10 Restaurant Holiday Promotion Ideas to Boost Seasonal Revenue

Luke Januschka

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October 18, 2024
Restaurant Holiday Promotion Ideas
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In the restaurant business, holidays aren’t just about festive decorations – they’re prime opportunities to boost your bottom line. 

With the right promotions, you can turn holiday diners into loyal customers and significantly increase your revenue

But how do you make your restaurant stand out with everyone vying for attention during the holidays?

We’ll show you 10 unique, adaptable holiday promotion ideas that’ll have customers lining up at your door.

At Restaurant Growth, we’ve helped countless restaurants turn the holiday rush into a profit boom. 

We know what works for small businesses like yours because we’ve been in the trenches, testing and refining these strategies.

These aren’t just any promotions – they’re proven tactics that drive foot traffic, boost sales, and create lasting customer loyalty. 

1. Holiday Countdown Specials

Everyone loves a good countdown. 

It’s like the anticipation of opening presents but for your taste buds! 

Here’s how to make it work for your restaurant:

1. Offer a different daily special leading up to a holiday

Think of this as your restaurant’s advent calendar. 

Start with some mouth-watering appetizers, move on to your show-stopping main courses, and finish strong with desserts that’ll have them coming back for more.

Remember, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. 

Give your existing dishes a holiday twist with creative names and seasonal garnishes.

2. Create anticipation and encourage repeat visits

Tease your customers with hints about upcoming restaurant specials

Maybe throw in a “mystery special” day. 

Build that excitement!

Consider a mini loyalty program for your countdown. 

Reward folks who try, say, at least 5 of your specials.

Partner with local businesses for some offerings. 

It’s a great way to create unique, community-focused specials and spread some holiday cheer.

3. Use social media to announce each day’s special

Get creative with your announcements. 

Eye-catching graphics, short videos – whatever gets people’s mouths watering. 

Have you tried daily “reveal” videos? 

Get your chef or staff involved. 

People love seeing the faces behind the food!

Create a catchy hashtag for your countdown. 

#12DaysofDelicious, perhaps?

Don’t forget to use those Instagram Stories and Facebook Events to your advantage.

They’re perfect for time-sensitive promotions like this.

💡 Pro Tip:

Use this promotion to test new menu items or clear out inventory. 

Analyze sales data from this period to inform future menu decisions and inventory management.

Recommended Reading: The All-In-One Guide On Social Media Marketing for Restaurants


2. “Dine and Donate” Event

a donation event as part of a restaurant holiday promotion

Show your restaurant’s heart by partnering with a local charity. 

It’s not just good for the soul – it’s good for business too.

1. Donate a percentage of holiday sales

Partner with a local charity that aligns with your restaurant’s values. 

Choose a percentage of sales to donate – even a small amount can make a big difference. 

Maybe 10% of dessert sales or 5% of your total for the day?

2. Promote the event to attract socially conscious diners

Use targeted advertising to reach those socially conscious diners. 

Facebook and Instagram ads can be great for this.

Craft a compelling message. 

Let folks know how their meal will make a difference in the community.

Don’t forget to reach out to local media. 

A feel-good story about a restaurant giving back? 

That’s prime holiday news material!

3. Provide information about the charity’s work to engage customers

Now, let’s make this personal. 

Make it seem like your diners aren’t just eating – they’re making a difference.

Get creative with how you share the charity’s impact. 

Table tents with quick facts? Menu inserts with heartwarming stories?

Why not invite someone from the charity to speak during a special event night? It adds a personal touch that diners will remember.

Consider creating a display near the entrance showcasing the charity’s work. 

Visual impact can be powerful!

Boost your restaurant’s holiday sales with expert-backed strategies. 

3. Family-Style Feast Packages

Who says you can’t cater to the family crowd? 

Make your restaurant the go-to spot for holiday gatherings, even if they’re not actually at your restaurant.

1. Offer shareable, family-style meals for holiday gatherings

Whip up some family-style meals that scream “holiday” but with your restaurant’s unique flair. 

Think crowd-pleasers with a twist.

Got a signature dish? 

Make it the star of your family feast package.

Don’t forget about dietary restrictions.

A vegetarian option or gluten-free sides can be a game-changer for some families.

2. Include options for different group sizes

Remember, families come in all sizes. 

Your packages should too!

Offer something for the intimate get-togethers (4-6 people), the extended family affairs (8-10 people), and the “everyone’s invited” extravaganzas (12+ people).

For example, you can create a build-your-own option. 

Let families mix and match mains, sides, and desserts. 

It’s like a holiday dinner playlist, but with food!

3. Provide easy reheating instructions for take-home packages

Now, let’s ensure your culinary masterpieces shine, even after reheating.

Include fool-proof instructions. 

Think of simple steps that even the most kitchen-challenged can follow.

Why not add a QR code linking to a video of your chef showing how it’s done? 

It’s personal, helpful, and adds a touch to your restaurant’s personality.

Insider Tip: Throw in a little something extra – a sample of a new menu item or a coupon for their next visit.

It’s these little surprises that turn first-timers into regulars.


4. Holiday-Themed Cooking Competition

‘Who doesn’t love a bit of friendly competition? 

Especially when food’s involved!

Here’s how to spice up your holiday promotions with a dash of culinary rivalry:

1. Host a friendly cooking contest for customers with holiday-inspired ingredients

Give your customers a list of seasonal ingredients and challenge them to create holiday magic. 

Have categories for appetizers, main courses, and desserts – let’s see what they can cook up!

Give your customers a list of seasonal ingredients and let their creativity run wild.

Set up categories for appetizers, main courses, and desserts. 

You might be surprised by the holiday magic they create!

Pro tip: Provide a mystery ingredient to really test their skills. 

Cranberries in a main course? 

Let’s see what they come up with!

2. Live stream the event on social media to reach a wider audience

Turn your kitchen into a studio! 

Use Facebook Live or Instagram Live to broadcast the event.

Engage with your viewers in real time. 

Answer their questions, share cooking tips, and let them vote for their favorites.

It’s like hosting your own cooking show but with audience participation!

3. Invite local food critics or celebrities as judges

Want to add some sizzle to your competition? 

Bring in local food critics or celebrities as judges.

It’s not just about star power – their expertise can lend credibility to your event.

Reach out to local media outlets for coverage and PR. 

Who knows? 

Your competition might just become the talk of the town!

Remember: This isn’t just a competition – it’s content gold! 

Create highlight reels, share behind-the-scenes snippets, and post recipe cards. 

Your social media will be buzzing long after the last dish is plated!

Transform your holiday ideas into profit-driving promotions.

5. Holiday Memory Wall

Nostalgia is a powerful thing, especially during the holidays. 

Let’s tap into those warm, fuzzy feelings to foster a sense of community and emotional connection with your restaurant.

1. Create a space for customers to share their favorite holiday memories 

Set up a physical wall where customers can post their cherished memories.

Don’t forget your digital diners! 

Create a unique hashtag and encourage sharing on social media. 

Pro tip: Provide colorful cards or sticky notes for in-restaurant sharing. 

It adds a festive touch and makes participation easy.

2. Offer a prize for the best story

Want to kick the participation up a notch? 

Throw in a prize for the best stories.

Create categories like “Most Heartwarming,” “Funniest,” or “Most Unique.” 

It encourages a variety of tales and gives more chances to win.

The prize doesn’t have to break the bank. 

A free meal, a cooking class with your chef, or even a feature on your social media can be enticing

3. Host a storytelling event celebrating family recipes

Take your memory wall to the next level with a live event. 

Host an evening where customers can share their own holiday food traditions. 

It’s like a potluck but with stories instead of dishes!

Encourage participants to bring in family recipes or photos of their traditional holiday meals. 

This creates a rich, interactive dining experience that connects your customers not just to your restaurant, but to each other.

Pro tip: Consider featuring some of these family recipes as specials on your menu. 

It’s a great way to honor your customers and add some unique, personal touches to your offerings.

4. Compile stories into a booklet to share with customers

Here’s where the magic happens. 

Turn those memories into a keepsake booklet.

It’s not just a collection of stories – it’s a testament to the community you’ve built.

Offer it as a free gift with purchase or sell it with proceeds going to a local charity. 

Either way, you’re creating a lasting connection.

Fun Fact: Emotional connections can boost customer loyalty by up to 70%

By creating this memory wall, you’re not just decorating for the holidays – you’re building relationships that last.


6. Holiday Loyalty Boost Program

holiday loyalty boost program can be a great restaurant holiday promotion idea

Your loyal customers are the gift that keeps on giving. 

Let’s make sure they feel appreciated this holiday season!

1. Offer double or triple loyalty points on purchases during holiday periods

Want to be the first choice for your regulars this festive season? 

Double or triple those loyalty points!

It’s a simple tweak that can make a big difference. 

Suddenly, that holiday dinner out becomes even more rewarding.

2. Create a tiered reward system with special holiday-themed prizes 

Take your loyalty program up a notch by designing rewards that escalate in value.

Start with a free festive dessert. 

Move up to a complimentary bottle of holiday wine. 

For your top tier? 

How about a private dining experience with a custom menu?

Remember, the goal is to make your loyal members feel like VIPs. 

The more exclusive the reward, the more valued they’ll feel.

3. Implement a “refer-a-friend” bonus for loyalty members during the holiday season

Your loyal customers are your best advertisers. 

Why not reward them for spreading the holiday cheer?

Offer extra points or special rewards for bringing in new faces. 

It’s a win-win: you get new customers, and your regulars feel appreciated.

Consider a special holiday-themed reward for successful referrals. 

Maybe a “Holiday Cheer Platter” or a “Festive Cocktail Flight”?

Make this your restaurant’s most profitable holiday season yet.

 7. Virtual Holiday Cooking Class

Want to turn your customers into holiday culinary stars? 

Let’s bring your kitchen expertise to their homes!

1. Host online cooking sessions teaching holiday recipes

Time to share those chef’s secrets! 

Choose festive recipes that won’t intimidate the average home cook.

Keep it simple, but throw in some pro tips to make your students feel like culinary stars.

Why not teach them how to make your restaurant’s signature holiday dish? 

It’s a great way to keep your brand top of mind.

2. Provide ingredient kits for pickup or delivery

Make it easy for your virtual students to join in. 

Offer pre-measured ingredient kits for pickup or delivery.

Include any specialty items they might not have at home. 

It’s like a backstage pass to your restaurant’s pantry!

Also, add a little extra something – maybe a branded apron or a sample of a new menu item. 

It’s these touches that turn a class into an experience.

3. Create a community cookbook with participants’ recipes

After the classes, why not compile all those recipes into a community cookbook?

Encourage participants to submit their own variations. 

You might discover some creative twists on your classics!

This cookbook becomes a lasting reminder of the experience – and your restaurant. 

Plus, it’s a great gift idea for the holidays!

Insider Tip: Virtual classes are a fantastic way to stay connected with customers who might not be dining out. 

You could even reach folks beyond your usual delivery radius!


8. Holiday Movie Night Dinner

a holiday movie night dinner can be a unique restaurant holiday promotion

Who says dinner and a movie is outdated? 

Let’s bring it back, with a festive twist!

1. Theme dinners around popular holiday movies

Choose movies with strong food associations or iconic scenes.

Imagine a “Home Alone” dinner featuring cheese pizza and ice cream sundaes. 

Or how about an “Elf” inspired meal with spaghetti and maybe skip the syrup?

Include a mix of classic and modern holiday films to appeal to all ages.

2. Decorate the restaurant to match the movie’s setting

It’s time to channel your inner set designer! 

Transform your space to match the movie’s world.

Hang movie posters, set up props, and get creative with your table settings. 

Why not have your staff dress up as characters?

Remember, you’re not just serving a meal – you’re creating an immersive experience.

3. Offer a quiz about the movie with prizes for winners

Keep your diners engaged between courses with a fun movie quiz.

Consider different rounds of questions throughout the meal. 

Maybe easy ones during appetizers, with the real stumpers saved for dessert?

Offer movie-themed prizes for the winners. 

A DVD of the film or some themed merchandise could be perfect.

Remember: The more Instagrammable, the better. 

Create photo ops that are too good to resist sharing.

A themed photo booth or some iconic movie props should do the trick! 

After all, when your customers share their experience, they’re doing your marketing for you.

Don’t let another holiday season pass you by. 

9. Holiday Mixology Workshop

a holiday mixology workshop can help with restaurant holiday promotion

Engage customers with an interactive mixology workshop that teaches them to create festive cocktails.

1. Teach customers how to make festive cocktails

Spill the secrets behind your signature holiday drinks! 

Choose a selection that showcases different techniques and ingredients.

From classic eggnog to trendy cranberry mules, cover all the bases. 

Why not throw in a mocktail option too?

2. Provide take-home kits with ingredients and instructions

Want to extend the experience beyond your bar? 

Offer take-home kits that let customers play bartender at home.

Include pre-measured ingredients, garnishes, and easy-to-follow instructions.

Don’t forget to brand the kit. 

It’s a great way to keep your restaurant in your customers’ minds long after the workshop ends.

3. Host a competition for the best customer-created holiday drink

Challenge your customers to create their own festive concoctions.

Offer the winning drink a spot on your menu. 

It’s not just a prize – it’s bragging rights!

Consider having a panel of judges, or let your social media followers vote for their favorite.

Pro Tip: This is a great upsell opportunity. 

Offer discounts on full-size bottles of the featured spirits.

Partner with local distilleries or wine shops for an added local touch. 

It’s a win-win: you support local businesses, and your customers get a taste of the community.

Ready to turn your holiday promotions into profit? 

10. Holiday Promotion Planning Calendar

Stay organized and ahead of the competition with a comprehensive planning calendar for your holiday promotions.

1. Provide a year-round guide for planning holiday promotions

Think beyond Christmas and New Year’s! 

Create a comprehensive calendar covering all major holidays and seasonal events.

Don’t forget those quirky food holidays. 

National Taco Day, anyone? These can be goldmines for social media engagement.

2. Suggest lead times for the preparation and marketing of each promotion

Ever feel like the holidays sneak up on you? 

Not anymore!

Map out timelines for menu development, staff training, marketing material creation, and promotion launch.

When should you start brainstorming that Thanksgiving menu? 

How about training staff on those Christmas specials?

Remember, the early bird gets the worm – or in this case, the holiday diners!

3. Include major holidays and seasonal events to consider

Don’t forget about lesser-known holidays or local events. 

These could be golden opportunities for unique promotions that set you apart from the competition.

Sure, everyone knows about Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. But what about Cinco de Mayo or Oktoberfest?

Don’t overlook lesser-known holidays or local events. These could be your secret weapons for standing out from the crowd.

Consider creating a themed promotion for each month. 

January health kick? August back-to-school rush? There’s always an angle!

By planning ahead, you’re not just preparing for the holidays – you’re creating a roadmap for year-round success. 


Optimize Your Restaurant’s Holiday Promotions

optimize your restaurant holiday promotion experience

Holiday promotions offer a great opportunity to boost your restaurant’s visibility and revenue. 

The key is to choose ideas that align with your brand and resonate with your customers. 

What works for one restaurant may not work for another, so feel free to adapt these suggestions to fit your unique situation.

Remember to track the performance of your promotions. 

Measuring results allows you to refine your strategies and focus on what truly drives success for your business.

At Restaurant Growth, we’ve helped numerous restaurants grow beyond 7 figures with 18%+ margins.

Our approach combines data-driven insights with creative promotions tailored to each restaurant’s unique needs.

If you’re looking for personalized guidance on creating a comprehensive marketing plan, we’re here to help. 

Book a call to discuss how we can support your restaurant’s growth.


FAQs

1. How can I measure the success of my holiday promotions? 

Track key metrics like sales increase, customer count, average check size, and social media engagement. Compare these to your regular numbers and previous holiday seasons.

2. Can I use holiday promotions to increase customer loyalty at my restaurant? 

Yes, holiday promotions are great for boosting customer loyalty. Use tactics like exclusive offers for repeat customers, loyalty point bonuses, or special holiday-themed rewards to encourage return visits.

3. What are promotional meals? 

Promotional meals are special menu items or deals offered for a limited time to attract customers and boost sales. They often feature seasonal ingredients or themes to create excitement.

4. What holiday has the most consumer sales? 

Generally, the winter holiday season (November-December) sees the highest consumer sales, with Black Friday and the weeks leading up to Christmas being particularly busy for restaurants.

5. How to promote weekend breakfast? 

Offer special weekend-only menu items, create a festive brunch atmosphere, use social media to showcase your breakfast offerings, and consider partnering with local businesses for cross-promotions.

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Luke Januschka
Luke Januschka is a pivotal partner at Restaurant Growth, where he spearheads strategies that have generated over 30 million dollars in tracked sales for our valued restaurant clients.
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