8 Best Christmas Marketing Ideas for SMBs to Boost Sales [2025] 

Every year, I watch the same thing happen: Christmas rolls in, and small local businesses either crush it… or quietly miss the wave. In 2025, small business owners expect almost half (47%) of their yearly revenue to come from the holiday season. 

Which means your Christmas marketing isn’t “nice to have” – its rent, payroll, and profit wrapped in one big festive bow. 

But do you know what most owners tell me? 

“We wanted to do something… we just got busy.” 

So in this guide, I’m not here to throw fancy theories at you. I’ll walk you through practical Christmas marketing ideas for small businesses – things local shops, restaurants, salons, gyms, and service pros can actually do with a tiny team and a packed schedule. 

Grab a coffee, and let’s turn this Christmas season into your best one yet. 

1. Set the Foundation Before You Shout “Sale!” 

Before we jump into fun Christmas campaigns, I want you to slow down for a second. 

Most small businesses skip this step… and that’s exactly why their holiday marketing feels random. 

So, let’s fix that first… 

a. Get crystal clear on your offer, margin, and goals 

When I work with local businesses, I always start with one simple question: 

“What exactly do you want more of this Christmas season?” 

Is it: 

• More bookings? 

• More gift cards sold? 

• Higher average order value? 

• More reviews, so you rank better next year? 

Pick one main goal and one “nice-to-have.” That’s it. 

Then match goals to promotions: 

• Want higher order value? → Create bundles (“Family Christmas Dinner Pack,” “Glam & Glow Holiday Package”). 

• Want new faces? → Run a “friends and family” deal or referral pass. 

• Want more future business? → Push gift cards and simple gift guides (“Gifts under $50,” “Last-minute ideas”). 

And please, check your margins. A -30% sitewide discount that kills profit is not Christmas marketing; it’s a donation. 

b. Fix your local presence: Google, landing page, and basics 

Now that you know what you want to sell, you need to look good where people actually search. 

For local businesses, that usually means: 

1. Google Business Profile (GBP) 

2. One simple Christmas landing page or digital business card 

On Google, holiday shoppers type things like: 

• “gift shop near me” 

• “christmas dinner near me” 

• “restaurants open on Christmas Eve” 

So, before you design a single post: 

• Update holiday hours (especially Christmas Eve and any closures). 

• Add new photos with Christmas decor, menus, or products. 

• Mention special holiday services and offers in your description and posts. 

Next, build a tiny Christmas hub: 

• Your main offers and bundles 

• Buttons to book, order, or buy gift cards 

• Your map, contact info, and best reviews 

This can be a landing page or a mobile-friendly digital business card. The rule is simple: 

Any QR code or bio link you share should point to this one page. 

If you’re new to this, here’s a full guide on local SEO for small businesses. 

c. Make it easy for holiday shoppers to trust you 

During the Christmas rush, people don’t have time to “think about it.” 

They want to know, “Can I trust this place?” in seconds. 

That’s where social proof comes in: 

• Show ratings and short review snippets on your landing page. 

• Add real customer photos (not just studio shots). 

• Highlight 2–3 quick testimonials that talk about experience, not just price. 

That way this Christmas doesn’t just boost sales, it also builds the online trust you’ll use all year. 

2. Social Media Christmas Marketing Ideas for Small Businesses 

Now that the foundations are set, let’s talk about the place most people will see you first this Christmas season: social media. 

When someone says, “I need Christmas marketing ideas for small businesses,” what they usually mean is: “What do I post that doesn’t feel random?” 

Here’s how I keep it simple. 

a. Always-on content pillars for the festive season 

You don’t need genius ideas every day. You just need a few themes you repeat all through the Christmas season: 

• Behind-the-scenes prep – decor going up, team unpacking stock, testing the Christmas menu, setting up gift guides. 

• Christmas themes around your offer – “Holiday Hair Ready” for salons, “Pre-New Year Reset” for gyms, “Cozy Winter Drinks” for cafés. 

• People spotlights – loyal customers, staff, local partners, even a friendly vendor you love. 

These posts keep your feed warm and add a human element, even on days you’re busy running the shop. 

b. Campaign ideas to boost engagement and sales 

Once those basics are rolling, layer in a couple of simple campaigns: 

• “12 Days of Christmas” series – 12 short daily posts: mini offers, tips, stories, or giveaways. A small candle brand, for example, runs a “12 Days of Christmas Giveaway” where they gift one candle jar a day to followers who comment and tag friends.  

• Giveaways and contests – “Tag a friend you’d bring to brunch,” “Share your favorite holiday shopping memory,” “Post a photo in our shop and tag us.” 

• Event promos – holiday parties, pop-ups, makers’ markets, tasting nights… all pushed with clear dates and “save your spot” CTAs. 

One café I like, Yonder Coffee | Shop & Coffee Cart, does this well with their Holiday Makers Market reels and posts that invite locals to “come through to #shopsmall & #shoplocal”: 

That’s social media doing its real job: getting bodies in the door. 

c. Platform-specific tactics for Instagram, Facebook, TikTok & YouTube 

Here’s my quick cheat sheet: 

• Reels / TikTok / Shorts → fast, real-life clips: setting up decor, packing an order, “3 last-minute gift ideas you can grab today.” 

• Stories → in-the-moment stuff: “only 5 spots left,” “fresh batch just arrived,” “open late tonight.” 

• Lives → short walk-through of your Christmas setup or a Q&A about menus, gift cards, or holiday parties. 

And every time you post, remember: 

“How do I make the next step obvious?” 

Pin a post that explains your main Christmas offer and make sure your landing page or booking link is in your bio. 

d. Turning social attention into real customers 

Likes are nice. Bookings, orders, and gift card sales are better. 

So: 

• Add QR codes in-store (counter, tables, window) that send people to your Christmas landing page or digital business card. 

• Use simple CTAs in your posts and captions: 

• “Tap the link in bio to reserve your Christmas Eve dinner.” 

• “DM us ‘GIFT’ to grab today’s gift card deal.” 

• “Book your holiday party table through the link in bio.” 

That’s how you turn holiday spirit on social into actual holiday sales in your business. 

Next up, let’s talk about the quiet workhorses most local businesses under-use at Christmas: email and SMS. 

Nice, let’s keep the story going and move into the quiet killers of good Christmas marketing: email and SMS. 

3. Email & SMS Christmas Marketing That Feels Helpful, Not Pushy 

Here’s a fun twist: while everyone is chasing views on Instagram, most people still want offers in their inbox. One recent survey found that over 60% of consumers prefer email for holiday promos, even during the Black Friday/Christmas rush.  

So no, email isn’t dead. It’s just badly used. 

Let me show you a simple way to make email and SMS feel like a helpful nudge, not spam. 

a. A simple 3-part Christmas email campaign 

When I build Christmas email marketing for small businesses, I don’t start with 17 flows and 200 segments. 

I start with three emails: 

1. Early-bird email (late Nov / early Dec) 

• “Christmas is coming, here’s what we’re doing this year.” 

• Introduce your main offers, gift cards, and gift guides. 

• Great for organized holiday shoppers who start early. 

2. Mid-season reminder (around mid-December) 

• “Don’t forget, these Christmas spots/gifts go fast.” 

• Highlight bestsellers, low stock, or most popular bundles. 

• Add 1–2 customer quotes so it doesn’t feel like a cold push. 

3. Last-minute saver (just before Christmas Eve) 

• “Need a last-minute gift? I’ve got you.” 

• Push digital gift cards, easy pick-up items, and simple packages. 

If you’re a small restaurant, that last email might be: 

“Forgot to plan Christmas Eve dinner? Grab our ‘Dinner in a Box’—order today, pick up tomorrow.” 

Nothing fancy. Just clear, timely help. 

b. SMS for time-sensitive and last-minute Christmas promotions 

Now, SMS is where you speak to people who are already warm, past buyers, loyal customers, and VIPs. 

I use it for three things: 

• Flash deals 

“Today only: Free dessert with any holiday menu booking. Reply YES and we’ll call you to confirm.” 

• Low inventory / last seats 

“Only 4 spots left for our Christmas brunch this Sunday. Grab yours here: [short link].” 

• Critical info 

“We’re closing early on Christmas Eve at 6 PM. Last pickup slot is 5:30—book here: [short link].” 

Short, clear, and rare. 

If you send SMS every day, people will tune you out—or worse, unsubscribe right before your best offers. 

c. Talk like a human: subject lines and copy that match the holiday spirit 

Let’s be honest: most Christmas emails sound like they were written by a robot who just discovered exclamation marks. 

You don’t need that. 

Keep it simple and human: 

Subject line ideas: 

• “Need a last-minute gift idea?” 

• “Your Christmas brunch is waiting 🎄” 

• “Don’t forget your holiday hair appointment.” 

• “One small thank you from us” 

Body tone: 

• One clear offer. 

• One clear button. 

• A short note that sounds like you. 

For example, a small spa could send: 

“Hey Sarah, 

I know December gets crazy. If you still want that ‘Holiday Reset’ spa day, we’ve opened 6 extra slots this weekend. You can grab one here: [Book now]. 

Either way, thanks for supporting a small local business this year.” 

That’s holiday marketing… without losing your soul. 

Social gets you seen. 

Email and SMS quietly close the loop, especially for those last-minute, stressed-out holiday shoppers. 

Let’s zoom in on the folks who live and die by December: restaurants, cafés, and food trucks. 

4. Christmas Marketing Ideas for Restaurants, Cafes & Food Trucks 

If you run anything that serves food or drinks, the Christmas season is a huge chance to fill seats, sell out pre-orders, and turn “once-a-year” guests into loyal regulars. 

Let’s break it down. 

a. Special holiday menus, themes, and limited-time offers 

First thing I ask any restaurant or café: 

“What’s your Christmas hook this year?” 

It can be simple: 

• A Christmas brunch menu 

• A cozy “winter warmers” drink list 

• A limited-time dessert plate 

• A special holiday tasting night 

For example, The Barley Mow promotes a “December Holiday Brunch” with Christmas cocktails and a custom hot cocoa bar—perfect “this feels special” content for holiday shoppers scrolling Instagram: 

You don’t need 20 new dishes. 3–5 well-named festive items can make your place feel like the spot for the season. 

b. Holiday parties, catering, and office events 

Now, think beyond walk-ins. 

Christmas marketing ideas for restaurants should always include: 

• Office holiday parties 

• Friends and family gatherings 

• Small private events in your back room or patio 

Create 2–3 simple packages: 

• “Office Holiday Party – Buffet for 20” 

• “Friends & Family Christmas Dinner – Set Menu” 

• “After-Work Holiday Drinks – Snacks + Drinks Bundle” 

Then push those packages early via: 

• A pinned Instagram post 

• Stories with “limited dates left” 

• Email to past guests and local businesses 

A good example: Park Street Tavern promotes a festive Christmas Eve dinner with clear seating times and “Reserve now” in the caption. One post, one offer, one action: 

That’s exactly how you sell out holiday parties without confusing people. 

c. Gift cards, hampers, and takeaway Christmas specials 

Here’s where you can quietly boost holiday sales without adding more tables. 

Think: 

• Gift cards (“Dinner for Two,” “Coffee for a Month”) 

• Christmas Eve or Christmas Day takeaway boxes 

• Dessert packs, cookie boxes, or coffee bean gift sets 

A bakery or café can do: 

• “Christmas Eve Breakfast Box” 

• “Holiday Dessert Sampler” 

• “Hot Chocolate Kit + House Blend Coffee Bag” 

I love how Sweet Crimes Bakery in Washington, DC announces their Christmas menu and pre-orders on Instagram—clear “preorder yours today” messaging for busy families: 

Whatever you choose, make sure it’s: 

1. Easy to understand 

2. Easy to order 

3. Easy to pick up 

And yes, put it on your Christmas landing page with big buttons, not hidden in a PDF. 

d. Local search and reviews for restaurants during the Christmas season 

Now, let’s talk about where a lot of guests actually find you: Google and Maps. 

In the Christmas season, people search for: 

• “restaurants near me” 

• “brunch near me” 

• “open on Christmas Eve” 

If your Google Business Profile doesn’t show: 

• Correct holiday hours 

• Updated photos with your Christmas decor or dishes 

• A quick note like “Holiday Brunch Every Sunday in December.” 

…you’re losing easy wins. 

And don’t forget reviews. 

During December, I always tell restaurant and café owners: 

“This is review season too. Don’t waste it.” 

Ask happy guests to leave a quick Google review: 

• At the end of their meal 

• With a little note on the bill 

• With a QR code on the table that goes straight to your review link 

More recent, positive reviews mean: 

• Better visibility for those “near me” searches 

• More trust when someone is choosing between you and three other spots on Christmas Eve 

Put it all together and your Christmas marketing isn’t just about this month’s bookings—it’s about setting yourself up for next year too. 

Alright, food folks are covered. 

Next, let’s talk about everyone else who still needs strong Christmas marketing ideas: salons, spas, gyms, photographers, cleaners, and other local service businesses. 

Alright, food and coffee folks are sorted. 

Now let’s talk about everyone else who still needs strong Christmas marketing ideas: salons, spas, gyms, cleaners, photographers, realtors… all the “behind-the-scenes heroes” of the festive season. 

5. Christmas Marketing Ideas for Other Local Service Businesses 

If you sell time, skill, or experience more than physical products, Christmas can feel confusing. 

“Do I just discount my service?” 

Short answer: no. Let’s do this smarter. 

a. Salons, spas, and wellness studios 

When I work with salons or spas, I always start here: 

“What would your dream ‘holiday-ready’ client buy from you in December?” 

From that, build three simple things: 

Holiday packages 

• “Office Party Ready” hair + makeup 

• “Holiday Reset” facial + massage 

• “Couples Spa Night” before or after Christmas 

Giftable options 

• Gift cards (“Gifting good hair and good vibes all winter long”) 

• Product bundles (shampoo + mask + oil as a Christmas trio) 

Scarcity and deadlines 

• Limited slots before Christmas 

• Cut-off date for gift card bonuses 

See how JO & CO Salon does it: their Instagram post literally says “Gifting good hair and good vibes all winter long,” and showcases easy stocking stuffers and gift vouchers—simple, clear, and very Christmas-friendly.  

If you’re a spa, you can steal that idea and turn it into: 

“Gifting calm and quiet this Christmas. Gift vouchers available.” 

b. Gyms, studios, and fitness businesses 

Now, fitness is funny in December. 

Everyone says “I’ll start in January,” but a good Christmas campaign lets them start now and feel clever about it. 

Here’s how I’d approach it: 

Pre-New Year passes 

• “12 Days of Fitmas” challenge 

• “December Drop-In Pass” (unlimited classes until New Year’s) 

Giftable memberships 

• “1-Month Buddy Pass” 

• “New Year Kickstart Pack” (assessment + 3 PT sessions) 

Holiday challenges 

Short, fun, and shareable: 6–24 day challenges that help people not completely fall off the wagon. 

Your social media and emails should make it feel like: 

“Hey, you can enjoy the festive season and still feel good in January. We’ve already built the plan. Just show up.” 

c. Local pros: photographers, cleaners, decorators, realtors & more 

This is where Christmas can get very fun (and very profitable) if you package things right. 

Photographers 

Christmas = peak “memories” season. Try: 

• Studio or outdoor Christmas mini sessions 

• “Family pajama minis,” “Tree farm minis,” “Cozy at home minis” 

• Clear time slots, clear price, limited spots 

Look at how Emily Howlett Photography posts: “My Christmas Mini sessions this year were SO much fun!” with photos and a reminder that she welcomed many new clients through minis.  

Minis are perfect: short, affordable, easy to gift. 

Cleaners & home services 

Your job? Save people time so they don’t spend Christmas Eve yelling at a mop. 

A few simple Christmas marketing ideas: 

• “Pre-Christmas Deep Clean” (get the house guest-ready) 

• “Post-Holiday Cleanup” (after guests leave and the tree sheds) 

• “Holiday Combo Packages” (kitchen + living room + guest bathroom) 

You’re not just selling cleaning. You’re selling “not being stressed when guests walk in.” 

Realtors, decorators, and other local pros 

For realtors and home-related pros: 

• Client appreciation drop-ins with cookies, cocoa, or small gifts 

• “Friends and family” referral drives during the festive season 

• Cute “holiday home prep” checklists sent by email or printed as freebies 

For decorators or organizers: 

• “Christmas Tree & Mantle Styling” mini services 

• “Holiday Home Styling in 2 Hours” package 

• Simple before/after content on social with clear prices and dates 

The pattern is the same across all local service businesses: 

1. Create 1–3 clear, seasonal offers. 

2. Make them easy to understand, book, and gift. 

3. Show real examples (photos, stories, reviews) to build trust fast. 

Do that, and you’ll find the Christmas season is not just busy—it’s profitable. 

Next, let’s turn that in-person magic into content, reviews, and repeat visits, so Christmas doesn’t end when the tree comes down. 

Gotcha, let’s turn the offline magic into something that keeps working after Christmas. 

6. Turn Holiday Foot Traffic into Content, Reviews & Repeat Visits 

You’ve done all the hard work to get people through the door. 

Now the question is: what do you do with that traffic? 

This is where a lot of local businesses leave money (and future visibility) on the table. 

a. Make your space “camera ready” for Christmas 

You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect store. You just need one or two photo-worthy spots: 

• A cozy corner with your Christmas tree and a small sign 

• A decorated mirror in a salon (“Show off your holiday hair”) 

• A cute wall in a café with a simple line like: “Snap, tag, sip.” 

Then… prompt people: 

• Add a little tent card: “Take a pic, tag us @handle for a chance to win a New Year gift card.” 

• Ask your team to casually say, “If you take photos, don’t forget to tag us so we can see!” 

Those photos become free Christmas content and social proof, without you filming every second. 

b. Use QR codes and digital cards as your “holiday bridge” 

Remember that Christmas landing page / digital business card you set up earlier? 

This is where it earns its keep. 

Place one simple QR code in key spots: 

• At the counter 

• On tables or waiting areas 

• On takeaway bags, boxes, or receipts 

When people scan, they land on a page where they can: 

• Leave a quick review 

• Follow you on social 

• Join your email/SMS list 

• Check your gift cards and New Year offers 

No long speeches needed. A small line works: 

“Loved your visit? Scan to leave a review or grab our New Year offer.” 

You’re turning a one-time holiday shopper into someone you can reach again in January. 

c. Say thank you (and invite them back) 

Here’s a simple truth: most businesses go quiet right after Christmas. 

That’s your chance to stand out. 

Plan one small thank-you touch for people who visit in December: 

• A printed card in the bag: “Thanks for shopping small this Christmas – scan for your New Year treat.” 

• A short email: “Thanks for choosing us during the holiday rush. As a little gift, here’s a [small bonus / bounce-back offer].” 

• A quick DM to regulars: “Loved seeing you this season. We’ve got something fun coming in January – stay tuned.” 

The offer doesn’t have to be huge. Even: 

“Show this message in January for 10% off” 

…is enough to turn holiday buzz into repeat visits. 

Your in-store Christmas experience shouldn’t end at the exit door. 

Done right, every December visit gives you content, reviews, and reasons for people to come back. 

Next, let’s face the reality we don’t like to admit: what if it’s already mid-December and you’re only now thinking, “I should probably do something”? 

7. Last-Minute Christmas Marketing Ideas (When It’s Already Mid-December) 

So… it’s mid-December, and you’re thinking, “I should’ve started earlier.” 

Relax. You still have moves. 

a. Simple offers you can launch in a day 

Skip complex campaigns. Pick one thing: 

• Gift card push: “Buy a $50 card, get $10 extra.” 

• Simple bundle: “Holiday Treat Pack,” “Party-Ready Combo,” “Last-Minute Self-Care Kit.” 

Write one caption, one poster, one email. Done. 

b. Quick wins on Google and social 

On Google Business Profile: 

• Update holiday hours. 

• Add a post: “Last-minute Christmas gifts here” or “Still taking Christmas Eve reservations.” 

On social: 

• Pin a post that clearly says what’s still available and how to book/order today. 

• Use Stories for real-time updates: “5 boxes left,” “2 slots left at 6 PM.” 

c. Low-effort ways to boost sales on Christmas Eve 

On the day itself, think “clear and simple”: 

• “Today only” deal on what you have plenty of. 

• A sign on your door + post: “Yes, we’re open. Here’s what you can still grab.” 

Last-minute shoppers don’t need perfection. 

They need someone who still has something good left. 

Cool — here’s the next part: measuring & building a reusable playbook. 

8. Measure, Learn & Build Your Christmas Playbook 

When the holiday rush ends and the lights come down, that’s when smart businesses start winning. Use what you learned this season — not just what you sold. 

a. What to track (without overthinking) 

After Christmas, pull a quick look at: 

• Total sales or bookings from holiday offers 

• Increases in foot traffic or orders 

• Website visits and hits on your Christmas landing page 

• New reviews earned, plus how many came from holiday customers 

This gives you a real sense of what worked — and what didn’t. 

b. Document what worked for next year 

Open a simple doc or spreadsheet: 

• Which offer performed best (bundles, gift cards, specials) 

• Which channel drove the most traffic (social, email, Google, walk-ins) 

• What content gained engagement (posts, videos, stories) 

• What customers commented or loved 

This becomes your Christmas-launch pad for next year — no guesswork, just reuse what worked. 

c. Turn holiday gains into long-term momentum 

Don’t let post-Christmas be a dead zone. Use this: 

• Keep your landing page live — update offers to “New Year specials” 

• Keep your email/SMS list warmed up — send a “Thank you + new deal” note 

• Use holiday reviews and photos to build trust year-round 

If you treat Christmas marketing like a campaign instead of a one-time event, you’ll see the benefits long after the tree is gone. 

Common Christmas Marketing Mistakes to Avoid 

Even great businesses slip up during the holiday rush. Here are the big mistakes I see every year avoid these and you’re already ahead. 

• Starting too late 

Waiting until mid-December means you miss early shoppers and most impulse buys. 

• Copying big brands 

Deep discounts and complicated campaigns don’t work for small businesses with smaller margins. 

• Ignoring Google & basics 

Outdated holiday hours, no Christmas photos, no posts — shoppers won’t guess you’re open. 

• Forgetting reviews 

December is review gold. Not asking means you lose future visibility. 

• No clear CTA 

Beautiful posts but no “Book now,” “Order here,” or “Buy gift card” wastes attention. 

• No follow-up after Christmas 

A simple thank-you + New Year offer can turn December shoppers into regulars. 

Short, simple adjustments — big difference when the holiday dust settles.