'Tis the season to deck the halls of your restaurant and get into the holiday spirit! Creating a festive atmosphere is more than just a fun activity; it can be a powerful marketing tool to drive online engagement, increase foot traffic, and boost sales.

Here are some tips to help you decorate your space, promote holiday specials, and craft an unforgettable holiday experience that attracts new business and encourages repeat visits.

Deck the Halls (and windows, and doors, and entryways!)

Your décor is the first thing people notice when they walk through the door, so make sure it’s magical. This is not the time to be subtle — go big with decorations, keeping an eye on the areas that will be popular for selfies and group shots without disrupting service. Whether it’s a fully decked-out Christmas tree, twinkling fairy lights, or garlands hung from every corner, your restaurant should feel like they stepped into a magical place, with music to match. Go with a recognizable theme like “Winter Wonderland” or “Santa’s Workshop” and build the specials around that theme.

Everyone loves a good photo spot. Designate a corner of your restaurant with festive backdrops and props like Santa hats or reindeer antlers, and encourage guests to take holiday photos to share online. Encourage them to post photos at your restaurant and tag your business for a chance to win a complimentary meal or special holiday gift.

And if you have the opportunity, create a restaurant within your restaurant with a festive Holiday Pop-up. For example, a local restaurant called “Little Palm” transforms into “Little Pine” over the Christmas holidays with frosty cocktails, table-top smores, and private decorated booths. Run the pop-up with a special menu for a set number of days or as an option to draw people in during times that are typically slower. If you happen to have two bars on property, set up one as the designated ‘Holiday Bar’ so you keep regulars happy while attracting novelty-seeking guests.

The Best Way to Spread Holiday Cheer

The holiday season is the perfect time to roll out seasonal marketing campaigns that offer a magical escape into a world of seasonal cheer. Here’s how you can effectively promote your holiday events and specials, so they don’t get lost in the shuffle of the busy holiday season.

• Leverage Social Media: Use platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to showcase your festive decorations, holiday menu items, and special events. People will be looking for special events this time of year and social media is usually the first place they check.
• “Santa?!? I Know Him!”: Consider a couple of meal services with a local Santa impersonator. Brunch or Breakfast with Santa on a slow day is a great way to encourage families to visit.
• Ugly Sweater Night: Host themed nights where guests (and staff!) wear their ugliest Christmas sweaters. Offer a special menu just for that night with items like “Ugly Sweater Sliders” or “Jingle Bell Nachos.” You can even offer a discount or free dessert to guests that show up in theme.
• Private Parties: Offer up a private room for family gatherings or company parties that can be booked for slower days.

Limited Time Magic

Now’s the time to go all out on festive LTOs that tie in with your décor and holiday theme. Create dishes inspired by Christmas themes, such as “Rudolph’s Red Velvet Pancakes” or “Candy Cane Caprese Salad” These can be fun to design and even more fun to order AND photograph — the key is to make it creative and over-the-top enough to warrant a post on their Instagram feed.

People may be more willing to splurge, so take advantage of the spirit of the season with decadent menu items. West Creek® Wisconsin Cheese Kit Cheeses, for example, offer an exceptional variety of high-quality cheeses, including Italian-style fontina, Spanish-inspired queso de cesta, Alpine-style Gruyere, and a savory cheddar-Gouda blend. This selection not only reduces spoilage by eliminating the need for multiple purchases but also provides the perfect foundation for creating vibrant cheese and charcuterie boards.

Coupled with the Magellan® Wisconsin Cheese Wedge Variety Box, which features distinctive cheeses like copper kettle, nutty Asiago, and fruity Monteau, you can elevate your menu with versatile, low-maintenance offerings that are perfect for a wide range of culinary applications. Elaborate cheese boards, caviar service, lobster options, and premium steaks will sell better this time of year.

The drink menu is the easiest place to customize for the season. Play around with red and green colors, holiday flavors like peppermint and cinnamon, and festive garnishes. Drinks like “The Grinch Mojito” or “Candy Cane Espresso Martini” will not only taste great but will also encourage diners to share on social media. The holidays also mean a lot of family gatherings, so make sure to include kid-friendly beverages like an over-the-top “Sugarplum Fairy Milkshake” or “Santa’s Hot Cocoa,” so they can join in on the fun.

All I Want for Christmas

Nothing says “thank you” like a thoughtful holiday gift. Offering holiday-themed restaurant swag or stocking stuffers is perfect for regulars. Look into custom-branded merchandise such as holiday mugs, scarves, or beanies that feature your restaurant’s logo and festive design elements. Keep the gifts affordable yet valuable.

Consider offering limited-edition, holiday-themed packaging for your regular products, like branded to-go coffee cups or takeout bags. It’s all about creating that extra touch that enhances the holiday experience. And for guests looking to share their love of your restaurant with family and friends, promote holiday gift cards with a seasonal discount as the perfect last-minute present.