The Ultimate Christmas Marketing Guide for Bars and Pubs: Maximizing Success During the Festive Season

Nov 30, -0001

The festive season is a golden opportunity for pubs and bars to attract new customers, increase revenue, and create unforgettable experiences that keep patrons coming back year after year. Christmas not only marks the most festive time of year but also represents a crucial revenue stream for the hospitality industry. In fact, many establishments see their highest footfall and sales during the weeks leading up to Christmas Day.
This guide will walk you through every detail, from curating the perfect Christmas-themed atmosphere to optimizing marketing efforts, creating festive menus, hosting exclusive events, and ensuring stellar customer service. Whether you're looking to attract corporate parties, family gatherings, or casual drinkers, this guide covers it all.
By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive roadmap for turning the Christmas season into your busiest and most profitable time of year.

1. Crafting the Perfect Festive Atmosphere

The first step to attracting Christmas crowds is creating an environment that feels like a festive haven. People want to escape the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and immerse themselves in the warm, cozy, and joyous atmosphere that only a well-decorated bar can provide.

1.1 Christmas Decor: Set the Scene

Holiday-Themed Decor: Invest in high-quality Christmas decorations, such as large Christmas trees adorned with twinkling lights, ornaments, and themed garlands. Create a focal point, such as a “selfie station” near a beautifully decorated tree or fireplace, where customers can take Instagram-worthy pictures.
Example: Turn one corner of your bar into a “Santa’s Grotto,” complete with red velvet chairs, stockings, and twinkling fairy lights. This space can also be used for photo opportunities with Santa.
Window Displays: Don’t overlook the importance of decorating your windows, especially if your bar is in a high-traffic area. Festive window displays with snow spray, twinkling lights, and holiday-themed props can lure people in.
Example: Use snowflake decals and fairy lights to frame your windows, ensuring that your festive decor is visible from the street.

1.2 Enhancing the Holiday Experience

Sensory Experience: Utilize all the senses to make your bar a full-on festive experience. Incorporate subtle but distinct seasonal aromas like cinnamon, pine, or mulled spices with scent diffusers. Offer customers warm blankets for outdoor seating or by the fireplace to add a layer of comfort.
Festive Music: Curate a playlist that alternates between classic Christmas carols, contemporary holiday hits, and acoustic versions of festive tunes. If possible, host live performances with local choirs, jazz bands, or acoustic performers to elevate the festive spirit.
Example: Have a “Christmas Carol Night” every Wednesday in December, where live performers engage customers in holiday songs, encouraging group sing-alongs.

1.3 Christmas-Themed Table Settings

Festive Centerpieces: Adorn tables with simple yet elegant Christmas centerpieces—perhaps a candle inside a small pine wreath or small potted poinsettias. Add Christmas crackers or festive napkins to each setting.
Example: Use gold and red napkins, tiny ornaments, and pinecones to create a winter-themed table setting that matches your bar’s overall aesthetic.

2. Designing a Festive Menu and Drinks List

One of the most compelling ways to stand out during the holiday season is through your food and drink offerings. Customers seek festive fare that enhances their holiday experience, so create a menu filled with limited-time seasonal items that offer unique flavors and presentation.

2.1 Curating a Christmas Drink Menu

Drinks are central to the holiday celebrations, and a well-crafted cocktail list can make your bar the go-to spot for Christmas gatherings.

Signature Christmas Cocktails: Create a menu that features creative, Instagram-worthy Christmas cocktails that mix festive flavors. Drinks like "Peppermint White Russian," "Cranberry Rosemary Fizz," or "Spiced Eggnog Martini" can be seasonal crowd-pleasers.
Example: Introduce a “12 Drinks of Christmas” promotion, where each day in December leading up to Christmas, you unveil a new, limited-time holiday cocktail.
Festive Hot Drinks: Cater to customers looking to warm up with spiced beverages. Mulled wine, hot toddies, Irish coffee, and hot spiked cider are must-haves during the colder months.
Example: Set up a “Hot Drinks Station” at the bar where bartenders serve mulled wine from large glass dispensers, filling the room with the rich aroma of spices.
Premium Spirits and Bubbles: Holiday gatherings often involve splurging on more expensive drinks. Stock up on premium spirits like fine whiskeys, cognacs, and liqueurs. Offer special discounts or promotions on champagne and sparkling wines for toasts.
Pro Tip: Offer champagne cocktails, such as French 75s or Bellinis, at a discount during Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

2.2 Creating a Festive Food Menu

Your food offerings should reflect the holiday season with indulgent and comforting options.

Christmas-Themed Small Bites: Introduce festive small plates like turkey sliders, pigs in blankets, or cranberry-glazed meatballs. Include vegetarian or vegan alternatives, such as stuffed mushrooms or spiced butternut squash crostinis.
Example: Offer “Festive Tapas” where guests can order small bites with holiday flavors in mix-and-match plates.
Full Holiday Feast: Create a signature Christmas roast dinner that includes roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, and a variety of seasonal sides. Offer this as a family-style platter for larger groups.
Pro Tip: Include a plant-based version of the Christmas roast to cater to vegan and vegetarian patrons.
Sweet Treats: No Christmas menu is complete without dessert. Offer Christmas pudding, mince pies, gingerbread, and yule logs paired with coffee or dessert wines.
Example: Serve a “Christmas Dessert Platter” with mini versions of your favorite holiday sweets to be shared by the table.

2.3 Special Holiday Offers

Group Bundles: Offer set meal deals or sharing platters for group bookings, where guests can order a mix of appetizers, mains, and drinks at a discount.
Example: “The Merry Gathering” bundle could include a bottle of Prosecco, a sharing platter of small bites, and a dessert for each person in the group.
Bottomless Christmas Brunch: Host a festive brunch featuring bottomless mimosas, Prosecco, or Christmas cocktails. Offer themed dishes like gingerbread pancakes, spiced waffles, or a Christmas ham Benedict.

3. Hosting Special Christmas Events

Festive events are a great way to differentiate your pub or bar from competitors. Whether it’s a themed Christmas party, a cozy gathering for families, or a corporate event, the key is to make your bar the go-to place for all holiday celebrations.

3.1 Themed Christmas Events

Ugly Sweater Parties: Ugly Christmas sweater parties are a crowd favorite. Encourage patrons to wear their gaudiest holiday attire and offer prizes for the ugliest sweater.
Example: Host an "Ugly Sweater Contest" with prizes for the most outlandish and creative outfits, offering free drinks or gift cards for winners.
Christmas Eve Countdown Party: Host a Christmas Eve party with live entertainment, a DJ, or even carolers. Create an inclusive countdown leading up to midnight, complete with a sparkling wine toast for all attendees.
Pro Tip: Pre-sell tickets to control crowd size and ensure a well-organized event.

3.2 Family-Friendly Christmas Events

Christmas Carols and Choir Nights: Host evenings where local choirs or musicians perform Christmas carols, creating a traditional and nostalgic atmosphere that appeals to families and older patrons.
Christmas Movie Screenings: If your bar has a projector or large screens, host cozy screenings of classic Christmas films like Home Alone or Elf. Offer themed cocktails (e.g., Eggnog White Russians) and movie-inspired snacks.
Example: For a more interactive experience, you could host a Christmas-themed trivia game before the screening.

3.3 Corporate and Private Christmas Parties

Corporate Christmas parties are a huge opportunity for bars and pubs to secure large bookings during December.

Corporate Packages: Offer tailored corporate party packages that include private rooms, drink and food bundles, and entertainment options.
Customizable Menus: Allow companies to customize the menu with specific food and drink packages, ensuring they meet the needs of all attendees.
Pro Tip: Contact local companies directly and offer them exclusive booking options before promoting to the public. Give them a limited-time early-bird discount to encourage quick reservations.

4. Maximizing Marketing and Online Visibility (continued)

4.1 Social Media Promotions (continued)

Visual Campaigns: Showcase your Christmas decor, festive menu items, and event setups in high-quality images and videos on Instagram and Facebook. Create excitement by giving followers a sneak peek of your festive drinks or special events.
Example: Post Instagram Stories of your bartenders making Christmas-themed cocktails, or feature a “drink of the day” countdown leading up to Christmas.
Holiday Hashtags: Create and promote specific holiday hashtags for your bar. Encourage customers to share their experiences and photos using these hashtags.
Examples: #ChristmasAt[YourBar], #HolidayCheers, or #MerryMoments. Incentivize sharing with a weekly contest for the best photo, offering the winner a free meal or drink.
User-Generated Content: Engage with your customers by encouraging them to post their experiences at your bar during Christmas. Run a campaign where customers who share photos or check in at your venue are entered into a raffle or receive a discount.
Pro Tip: Reward the most creative posts with a feature on your bar’s Instagram page, and tag them to encourage more user participation.
Countdown to Christmas: Run a 12 Days of Christmas promotion on your social media platforms, with a new offer each day leading up to Christmas. This could include discounts on food, drink specials, or event tickets.
Example: Day 1 could offer “20% off all Christmas cocktails,” while Day 2 could feature “Free mulled wine with every meal.”

4.2 Email Marketing Campaigns

Email marketing is an effective way to communicate directly with your existing customer base and keep them informed of your Christmas offerings.

Holiday-Themed Emails: Create visually appealing, festive email templates that highlight your holiday menus, events, and special offers. Make sure to include clear calls to action (CTAs) that encourage early bookings and reservations.
Example: Send a holiday email announcing your “Christmas Party Packages” with a link to book directly online.
Exclusive Subscriber Offers: Reward your email subscribers with early access to Christmas events, special discounts, or exclusive menu items. This not only makes your subscribers feel valued but also encourages them to book ahead.
Example: Offer a special code for email subscribers to get “10% off any Christmas event booking.”
Abandoned Reservation Follow-Up: Use email automation to send follow-up emails to customers who started but didn’t complete their booking or event reservation. Offer a small incentive, like a free drink with their booking, to encourage them to finalize their reservation.

4.3 Website Optimization and Online Booking

Dedicated Christmas Landing Page: Create a dedicated page on your website that features all of your Christmas offerings, from events to menus. Make it easy for customers to book tables or private parties directly through this page.
Example: Your landing page could feature holiday event details, a festive menu, and an online booking form for reservations.
SEO and Holiday Keywords: Optimize your website content with relevant holiday-related keywords, such as “Christmas Day lunch at [your city] pub,” “festive drinks,” or “best pub for Christmas parties.” This will help your bar rank higher in local searches for holiday-related events and bookings.
Online Gift Cards: Make it easy for customers to purchase digital gift cards through your website. Promote these as the perfect Christmas gift for friends and family. Incentivize gift card purchases by offering a bonus (e.g., “Buy a $50 gift card, get a $10 gift card free”).

4.4 Google My Business and Local SEO

Update Your Google My Business Profile: Ensure that your holiday hours, contact details, and Christmas events are updated on your Google My Business page. Add festive photos of your bar, menu, and decor to showcase the Christmas atmosphere and attract searchers.
Promote Special Events and Offers: Use Google My Business posts to promote your Christmas events, special deals, and offers. These posts appear on your profile and in local search results, giving you extra visibility.
Local SEO: Optimize your website and Google listing with keywords that locals might be searching for during the holidays, such as “best bar for Christmas parties in [your city]” or “festive drinks near me.”

5. Boosting Group Bookings and Reservations

One of the biggest opportunities during Christmas is attracting large groups for work parties, family gatherings, and friends celebrating together. This means securing group bookings is key to maximizing revenue during the holiday period.

5.1 Early Bird Discounts for Group Bookings

Encourage customers to book early by offering incentives for group reservations made before a specific date.

Discounts: Offer discounts for early bird bookings, such as “Book your Christmas party before November 30th and get 10% off your total bill.”
Complimentary Offers: Offer a complimentary drink or dessert for the group organizer when they book a party of 10 or more before the deadline.
Priority Seating: Provide early bookers with the best tables or exclusive areas for their group.

5.2 Targeting Corporate Parties

Corporate Christmas parties are one of the most lucrative opportunities for pubs and bars during the holiday season. These events tend to have higher budgets and larger group sizes.

Tailored Corporate Packages: Create custom corporate party packages that include food, drink, and entertainment. Offer different tiers of packages (e.g., standard, premium, and VIP) to appeal to various budgets.
Private Spaces: If your bar has private rooms or spaces, offer these for exclusive corporate bookings. This provides companies with a more personalized experience and ensures privacy.
Exclusive Entertainment Options: Offer optional add-ons for corporate parties, such as live music, DJs, or interactive activities like cocktail-making classes or whiskey tastings.

5.3 Personalize the Experience

Custom Menus: Allow groups or companies to personalize their menu with specific drink or food requests. This could include branded cocktails, custom party favors, or festive desserts tailored to the group’s preferences.
Branded Party Packages: Offer to incorporate a company’s branding into the party package, such as branded cocktails or a company logo on the menu. This gives the event a professional touch while also enhancing your service offering.

5.4 Referral Incentives for Group Bookings

Encourage customers who’ve previously booked group parties to refer others.

Referral Discounts: Offer past party organizers a discount or free bottle of wine if they refer another group that books with your bar.
VIP Status for Returning Groups: Incentivize repeat bookings by offering groups exclusive benefits for booking with you again. For example, offer returning groups a free upgrade to a premium drinks package or priority seating.

6. Optimizing Staff and Service for the Holiday Rush

The holiday season means more customers, busier shifts, and the need for top-notch service. Ensuring your staff is well-prepared will directly impact customer experience and the overall success of your bar during Christmas.

6.1 Staff Training and Holiday Preparedness

Ensure that your staff is fully trained and ready for the holiday crowds by providing additional training sessions in early December.

Menu and Promotion Knowledge: Ensure that your staff is familiar with the Christmas menu, drink specials, and upcoming events so they can confidently upsell and answer customer questions.
Handling Large Groups: Train your team to handle the logistics of larger group bookings. This includes managing separate bills, accommodating special requests, and coordinating orders efficiently to ensure smooth service.
Customer Engagement: Encourage staff to engage with customers in a festive manner. Small gestures like wishing customers a Merry Christmas or recommending festive drinks can enhance the overall experience.

6.2 Incentivizing Staff Performance

Motivate your staff to deliver exceptional service by offering incentives during the holiday season.

Sales Competitions: Create a fun, competitive environment by offering bonuses or prizes for the staff members who sell the most festive cocktails, upsell group packages, or secure bookings.
Holiday Bonuses: Offer holiday bonuses to staff members who work the busiest shifts or perform exceptionally well during December.
Team-Building Activities: Host a staff Christmas party or provide small holiday gifts as a token of appreciation for their hard work. Happy staff often leads to happy customers.

6.3 Managing Increased Demand

Additional Staffing: Ensure that you have enough staff on hand to manage the increased demand. Consider hiring seasonal staff or giving existing staff more flexible hours to cover busier periods.
Efficient Service: Streamline service by pre-assigning roles and responsibilities during events. For example, have dedicated staff for group bookings or assign certain bartenders to focus solely on festive cocktails.

Conclusion

With the right strategies in place, your bar or pub can transform the Christmas season into a revenue-driving, memorable experience for customers. By creating a festive atmosphere, crafting a holiday-specific menu, hosting engaging events, and effectively marketing your offerings, you’ll not only attract new customers but also turn one-time visitors into loyal patrons.
The holiday season is a prime opportunity to showcase what makes your establishment unique. From festive cocktails to cozy decor, thoughtful group packages, and strong marketing campaigns, the attention to detail will ensure that your bar becomes the go-to destination for Christmas celebrations.
Make this Christmas your most successful yet by implementing these proven strategies. Don’t wait