Restaurant Christmas Ideas: Jingle All the Way to Your Table

While most industries slow down in the month of December, restaurants experience a surge of celebrations. Some restaurants are looking for ways to turn your restaurant into the most festive destination.

Our restaurant Christmas ideas can transform your dining space from ordinary to extraordinary with strategic holiday promotion and marketing ideas.

We’ve compiled the best insider tips to have your tables packed and your sales boosted. Read on!

Restaurant Christmas Ideas for Promotion

Thinking of creating a festive atmosphere, offering unique deals, or engaging with your local community? Here are some creative promotion ideas for your restaurant.

Let Everyone Know You’re Open

If your restaurant stays open, let people know about it! Here are ways to get started:

• Update your website with clear opening hours and a festive message banner or pop-up on the homepage.
• Update your Google Business Profile (GBP) opening hours.
• Spread the word across all your social media platforms.
• Create eye-catching posts and pin them to the top of your social media feeds so they stay front and center.
• Distribute flyers locally or have them available in-store for customers to take home.
• Hang signage on your front door.

The more you spread the message, the better the chances locals will know you’re open during the holiday season.

Create a Dedicated Menu

Introduce unique restaurant menu ideas like a special brunch offer or festive twists on classic dishes. You could feature a turkey sandwich or a chocolate yule log to spice things up.

Let your diners know how long your special holiday menu will be available, whether it’s just for a few days or running throughout the holiday season. This can help drive traffic and create urgency.

If you’re planning a seasonal menu change, check out our helpful guide on how to implement it.

Offer Unique Gift Cards

Promote restaurant gift cards as the perfect stocking stuffer or last-minute gift. You can even create special vouchers or rewards for guests who purchase multiple cards. 

Also, make it easy for customers to pick up and personalize their gift cards online or in-store. This can boost your gift card sales over the holidays.

For example, a holiday gift card worth $50 could come with a bonus $10 card for future use. You can also partner with other local businesses to create cross-promotion opportunities that attract new customers.

The result? Customers are encouraged to repeat visits beyond the holiday season.

Decorate for a Themed Restaurant Look

The season wouldn’t be the same without that classic red-green decoration that embodies the holiday spirit. Here are some decorating ideas for restaurants to set the mood right and draw in customers:

• Hang white or warm white lights along windows, doorframes, and around the dining area.
• Place a wreath on the entrance door and windows.
• Set up a tree in the entrance or corner of the dining area, and drape garlands along the walls and staircase.
• Hang stockings over the fireplace (if you have one) or along the bar area for a cozy feel.
• Scatter small gift boxes around the tables, bar, and near the entrance for a festive touch.
• Use red and green tablecloths, napkins, and chair covers for that classic holiday look.
• Light up scented candles on tables and around the dining area to fill the air with amazing scents.

Create a To-Go Bundle

A to-go bundle can be a game-changer for customers looking for a hassle-free holiday feast. Offer a bundle that includes all the holiday classics: a roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.

You can even add some fun twists like a holiday food platter or dessert packs with pies and cookies.

Remember to promote your takeout bundles well in advance, as many people plan their holiday events early.

Be the Go-to Restaurant for Safe Parties & Events

Want to become the go-to destination for holiday events? Offering packages for parties and gatherings is a great idea.

You can host:

• Office holiday parties, special for corporate gatherings. Include fun activities like a Secret Santa gift exchange or a trivia game.
• A special holiday menu with seasonal cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a cozy ambiance.
• Family dinner with discounts for large groups or children’s menu specials. A visit from Santa or holiday-themed entertainment would make it even more special.
• A holiday-themed Eve dinner for families and those looking to celebrate early.
• New Year’s Eve celebrations feature a special holiday menu or specials, champagne toasts, and a countdown at midnight.
• Charity fundraisers are where you partner with local charities and encourage people to donate gifts or money for those in need.
• Themed dinner parties with themes like “A Winter Wonderland” or “Around the World”.

Make Ordering and Reservation Interactive

Instead of going the old way, streamline your ordering and reservation process with interactive tools. Here’s how to get started:

Interactive Tableside Ordering

Make dining more efficient and fun with interactive QR codes for ordering on the table. Your guests can easily scan and place their orders directly from their smartphones.

This speeds up the process, reduces wait times, and enhances the customer experience. Plus, it’s a great way to keep your restaurant’s operations smooth during the busy holiday season.

Virtual Holiday Menu Preview

Give guests a sneak peek of your special holiday menu with a virtual menu preview. This helps with decision-making ahead of time.

You can upload a PDF or provide an online version of your menu that’s easy for customers to browse before they arrive. Some restaurants use online URL shorteners to customize a compilation of links and place them in their social media bios for easy access. 

Online Reservation Games

Make online reservations fun and interactive by adding small rewards or mini-games. Give them a chance to win discounts or free appetizers when they book a table through your online system.

Countdown and Limited-time Offers

Display a clock counting down to special giveaways, holiday deals, or last-minute reservations to pressure your customers to act quickly. This technique taps into the fear of missing out (FOMO) and can help drive bookings and holiday sales.

Augmented Reality(AR) Experiences

Incorporate AR into your holiday promotions so that customers can interact with cute visuals right from their phones, such as animated Santa appearances and holiday-themed games.

Learn more about how to implement AR in your restaurant through this augmented reality marketing guide.

Restaurants Marketing Tips

Want to maximize the result of your promotion ideas? Check out our curated actionable marketing tips for your restaurant.

Create a Custom Landing Page for Bookings

Directing bookings to a custom seasonal landing page for holiday bookings can make it easy for customers to secure their spot at your restaurant.

Include a clear call-to-action for customers to reserve their tables. This dedicated booking page can help increase reservations and keep things organized throughout the busy season.

Leverage Social Media

Social media is a powerful tool for spreading holiday cheer and showcasing your specials. Take inspiration from places like Cosi Bar Ristorante, who posted a reel on Instagram to show off their holiday decorations and menu.

Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are great ways to connect with your audience. And don’t forget to use fun hashtags or even create a promotional video to help spread the word about your restaurant’s events and special menu, which could include a prix fixe option.

Personalize Emails and Text Messages

Email remains one of the best marketing channels for generating leads. Send personalized emails or texts to your customers highlighting special menu ideas or exclusive holiday offers.

You can use their past dining history to suggest menu items they might like or offer them a discount on their next visit.

And if you want to make your emails even more effective, check out this guide on targeted email marketing.

Make the Most of Your Loyalty Program

Restaurant loyalty programs are a fantastic way to encourage repeat visits and show appreciation for your regular customers.

For example, you could offer double points for customers who book a dinner or order holiday takeout. These rewards will encourage them to come back well into the new year.

You could even create exclusive offers for loyalty members, like early access to reservations or a free dessert for their next holiday meal.

Don’t Forget About In-Store Advertising

As your guests enjoy their meal, inform them about your special promotions. Deck the place with holiday decorations and create eye-catching displays to draw attention to your offers—this atmosphere doubles as a marketing tool.

For example, you could put up a festive sign near the entrance or by the cash register advertising an event or limited-time holiday dish. You can also have flyers or posters on the tables to encourage customers to book for a special menu or event.

Involve Your Staff 

Encourage your team to show up with a spirit and outfit. Depending on your restaurant’s vibes, wear an elegant red-green-themed outfit, a touch of holiday-themed makeup, or even reindeer antlers.

Your team’s energy and enthusiasm will rub off on diners, making their experience more memorable.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Bringing your restaurant Christmas ideas to life this holiday season (for those who celebrate) can truly make your business stand out. From eye-catching social media posts to personalized emails and festive in-store promotions, every detail helps create a memorable experience for your guests.

But with so many marketing ideas, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s why partnering with a trusted digital marketing agency is a smart move.

Ready to jingle all the way to your holiday marketing? Contact SEO for Restaurants for expert guidance.