As the seasons change, so do the opportunities to capture new revenue streams. For hotels, the festive season isn’t just about decorations; it’s a golden opportunity to drive group sales, engage with the local community, and create memorable experiences that turn one-time visitors into lifelong advocates. But in a competitive market, you need more than just a standard discount. You need a strategy.

This guide provides 13 actionable promotion ideas designed to help you not just fill rooms, but also maximize revenue from every part of your property.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Seasonal Success

• Experience is Everything: Focus on creating unique, memorable events and packages that guests can’t get anywhere else.
• Embrace Your Community: Partner with local businesses and cater to the “staycation” trend to unlock a powerful local revenue stream.
• Target the Group Market: With family and corporate travel on the rise, tailored group packages are essential for maximizing occupancy and revenue.
• Think Beyond the Stay: Use promotions to encourage future bookings and upsell amenities, increasing the lifetime value of each guest.

Part 1: Create an Unforgettable Festive Atmosphere

The foundation of any successful seasonal promotion is the atmosphere you create. This is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about building an environment that guests are excited to share.

1. Deck the Hotel (Strategically!)

The Idea: Transform your hotel into a festive wonderland that captivates guests from the moment they walk in.

How to Implement It: Go beyond a single tree in the lobby. Create several “Instagrammable moments” throughout your property—a beautifully decorated fireplace, a whimsical outdoor light display, or an elegant tablescape in your restaurant. Take high-quality photos of your decorations to use in marketing materials such as website updates, social media posts, and ads. These visuals can be a powerful tool to attract potential guests. Launch a social media campaign with a unique hashtag (e.g., #FestiveStaysAt[YourHotel]) and run a contest for the best guest photo.

Real-World Inspiration: Take inspiration from The Roosevelt, a Tripleseat for Hotels Customer in New Orleans, which hosts an annual “Winter Waldorf Wonderland” in its lobby, complete with towering, themed holiday lighting that draw both guests and local residents, generating significant social media buzz.

2. Create Immersive Seasonal Experiences

The Idea: Move beyond static decorations by offering interactive, hands-on activities that create a vibrant atmosphere and lasting memories.

How to Implement It: Set up a complimentary s’mores station on an outdoor patio, host a ticketed gingerbread decorating workshop for families, or partner with a local florist to offer wreath-making classes. These small events engage guests directly and make their stay more memorable.

3. Host Exclusive Holiday-Themed Events

The Idea: Attract travelers and locals alike by hosting unique, ticketed holiday events that showcase your property’s amenities.

How to Implement It: Think beyond a standard Christmas dinner. Consider a “12 Days of Cocktails” event at your bar, a festive weekend jazz brunch series, or an elegant New Year’s Eve masquerade ball. Promote these as exclusive experiences to generate revenue and upsell dining packages or overnight stays.

Real World Inspiration: Altoona Grand Hotel in Pennsylvania promotes a New Year’s Eve masquerade themed event!

Part 2: Craft Irresistible Packages and Offers

Today’s travelers, from remote workers to families, are looking for value and convenience. Tailored packages that speak to their specific needs are key to winning their business.

4. Provide Seasonal Packages with Dynamic Pricing

The Idea: Create special, time-sensitive offers that build urgency and provide clear value for booking in advance or staying longer.

How to Implement It: Use your booking engine’s dynamic pricing to offer early-bird discounts for holiday bookings made before a certain date. You can also create multi-night packages, such as “Stay 3 Nights, Get the 4th Free,” or bundled deals that include perks like complimentary breakfast or valet parking.

5. Embrace the “Staycation” Sensation

The Idea: Target locals who want a luxurious getaway without the hassle of travel, filling rooms during traditionally slower periods.

How to Implement It: Create an all-inclusive “Local Luxury” package that includes a one-night stay, a dining credit for your restaurant, and perhaps a spa treatment. Promote this through local media an

As the seasons change, so do the opportunities to capture new revenue streams. For hotels, the festive season isn’t just about decorations; it’s a golden opportunity to drive group sales, engage with the local community, and create memorable experiences that turn one-time visitors into lifelong advocates. But in a competitive market, you need more than just a standard discount. You need a strategy.

This guide provides 13 actionable promotion ideas designed to help you not just fill rooms, but also maximize revenue from every part of your property.

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Seasonal Success

• Experience is Everything: Focus on creating unique, memorable events and packages that guests can’t get anywhere else.
• Embrace Your Community: Partner with local businesses and cater to the “staycation” trend to unlock a powerful local revenue stream.
• Target the Group Market: With family and corporate travel on the rise, tailored group packages are essential for maximizing occupancy and revenue.
• Think Beyond the Stay: Use promotions to encourage future bookings and upsell amenities, increasing the lifetime value of each guest.

Part 1: Create an Unforgettable Festive Atmosphere

The foundation of any successful seasonal promotion is the atmosphere you create. This is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about building an environment that guests are excited to share.

1. Deck the Hotel (Strategically!)

The Idea: Transform your hotel into a festive wonderland that captivates guests from the moment they walk in.

How to Implement It: Go beyond a single tree in the lobby. Create several “Instagrammable moments” throughout your property—a beautifully decorated fireplace, a whimsical outdoor light display, or an elegant tablescape in your restaurant. Take high-quality photos of your decorations to use in marketing materials such as website updates, social media posts, and ads. These visuals can be a powerful tool to attract potential guests. Launch a social media campaign with a unique hashtag (e.g., #FestiveStaysAt[YourHotel]) and run a contest for the best guest photo.

Real-World Inspiration: Take inspiration from The Roosevelt, a Tripleseat for Hotels Customer in New Orleans, which hosts an annual “Winter Waldorf Wonderland” in its lobby, complete with towering, themed holiday lighting that draw both guests and local residents, generating significant social media buzz.

2. Create Immersive Seasonal Experiences

The Idea: Move beyond static decorations by offering interactive, hands-on activities that create a vibrant atmosphere and lasting memories.

How to Implement It: Set up a complimentary s’mores station on an outdoor patio, host a ticketed gingerbread decorating workshop for families, or partner with a local florist to offer wreath-making classes. These small events engage guests directly and make their stay more memorable.

3. Host Exclusive Holiday-Themed Events

The Idea: Attract travelers and locals alike by hosting unique, ticketed holiday events that showcase your property’s amenities.

How to Implement It: Think beyond a standard Christmas dinner. Consider a “12 Days of Cocktails” event at your bar, a festive weekend jazz brunch series, or an elegant New Year’s Eve masquerade ball. Promote these as exclusive experiences to generate revenue and upsell dining packages or overnight stays.

Real World Inspiration: Altoona Grand Hotel in Pennsylvania promotes a New Year’s Eve masquerade themed event!

Part 2: Craft Irresistible Packages and Offers

Today’s travelers, from remote workers to families, are looking for value and convenience. Tailored packages that speak to their specific needs are key to winning their business.

4. Provide Seasonal Packages with Dynamic Pricing

The Idea: Create special, time-sensitive offers that build urgency and provide clear value for booking in advance or staying longer.

How to Implement It: Use your booking engine’s dynamic pricing to offer early-bird discounts for holiday bookings made before a certain date. You can also create multi-night packages, such as “Stay 3 Nights, Get the 4th Free,” or bundled deals that include perks like complimentary breakfast or valet parking.

5. Embrace the “Staycation” Sensation

The Idea: Target locals who want a luxurious getaway without the hassle of travel, filling rooms during traditionally slower periods.

How to Implement It: Create an all-inclusive “Local Luxury” package that includes a one-night stay, a dining credit for your restaurant, and perhaps a spa treatment. Promote this through local media an