Introduction
As the holiday season approaches, diners are looking for festive places to celebrate, making it the perfect time for restaurants to stand out. From Thanksgiving to New Year's, your restaurant has unique opportunities to attract both new and returning customers. In this guide, we’ll explore 10 actionable holiday marketing strategies that will help you boost revenue, create memorable experiences, and keep your restaurant top of mind.
Why Holiday Marketing is Essential for Restaurants
The holiday season is a critical period for restaurants to increase visibility, attract diners, and drive sales. With consumers eager to dine out, celebrate, and enjoy seasonal treats, implementing effective holiday marketing strategies can help you capture this demand and turn it into revenue.
10 Holiday Marketing Strategies to Drive Revenue
1. Create Festive Menu Specials
Nothing says "holiday spirit" like a special menu tailored for the season. Feature limited-time offerings like pumpkin spice cocktails, holiday-themed desserts, or winter-inspired entrees to entice diners looking for a festive dining experience.
2. Host Holiday Events and Pop-Ups
Events like themed dinners, holiday brunches, or live music nights create memorable experiences that attract diners. Pop-up events, such as Christmas cookie decorating or gingerbread-making classes, also offer fun, family-friendly options that bring people into your restaurant.
3. Offer Gift Card Promotions
Gift cards make great holiday presents, and offering an added incentive like a bonus card for purchases over a certain amount can drive sales. Promote gift card sales heavily during the season to capitalize on last-minute gift-givers.
4. Partner with Local Influencers
Collaborate with influencers in your community to promote your holiday offerings. Influencers can spread the word to their followers, generating buzz around your restaurant. A well-timed post about your holiday specials, decor, or events can make a big impact on reservations.
5. Optimize Your Online Presence with Seasonal SEO
Update your website and Google My Business with holiday keywords like "holiday dining," "Christmas dinner near me," or "New Year's Eve restaurants" to attract customers searching for seasonal experiences. Using local keywords and focusing on “restaurants open on Christmas” or “festive dining” can also enhance visibility.
6. Run Holiday-Themed Social Media Campaigns
Share festive content on social media, like behind-the-scenes prep, holiday decor, or staff spotlights. Create engagement through a “Holiday Favorite” poll or countdown of holiday specials, and use seasonal hashtags to expand reach and attract holiday diners.
7. Offer Special Reservations for Large Groups
The holiday season is peak time for family gatherings, corporate parties, and friends' reunions. Consider offering group packages or discounts for large parties and promote this option as a solution for holiday get-togethers.
8. Launch a Limited-Time Loyalty Program
Encourage repeat visits by launching a holiday-themed loyalty program. Reward customers who dine multiple times during the season with discounts or special treats.
9. Use Email Marketing to Reach Your Regulars
Send out a holiday-themed email campaign to your subscriber list featuring your seasonal specials, holiday events, and exclusive offers. You can also send out reminders for last-minute reservations, promoting urgency and scarcity to boost bookings.
10. Decorate for the Holidays
Transform your restaurant with holiday decor to attract diners seeking a festive dining atmosphere. Decor that aligns with the season—think twinkling lights, wreaths, and holiday centerpieces—can create an inviting environment that keeps diners returning throughout the holidays.
Make This Holiday Season Unforgettable with a Strategic Approach
The holiday season offers a unique opportunity to increase revenue, foster customer loyalty, and establish your restaurant as a festive destination. By implementing these holiday marketing strategies, you can position your restaurant for success and create lasting memories for your diners.
Need Help with Holiday Marketing?
At Brand to Table, we specialize in innovative restaurant marketing solutions that can help you attract more diners and increase revenue this holiday season. From social media management to print collateral, we’ve got you covered. Contact us to learn more about our services and how we can help make this your best holiday season yet!

See Related Blog Posts
Insights, Ideas, and Marketing Inspiration for your restaurant.