Christmas Promotion Ideas for Restaurant (2023)
Are you looking for new and exciting Christmas promotion ideas for restaurants? If so, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we will discuss a few ideas you can use to bring in more customers during the holiday season. So read on and get inspired!
![revolutionary platform of off-premise solutions](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/652161d4e603efdd9f2fba94/6549406772fc97d83b1ef77c_6385ae10fafb8855f70ea22f_5.png)
Christmas Promotion Ideas for Restaurant
Christmas is a time when people come together to celebrate. It’s a time for giving and spending time with family and friends. For many, it’s also a time for eating delicious food.
If you’re a restaurant owner, this is the perfect opportunity to promote your business and bring in more customers. Here are 26 Christmas promotion ideas that will help you do just that.
- Create a Festive Menu
For a holiday-inspired menu, consider adding seasonal flavors and twists to some of your restaurant’s classic dishes. Consider incorporating ingredients like cranberries, pumpkin puree, winter greens, and root vegetables into popular meals or specialty cocktails.
You can also add special Christmas-inspired dishes such as chestnut ravioli, honey-glazed ham, or potato latkes. Offering these special items will make your restaurant stand out from competitors and give customers something to look forward to each year during the festive holidays!
- Host Special Holiday Events
From a holiday-themed trivia night to a festive ugly sweater party, hosting special events during the Christmas season is one of the best ways for restaurants to attract new customers and create buzz. Offer discounts or giveaways for patrons who attend, and advertise the event in advance on social media.
You can also partner with other local businesses to host joint events that will draw even more people in. Make sure to deck out your restaurant or bar with decorations and play some Christmas music to get everyone in the holiday spirit!
- Promote Holiday Gift Packages
Create special holiday gift packages that customers can purchase as presents for friends and family. This could include a set meal deal or a selection of gift cards, products, or merchandise from your restaurant. This is also a great way to get more people aware of your brand and encourage them to visit your establishment in the future!
- Take Christmas Restaurant Reservations
Reservations are a great way to increase your business during the holiday season. Offering customers the option to reserve their table for Christmas dinner can make life easier for them and help you stay organized.
Make sure to offer an easy-to-use online reservation system or a direct phone line that customers can call to book their table. You could also give special discounts or freebies if customers pre-book their tables ahead of time. This will create more anticipation and encourage people to plan ahead, so they don’t miss out on the chance to dine at your restaurant for Christmas.
- Holiday Themed Contests and Games
Contests and games are a great way to create an interactive customer experience. By hosting holiday-themed contests and games, you can get your customers in the festive spirit.
For example, offer a ‘Guess How Many Ornaments are in the Jar’ game or an Ugly Christmas Sweater Competition. Make sure to offer up great prizes for those who participate.
- Offer Catering Services
Consider offering restaurant catering services during this time, whether for office parties or family gatherings. Having the convenience of ordering food from your restaurant will be greatly appreciated by many. Be sure to advertise this offer in advance to let people know what you’re offering.
- Offer Online Ordering and Takeaway
Offering online ordering and takeaway is a great way to capitalize on the holiday rush. With increased mobility, customers can order from the convenience of their own homes or offices.
Restaurants can use readily available restaurant technology, such as Google Food Ordering to facilitate this process for customers. This option also allows restaurants to access customers who may not be able to physically come in due to time constraints or distance. Furthermore, offering delivery services during the holidays adds an extra layer of convenience that many customers may appreciate.
- Donate to Charity
Show your customers that you’re more than just a business—you care about your community and the people in it too! Offer promotions where you can donate a certain percentage of sales to a charity of your choice, which adds an extra element of goodwill and do some good at the same time.
- Host a Christmas-Inspired Cooking Class
Invite customers to join you in the kitchen and learn how to make a classic holiday dish, like roast turkey or gingerbread cookies. Not only will they have fun learning something new, but they’ll also leave with a delicious meal!
- Offer Festive Discounts
Restaurants can offer festive discounts to keep customers coming back during the holiday season. These discounts could include a special price for a meal or a discount on drinks and desserts.
Restaurants can also use this as an opportunity to highlight seasonal menu items by offering a discounted price. This is an effective way to entice customers looking to save money while enjoying their favorite restaurants.
Additionally, restaurants can create loyalty programs that reward customers for frequent visits during the holidays with additional discounts and perks. Customers love feeling appreciated and will return if they know they are getting something extra for their patronage.
- Set Up a Photo Booth
Give your guests an opportunity to take fun holiday snaps at your restaurant. Decorate it with festive props and offer them something special if they post the photos on social media using specific hashtags.
- Serve Special Holiday Drinks
Holiday drinks are a great way to add festive flavor to your restaurant during the holiday season. Consider creating special holiday-themed drinks like hot cocoa floats, pumpkin-spiced lattes, eggnog, or even rum-spiced hot chocolate for your guests. Not only will this boost sales of beverages, but it also adds to the overall experience and atmosphere of the restaurant.
- Decorate Your Space
No matter what size your restaurant is, decorations are a must for the holiday season. Decorate your walls, tabletops, and windows with festive colors, lights, and garlands! Don’t forget to put up a Christmas tree if you have the space! It helps add to the atmosphere and puts customers in the season’s spirit.
To save money on decorations, consider using natural elements like greenery or pinecones to create a cozy winter vibe. You can also set out themed-place settings to give your guests extra holiday cheer.
![BinWise inventory management CTA](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/652161d4e603efdd9f2fba94/65494076d9af84e7028ded87_6385ac0c0a1e07dd8e464aa0_BinWise-inventory-management-CTA.jpeg)
- Hand Out Treats to Guests
Give each of your customers something special when they dine with you this Christmas season. You could offer complimentary desserts, holiday-themed gifts, or even a voucher for their next visit.
- Multichannel Promotions
Using multiple channels is a great way to create visibility for your Christmas promotion. Utilize social media, email campaigns, website banners and other restaurant digital marketing techniques to spread the word about your restaurant’s holiday offerings. With more people relying on digital sources for information, having an effective multichannel presence can help you reach more potential customers.
- Sell Online Gift Cards
Gift cards are a popular holiday present, so why not use them to your value proposition for restaurant brands by selling online gift cards for your restaurant? Customers can purchase these cards for friends and family or as a treat for themselves. By offering gift cards, customers can give the gift of delicious food without running out and buying a present.
Furthermore, it encourages people to come back again in the future, which will help increase restaurant sales. You may also add a special holiday message to each card as a marketing tool.
- Have Gourmet Gift Boxes Or Other Unique Gifts for Sale
Give your customers something special to remember you by. Offer festive gourmet gift boxes filled with delectable treats, seasonal beverages, or other unique gifts. Make sure the presentation is on point—you want your gift boxes to look as merry and bright as possible!
You could also provide a gift-wrapping station for extra convenience and an added festive touch. Include promotional flyers inside each box to inform customers about upcoming specials and events this holiday season. This will help spread word-of-mouth advertising while giving your customers something special to thank them for their patronage. Your restaurant will be the talk of the town during the holidays!
- Host Ho-Ho-Happy Hour Events
Take advantage of the holiday season by hosting ho-ho-happy hour events. Offer discounted appetizers and drinks to draw in a crowd, and create festive decorations and music to make your restaurant stand out.
Encourage people to come early for dinner or stay late for drinks with their friends to get into the holiday spirit. Host a costume contest and give away prizes like gift cards or free meals at your restaurant for an extra special touch. Make sure to promote these events on social media so more people can join in the fun!
- Design Holiday Desserts to Go
Restaurants can add a festive touch to their holiday menu by designing special holiday desserts. Offer small, premade desserts that customers can take home and enjoy with family or friends.
Popular ideas include Christmas cookies, gingerbread houses, eggnog cupcakes, peppermint fudge brownies, and classic pies like pumpkin or apple. For an added bonus, restaurants can package these mini treats in holiday-themed boxes with ribbon and bow for an extra special surprise.
- Offer Seasonal Cocktails
Nothing can make a Christmas dinner or night out more festive than a special cocktail. Consider offering themed drinks such as candy cane martinis, cranberry margaritas, and eggnog mojitos during the holiday season.
Offer these drinks at an affordable price to encourage customers to indulge in your festive creations. You can also offer discounts on cocktails when customers order food as an added incentive. To get into the spirit of things, decorate your bar top with decorations and serve up these drinks in seasonal mugs – it’ll be sure to put a smile on everyone’s face!
- Offer Party Packages
Create special festive party packages for groups of different sizes or different types of events, such as corporate parties or family gatherings. These can include a set menu, drinks, festive decorations, and entertainment.
Ensure the packages are available in different price ranges to appeal to all budgets. Consider offering discounts or freebies such as desserts or mocktails to add value and encourage people to book with you. You could also offer discounts on large orders like catering platters to entice big groups.
- Feature Your Team In a Fun and Festive Holiday Video
Bring your restaurant’s holiday spirit to life by creating a video featuring your team. Show customers the behind-the-scenes fun and excitement of the season while giving them a sneak peek into special holiday promotions or menu items.
The video can be shared on social media or featured on your website to boost visibility. You could make it interactive by asking viewers to comment with their favorite Christmas dishes or share their festive experiences at your restaurant. This will surely make people feel merry and bright about your business this time of year.
- Reward Loyal Customers and Invite Them to Your Restaurant
Surprise your loyal customers with an exclusive invitation to a special Christmas event at your restaurant. Offer them discounts, unique gift cards for their meals, or even free drinks and desserts.
Additionally, you can host a restaurant loyalty program where customers earn points for every dollar they spend at your restaurant – later redeemable for special offers. This way, you’ll reward their loyalty and make them feel appreciated. Doing this will boost customer loyalty and increase foot traffic during the holiday season.
- Partner Up With Food Influencers
Partnering with food influencers is one of the most effective ways to promote your restaurant’s Christmas specials. Reach out to local bloggers or Instagrammers who have a large following and offer them free or discounted meals in exchange for promoting your dishes on their social media accounts.
You can also explore offering rewards like gift cards, coupons, or merchandise to entice influencers to discuss your restaurant’s holiday menu. Word-of-mouth marketing through these influencers is a great way to spread the word about your festive offerings quickly, and among potential customers you may not have had access to.
- Host a Christmas Giveaway
Giveaways are an excellent way to increase exposure and attract customers to your restaurant during the holiday season. Consider offering giveaways such as gift cards, free meals, or discounts for items on your menu. You can promote the giveaway through social media, email campaigns, or in-store handouts.
Make sure to set a deadline so that customers know when they need to enter. This will help create a sense of urgency and increase participation rates. Additionally, make sure to clearly state the rules of your giveaway so that everyone knows what they need to do to take part!
- Take Advantage of the Post-Christmas Hype
Make the most of post-Christmas sales and promotional events by running exciting offers to capitalize on the holiday excitement. Offer discounts on food items or drinks, such as a “buy one get one free” deal or special menu items for a limited time.
You could also run competitions where customers can enter to win prizes related to your restaurant. These promotions will help build loyalty among your customers and keep them coming back even after Christmas.
Additionally, consider advertising campaigns targeting people still in the festive spirit even after Christmas is over – think-themed cocktails and decorations! Let them know about deals they won’t want to miss out on!
12 Days of Christmas Restaurant Ideas
Another interesting Christmas promotion ideas for restaurants is to create a special menu inspired by the lyrics of “The 12 Days of Christmas.” The menu could be offered from December 13 through December 24, with specials offered each day as part of a festive countdown.
Here are some examples:
- 1st day of Christmas: Start off the festivities with a warming bowl of “Partridge in a Pear Tree Soup.”
- 2nd day of Christmas: A classic comfort food favorite, “Two Turtle Doves Cheesecake.”
- 3rd day of Christmas: Celebrate the third day with a festive feast featuring “Three French Hens Pot Pie”!
- 4th day of Christmas: For the fourth day, try something sweet with a “Four Calling Birds Trifle”!
- 5th day of Christmas: Enjoy a taste of Latin cuisine with a “Five Golden Rings Quesadilla.”
- 6th day of Christmas: Indulge in some “Six Geese A-Laying Pancakes.”
- 7th day of Christmas: Toast the seventh day with some “Seven Swans A-Swimming Margaritas”!
- 8th day of Christmas: Enjoy a classic Italian dish featuring “Eight Maids A-Milking Fettuccini Alfredo.”
- 9th day of Christmas: Celebrate the ninth day with Nine Ladies Dancing – nine small meat pies served with spicy tomato chutney.
- 10th day of Christmas: Make everyone’s eyes light up when you serve up some “Ten Lords A-Leaping Pizza.”
- 11th day of Christmas: Try out this unique dish featuring “Eleven Pipers Piping Nachos” for something unexpected.
- 12th day of Christmas: End the meal on a sweet note with “Twelve Drummers Drumming Cake”!
Get creative and have fun coming up with dishes that capture the spirit of each line in the song!
No matter which dishes you choose to serve at your 12 days of Christmas restaurant night, your guests will surely enjoy the festive spirit and delicious cuisine. Bon appetit!
![Revolution Ordering](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/652161d4e603efdd9f2fba94/65432df9f0739caa433494f8_63a2188b4a2a57749d1e7fbe_Revolution%2520CTA%2520Images%2520(2)%2520(1).png)
Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas Promotion Ideas for Restaurant
In this FAQ section, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Christmas promotion ideas for restaurants.
How Can I Promote My Business for Christmas?
The holidays are a prime opportunity to bring in extra business, so it’s important to devise creative ways to promote your business for Christmas. Here are some tips to help you make the most of the holiday season:
- Create festive promotions
- Create a holiday-themed email campaign
- Incorporate festive visuals
- Take advantage of social media
- Get involved in local events
By taking advantage of the festive season with these tips, you can ensure that your business is seen this Christmas!
How Do I Promote My Christmas Menu?
There are plenty of ways to get the word out about your festive fare and tempt customers in. Here are a few tips to help you promote your Christmas menu:
- Put together a media campaign
- Create social media posts
- Invest in advertising
- Offer incentives
- Create a website
By following these steps, you’ll be sure to spread the word about your wonderful yuletide dishes and get mouths watering before they ever make it through the door.
What Is a Good Christmas Slogan?
Christmas is a time of cheer, giving, and joy. For restaurants, it’s also a time to show off their festive spirit and create memorable customer experiences. A good Christmas slogan captures the season’s spirit while enticing customers to visit your restaurant. Here are some ideas:
- “Deck The Halls With Delicious Food!”
- “Say ‘Ho Ho Ho’ To Delicious Feasts!”
- “Gather All Ye Merry Diners Here!”
- “Gifts That Keep On Giving – Delicious Meals!”
- “Good Tidings And Great Dishes Await!”
- “Eat, Drink and Be Merry This Christmas!”
- “Eat, Drink, and Be Jolly!”
- “Let the Good Tidings Fill Your Plate!”
- “Warm Up This Winter With Delicious Eats!”
- “We’ve Got Everything You Need For A Festive Feast!”
Make your slogan stand out by adding creative elements such as rhyming words, alliteration, and a pun or two. With a bit of creativity, you can create an unforgettable Christmas slogan that will draw in customers!
![Revolution Ordering](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/652161d4e603efdd9f2fba94/65432df9509a433db44a43d6_63c1a599d6b5d12605d9a600_Revolution%2520CTA%2520Images%2520(1).png)