7 Ways to Increase Restaurant Sales During the Holiday Season

The festive season is when customers eat more, drink more, and spend more, which, if you’re running a hotel, pub, or takeaway, should sound like music to your ears. But here’s the catch: it’s also the most competitive time of the year. If you don’t give people a reason to choose you, they’ll happily take their money (and their mince pie cravings) elsewhere.

The good news? With the right restaurant holiday marketing strategy, you can make your most profitable holiday season yet. 

Here are 7 simple but powerful ways to turn festive cheer into extra sales.

1. Create a Festive Atmosphere That Sells

Customers don’t just eat with their stomachs; they eat with their eyes. A cosy, festive vibe can draw people in before they even glance at the menu. Think fairy lights, crackers on tables, or a playlist that makes people smile (even if it means hearing Mariah Carey for the thousandth time).

And don’t stop at decor, seasonal menu items are proven sellers. Research shows nearly 60% of people are more likely to order a dish if it’s described as “seasonal,” and almost half say festive food simply feels tastier. 

That’s your chance to add a “Festive Burger Box” or “Christmas Curry Special” and increase margins with minimal effort. If you’re looking for easy holiday marketing ideas, this is one of the simplest wins.

2. Sell Gift Cards & Vouchers – Easy Cash Flow

Gift cards are a win-win. You receive the money upfront, and when customers redeem it, they typically spend more than the card’s value. Industry reports suggest that holiday gift cards can boost restaurant revenue by 15–25%, with some businesses seeing almost half their annual voucher sales during this season alone.

For hotels and takeaways, this is a clever restaurant holiday marketing tactic to keep cash flowing and bring new faces through the door in quieter months. 

Package them as experiences, “Takeaway Feast for Two” or “Festive Afternoon Tea”, and they’ll fly off the shelf.

3. Roll Out Party Packages & Bundles

From staff nights out to family gatherings, groups are your golden ticket during the festive season. Make life easy for them (and profitable for you) by offering set menus or bundles.

Instead of 10 people all ordering something different, guide them to a “Party Platter” or “Festive Banquet Box.” 

It speeds up service, simplifies kitchen prep, and bumps up the average spend per head. Plus, it’s a brilliant way to show off your creative holiday marketing ideas without breaking the bank.

4. Don’t Forget Sofa Diners – Boost Online Ordering

Let’s be honest: plenty of customers would rather stay in their PJs and order delivery than head out in the cold. That’s where your online menu comes in.

Create seasonal delivery deals like a “Roast Dinner Box,” family sharers, or indulgent festive desserts. 

Customers will happily pay for the convenience, and it means your takeaway or restaurant is still cashing in even when customers don’t leave the house. If you want your restaurant holiday marketing to really shine, make sure these specials are promoted on delivery platforms and your social channels.

5. Add a Festive Twist to Loyalty Schemes

Loyalty schemes aren’t just for coffee chains; they’re brilliant for restaurants and takeaways too. And here’s the kicker: loyal customers spend more, more often.

In the festive season, double the rewards. Offer a free dessert after a certain number of visits, or introduce members-only specials. It makes customers feel valued while giving them every reason to keep coming back to you, not your competitor down the road. 

A smart holiday marketing idea here could be to promote a “Festive Double Points Week” or an exclusive seasonal reward.

6. Host Festive Events That Attract Groups

Events aren’t just for big hotels; even takeaways and small restaurants can join in. 

Think Christmas quiz nights, carols with curry, or charity tie-ins like donating £1 from each festive meal to a local cause.

These don’t just increase sales on the night; they build loyalty and make your business part of the community. People remember where they felt welcomed, and they’ll keep coming back in the new year. Hosting events also works as a natural restaurant holiday marketing tool; photos and posts from your customers become free advertising.

7. Market Like a Pro (Without Blowing the Budget)

If you want to keep your business top of mind, you need to shout about it. Use every channel you can: posters in-store, social media, email, and even SMS.

Try a “12 Days of Deals” promotion, share behind-the-scenes prep videos, or push exclusive offers online. 

The goal is simple: stay visible, stay festive, and give people a reason to order from you instead of scrolling past. The best holiday marketing ideas are the ones that make customers smile while nudging them to spend a little more.

Bonus Tip: Upsell, Upsell, Upsell

Your staff are your secret weapon. Train them to suggest festive add-ons like pigs in blankets, seasonal cocktails, or an extra dessert. These little up-sells may only add a few pounds to each order, but multiplied across the season, they can make a huge difference to your bottom line.

Final Word

For hotels, pubs, and takeaways, the holiday season is the busiest time of the year, and the most rewarding if you play it right. By adding festive touches to your menu, offering vouchers, creating party bundles, and marketing smartly, you can make sure the tills are ringing as loudly as the Christmas bells.

And remember: people aren’t just buying food; they’re buying experiences. With the right mix of restaurant marketing ideas, you’ll not only stand out during the festive rush but also set yourself up for lasting success.

Ready to put these ideas into action? 

Partner with Foodhub, and you get all the tools you need to run festive promotions, boost sales, and keep customers coming back. Book a demo today to start your free trial, because the sooner you start, the faster you’ll grow.