Holiday Marketing Tips: Pro Strategies That Will Boost Your Venue’s Event Bookings

Tripleseat News September 25, 2024

As the holiday season approaches, event managers and sales teams at restaurants, hotels, and unique venues gear up for the busiest time of year. Whether you’re hosting corporate events or festive social gatherings, having a solid marketing strategy is essential to stand out in a crowded marketplace. To help you maximize your bookings and create memorable experiences, here are some holiday marketing tips tailored to venues like yours.

Benefits of Holiday Marketing for Restaurants, Hotels, and Venues

Here are some key benefits of focusing on holiday marketing for your venue:

Boost in Revenue

The holidays are synonymous with increased spending, and targeted marketing can help you tap into this surge. Corporate holiday parties, family gatherings, and social events often lead to higher bookings and larger groups, driving food and beverage sales as well as event packages.

Increases Brand Visibility

A robust holiday marketing strategy elevates your venue’s profile. Whether it’s through social media campaigns, email marketing, or special promotions, your venue gains more exposure as potential clients search for event spaces or dining options. This visibility not only helps with short-term bookings but also builds long-term brand awareness.

Attracts New Customers

Holiday marketing often draws in new clientele, both for corporate events and social gatherings. If someone has a great experience at your venue during a holiday event, they are likely to return for future occasions or recommend your space to others. This helps expand your customer base.

Strengthens Customer Relationships

Engaging with customers during the holiday season through special events or personalized offers allows you to build stronger relationships. Showing appreciation to loyal customers with exclusive holiday discounts or hosting client appreciation events can help foster loyalty that lasts beyond the season.

Opportunity for Upselling

The holidays provide an excellent opportunity for upselling. With premium holiday menus, festive décor, and add-ons like cocktail receptions or entertainment packages, venues can encourage customers to spend more. Upselling during the holidays often feels more organic as clients look to elevate their event experience.

Improves Off-Peak Bookings

Many restaurants and venues experience a lull during weekdays or non-peak times. Holiday marketing allows you to fill those slots by promoting midweek parties, luncheons, or smaller gatherings. Offering discounts or added incentives for off-peak dates helps you make the most of the season.

Enhances Your Venue’s Reputation

Successfully hosting holiday events can enhance your venue’s reputation. Positive feedback from corporate clients or social groups spreads through word-of-mouth or online reviews, positioning your venue as a top choice for future events.

Opens Opportunities for Repeat Business

Well-executed holiday events often lead to repeat business. Corporate clients may return for other occasions like company anniversaries or team-building events, while social guests might book for birthdays, weddings, or other personal milestones.

Holiday events provide excellent content for social media. Festive décor, celebratory gatherings, and special seasonal menus are visually appealing and highly shareable. Is there something special that you offer on your seasonal menu every year? Write about it or create a video about it. You don’t have to give away your recipe secrets. Just talk about the dish, provide general information on how it’s made, and share why you serve it. Encouraging guests to post and tag your venue can expand your reach, building buzz around your space and its offerings.

Strengthens Position in a Competitive Market

With many venues vying for attention during the holiday season, a strong marketing campaign gives your restaurant, hotel, or venue a competitive edge. Promotions, special offers, and effective communication can ensure potential clients choose your venue over others, making you a go-to destination for holiday celebrations.

Holiday Marketing Tips for Venues

1. Create a Holiday-Themed Page on Your Website

Make it very simple for customers to interact with your venue’s holiday bookings. Design a dedicated landing page that highlights your venue’s holiday packages. Include event photos, pricing options, amenities, available dates, and a call to action to drive inquiries. Tripleseat lead forms can be embedded on your landing page and create an easy way for you to collect leads.

2. Offer Early-Bird Holiday Event Discounts

Offering early-bird holiday event discounts is a powerful way for venues to secure bookings well in advance of the busy season. By incentivizing clients with discounted rates for early reservations, venues can fill their calendars early, reduce last-minute stress, and build a strong foundation of holiday business. It’s also a great way to attract cost-conscious planners who appreciate the value of locking in lower rates ahead of time.

3. Develop Holiday Event Packages

Tailor packages specifically for corporate events, offering services such as branded décor, customizable menus, and AV equipment for speeches and presentations. Offer packages that gear towards social holiday parties as well. Offer deals such as a percentage or dollar amount off of their contract or individual services. Share your deal in email and on social media.

4. Promote Festive Private Dining Experiences

Restaurants should highlight their festive private dining experiences by showcasing tailored holiday menus, seasonal décor, and personalized service that make each event feel special. Promoting these exclusive experiences through social media, email campaigns, and targeted ads can entice groups looking to celebrate in a more intimate, memorable setting. By offering customized touches, such as holiday-themed cocktails or unique entertainment, restaurants can create a truly magical atmosphere that draws in guests for corporate gatherings, family celebrations, and social events.

Feature testimonials from past holiday event clients, sharing their successful experiences at your venue. Include photos or video highlights to build trust with potential bookers. Get customers in the holiday spirit by sharing photos on social media and in emails from your venue’s past holiday parties. It will get them thinking about booking their events and help them picture what their event might look like at your venue.

6. Use Holiday-Themed Email Campaigns

Design a festive email campaign that promotes your holiday offers. Segment your list to target corporate clients separately from social events to tailor messaging. Look at who booked holiday events with you last year and send an email that thanks them and remind them to contact your venue soon to book this year’s holiday events.

7. Collaborate with Local Vendors for Holiday Events

Collaborating with local vendors for holiday events allows venues to offer enhanced services, such as seasonal décor, custom desserts, or live entertainment, creating a more memorable experience for guests. By forming partnerships with nearby businesses, venues can provide clients with one-stop solutions while also benefiting from cross-promotion and strengthening their ties within the local community.

8. Host a Holiday Showcase

Host a festive preview event to showcase your venue’s potential for holiday celebrations. Fully decorate the space as if it were set for a holiday party, complete with tastings of seasonal menu items and live entertainment to ignite inspiration. Enhance the experience with Tripleseat Floorplans, offering immersive digital walkthroughs that allow potential clients to envision their perfect event.

Boost your venue’s holiday bookings by running targeted ads on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, where you can directly reach corporate planners and social event organizers. Leverage festive, eye-catching imagery highlighting your holiday décor, themed menus, and exclusive event offerings. Use precise targeting options, such as location, industry, and event-planning interests, to ensure your ads are seen by the right audience. Additionally, consider using retargeting strategies to reach potential clients who have previously visited your website or engaged with your social content, increasing the chances of converting interest into confirmed bookings.

10. Run a Limited-Time Holiday Promotion

Offer exclusive deals like complimentary cocktail receptions, valet parking, or a holiday-themed dessert table for clients who book during a specific window. Run a holiday countdown on social media, offering a different promotion each day, such as discounts, giveaways, or sneak peeks of holiday décor options.

11. Optimize for Holiday Events for Search Engines

Ensure your website and holiday landing pages are optimized for local SEO. Use keywords like “holiday party venue [City]” or “private dining for Christmas events.” Additionally, make sure to include local landmarks or neighborhoods in your content to further enhance relevance. Incorporate these keywords naturally into your website’s copy, headings, and image alt tags to improve your chances of ranking higher in local search results. Regularly update your pages with seasonal promotions or events to keep content fresh and engaging. Engaging visuals and detailed descriptions of your holiday offerings can also help capture the attention of potential customers and encourage them to book their events with you.

12. Send Personalized Holiday Invitations

Venues should send personalized holiday invitations to create a warm, inviting atmosphere that resonates with potential clients. Tailoring each invitation with the recipient’s name and specific details about how the venue can cater to their unique event needs adds a thoughtful touch. Including enticing highlights, such as seasonal menus, exclusive offers, and festive décor options, can further spark interest. Personalization not only enhances the invitation’s appeal but also fosters a connection with clients, making them feel valued and more likely to choose your venue for their holiday celebrations.

13. Create Holiday Blog Content

The holiday season can be both joyful and chaotic, making it the perfect opportunity to support your customers with valuable resources. Consider creating a blog post focused on holiday party planning, offering practical tips and checklists to help them navigate their to-do lists without the stress.

As a holiday party expert, your insights on the latest trends will be invaluable to your audience. Share the décor styles, themes, food selections, and cocktail innovations you’ve observed this year, and highlight how you’re incorporating them into the events you host. Enhance your content with captivating photos and videos that showcase these trends, distributing them across your blog, email newsletters, and social media platforms to inspire and engage your audience. This approach not only positions you as a go-to resource for holiday planning but also drives interest in your venue’s offerings.

14. Highlight Flexibility in Your Festive Offerings

Venues should emphasize their flexibility when it comes to holiday events to attract a wider range of clients. By showcasing customizable packages that can accommodate various group sizes, budgets, and themes, venues can appeal to corporate planners and social hosts seeking tailored experiences. Highlighting options for both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations, as well as the ability to adapt menu choices, décor, and layouts, reassures potential clients that their unique visions can be brought to life. Additionally, promoting the availability of versatile spaces that can transition seamlessly from cocktail receptions to sit-down dinners enhances the venue’s appeal, ensuring it stands out as a go-to choice for holiday festivities.

15. Promote Holiday Gift Certificates

Promoting holiday gift certificates is a smart strategy for venues looking to boost sales during the festive season. By offering gift certificates for dining experiences, private events, or exclusive packages, venues can tap into the gift-giving spirit, providing a perfect solution for customers searching for unique presents. Highlighting the flexibility of gift certificates allows recipients to choose their experiences, whether it’s a cozy dinner, a lively holiday party, or a special event, making them an appealing gift option. Marketing these certificates through eye-catching social media campaigns, email newsletters, and in-house promotions can create buzz and drive sales, while also encouraging new guests to explore the venue’s offerings. Emphasizing the convenience of purchasing and redeeming gift certificates can further entice customers, ensuring they consider your venue as a go-to destination for their holiday gifting needs.

16. Add a Festive Twist to Menus and More

Enhancing your venue’s holiday appeal by putting a festive filter on your offerings can significantly drive holiday event sales. Start by designing holiday-inspired food and beverage menus that showcase signature cocktails and seasonal dishes, promoting these delectable creations on your website and social media channels. Eye-catching visuals and engaging descriptions can entice potential clients and highlight what makes your venue special during the festive season.

In addition, refresh your social media presence by uploading a vibrant cover image on platforms like Facebook and Twitter that reflects the holiday spirit. This image could feature photos from previous events adorned with seasonal décor or a festive theme paired with inviting text encouraging customers to book their holiday celebrations with you. By creating a cohesive and visually appealing holiday aesthetic, you not only capture attention but also establish your venue as the ideal choice for memorable celebrations.

17. Leverage Online Reviews for Great Holiday Events

Venues should strategically leverage online reviews to showcase their success in hosting memorable holiday events, as positive testimonials can significantly influence potential clients’ decisions. Encouraging satisfied guests to leave reviews on platforms like Google, Yelp, and social media can provide authentic insights into the quality of service, atmosphere, and overall experience your venue offers during the festive season. Highlighting these reviews in your marketing materials, website, and social media posts can build credibility and attract new clients seeking a reliable and vibrant location for their holiday celebrations. Additionally, responding to reviews, whether positive or negative, demonstrates your commitment to customer satisfaction, further enhancing your venue’s reputation and encouraging others to choose your space for their upcoming holiday events.

18. Promote Midweek Holiday Events

Venues should actively promote midweek holiday events as an appealing option for clients looking to host gatherings outside the traditional weekend rush. By offering special incentives such as discounted rates or unique packages for events held on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, venues can attract corporate clients and social hosts eager to secure a memorable space without the higher costs associated with peak days. Utilizing Tripleseat’s platform, venues can easily manage and promote these midweek offerings, streamlining the booking process and providing clients with detailed information on availability, pricing, and customizable options.

19. Showcase Amazing Holiday Photos

Images are eye-catching, so use them in emails, social media posts, blog posts, and your website. Use tools such as Canva to create images that layer text, icons, graphics, or photos that include information about holding holiday events at your venue. Create a photo album on Facebook or Instagram of events you’ve held in the last year. Make sure to use the captions to remind customers that the year isn’t over yet. They still have time to book their holiday event with your venue. Share a link to the album in your social media posts, in your emails, and on your blog. Make your lead form link easy to find by including it in photo captions and the album description.

Don’t forget some behind the scenes photos. Take photos or videos of your employees hanging up decorations. Show how your chef prepares a special menu item or your bartender preparing a festive cocktail, or your staff getting ready for the holidays.

20. Engage Your Audience With Holiday Conversation

Engage your audience with a festive contest, offering a chance to win a free holiday party or a significant discount for bookings. It’s a fun way to drive interaction and boost awareness. Get a conversation going with your fans on social media. Ask them a question about the holidays, such as “What is your favorite holiday party tradition?” or “What do you do to relieve holiday stress?” Their answers can help you learn more about their needs, and they’ll be impressed that you are interested in their opinions. You’ll stay top of mind when they’re ready to plan their holiday events.

21. Use Videos to Highlight Your Holiday Parties

Grab your smartphone and create a quick video to say hello to your customers and let them know your venue is now accepting holiday bookings. Have fun with it! Use props or accessories and include some of your employees. Share the video on your blog, in your email marketing, and on your social media accounts, especially Instagram and TikTok.

Use Facebook Live to show your followers some behind-the-scenes action at your venue. Show off your decorated event spaces and amenities. Interview your staff. Give fans a look at what’s on your menu. Or, do a cooking demo on a special drink or menu item you’re featuring for the holidays.

22. Review your EventUp listing

Get your venue in front of hundreds of thousands of event planners on the industry’s best venue marketplace: EventUp by Tripleseat! Your Tripleseat subscription automatically comes with a basic listing on EventUp. Your venue listing is a dedicated page about your venue. Include photos and event options marketed to social and corporate event planners searching for the perfect venue for their next event.

Make planners aware of your holiday offerings by adding seasonal information to your listing, and make sure you have the right amenities, keywords, and photos on your listing to get noticed. Increase your exposure by upgrading to an EventUp premium listing.

Tripleseat Helps You Get Sold Out for Holiday Events

Are you ready to grow your event business? Schedule a Tripleseat demo to take a closer look at our event management features.