This guide provides an overview of the marketing campaign plan for Christmas 2023. It outlines the objectives, strategies, and tactics that will be used to maximise holiday sales and ensure a successful holiday season for hotels and restaurants.
Contents
How Christmas is Celebrated
Christmas Spending & Buyer Behaviour Trends
Christmas Buyer Personas
Festive Food & Beverage Trends Christmas 2023
Christmas Marketing Tactics
Christmas Marketing Resources
Christmas Marketing Mistakes to Avoid
Christmas Marketing Strategy
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How Christmas is Celebrated
Christmas is a Christian celebration of Jesus Christ's birth, celebrated on December 25th each year. It is a holiday celebrated with gift-giving, decorations, and special meals.
The Christmas season is a significant period for individuals and businesses alike. It allows people to unite and cherish special moments while providing businesses substantial revenue opportunities. This time of year sees a surge in sales and remains important for consumers and hospitality businesses despite fluctuating figures from year to year.
During the Christmas season, customers in the hospitality industry tend to be more generous and festive, leading to increased spending on luxury items and experiences.
Hotels and restaurants can tap into this market by offering special promotions and packages, such as holiday-themed menus and decorations, to attract and retain customers.
When it comes to Christmas expenses, one of the most significant outlays for consumers is purchasing gifts for friends and family.
Surprisingly, over half of consumers actually begin shopping for Christmas presents before December arrives. Statista revealed that 16% of shoppers had completed all their intended purchases by December 3rd 2022.
While traditional options such as supermarkets, discount stores and department stores remained popular choices when hunting down Christmas gifts, 78% of consumers opted to purchase from online retailers – clearly establishing it as the preferred choice. More specifically, Amazon, Argos and eBay emerged as top contenders in online retailers where UK shoppers purchased their Christmas gifts.
❄️ Consider listing your Gift Cards on these popular sites.
In the graph above, we can see the upward trajectory in spend on Alcoholic and edible gifts.
Dinner
Christmas dinner is a holiday season highlight, with families and friends coming together to enjoy a festive meal. Hotels and restaurants can offer special Christmas menus featuring traditional dishes and innovative twists.
According to Google Search Trends, people researching where to eat Christmas Dinner near them peaks in mid-to-late November. So, you must ensure your campaigns are online by October to raise awareness and drive interest.
Shopping Meals
Christmas shopping can be exhausting, and customers often seek a break and a meal to recharge. During the Christmas shopping period, footfall typically increases significantly, with retail sales rising by as much as 25-30% compared to other times.
Offering shopping meals or packages can attract customers looking for a convenient and enjoyable dining experience. Foods and drinks popular with late-night Christmas shoppers include alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer, and handheld snacks. Hot foods such as pizza and hot dogs are also popular, allowing shoppers to recharge quickly. Hot drinks such as tea, coffee, and hot chocolate are often sought after to keep shoppers warm during late-night shopping trips.
Parties - At Venue
Many people celebrate Christmas by attending parties and events at hotels and restaurants. Offering party packages, themed decorations, and entertainment can attract customers looking for a festive and hassle-free celebration.
Source: Google Trends
Parties - At Home
Inflation and the cost of living crisis can significantly impact consumers' budgets, making it challenging for them to enjoy the holiday season fully. However, hotels and restaurants have an opportunity to support consumers by offering services that remove the hassle of hosting Christmas parties at home, while boosting revenue.
The holiday season is the perfect time for hotels and restaurants to provide catering services. By offering a wide range of festive menus and packages, they can cater to customers who prefer to host parties at home but want to avoid the stress of cooking and preparing food. These catering services can include everything from small plates and main courses to desserts and beverages, ensuring that customers have a complete and delicious holiday spread without the need to spend hours in the kitchen.
Hotels and restaurants can also offer party platters that can be easily ordered, picked up, or delivered. Popular platters include a selection of finger foods, snacks, and desserts, providing customers with a convenient and hassle-free solution for hosting holiday gatherings. By offering an array of platters with different themes and options, hotels and restaurants can cater to various tastes and dietary preferences.
DIY kits can be a fab choice for customers who enjoy the experience of cooking and decorating but want to minimise the effort and time required. These kits can include pre-measured ingredients and detailed instructions to help customers prepare festive meals or create holiday-themed treats at home.
Upload instructions on preparing the meals to YouTube, and encourage your customers to upload videos of themselves cooking to social media.
DIY kits can range from gingerbread house kits to cookie decorating kits, allowing customers to engage in fun and creative activities with their families without extensive planning or shopping for ingredients.
Work Christmas Party
Searches for Work Christmas party start around mid-September and peak between the end of November and the 17th of December for Australia, New Zealand and the USA.
Use scarcity marketing messages to drive conversions for people planning at the last minute - e.g. Last Chance to Book, etc.
Holiday & Travel
Christmas is an opportunity for people to take a break and go on holiday. Hotels and restaurants in popular holiday destinations can leverage this by offering special packages and experiences.
Searches for Christmas Holiday packages begin in September and peak by mid-November.
Christmas Customers
Effective marketing strategies require understanding buyer behaviour and spending patterns during Christmas.
It is important to consider factors such as Black Friday shopping trends, late-night shopping habits, last-minute purchases, attitudes towards Christmas, festive tipping, and increased footfall.
Creating buyer personas specific to the Christmas season can help businesses tailor their marketing efforts. Key personas include parents, couples, friend groups, and grandparents.
Understanding their preferences, needs, and spending habits can inform marketing strategies and promotions. These personas will vary by location, but here are some examples to get you into your customer’s mindset.
Buyer Persona 1: Millennial Parent
Name: Emily Anderson
Age: 32
Generation: Millennial
Backstory: Emily is a working mother of two young children. She values family time and wants to create magical memories for her kids during the holiday season. She is tech-savvy and enjoys staying updated on the latest trends.
Spending Power: Moderate to high
Christmas Objectives: To give her children a memorable and joyful Christmas experience. She wants to find the perfect gifts, plan fun activities, and create lasting traditions.
Christmas Spending Habits: Emily is willing to spend on quality gifts and experiences for her family. She focuses on buying practical items for her kids and seeks discounts and deals to maximise her budget.
Christmas Pain Points: Limited time for shopping, finding unique gifts, balancing work and family commitments, and managing the stress of the holiday season.
Christmas Dining: Emily prefers to have a stress-free Christmas dinner at home with her immediate family, preparing a traditional meal with a modern twist.
Christmas Search Terms: "Best Christmas gifts for kids," "Christmas activities for families," "DIY Christmas decorations," "Christmas deals and discounts," "family-friendly holiday destinations."
Christmas Booking Window: Emily starts researching and planning for Christmas early in October. She prefers to secure hotel and restaurant reservations by November to avoid last-minute stress.
Buyer Persona 2: Millennial Couple
Name: Alex and Sarah Johnson
Age: 28 and 26 Generation: Millennial
Backstory: Alex and Sarah are a young, adventurous couple who love exploring new places and trying unique experiences. They prioritise quality time together and enjoy celebrating the holiday season in a memorable way.
Spending Power: Moderate to high Christmas Objectives: To create special memories together and discover new holiday traditions. They want to find meaningful gifts for each other and plan a romantic getaway or experience.
Christmas Spending Habits: Alex and Sarah are willing to splurge on unique and personalised gifts for each other. They also invest in experiences such as holiday trips or attending special events.
Christmas Pain Points: Finding unique gifts, managing holiday expenses, balancing work and personal commitments, and coordinating travel plans.
Christmas Dining: Alex and Sarah prefer to try new restaurants or book a romantic dinner experience for Christmas. They enjoy exploring different cuisines and trying festive dishes.
Christmas Search Terms: "Romantic holiday getaways," "Unique Christmas gifts for couples," "Holiday events and festivals," "Christmas travel deals," "Best Christmas markets."
Christmas Booking Window: Alex and Sarah start planning for Christmas in November. They typically book hotels and restaurants at least a month in advance to secure the best deals and availability.
Buyer Persona 3: Gen Z Friend Group
Names: Emma, Liam, and Ava
Age: 20 Generation: Gen Z
Backstory: Emma, Liam, and Ava are close friends who enjoy spending time together. They are tech-savvy and heavily influenced by social media trends. They value experiences over material possessions and seek unique ways to celebrate the holiday season.
Spending Power: Limited to moderate
Christmas Objectives: To have a fun and memorable Christmas with their friends. They want to exchange meaningful gifts, participate in festive activities, and capture Instagram-worthy moments.
Christmas Spending Habits: Emma, Liam, and Ava seek affordable and creative gift options. They focus on experiences, homemade items, or trendy products. They might pool their resources to plan group activities or outings.
Christmas Pain Points: Limited budget, finding unique gifts, coordinating schedules with friends, and managing expectations during the holiday season.
Christmas Dining: Emma, Liam, and Ava enjoy casual dining experiences, such as potlucks or trendy Christmas food markets. They prefer to try different cuisines and explore new flavours.
Christmas Search Terms: "Affordable Christmas gifts for friends," "Unique holiday activities for groups," "Festive DIY decorations," "Best budget-friendly holiday destinations," "Christmas party outfit ideas."
Christmas Booking Window: Emma, Liam, and Ava start discussing their Christmas plans in late November. They make restaurant reservations and book activities for a few weeks to ensure availability.
Buyer Persona 4: Gen X Grandparents
Name: Richard and Linda Thompson
Age: 55 and 52
Generation: Gen X
Backstory: Richard and Linda are loving grandparents who value family traditions and create a warm, nostalgic Christmas atmosphere. They have grown children and enjoy spoiling their grandchildren during the holiday season.
Spending Power: Moderate to high
Christmas Objectives: To create cherished memories with their grandchildren. They focus on finding thoughtful gifts, hosting family gatherings, and passing down family traditions.
Christmas Spending Habits: Richard and Linda are willing to spend on quality gifts for their grandchildren and immediate family. They appreciate sentimental and personalised gifts that reflect family values.
Christmas Pain Points: Finding age-appropriate gifts for grandchildren, managing family dynamics, coordinating schedules with their children, and organising family gatherings.
Christmas Dining: Richard and Linda prefer to host Christmas dinner at home, preparing traditional family recipes and creating a cosy atmosphere for their loved ones.
Christmas Search Terms: "Best Christmas gifts for grandchildren," "Family-friendly holiday activities," "Traditional holiday recipes," "Christmas decoration ideas," "Christmas family photo shoot."
Christmas Booking Window: Richard and Linda start planning for Christmas in early November. They typically finalise their hotel and restaurant reservations by mid-November to secure preferred dates and accommodations.
Food & Beverage Trends Christmas 2023
As we look ahead to Christmas 2023, the food and beverage trends shaping the festive season are diverse and exciting. From artful charcuterie boards to speciality salts, ready-to-drink cocktails, and plant-based offerings, there’s something for everyone's taste and preferences.
The emphasis on elevated comfort foods, mindful eating, interactive dining experiences, and immersive beverage experiences further adds to the richness of the festive culinary landscape.
Artful and Inventive Charcuterie Boards
One trend that has been gaining traction in recent years and shows no signs of slowing down is the artful and inventive charcuterie board. These visually stunning platters, composed of a delightful assortment of cured meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and more, have become a staple at social gatherings and holiday celebrations.
The appeal of charcuterie boards lies in their versatility, as they offer a wide range of flavours and textures that can be customised to suit different preferences and dietary restrictions.
The trend has gained such popularity that it has spawned a new generation of influencers who specialise in creating visually appealing charcuterie board displays and sharing their creations on social media platforms like TikTok. To keep up with this trend, businesses and restaurants can incorporate charcuterie boards into their menus, particularly in Italian restaurants where the tradition of cured meats and cheeses is deeply rooted.
Specialty Salts
Gourmet salts have become the star of the show in many restaurant dishes, adding unique flavours and enhancing the overall dining experience. Pink peppercorn, matcha, and black lava salt are just a few examples of speciality salts that have captured the attention of chefs and home cooks alike.
Black lava salt, in particular, stands out with its striking appearance and enticing name. Traditionally harvested from lava in Hawaii or Cyprus, black lava salt is now often a mixture of regular sea salt and activated charcoal. This unconventional salt is visually appealing and adds a distinct flavour to dishes.
Consumers are increasingly drawn to unrefined salts like sea salt and Himalayan salt due to their perceived health benefits. Unrefined salts retain essential minerals like potassium, iron, and magnesium, making them a healthier alternative to refined table salt.
Ready-to-Drink Cocktails for Effortless Entertaining
With the rise of cocktail culture and the desire for convenient and high-quality drinks, ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails are expected to be a hit during Christmas 2023. This trend has paved the way for premium RTD cocktails that offer the same sophistication and flavour as those crafted by professional mixologists.
The RTD category is projected to increase its market share in the alcohol sector, driven by consumer demand for better, bar-quality products. Flavours play a crucial role in the appeal of RTD cocktails, with consumers gravitating towards refreshing and fruity profiles during the summer months and seeking seasonal and unique offerings during the festive season.
Hot-serve RTD cocktails have also emerged as a top trend, providing a hassle-free way to serve warm and comforting drinks to guests. From classic cocktails like Espresso Martinis and Margaritas to innovative creations like gingerbread Espresso Martinis, the RTD market is brimming with options that cater to increasingly sophisticated flavours.
Plant-Based
As sustainability continues to be a driving force in the food and beverage industry, plant-based offerings are set to take centre stage during Christmas 2023. The demand for vegan and vegetarian options has steadily risen, with consumers seeking ethical and environmentally friendly alternatives that don't compromise taste or quality.
Plant-based meats, cheeses, and other dairy substitutes have come a long way in terms of flavour and texture, making them suitable for vegans and flexitarians who want to reduce their meat consumption. In addition to plant-based alternatives, businesses also focus on incorporating more plant-based ingredients into their traditional festive dishes.
From hearty vegetable roasts to indulgent plant-based desserts, there are endless possibilities for creating a sustainable and delicious Christmas feast.
Fusion Flavours
Fusion cuisine will delight those who crave new culinary experiences and bold flavours during Christmas 2023. This trend reflects the increasing openness of consumers to explore global flavours and experiment with unconventional combinations.
The fusion trend extends beyond just the flavours themselves, as it often incorporates elements of different cooking techniques and presentation styles. This creates a multisensory experience that delights the palate and engages the eyes and nose.
Restaurants and food businesses can embrace fusion cuisine by offering unique menu items that fuse diverse culinary traditions. Whether it's Asian-inspired tacos, Mediterranean-infused sushi, or Mexican-Indian fusion dishes, the fusion trend allows chefs to showcase their creativity and offer customers a memorable dining experience.
Elevated Comfort Foods
Christmas is a time for indulgence and comfort, and in 2023, comfort foods will receive a gourmet makeover. Classic dishes that evoke nostalgia and warmth will be elevated with premium ingredients and innovative twists.
Mac and cheese, for example, will be reinvented with artisanal cheeses and creative mix-ins like truffle oil or lobster. Grilled cheese sandwiches will feature gourmet breads and a variety of high-quality cheeses. Even humble dishes like pizza and burgers will be given a luxurious touch with premium toppings and artisanal bases.
The focus on elevated comfort foods aligns with consumers' desire for familiarity, nostalgia, and a refined and sophisticated dining experience. This trend allows businesses to tap into people's emotional connection with comfort foods while offering luxury and innovation.
Mindful Eating and Health-Conscious Choices
As people become more conscious of their health and well-being, mindful eating and health-conscious choices will continue to shape the food and beverage landscape in Christmas 2023. Consumers increasingly seek products that align with their dietary preferences and support their health goals.
Businesses can respond to this demand by offering a more comprehensive range of options that cater to different dietary needs, such as gluten-free, dairy-free, and low-sugar alternatives. Additionally, there will be an emphasis on clean labels and transparent sourcing, with consumers gravitating towards products made with natural and wholesome ingredients.
The trend of mindful eating extends beyond just dietary choices; it also encompasses how food is consumed. Mindful eating encourages savouring each bite, paying attention to flavours and textures, and being fully present during meals. This holistic approach to eating promotes a healthier relationship with food and a deeper appreciation for the dining experience.
Interactive Dining Experiences
In Christmas 2023, interactive dining experiences will take centre stage, providing a unique and engaging way to celebrate the holiday season. These experiences go beyond traditional restaurant meals and allow guests to participate in creating their dishes or exploring flavours actively.
Immersive tasting menus take guests on a sensory journey through carefully curated dishes. These menus often incorporate storytelling, music, and visual elements to enhance the dining experience and create a memorable event.
Interactive dining experience provides entertainment and engagement and fosters a sense of connection and community among guests. This trend is particularly well-suited for Christmas celebrations, where gathering with loved ones and creating lasting memories is at the heart of the season.
Sustainable Packaging and Eco-Friendly Initiatives
Sustainability continues to be a pressing concern for consumers, and businesses are stepping up their efforts to reduce waste and minimise their environmental footprint.
Consumers are increasingly conscious of the impact of single-use plastics and excessive packaging on the environment. As a result, businesses are exploring alternative packaging materials, such as compostable or biodegradable options, to reduce their reliance on plastics. Initiatives like food waste reduction programs and carbon offsetting are gaining traction as consumers seek brands aligning with their values.
By prioritising sustainability, businesses contribute to a healthier planet and appeal to a growing market of environmentally conscious consumers.
Christmas Marketing Tactics
When planning your Christmas activities, consider the following options:
Seasonal Experiences
Offering unique experiences can set hotels and restaurants apart from the competition. Ideas include themed pop-up restaurants, interactive dining experiences, Christmas Afternoon Tea, festive workshops, and holiday-themed entertainment.
Competitions
Running Christmas-themed competitions can generate excitement and engagement. Ideas include social media contests, giveaways, and loyalty program incentives.
Party Packages for Home Gatherings
Providing party packages for customers hosting Christmas gatherings at home can be lucrative. These packages can include catering, decoration rentals, and personalised services.
Reward Best Customers
Acknowledging and rewarding loyal customers during Christmas can strengthen relationships and encourage repeat business. Personalised offers, exclusive discounts, and loyalty program perks can make customers feel valued and appreciated.
Christmas Menu
Creating a special Christmas menu can entice customers looking for a memorable dining experience. Consider offering brunch options, late-night shopping menus, family-friendly meals, group packages, vegetarian and gluten-free options, themed drinks, and festive desserts.
Digital Gift Cards
Digital gift cards are a popular choice for Christmas gifts. Offering digital gift cards can attract customers who prefer the convenience of online shopping and provide an opportunity for future business.
Promotional Materials
Designing eye-catching promotional materials, such as banners, posters, and digital ads, can generate awareness and entice customers. Highlighting special offers, themed events, and unique experiences can capture attention and drive bookings.
Include QR codes to provide a Phygital Experience by sending smartphone users to a dedicated Christmas landing page.
Greetings Cards & Decorations
Creating a festive ambience with Christmas decorations and personalised greeting cards can enhance the customer experience. Attention to small details can leave a lasting impression and encourage positive reviews and recommendations.
A fantastic way to keep kids entertained is with Christmas Cards they can colour in; this will associate good memories with the brand and form part of the family's Christmas story.
Staff Party & Appreciation
Recognising and appreciating staff during Christmas is essential for maintaining morale and motivation. Organising a staff party or providing special incentives can foster a positive work environment and improve customer service.
Use this time to take new staff photos for your digital channels and marketing materials in the upcoming year.
Value Add
Offering value-added services can go a long way in enhancing the customer experience. Ideas include providing a professional photographer during festive events, offering complimentary transportation, or partnering with local attractions to provide exclusive access. Give people a reason to get dressed up!
Christmas Jumper Day Discount
Participating in popular events such as Christmas Jumper Day is great fun and attracts customers who want to have a good time.
Offering discounts or special promotions to customers wearing Christmas jumpers can encourage participation, increase footfall, and encourage fun User-Generated Content.
Share on TikTok and take part in seasonal challenges to spread Christmas cheer.
Seasonal Catering for Business
Catering to businesses hosting Christmas events can be a lucrative market. Offering tailored menus, flexible catering options, and professional services can attract corporate clients and generate repeat business.
Reach out to your local community and offer them themed packages like Quiz Nights, Mystery Challenges and Escape Rooms.
Promote private party packages for local businesses. Offer exclusive venues, customised menus, and dedicated event coordinators to make planning and hosting a Christmas party hassle-free for businesses.
Scavenger Hunt
Creating a Christmas-themed scavenger hunt using augmented reality (AR) can give guests a unique and interactive experience. This can be used within the hotel or restaurant premises, encouraging customers to explore and engage with the brand.
If you cannot create an AR filter, hide QR codes strategically so players can access the next clue using their smartphones.
Charitable Fundraiser
Hosting a charitable fundraiser during Christmas can generate goodwill and positive brand perception. Partnering with a local charity, organising fundraising events, or donating a portion of proceeds can contribute to the festive spirit and make a meaningful impact.
Charitable partnerships can positively impact brand perception by demonstrating the company's commitment to social causes and giving back to the community. It also helps to create a sense of responsibility and accountability, which can help build customer trust and loyalty. Creating a positive image for the brand contributes to increased brand awareness and reputation.
Dinner & Entertainment
Combining a special Christmas dinner with live entertainment can create a memorable experience for guests. Ideas include live music performances, holiday-themed shows, or interactive performances.
Advent Calendar
An advent calendar promotion in-store or online can build anticipation and engagement throughout Christmas. Each day can feature a different offer, discount, or surprise, encouraging customers to visit or engage with the brand regularly. Experiment with this campaign on Instagram Reels and on TikTok.
Filters
Using festive-themed filters on social media platforms can encourage user-generated content and engagement. Creating branded filters that customers can use on their photos can increase brand visibility and generate organic reach.
Room Service Special Touches
Providing special touches for guests ordering room service during Christmas can enhance their experience. Ideas include complimentary festive treats such as mince pies, personalised notes, small gifts, or a bottle of wine to create a sense of warmth and holiday spirit.
Segmented Email Marketing Campaigns
It’s best practice for email marketing campaigns to segment customers into categories based on their preferences and behaviours, such as purchase history, interests, and demographics. Personalised messages, tailored offers, and relevant content can help increase the effectiveness of email marketing campaigns during the Christmas season.
A pre-Christmas email asking customers if they would like to opt out of the Christmas campaign is a great way to show sensitivity to those struggling emotionally during the festive period. This gesture can go a long way in showing customers that the company cares about their well-being and can help to build trust and loyalty.
Merchandising
Creating branded merchandise, such as Christmas ornaments, mugs, or apparel, can increase revenue streams and promote brand loyalty. Offering these items as gifts or souvenirs can create a lasting customer connection.
Autism-Friendly Areas
Creating autism-friendly areas within the hotel or restaurant can cater to the needs of families with autistic children. Providing a sensory-friendly environment and trained staff can foster inclusivity and attract customers who appreciate these accommodations.
Christmas Marketing Resources
Hashtags
Here are a selection of hand-researched Hashtags to help amplify your campaign reach:
#artisanfood
#blackfridaysale
#celebratewithus
#chacuterieboard
#chooseadventure
#christmas2023
#christmascarnival
#christmascountdown
#christmasdinners
#christmasdinnerparty
#christmasdinnerprep
#christmasdinner
#christmasdrinks
#christmasevedinner
#christmasevent
#christmasevents
#christmasfair
#christmasfoodie
#christmasfoods
#christmasfood
#christmasgiftideas
#christmasideas
#christmasinspo
#christmaslover
#christmasmagic
#christmasshopping
#christmasshop
#christmassnacks
#christmaspartyfood
#christmaspartyideas
#christmaspartyseason
#christmasparty
#christmaspresents
#christmasstyling
#christmasvacation
#christmastime🎄
#christmastime🎄🎁
#christmastime
#christmassweaterparty
#christmassy
#christmasvacation
#companychristmasparty
#dinnerwithfamily
#familyevent
#feelingfestive
#festivefood
#foodinspiration
#fatherchristmas
#goodreview
#greatservice
#handmadepresents
#holidaycheer
#holidayparty
#holidaytravel
#holidaysarecoming
#ilovechristmas
#itschristmas
#itsnearlychristmas
#longtable
#minibreak
#officechristmasparty
#officeparty
#partyplanning
#partyplatter
#personaltouch
#personalisedgiftideas
#readyforchristmas
#seasonalproduce
#secretsanta
#shopearly
#socialevents
#supportyourlocalbusiness
#uglychristmassweaterparty
#veganchristmasdinner
#veganchristmasfood
#willtravelforfood
#winterfestival
#wintermoments
Banned Hashtags - DO NOT USE THESE!
#christmasevents🎄
#christmasevedinnerprep
#christmasevedinnerparty
#christmasevedinnerbuffet
#christmasholidaysarecoming
#officechristmasparty🎄🎅
#christmastime🎄❄️
#christmasdrinkssorted
#christmasdrinks🎄
Emojis
Incorporating festive emojis into social media posts and marketing materials can add a touch of holiday spirit and enhance engagement. Here are some popular emojis to use in your social media posts
🔔🍴🎁👶🕯️🎅👼🎶🛐⛪🤶✝️❄️☃️👪⛄🌟🔥🎄🍷🦌🍪🥛🧝♀️🧦🧝♂️🧑🎄🧝
Colour Palettes
Choosing the right colour palette for Christmas marketing materials can evoke the holiday spirit and create a cohesive visual identity. Traditional colours such as red, green, gold, and silver are commonly associated with Christmas.
Symbols
Incorporating Christmas symbols, such as snowflakes, reindeer, or mistletoe, can enhance the visual appeal of marketing materials and reinforce the holiday theme.
Here is a list of popular Christmas symbols and their meanings:
Christmas Tree: The evergreen tree represents eternal life.
Star: Placed on top of the Christmas tree, the star symbolises the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Wise Men to baby Jesus.
Nativity Scene: Depicting the birth of Jesus in a stable with Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the Wise Men.
Candy Canes: Shaped like a shepherd's crook, candy canes represent the shepherds who visited baby Jesus.
Wreath: The wreath's circular shape represents eternity and everlasting life.
Holly: The prickly leaves and red berries of the holly plant symbolise Jesus' crown of thorns and the drops of blood shed for humanity.
Mistletoe: Mistletoe is associated with love and affection. According to tradition, kisses are exchanged beneath the mistletoe.
Bells: Bells are rung to celebrate the joyous news of Jesus' birth and to spread Christmas cheer.
Angels: Representing the messengers of God, angels are often seen in Christmas decorations, reminding followers of the angels' proclamation of Jesus' birth.
Gifts: The tradition of exchanging gifts during Christmas symbolises the gifts brought by the Wise Men to baby Jesus.
How To Create Urgency and FOMO for Seasonal Events:
Creating a sense of urgency and fear of missing out (FOMO) can drive customer engagement and bookings. Strategies include limited-time offers, exclusive access, early-bird discounts, and countdown timers to create a sense of urgency. For example:
Limited-Time Offers: "Don't Miss Out on Our Christmas Special! Book Now and Save 20% for the Next 48 Hours Only!"
Exclusive Access: "Be the First to Experience Our Exclusive Christmas Wonderland! Limited Tickets Available for VIP Members Only."
Early-Bird Discounts: "Book Your Christmas Party in Advance and Enjoy 15% Off! Early Birds Get the Best Deals."
Countdown Timers: "Only 3 Days Left Until Christmas! Hurry and Secure Your Spot for Our Festive Celebration Now."
Christmas Marketing Mistakes to Avoid
Cultural backgrounds play a significant role in shaping consumer behaviour and preferences. Understanding the cultural nuances of your local community can help businesses avoid insensitive or exclusionary marketing practices.
Don’t assume that all customers celebrate Christmas, and consider including marketing messages that are more inclusive and encompassing.
Remember that Christmas is not the only celebration at this time of year. Acknowledge and respect that there are numerous holidays and celebrations during the winter season.
Apart from Christmas, there are several other religious events celebrated around Christmas. Some include
Hanukkah, or the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday celebrated in November or December, although the exact date changes yearly.
Yule is a Pagan holiday celebrating the winter solstice, usually observed around December 21st. It is a time to honour nature and the cycles of the seasons, often marked by feasting, bonfires, and decorating trees to welcome the light back to the world.
Kwanzaa: Kwanzaa is a week-long celebration of African-American heritage and culture. It takes place from December 26th to January 1st. It is marked by lighting candles on a kinara (candle holder), sharing meals, and reflecting on African principles and values.
Zarathosht Diso: Zarathosht Diso is a day Zoroastrians observe on December 26th to honour the death of Prophet Zoroaster. It is a time for prayer, remembrance, and reflection on the teachings of Zoroastrianism.
These religious events and celebrations add to the diversity and richness of celebrations during the Christmas season.
Christmas Marketing Strategy
Decide on a Campaign Theme
Choose a compelling and cohesive theme for your Christmas marketing campaign. This theme should resonate with your target audience and align with your brand values.
Set Your Campaign SMART Goals
Define specific and measurable goals for your Christmas campaign. Examples include increasing sales by a certain percentage, attracting new customers, or boosting brand awareness.
Define Your Target Audience
Identify your target audience for the Christmas campaign and create buyer personas better to understand their needs, preferences, and behaviours. This will enable you to tailor your marketing efforts accordingly.
Create an Offer
Develop a unique and attractive offer that aligns with your campaign theme and appeals to your target audience. This could be a special package, a limited-time discount, or an exclusive experience.
Create a Landing Page.
Design a dedicated landing page showcasing your Christmas offer and providing all the necessary information for customers to purchase or book. The landing page should be visually appealing, user-friendly, and optimised for conversions.
Design a Promotion Plan
Create a comprehensive plan to promote your Christmas campaign across your digital channels, including social media, email marketing, paid advertising, and partnerships. Consider using targeted messaging and personalised content to maximise engagement.
Create Lead Nurturing Paths
Develop a lead nurturing strategy to guide potential customers through the sales funnel. This may include automated email sequences, personalised recommendations, and retargeting ads to keep your brand top of mind.
Take the Campaign Live
Launch your Christmas campaign with a cohesive and coordinated approach across all marketing channels. Monitor performance and make adjustments as necessary to optimise results.
Measure and Report
Track and analyse key metrics to evaluate the success of your Christmas campaign. This may include sales data, website traffic, social media engagement, and customer feedback. Use this data to inform future marketing strategies and improve campaign performance.
Campaign Checklist
Create customer segments for targeted marketing campaigns.
Pre-write booking reminders and promote special holiday offers.
Develop seasonal templates for email, chatbots and SMS campaigns.
Plan and schedule sales booster emails with exclusive deals.
Create social media ads to showcase holiday promotions.
Schedule regular social media posts to engage with customers.
Offer gift card promotions and list these on popular retail websites to drive sales.
Train staff to handle customer enquiries and complaints effectively and educate them on cultural sensitivities.
Send staff updates to ensure everyone is informed about promotions.
Plan social media staff rosters to accommodate increased holiday demand.
Spruce up (#sorrynotsorry) your website with festive designs and holiday offers.
Display holiday offers prominently on your website.
Send festive emails to customers with exclusive offers.
Engage loyal customers by providing extra rewards and incentives.
Create a warm holiday atmosphere on social media.
Encourage customers to share posts by offering incentives.
Take advantage of visual platforms like Instagram and Pinterest for holiday promotions.
Decorate digital assets such as website banners and social media profiles.
Offer special experiences or packages using gift cards.
Optimise online listings, Google My Business and directories with your holiday offers and opening hours
Collaborate with local influencers to promote your holiday offers
Create festive menus and promotions for the holiday season
Decorate your establishment with holiday-themed decorations
Advertise holiday promotions in local newspapers and magazines
Provide exceptional customer service to ensure a memorable experience.
Christmas Takeaway
As the Christmas season approaches, hotel and restaurant marketers have a unique opportunity to attract and delight customers with festive offerings.
By understanding buyer behaviours, following food and beverage trends, and implementing creative marketing strategies, businesses can make the most of the holiday season and set themselves up for success in 2023.
Remember to personalise your approach, stay mindful of cultural sensitivities, and create memorable experiences that resonate with your target audience.
Merry Christmas and Happy Marketing!
References
https://store.mintel.com/report/the-future-of-christmas-market-report
https://www.specialityfoodmagazine.com/news/drinks-trends-for-christmas-2023
https://explodingtopics.com/blog/latest-food-trends
https://www.betterwholesaling.com/bidfood-research-reveals-christmas-trends/
Statista
Google Trends