December isn’t just a month of chilly air and twinkling lights; it’s a treasure trove of opportunities for Restaurant Managers and owners to craft memorable experiences and boost their marketing efforts. With the holiday season in full swing, this month offers plenty of chances to delight your guests with themed promotions, special events and community engagement initiatives.
From holiday feasts and decadent desserts to cozy hot chocolate specials and charity drives, December’s festivities provide a rich canvas for culinary creativity. Here’s how your restaurant can make the most of this magical month.
Christmas & Holiday-Themed Promotions
Christmas is a major highlight of December, bringing families, friends and colleagues together to celebrate over good food and drinks. Use this holiday spirit to your advantage with creative and engaging restaurant promotions:
- Christmas cookie decorating event: Create a fun family-friendly experience by hosting a cookie decorating event where guests can decorate gingerbread men and sugar cookies while enjoying holiday drinks.
- Holiday feast packages: Offer multi-course holiday dinners featuring classics like roast turkey, glazed ham, cranberry sauce and seasonal sides. Create options for dine-in and takeaway to cater to different preferences.
- 12 days of Christmas specials: Starting on December 13th, launch a “12 Days of Christmas” promotion where each day features a unique deal, such as discounted drinks, holiday desserts or buy-one-get-one entrée offers.
- Ugly sweater party: Host a themed night where patrons wearing their favorite ugly holiday sweaters receive discounts or freebies. Encourage customers to share their outfits on social media using a branded hashtag to drive engagement.
Special Days to Celebrate in December
December is brimming with special days that can inspire unique promotions for your restaurant:
- New Year’s Eve (December 31st): End the month with a bang by organizing a New Year’s Eve party. Feature a special menu, countdown champagne toast, live entertainment and party favors. Offer packages for couples or groups to attract large bookings.
- National Pie Day (December 1st): Kick off the month with a pie-centered menu featuring everything from classic apple pie to savory meat pies. Offer pie-themed combos and specials to draw in dessert lovers.
- National Bartender Day (First Friday in December): Honor your bartending staff by featuring their favorite holiday-themed cocktails or letting them create signature drinks for the day. Offer happy hour specials or a limited-time cocktail menu.
- National Cookie Day (December 4th): Celebrate with a cookie buffet, free cookies with every meal or a cookie decorating kit for customers to take home. Use this day to promote your dessert offerings.
- National Hot Chocolate Day (December 13th): Create a hot chocolate bar with customizable toppings such as whipped cream, marshmallows, peppermint sticks and more. Offer boozy hot chocolate options for adults to enjoy.
- National Maple Syrup Day (December 17th): Develop a brunch menu featuring dishes like pancakes, waffles and bacon glazed with maple syrup. Consider offering maple-infused cocktails or desserts.
- Winter Solstice (December 21st): Welcome the longest night of the year with a cozy, candlelit dinner experience, serving warming soups, stews, mulled wine and other comforting dishes.
- Christmas Eve (December 24th) and Christmas Day (December 25th): Host special holiday dinners with prix-fixe menus, festive décor and live music. Offer reservations early to secure bookings.
Charity and Community Engagement Initiatives
December is a season of giving, making it an ideal time for your restaurant to connect with your community and give back:
- Holiday food drive: Partner with a local food bank and offer discounts or freebies to customers who donate non-perishable food items. This encourages generosity while driving foot traffic to your restaurant.
- Charity dinners: Host a special dinner where a percentage of the proceeds go to a local charity. Collaborate with community organizations to raise awareness and maximize impact.
- Gift card giveaways: Organize a social media giveaway where customers can win gift cards for themselves and a friend, encouraging gift-giving and driving brand awareness.
- “Pay-It-Forward” Initiative: Encourage customers to pay it forward by purchasing meals or drinks for others in need. Feature a dedicated board where patrons can leave messages of kindness.
Winter-Themed Specials and Experiences
December’s wintry vibes offer endless possibilities for themed menus and experiences:
- Holiday-themed brunches: Host special holiday brunches throughout the month, offering festive mimosas, eggnog and dishes like gingerbread pancakes or Christmas-themed omelets.
- “S’mores nights”: Create an outdoor firepit area where customers can roast marshmallows and make s’mores while sipping on hot cider or spiked eggnog.
- Winter warmers: Feature a menu of warming drinks, such as mulled wine, spiced cider or special winter-themed lattes and teas. Offer discounted refills or keep customers’ mugs warm all evening.
December Celebrations: A Full List
Here’s a full list of December dates and themes to inspire your restaurant’s marketing efforts:
| Special Day | Description |
|---|---|
| December 1st | National Pie Day |
| First Friday in December | National Bartender Day |
| December 4th | National Cookie Day |
| December 13th | National Hot Chocolate Day |
| December 17th | National Maple Syrup Day |
| December 21st | Winter Solstice |
| December 24th-25th | Christmas Eve and Christmas Day |
| December 31st | New Year’s Eve |
Monthly Themes and Observances
December is also recognized as:
- National Eggnog Month
- National Pear Month
- Root Vegetables and Exotic Fruits Month
- Bingo’s Birthday Month
Leverage these month-long observances to create unique menu items, promotions or engaging events that capture your guests’ attention.
Key Takeaways
Whether through themed menus, special holiday promotions, community-driven initiatives or engaging social media campaigns, December presents a wealth of opportunities for restaurant owners to connect with their customers and make lasting memories.
Embrace the holiday spirit, spread cheer and watch as your restaurant thrives during the most festive time of the year.
