Top 25 Best Restaurant Holiday Promotions to Boost Sales

Want to make your restaurant the talk of the town this holiday season? We’ve compiled the top 25 restaurant holiday promotions that will help you draw in customers and boost sales.

Whether it’s introducing special menus or hosting themed events, these strategies are designed to make your restaurant a must-visit festive spot.

Festive menus and limited-time offers

A special holiday menu attracts customers seeking a unique dining experience. The festive season makes people look for places offering something distinctive and celebratory. Unique offerings capturing the holiday spirit help restaurants stand out, drawing in crowds eager to indulge in holiday cheer. Visualize the excitement when customers see a menu filled with seasonal ingredients and holiday-themed dishes.

Limited-time holiday offerings create urgency and excitement. Knowing certain items are only available briefly, customers are more likely to make purchases to avoid missing out. This urgency increases the perceived value and exclusivity of products, making them more attractive. Seasonal bundles and unique holiday packaging further boost customer interest and demand.

Offering seasonal bundles provides a price advantage, appealing to customers. Discounted bundles can entice customers to buy more, boosting overall sales. Unique holiday bundles with festive packaging create a sense of occasion and make for excellent Christmas gifts, adding to the overall holiday magic.

What are examples of festive menus & offers? 

A great example would be a "Festive Feast" menu offered by a restaurant during December, featuring dishes like roast turkey with cranberry sauce, gingerbread-inspired desserts, and a holiday-themed cocktail. The menu could be paired with a promotion like a "Holiday Dinner for Two" bundle, including a discounted three-course meal and a festive drink.

Additionally, creating a signature dish only available during the holiday season, such as a peppermint hot chocolate or a spiced pumpkin pie, encourages customers to visit before the season ends, driving urgency and boosting sales.

Special holiday menus

A special holiday menu attracts customers seeking unique dining experiences during the festive season. Suggested Christmas dishes include showstopping roast ham, turkey, or duck, which can become the centerpiece of your holiday offerings. Incorporating fitting flavors that enhance the holiday spirit, like those provided by Caribou Coffee, can improve the dining experience.

Set menus or seasonal specials can justify higher prices during the festive season, as customers are willing to pay more for an exceptional holiday experience. These menus attract holiday shoppers and spread holiday cheer, making your restaurant a must-visit destination.

Festive items with strong value are a win for both the consumer and the restaurant. Keeping them at an affordable price means you offer a little luxury during the holiday season, while still maintaining profitability.

- Tillster advises

Source: Tillster

Seasonal upsells

Seasonal upsell options like holiday-themed desserts and specialty drinks enhance the dining experience. Picture your customers’ delight when offered a delicious peppermint hot chocolate or a mouth-watering gingerbread dessert. These upsells not only add to the festive atmosphere but also encourage customers to spend more, increasing your average order value (AOV).

Upselling during the holiday season aims to increase restaurant revenue, as guests are more willing to indulge. Promoting seasonal upsells can significantly boost sales and ensure customers leave with memorable holiday experiences. This strategy can be one of the most effective Christmas marketing ideas for your restaurant.

Limited-time takeout options

Holiday-specific items on the takeout menu appeal to customers celebrating at home. Many prefer enjoying holiday meals in the comfort of their own homes, and limited-time takeout options cater to this preference. Holiday meal kits and takeout options ensure convenience while spreading festive cheer to all customers.

These festive offerings enhance customer experience during the holiday season and provide additional revenue for your restaurant. Unique and convenient takeout options cater to a broader audience and boost Christmas sales.

Themed events and experiences

Holiday-themed events attract customers seeking ways to celebrate and keep your business top of mind for holiday shopping. Hosting themed events engages your community and creates lasting memories for customers. Imagine the joy and excitement as families and friends gather at your restaurant for a festive celebration.

Exclusive early bird discounts incentivize loyal customers to attend holiday events, while personalized invitations increase engagement and show appreciation. Interactive elements like Q&A sessions during holiday-themed events can boost customer engagement.

These experiences bring people together and enhance their overall dining experience, making your restaurant a go-to destination during the festive season.

Host holiday-themed nights

Holiday-themed nights attract customers seeking a festive dining experience. Incorporate interactive elements like Q&A sessions and special offers to enhance customer engagement. Hosting a trivia night with holiday-themed questions or a karaoke night featuring Christmas carols can create a fun and lively atmosphere, encouraging customers to return for more.

Special offers and discounts during holiday-themed nights entice customers to attend. Exclusive promotions attract a larger crowd and boost holiday sales. This strategy not only spreads holiday cheer but also helps in building a loyal customer base.

Table-side activities

Interactive table-side activities make dining experiences more memorable for families during the holiday season. Activities like gingerbread house decorating or ornament crafting provide fun and engagement, especially for children. Visualize the laughter and creativity filling your restaurant as families bond over these festive activities.

Interactive activities encourage families to stay longer and enjoy their meals, increasing satisfaction and potentially higher sales. Creating a warm, engaging atmosphere enhances the dining experience and builds a loyal customer base eager to return year after year.

Festive brunches and high teas

Special brunch or high tea sessions with seasonal menus attract daytime customers seeking festive dining options. Picture a beautifully decorated table with holiday-themed foods and drinks, creating a perfect setting for a holiday brunch with friends or family.

Festive menus combined with holiday-themed decorations enhance the dining atmosphere and support increased sales through customer attraction. These special brunches can become a highlight of the holiday season, encouraging reservations and spreading holiday cheer.

Gift cards and loyalty programs

Gift cards are a popular and effective gift option during the holiday season. They are convenient, thoughtful, and easily personalized. Unique holiday-themed gift cards can make them even more attractive to shoppers.

Printed or digital holiday cards can enhance customer loyalty and promote gift card purchases. Including special offers or discounts encourages customers to visit your restaurant after the holidays.

Loyalty programs can significantly improve sales during the Christmas season as customers seek out deals and gifts. Implementing these strategies can boost holiday sales and build a loyal customer base that returns throughout the year.

Promote unique gift cards

Exclusive holiday-themed designs for gift cards make them more attractive to diners. Festive imagery and messages make them perfect for holiday gifts. Additionally, gift cards are cost-effective because they are inexpensive to produce and often remain unused.

By promoting unique gift cards, you can attract more holiday diners and boost your sales. These gift cards can also help you collect valuable guest data, which can be used for future marketing campaigns.

Holiday loyalty rewards

Many consumers view loyalty programs as crucial, with 63% considering them important. Holiday-specific rewards in loyalty programs encourage customers to return more frequently during the festive season.

Holiday-themed bonuses in loyalty programs increase customer engagement and drive sales. These rewards encourage repeat visits and build stronger customer relationships, making your restaurant a favorite holiday destination.

Partner with local businesses

Collaborating with local businesses creates new promotional opportunities that attract a wider audience. Partnering with nearby shops or services allows for bundled gift card packages, driving cross-promotion and bringing in more customers.

These partnerships improve community presence and build strong local relationships. Working together with other businesses creates a supportive network that benefits everyone involved.

Social media campaigns and engagement

Social media is a powerful tool for engaging customers during the holiday season. Running a giveaway contest increases engagement and attracts more followers. A Christmas-specific hashtag and encouraging customers to share photos for a chance to win can create a buzz around your restaurant.

Link social media posts to a holiday landing page or booking widget, making it easier for customers to access offers. Engage audiences with festive content using Stories to maintain visibility during the holidays. This strategy boosts engagement and drives traffic to your restaurant.

Create festive content

Festive content helps build excitement and engage followers throughout the holiday season. Share how-to guides, recipes, and festive stock photos to maintain interest. Encourage customers to share their holiday experiences using a unique hashtag to foster community engagement.

Incorporate red and green color schemes in decor to enhance visual appeal and attract customers. Festive content keeps social media followers engaged and excited about visiting your restaurant during the holidays.

Run holiday contests

Holidays are a prime time for brands to use giveaways to increase awareness and engagement. A social media contest generates engagement and positive interactions, making it an effective Christmas marketing strategy. Contests generate user-generated content by asking participants to share photos featuring the brand’s products.

Common giveaway requirements include liking the post, sharing on stories, and tagging friends. These actions increase contest visibility and attract more participants.

Hashtag campaigns

Encouraging customers to tag the brand while using a branded hashtag boosts social media interactions. This simple yet effective strategy can significantly increase your restaurant’s online presence during the holiday season.

Motivate customers to tag the brand and use a branded hashtag to boost engagement. Creating a sense of community and excitement around your restaurant attracts more holiday shoppers and boosts sales.

Email marketing strategies

Festive emails during the holiday season can greatly boost seasonal sales. Using customer data for personalization creates targeted email campaigns, making customers feel valued. Including discounts or special offers in Christmas newsletters can attract more customers.

Christmas email campaigns can feature additional incentives like free shipping to encourage purchases. Urgency tactics like countdown timers enhance the effectiveness of holiday email promotions. Successful email marketing campaigns during the holidays yield a high return on investment, especially when part of a Christmas campaign.

Personalized holiday greetings

Personalized emails with festive greetings and tailored offers make customers feel valued. Invite loyal customers to special holiday events with exclusive access or early bird discounts.

Cart abandonment emails with festive themes remind customers of pending reservations or gift card purchases. These personalized touches can significantly impact customer engagement and sales.

Holiday event invitations

Targeted email campaigns inform customers about holiday promotions, special events, and exclusive offers. Festive greetings and tailored offers make customers feel valued and appreciated.

Invite loyal customers to special holiday events with early bird discounts or exclusive access to show appreciation. These targeted emails enhance customer loyalty and drive higher attendance at holiday events.

Cart abandonment reminders

The purpose of cart abandonment emails is to remind customers of products left in their cart to increase sales. Incorporating festive themes into cart abandonment emails can make reminders more appealing.

These emails should be designed with a Christmas theme, utilizing seasonal images like presents, Christmas trees, and decorations. By reminding customers of their pending purchases during Christmas shopping, you can reduce cart abandonment rates and boost your holiday sales.

For restaurant owners, cart abandonment reminders can be a game-changer for online orders or gift card sales. Remind customers about incomplete orders on your website or app with a festive twist.

For example, use a Christmas theme featuring seasonal elements like twinkling lights, festive dishes, or decorated tables. Highlight the benefits of ordering now, like securing a spot for holiday dining or grabbing that perfect gift card. A friendly nudge during the holiday rush can boost conversions and keep your restaurant top of mind.

Enhancing the in-house dining experience

Enhancing the in-house dining experience during the holiday season can create a warm and inviting atmosphere for customers. Interactive table-side activities, such as gingerbread house decorating, can entertain guests and encourage them to spend more time at the venue. These activities not only enhance the dining experience but also build a sense of community and holiday cheer.

Incorporating festive decorations and holiday music can further enhance the atmosphere, making your restaurant a must-visit destination during the holidays. Creating a welcoming environment can attract more holiday shoppers and boost your sales.

Festive decorations

Decorating your restaurant with Christmas-themed decorations improves the overall festive experience for customers. Incorporate items such as a Christmas tree, ornaments, and themed table settings to create a cozy ambiance. Using festive lighting helps to create a welcoming atmosphere that attracts more holiday diners and draws attention to your Christmas decorations.

These decorations not only improve the dining experience but also make for great photo opportunities, encouraging customers to share their experiences on social media. This can increase your restaurant’s visibility and attract more customers.

Holiday music and entertainment

Integrating live performances or holiday music enhances the festive atmosphere and engages shoppers. Live performances, such as musicians or carolers, can draw in customers and enhance the holiday spirit at your restaurant.

Incorporating live performances during festive periods can significantly uplift the dining experience. These performances create a lively and joyful atmosphere, making your restaurant a go-to destination for holiday celebrations.

Photo opportunities

Incorporating fun props and seasonal decorations in photo areas can encourage customer engagement and enhance their overall experience. A photo contest can feature exciting prizes such as cash rewards or free services to entice participation.

Creating memorable customer experiences through festive photo booths contributes to lasting memories for both the customers and the restaurant. Set up holiday-themed photo booths or backdrops where customers can take pictures and share their experiences on social media. This not only improves the customer experience but also increases your restaurant’s visibility.

Community involvement and charitable initiatives

Engaging in charity partnerships can significantly increase community goodwill and customer loyalty. Running a charity can showcase a business’s commitment to giving back to the community during the holiday season. Brands can pledge donations for every holiday post using their specific branded hashtag to increase engagement.

Businesses can donate a specific amount or a Christmas gift to charity for each holiday post shared. Creating unique holiday-themed experiences can help businesses connect emotionally with their patrons during the festive season.

Charity partnerships

Partnering with charities can attract and retain customers who want to donate. Restaurants can involve customers by creating limited-edition products and donating part of the earnings or inviting donations to supported charities.

It is essential for restaurants to maintain transparency about donations and effectively communicate the results. An example of a successful charity partnership is a Christmas donation campaign that involves multiple charities.

Host fundraising events

Fundraising events can create a fun and engaging atmosphere while supporting local causes. These events not only help raise money but also enhance customer loyalty and community relations.

Consider incorporating sponsorships and point contributions as alternative types of donations beyond monetary ones. These events can bring the community together and create a positive impact on both your restaurant and the local area.

Volunteer opportunities

Participating in community service projects allows restaurants to build strong relationships with their local areas. Partnering with local charities creates opportunities for customers and staff to work together, enhancing community ties.

Organizing fundraising events encourages staff and customers to volunteer together, further strengthening community bonds. Engaging in these community-focused initiatives fosters goodwill and improves the restaurant’s reputation as a community leader.

Creative advertising and promotions

Creating eye-catching holiday-themed advertisements can effectively promote special offers and attract customers to your restaurant. Running charitable campaigns during the holiday season can enhance your brand’s reputation and foster customer loyalty.

To increase sales during the holiday season, businesses should portray the holiday spirit in their marketing ideas and campaigns. Offering incentives like free shipping in cart abandonment emails can significantly reduce abandonment rates and encourage purchases.

Holiday-themed advertisements

Incorporating seasonal buzzwords in ads helps to create a festive atmosphere. Examples of holiday-themed promotions include Advent calendars or Christmas bundles. Creating eye-catching holiday ads is essential to attract customers and promote special offers effectively.

These advertisements can capture the holiday spirit and draw in more customers, boosting your holiday sales with the best Christmas marketing ideas in your Christmas marketing campaign ideas and Christmas promotion ideas.

Collaborate with influencers

Collaborate with social media influencers to effectively promote Christmas sales. Select influencers whose audience aligns with your brand to maximize engagement and reach. For every $1 invested in influencer marketing, the return can be as high as $6.50. Micro-influencers can provide a loyal customer base that enhances brand visibility.

By working with influencers, you can reach a wider audience and boost your holiday sales.

Flash sales and limited-time discounts

Urgency in promotions is often communicated by clearly stating the end date and time. Offering flash sales or limited-time discounts creates a sense of urgency that encourages immediate bookings or purchases. These tactics can drive more sales and attract holiday diners looking for the best deals.

By creating a sense of urgency, you can boost your holiday sales and make the most of the festive season.

Conclusion 

In summary, the holiday season offers a wealth of opportunities for restaurants to boost sales and spread holiday cheer. By implementing strategies such as special holiday menus, themed events, gift cards, social media campaigns, email marketing, improving in-house dining experiences, and community involvement, you can create a festive atmosphere that attracts customers and maximizes your holiday sales. Embrace the holiday magic and make this season the best one yet for your restaurant!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some effective holiday promotions for restaurants?

Offering special holiday menus and limited-time offers can attract guests, while themed events and gift card promotions add excitement. Embrace social media campaigns to boost engagement, and your restaurant will flourish this holiday season!

How can I use social media to boost holiday sales?

You can boost your holiday sales by creating festive content and running holiday contests on social media. Encourage your customers to share their experiences with branded hashtags to amplify your reach and engagement!

What are the benefits of partnering with local businesses?

Partnering with local businesses creates fantastic promotional opportunities and helps you reach a broader audience. It's a win-win that can really boost your success!

How can loyalty programs be enhanced for the holidays?

Enhancing loyalty programs for the holidays is a fantastic way to engage customers. Consider offering holiday-specific rewards, exclusive discounts, and personalized invitations to special events.

What are some creative advertising ideas for the holiday season?

Embrace the holiday spirit by creating festive advertisements, partnering with influencers for wider reach, and launching exciting flash sales. These engaging strategies can make your brand stand out and attract eager customers this season!