Christmas & Holiday Restaurant Marketing
Capture the festive season with holiday parties, catering, and gift card sales.
December
Publish 2 months before
The holiday season (late November through New Year's) is the most lucrative period for many restaurants. Between corporate parties, family gatherings, catering, and gift card sales, December can make your entire Q4. This guide covers capturing corporate bookings, holiday catering, gift card promotions, and festive dining experiences.
Holiday Dining Stats
$11B
Holiday Dining Spending
Nov-Dec
Corporate Party Season
$25B
Gift Card Sales
+85%
Catering Demand Increase
December combines corporate entertaining, family celebrations, and gift card purchases for maximum restaurant revenue potential.
Marketing Tips
Target Corporate Parties Early
Reach out to businesses in October. Corporate party planners book 6-8 weeks ahead.
Create Party Packages
Bundled pricing for private events: food, drinks, decorations, and entertainment packages.
Push Gift Cards Aggressively
Gift cards are #1 holiday gift. Bonus offers (buy $100, get $20) drive volume.
Offer Festive Experiences
Themed dinners, visits from Santa, holiday music nights, and tree lighting events.
Market to 'Day Off' Diners
Christmas Day is traditionally slow—but many want to dine out. Capture those seeking a break.
Promotion Ideas
Corporate Holiday Package
All-inclusive party package for business entertaining
Private room + 3-course meal + open bar + décor for 20 = $2,000
Holiday Gift Card Bonus
Buy gift cards, get bonus amount for yourself
Buy $100 gift card, get $25 bonus card free (valid January)
Christmas Eve Feast
Traditional holiday dinner with festive touches
Prime rib or ham dinner with all trimmings = $65/person
12 Days of Christmas
Daily special or deal countdown to Christmas
Different featured dish/drink each day with discount
Santa Brunch
Family event with Santa appearance and holiday menu
Brunch + photos with Santa + gift for kids = $35/adult, $20/child
Online Ordering Tips
Feature Gift Cards Prominently
Gift cards should be homepage hero content in December. Make them impossible to miss.
Create Catering Landing Page
Dedicated page for holiday party inquiries and catering orders with easy forms.
Enable Party Booking Online
Let event planners request private dining and party packages through your site.
Promote January Bonus Cards
Bonus cards valid in January drive post-holiday traffic during the slow season.
Holiday Meal Pre-Orders
Similar to Thanksgiving, offer complete Christmas dinner packages for pickup.
Preparation Timeline
10 weeks before
Plan holiday packages and events
Reach out to corporate contacts
Set up private event booking system
Design gift card promotions
8 weeks before
Launch corporate party marketing
Begin gift card promotion
Decorate for the holidays
Open Christmas Eve/Day reservations
6 weeks before
Intensify gift card marketing
Email campaign for holiday dining
Promote Santa brunch and events
Confirm corporate bookings
Final 2 weeks
Last-minute gift card push
Fill remaining party slots
Prepare for Christmas catering
Staff holiday schedule finalized
Frequently Asked Questions
When do corporate holiday parties book?
Peak booking is October-early November. Start outreach in September to capture planners.
Should I be open on Christmas Day?
Consider it—demand exists. Offer limited menu, premium pricing, and volunteer-only staffing with bonus pay.
How much should gift card bonuses be?
Standard is $20-25 bonus on $100 purchase. Make bonus cards valid January to drive post-holiday traffic.
What's the best corporate party format?
Cocktail reception (heavy apps + bar) or plated dinner both work. Offer both options at different price points.
Make This Holiday Season Unforgettable
RestauNax helps you manage holiday parties, boost gift card sales, and capture festive revenue—all commission-free.