Feast Mode: How To Sleigh Your Restaurant’s Holiday Marketing

It’s that time of year again, where everything gets sprinkled with holiday cheer—and a little extra stress. For restaurants, the holiday season is the ultimate feast-or-famine situation (pun very much intended). With catering requests, private parties, and group bookings rolling in, this is your chance to deck the halls and pack your dining room to the brim. But how exactly do you get ahead of the competition and *sleigh* the holiday marketing game?

If you’re wondering how to make your restaurant the go-to spot for holiday gatherings, parties, and festive feasts, I’ve got you covered. Whether you're offering catering, hosting private parties, or just want to turn those empty weeknight tables into gift-wrapped profit, it's time to cook up a marketing plan that’ll leave your competition in the snow.

Start Early (Yes, Like, Now)

In holiday marketing, timing is everything. People start planning holiday parties and events much earlier than you think—we’re talking September / October early, if not sooner. The trick is to start marketing your holiday offerings before the festive frenzy hits. Don’t wait until Thanksgiving to start promoting your Christmas catering menu; by then, your competitors will have already gobbled up all the bookings.

Some strategies to unwrap:

Launch a teaser campaign: Start building anticipation by sharing sneak peeks of your holiday menu, photos from previous holiday parties, or behind-the-scenes shots of your team prepping for the season.

Send a "holiday save the date" email: Reach out to your existing customers and let them know you're accepting bookings for private parties and catering orders. Offer early-bird discounts for those who book before a certain date—think of it as your version of a "Black Friday" deal.

Cater to the Crowd (Literally)

If there’s one thing that goes hand-in-hand with the holidays, it’s food (and lots of it). This is your chance to become a holiday hero by offering catering services for all those office parties, family gatherings, and "Friendsmas" dinners. Whether it’s a festive buffet, a specialized holiday menu, or even a “build-your-own” meal kit for takeout, catering can be a major revenue driver during this time of year.

How to plate it up:

Create a customizable holiday catering menu: Not everyone wants the same cookie-cutter options. Offer a variety of dishes to suit different tastes and dietary restrictions, from vegan-friendly fare to gluten-free indulgences.

Promote "last-minute catering" solutions: Not everyone plans ahead (we're looking at you, procrastinators), so make sure to market your ability to handle last-minute holiday orders.

Offer catering bundles: Create packages for different party sizes, making it easy for customers to order without getting decision paralysis. For example, “Dinner for 10,” “Holiday Feast for 20,” or “Office Party Special” with wine pairings.

Host the Most Festive Private Parties in Town

Private dining rooms, cozy patios, or that picturesque corner of your restaurant—these spaces are prime real estate for holiday parties. Now’s the time to market your venue as the place for companies and families to hold their holiday bashes, and let's be honest, who wouldn’t want to avoid hosting a 30-person family dinner in their own home?

Here’s how to make your space the life of the (holiday) party:

Offer a range of private dining options: From intimate dinners for a few close friends to full-blown company holiday parties, make sure your venue can cater to different sizes and needs. Promote these options clearly on your website and social media.

Add unique experiences: Want to take your holiday parties to the next level? Offer extras like live music, holiday-themed cocktails, or a “create your own dessert” station for a memorable experience. These little touches make your space more desirable.

Package deals: Offer group discounts, or special rates for parties that book during off-peak hours or weeknights. Everybody loves a good deal, even at Christmas.

Create a Festive (and Instagrammable) Atmosphere

If your restaurant doesn’t scream holiday spirit, are you even doing it right? Guests want to feel like they’ve stepped into a winter wonderland when they walk into your space, so now’s the time to go all out with your decorations, holiday playlists, and twinkling lights.

And in case you missed the memo, holiday decor isn’t just for setting the mood—it’s for your social media feed. The more festive your space looks, the more likely your guests are to snap photos and share them. (Think of it as free marketing.)

Deck the halls with these tips:

Go big on decor: Tastefully deck out your restaurant with holiday lights, wreaths, garlands, and themed table settings. Bonus points if you create a dedicated photo-worthy corner (hello, Instagram).

Holiday-themed specials: Make your menu festive with seasonal cocktails (spiked eggnog, anyone?), peppermint desserts, or holiday brunch options. Name your specials after holiday puns or characters—people will talk about your “Santa Sangria” or “Frosty’s Brunch.”

Create shareable moments: Add small, interactive touches, like placing holiday cards on tables for customers to write their favorite holiday memory and post on your wall. Encourage guests to share their experience using a custom holiday hashtag.

Gift Cards and Special Offers

Gift cards are the perfect stocking stuffer, and in 2024, they’re just as much a marketing tool as they are a convenient present. Promote your restaurant’s gift cards as the ultimate holiday gift—because, let’s face it, we all know someone who’s impossible to shop for.

How to wrap it up:

Offer a gift card promotion: “Buy a $50 gift card, get $10 for yourself” deals are a win-win. It encourages customers to purchase gift cards for friends and family while incentivizing them to return and spend more later.

Bundle it with the experience: Create “experience packages” that include a gift card and something special, like a reserved table for two or a pre-selected multi-course meal.

Run a social media giveaway: Generate buzz and excitement by offering gift cards as prizes for your holiday social media contests. This not only promotes your gift cards but also increases engagement.

Leverage Email and Social Media to Build Hype

Your restaurant may be magical, but unless people know about your holiday offerings, they won’t show up. The solution? Email marketing and social media are your digital elves, working around the clock to spread the word.

How to sparkle on the socials:

Send holiday-themed emails: Don’t just blast out your standard promotion. Instead, send a series of festive, fun emails showcasing your holiday specials, catering options, and private party availability. Throw in holiday puns, a festive design, and a clear call to action.

Create a social media calendar: Plan a series of posts counting down to the holidays. Include sneak peeks of your holiday menu, behind-the-scenes videos of your team prepping for the season, or customer testimonials from past holiday events.

Use paid social ads: If you’re serious about filling up those bookings, invest in targeted social media ads. Focus on locals who are likely to be searching for holiday parties or catering options.

Don’t Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle

With the right marketing plan, your restaurant can turn the holiday season into a jingle all the way to the bank. Whether you’re offering catering, hosting private parties, or serving up festive specials, the key is to start early, get creative, and deliver experiences that guests won’t forget.

And if you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by the holiday hustle, don’t worry—Golden Hour Co. Digital Agency has your back. From strategy to social media to email marketing, we specialize in hospitality marketing that drives results (and keeps you off the naughty list). Ready to get started? Email danielle@goldenhourcodigital.com to get in touch!