently Asked Questions About Restaurant Marketing Ideas for Christmas
Explore essential strategies to elevate your Christmas marketing efforts. This FAQ offers practical answers to help you enhance your holiday promotions and attract more guests during the festive season.
What is the Best Promotional Strategy for Christmas Season?
The best promotional strategy for the Christmas season is to launch a multi-channel marketing campaign that blends email marketing, social media ads, and in-store promotions. Start by sending tailored email newsletters to your customer base with exclusive offers and gift ideas. Use social media to run targeted ads showcasing your best-selling products or services, and create festive content that engages and entices your audience. In-store, offer limited-time discounts or bundle deals to draw in foot traffic. Additionally, consider partnering with other local businesses to expand your reach and provide unique holiday packages. This integrated approach maximizes visibility and appeal, boosting sales during the festive period.
When Should I Start Christmas Marketing?
You should start your Christmas marketing by November. This timing allows you to capture early holiday planners and beat the rush of festive promotions. Begin with teasing upcoming special menus and events, then ramp up your marketing efforts as December approaches to keep your restaurant top-of-mind for holiday gatherings and dining out.
What Sells the Most at Christmas Time?
During Christmas time, restaurants see a surge in traditional holiday dishes and beverage sales. Seasonal favorites such as roasted meats, including turkey and ham, and sides like mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce are particularly popular. Festive desserts like Christmas pudding, pies, and yule logs also top the sales charts. Additionally, themed cocktails and warm drinks like mulled wine and hot chocolate see increased demand, enhancing the festive dining experience.
What is 12 Days of Christmas Marketing Strategy?
The 12 Days of Christmas marketing strategy is a promotional campaign that runs during the 12 days leading up to Christmas. Businesses use this period to offer daily deals, discounts, or giveaways to boost sales, engage customers, and enhance brand visibility. Each day features a unique offer, encouraging repeat visits to websites or stores and increasing consumer interaction with the brand across various platforms. This strategy drives holiday sales and strengthens customer relationships during a key shopping season.
For more insights and updates on boosting your restaurant's success, be sure to check out our blog section. Let's make this holiday season truly magical for your business!
Recommended Articles:
