The holidays bring a rush of excitement and opportunity for every restaurant and café. Between festive menus, catering orders, and takeout packaging, this season can make or break your yearly profits. That’s why planning the right restaurant holiday promotions for a successful season is essential to standing out and maximizing your holiday sales.
At Kimecopak, we understand how much preparation goes into making the holidays magical for your customers. That’s why we help restaurants across Canada and the U.S. simplify their operations with eco-friendly packaging solutions that look great, perform reliably, and align with your brand’s sustainability goals.
In this guide, we’ll share actionable ideas to help you craft memorable promotions, boost sales, and serve joy sustainably this holiday season.
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How to Get Started with Your Restaurant Holiday Promotions
Before you deck the halls, make sure your foundation is ready for a smooth and profitable season. Early preparation helps you stay organized, reduce stress, and create a consistent customer experience.
Create a Festive Atmosphere
Ambiance is everything during the holidays. From twinkling lights to cozy décor, guests want to feel the warmth and cheer the moment they walk in or even when they pick up takeout.
Add subtle seasonal touches: natural greenery, recycled ornaments, or compostable tableware that enhances your brand’s eco-conscious image. You can even serve desserts or drinks in compostable paper cup to add a sustainable twist.
Tip: For more design inspiration, check out our blog on Restaurant Food Packaging, it’s full of simple upgrades that make your space and packaging holiday-ready.
Prepare with Your Suppliers
Your suppliers are your behind-the-scenes heroes during the holidays. Reach out early to confirm delivery schedules and stock availability. This helps prevent shortages during peak demand.
If your business focuses on takeout or catering, order compostable takeout boxes and catering tray in advance. These not only support smooth operations but also showcase your restaurant’s sustainability values.
Promote Early and Often
Don’t wait until December to shout about your seasonal specials start promoting in November or even late October.
Use your website, social media, and Google Business Profile to showcase:
- Holiday menus and catering options
- Special events and hours
- Gift card promotions
- Limited-time offers or loyalty rewards
Pair festive visuals with warm messaging to spark excitement. Social media hashtags like #FestiveEats, #HolidayDining, or #MerryMeals can help you reach local audiences looking for holiday experiences.
Want to strengthen your sustainability message while promoting your offers? Read How Eco Packaging Can Help You Win More Loyal Customers for brand-building ideas.
Spruce Up Your Staff for the Holiday Rush
Full tables and busy kitchens are a sign of success but they also demand a well-prepared team.
Plan Staffing Early
Review last year’s data to forecast peak days such as weekends, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve. Post schedules at least two weeks ahead, and offer flexible shifts to keep morale high. Encourage your staff to embrace the festive energy your guests will feel it too.
Hire and Train Seasonal Staff
Seasonal hires can make or break service quality. Train them on your menu, point-of-sale system, and sustainability standards including how to properly pack takeout orders using compostable containers from Kimecopak. When every team member understands your eco values, your restaurant feels more cohesive and trustworthy.
Hold Pre-Shift Huddles
A quick five-minute meeting before each shift can make all the difference. Use it to review large reservations, new promotions, or menu changes to ensure consistency and clarity across your team.
Spice Up Your Menu with Seasonal Flavours
Nothing excites customers more than limited-time holiday dishes that tell a story.
Infuse Festive Flavours
Add classic favourites with creative twists: roasted turkey sandwiches, cranberry aioli, or peppermint desserts. Include vegetarian or gluten-free options to serve a wider audience. Don’t forget to use sustainable packaging for to-go meals to complete the experience.
Design a Festive Drink Menu
Introduce cozy drinks like mulled cider, holiday punch, or peppermint mochas. For takeout, serve beverages in paper coffee cups with lid to ensure both convenience and sustainability.
Read more: How to Create a Seasonal Menu That Boosts Sales by 20% During the Holiday Season
Prix Fixe Menu for Efficiency
Simplify kitchen operations with a holiday prix fixe a curated 2- or 3-course set featuring your best dishes. It helps manage high order volumes while giving guests a stress-free dining choice.
Spread the Holiday Cheer with Creative Marketing
Holiday marketing is where your restaurant’s personality shines brightest. It’s your chance to connect emotionally with guests while promoting special offers.
Email & Gift Card Campaigns
Send warm, personalized holiday emails to your loyal customers with exclusive perks like “Free dessert with any entrée from Dec 20–31!” or “Complimentary drink for every holiday reservation.” Simple gestures like these help strengthen relationships and encourage repeat visits during the festive rush.
Personalization is key, segment your audience by customer type or order history. For example, send family meal offers to frequent dine-in guests, and catering discounts to businesses that placed large orders last year. Use festive subject lines and imagery to stand out in crowded inboxes, and include clear calls-to-action like “Reserve your table now” or “Order your holiday feast today.”
You can also schedule a “thank you” campaign after the holidays to express gratitude to your customers. A sincere follow-up message goes a long way in building long-term loyalty and encouraging reviews or referrals.
Meanwhile, gift cards are a timeless favorite, perfect for last-minute shoppers and a great way to secure future business. Feature them prominently on your website and social media, and consider offering a small incentive such as “Buy a $50 gift card, get $10 free.”
If you want to attract more loyal guests this season, check out our Smart Restaurant Marketing in Canada for actionable strategies tailored to local restaurant owners.
Social Media Contests
The holidays are the perfect time to turn your restaurant’s social media into a festive hub of activity. Run a holiday photo contest inviting customers to share their favorite dining moments whether it’s a cozy dinner, a latte art close-up, or a festive meal with friends using your custom hashtag. Encourage creativity by offering small but meaningful rewards like a free appetizer, a discount on their next meal, or a feature on your restaurant’s page.
To amplify engagement, repost customer photos and stories to your feed or Instagram Stories. This not only creates a sense of community but also serves as authentic user-generated content (UGC) that promotes your brand organically. Consider pairing your contest with themes like “12 Days of Holiday Cheer” or “Festive Feasts at [Your Restaurant Name]” to maintain consistent engagement throughout the season.
When sharing visuals, use warm, inviting imagery and mix in behind-the-scenes content such as your staff decorating, plating festive dishes, or prepping for special events. This personal touch helps followers connect emotionally with your brand and boosts your visibility in local feeds.
Sustainability Storytelling
In today’s dining landscape, customers are increasingly drawn to restaurants that reflect their eco-conscious values, especially during high-consumption seasons like the holidays. Sustainability storytelling allows you to highlight what makes your restaurant different in a meaningful way.
Share posts or short videos showing your behind-the-scenes efforts to reduce waste, source locally, or choose environmentally friendly packaging materials. Talk about your restaurant’s sustainability journey what inspired it, what challenges you’ve overcome, and what goals you’re setting for the future.
You could even create a mini campaign titled “Green Holiday Dining” or “Our Sustainable Season”, showcasing how your restaurant celebrates responsibly while still delivering an exceptional guest experience. Customers appreciate transparency and are more likely to support brands that actively care for the planet and their community.
Encourage your audience to participate by asking questions like “How are you celebrating sustainably this year?” or “What’s your favorite way to reduce holiday waste?” to foster conversation and connection.
Go All-In on Off-Premise Dining
Not everyone wants to dine out during the holidays and that’s an opportunity for your restaurant to shine at home.
Enhance Online Ordering
Optimize your digital ordering experience for mobile users. Add a “Holiday Specials” section, highlight limited-time bundles, and suggest add-ons like drinks or desserts.
Use Eco-Friendly Packaging
Delight customers with takeout that feels both festive and responsible. Highlight your commitment to sustainability by choosing materials that minimize environmental impact, such as compostable or recyclable options. You can also include a small note or tag explaining your eco-conscious efforts customers appreciate knowing their favorite restaurant cares about the planet. These thoughtful details not only elevate the holiday experience but also strengthen your brand’s image as socially responsible and forward-thinking.
For more ways to stand out, explore Takeaway Packaging Secrets for design and branding inspiration.
Offer Meal Kits or DIY Sets
Create “Holiday Dinner Kits” for families who want to celebrate at home. Include reheating instructions printed on recyclable paper small, thoughtful details that make your brand stand out.
Get Jolly with Events and Community Giving
Events and community involvement bring heart to your holiday promotions.
Host Holiday Events
Organize themed nights like “Winter Wine Pairing” or “Ugly Sweater Brunch.” Offer private dining packages for companies or families complete with festive décor and curated menus.
Encourage early bookings with a special incentive like a complimentary appetizer for reservations before November 30.
Support Local Causes
Partner with local charities or donate a portion of dessert sales to a community food bank. Giving back builds emotional connection and positions your restaurant as a brand that cares.
To understand how sustainability plays a role in this, explore How Much Plastic Does Food Packaging Use?
FQAs about Restaurant Holiday Promotions
When should restaurants start planning their holiday promotions?
Ideally, you should start planning your holiday promotions by early to mid-October. This gives you enough time to design menus, coordinate with suppliers, train staff, and launch marketing campaigns before the seasonal rush begins. Early preparation helps you avoid last-minute stress and ensures a smoother, more profitable season.
How can small restaurants compete with larger chains during the holidays?
Small restaurants can stand out by focusing on personalized service, unique local flavors, and community-driven marketing. Share your story, engage directly with customers online, and emphasize your authenticity. People love supporting local businesses that offer heart and character over scale.
How can I prepare my restaurant staff for the holiday rush?
Start by scheduling early, offering training refreshers, and motivating your team with small incentives. Daily pre-shift huddles can help everyone stay informed about specials and large reservations. A well-prepared team ensures consistent service quality even during the busiest days.
Conclusion
The holidays are more than just a busy season, they’re a chance to connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories for your guests.
By planning early, training your team, and embracing sustainable practices, your restaurant can deliver both joy and profitability this season.
At Kimecopak.ca, we’re here to support your success every step of the way with eco-friendly packaging that fits your brand and values.
Want to see the quality for yourself? Request a free sample here and discover how your packaging can elevate your holiday service — beautifully and responsibly.
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LEARN MORE about How "Subscribe for a Happy Life" will benefits your business HERE!
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LEARN MORE about Kim Vu, sharing on the challenges she faced as a former restaurant owner, and how she overcame them to create KimEcopak HERE!
