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The holiday season offers restaurant owners a prime opportunity to increase sales and attract customers. In this blog, we will explore creative 2024 holiday calendar ideas, share promotional strategies, and provide tips you can implement in your restaurants to succeed during this festive season.
The holiday season is here! From Thanksgiving to New Year's Eve, everyone gathers to enjoy great food and company. For restaurant owners, this is the perfect time! There are so many opportunities to attract customers, build patrons and increase sales. People love to celebrate and dine out. Special menus, festive decor, and unique offers can bring in new guests. It’s also a chance to make regular patrons feel extra special.
Here’s the US holiday calendar 2024 for restaurant owners. It’s packed with ideas. Get creative and engage your customers. Each date has themed suggestions. Pro tips included. Unique engagement ideas, too. Make the most of the holiday season!
Date: Monday, November 11
Set a 15-20% discount for veterans and active-duty military. Your restaurant POS system automatically applies these discounts at checkout. Try a "buy one, give one" deal so they can share a meal with family or friends. It's a great way to honor them while boosting loyalty among all diners.
Set up a special area where customers can post thank-you notes or photos in honor of veterans. Supply sticky notes, small flags, or postcards where people can write personal messages. This wall can remain throughout the month as a reminder of gratitude and respect.
Create a “Patriotic Platter” with red, white, and blue-themed dishes or American classics like burgers, apple pie, or BBQ. That's also perfect for social media sharing! OneHubPOS allows you to quickly update your menu with holiday specials or themed dishes.
Date: Thursday, November 28
Many people celebrate with friends a day or two before Thanksgiving. Offer a special brunch with a warm, inviting atmosphere, ideal for those who may not cook the big meal themselves. You may call it “Friendsgiving” brunch. Include comfort foods like mashed potatoes, stuffed mushrooms, and sweet potato casserole.
Design a “Thanksgiving Feast” with unique twists on traditional dishes. Try serving mini pumpkin soup shooters or mini pecan pies for a playful yet festive approach. With OneHubPOS, you can update your specials or create a unique holiday menu, offering customized items or menu pricing for the season.
Set up a cozy, autumn-themed photo wall. Add pumpkins, hay bales, and Thanksgiving props. Offer Polaroid-style photos or use a vintage filter. These make great keepsakes. Diners will love sharing their photos online.
Date: Sunday, December 1
Kick off the holiday season by fully decorating your restaurant. Add holiday lights, wreaths, and themed ornaments, creating a festive atmosphere. Customers are drawn to these aesthetics. They’re more likely to spend time (and money) in a beautifully decorated space.
Create a holiday drink menu. Feature festive cocktails like spiced mulled wine, eggnog, and peppermint hot chocolate. Include seasonal mocktails, too. This way, everyone has a chance to indulge. OneHubPOS allows you to easily track limited-time offerings and manage inventory for seasonal drinks, helping you keep your stock in check during busy times.
Encourage customers to post their holiday moments at your restaurant using a special hashtag. Feature these posts on a live social wall or slideshow that guests can view while dining. It makes for an interactive experience and encourages customers to post about their visit.
Date: Begins Wednesday, December 25
Celebrate Hanukkah with a themed menu. Feature traditional Jewish foods like latkes, brisket, or sufganiyot (jelly donuts). These dishes bring a taste of tradition. They connect with the local Jewish community.
If your restaurant has outdoor space, set up a menorah. Light one candle each night of Hanukkah. This symbolic gesture can resonate with patrons and create a welcoming environment.
With each meal during Hanukkah, give customers a small chocolate coin (gelt) or a discount coupon for a future visit. This simple gesture shows you’re mindful of the holiday.
Date: Tuesday, December 24 & Wednesday, December 25
Offer a prix-fixe Christmas menu. Include traditional favorites. Add decadent desserts. Consider live music. A pianist can enhance the ambiance and create a cozy atmosphere.
Encourage last-minute gift shoppers by offering discounts on gift cards. You could also hold a raffle where customers can win a free dinner in January.
Set up a spot where families can take photos with Santa or another festive character. This addition makes for a unique holiday experience and creates lasting memories.
Date: Begins Thursday, December 26
Showcase dishes inspired by African and African American culinary traditions, such as collard greens, sweet potatoes, or cornbread. A Kwanzaa-themed special menu allows diners to celebrate cultural diversity.
Create a community space where customers can write their wishes for the upcoming year on sticky notes or postcards. Decorate with the colors and symbols of Kwanzaa to create an educational and celebratory ambiance.
Date: Tuesday, December 31
Host a lively countdown party with a festive menu and drink specials, encouraging reservations as space will likely be limited. This is a high-demand night for restaurants, so take advantage of self-ordering kiosks to reduce wait times and manage the rush.
Offer champagne cocktails, creative mocktails, and fun party favors like mini sparklers or noise-makers for midnight. With OneHubPOS, you can create special drink promotions for the evening and easily upsell champagne or creative mocktails.
Set up a glitzy photo wall with props like “2024” glasses, confetti, and noisemakers. This setup makes for memorable photos that customers are likely to share online.
Date: Wednesday, January 1
Offer an extended brunch with comfort foods, like breakfast burritos, avocado toast, and refreshing “recovery” drinks like ginger shots or soothing teas.
Encourage diners to purchase gift cards for the new year as gifts for themselves or friends, offering a small discount or a bonus credit.
Set up a sticky-note wall where guests can jot down their goals or resolutions for the new year. This interactive experience aligns with the new year’s theme and can build community among guests.
A Handy Planning Checklist for All Events:
Remember: Early preparation is key to holiday success. Start planning at least 6-8 weeks before each major holiday.
This 2024 US holiday calendar provides many opportunities to celebrate the holiday season and create a festive, memorable experience for your customers. Planning each date as per the national holiday calendar in advance and using a combination of social media, email, and in-house engagement will ensure a successful holiday season, turning casual diners into loyal patrons.
Want to manage your holiday promotions? Use OneHubPOS to handle orders, track customer preferences, and improve engagement this season. Book a demo and let us help you create unforgettable experiences all holiday long!
Sahana is a seasoned GTM leader with a passion for building startups. She excels in crafting GTM strategies for tech products, driving revenue growth.
