Trending Holiday Marketing Ideas for Hospitality Workers: How to Stand Out This Season
The holiday season is one of the busiest — and most profitable — times of the year for the hospitality industry. Hotels, restaurants, resorts, event spaces, and travel brands all experience a surge in demand as guests look for festive experiences, warm service, and memorable celebrations.
But with competition higher than ever, standing out requires fresh, creative marketing ideas that capture attention and inspire bookings.
Here are the top trending holiday marketing strategies hospitality professionals can use right now to maximize traffic, revenue, and guest loyalty.
1. Create Share-Worthy Holiday Experiences (and Photo Moments)
Guests today want more than great service — they want Instagrammable experiences.
Set up:
A themed lobby photo wall
Festive outdoor light displays
A holiday-themed drink cart or pop-up bar
“Elf surprise” treats delivered to rooms
Encourage guests to tag your property on social media for a chance to win a free night, dinner-for-two, or spa credit. User-generated content = free advertising.
2. Offer Limited-Time Holiday Packages
Special packages boost bookings — especially when tied to holiday events. Consider offering:
“Shop & Stay” Packages partnering with nearby boutiques
“New Year’s Eve Celebration Stays” with party tickets included
“Winter Comfort Packages” featuring hot cocoa kits or breakfast in bed
Gift card bundles, like “Buy $100, get $20 free”
Make these offers clear on your website, booking confirmations, email campaigns, and front-desk signage.
3. Launch a Heartwarming “12 Days of Giving” Campaign
Hospitality thrives on generosity. Roll out a 12-day marketing series that highlights:
Daily deals
Staff spotlights
Charitable giving (e.g., donating meals to shelters)
Behind-the-scenes holiday moments
These bite-sized posts boost engagement and build a deeper emotional connection with guests.
4. Leverage Short-Form Video on TikTok + Reels
Short videos continue to dominate social media. Showcase:
Decorating your property
Holiday menu taste-tests
Staff lip-syncing or dancing challenges
Before/after transformations of rooms or event spaces
Authenticity beats perfection — especially in hospitality. Highlight the people behind the service.
5. Personalize Your Holiday Email Marketing
Generic mass emails? They go straight to trash.
Instead, try:
Personalized subject lines (“A special holiday gift for you, Sarah…”)
Curated content: family-friendly events vs. couples’ getaways
Exclusive loyalty-member-only perks
Warm, heartfelt staff messages
Make your emails feel like a handwritten holiday card, not a corporate blast.
6. Host Mini Holiday Events to Drive Foot Traffic
You don’t need a giant gala. Micro-events build huge buzz:
Cookie-decorating workshops
Live choir or acoustic nights
Winter wine tastings or mixology classes
Storytime for kids in the lobby
Promote these on local event calendars and community groups — they're magnets for local families and travelers alike.
7. Encourage Gift-Giving With Hospitality Rewards
Experience-based gifts are trending. Offer:
Staycation gift certificates
Dining or brunch vouchers
Spa or wellness passes
Family experience bundles
Highlight that gifts from your business are more meaningful than store-bought items — they create memories.
8. Celebrate Your Staff Publicly
Hospitality workers are the heart of the guest experience.
Showcase them on social media:
“Meet the Team” posts
Staff favorite holiday traditions
Spotlight loyal employees
This builds guest trust and staff pride — and humanizes your brand.
9. Optimize Your Google Business Profile for Holiday Searches
Ensure your business shows up when travelers search:
Update holiday hours
Add festive photos
Post holiday events and offers
Highlight seasonal menu items
This small update can significantly increase bookings and walk-in traffic.
10. End the Season With a Gratitude Message
A heartfelt “Thank You for Staying With Us This Year” post or email builds long-term loyalty.
Include:
A genuine message from the GM or owner
A preview of what’s coming next year
A small exclusive discount for returning guests
Guests remember how you made them feel — especially during the holidays.
Final Thoughts
The holiday season is the perfect time for hospitality brands to shine. By creating meaningful experiences, leaning into social trends, and showcasing the people behind the service, you can turn seasonal guests into lifelong fans.
If you'd like, I can also create:
A short TikTok/Reels script
Email newsletter copy
A list of holiday social posts
A version optimized for SEO or your specific business