Why it matters
These dates aren’t just busy—they’re pivotal for driving revenue and building loyalty. Plan ahead, create unforgettable experiences, and make sure your venue is the go-to destination this festive season.
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The festive season is a golden opportunity for venues to boost revenue and create memorable experiences. Four dates stand out as the biggest trading opportunities: Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Eve. Each brings its own vibe, challenges, and potential for profit. Here’s how to make them work for your venue.
Christmas Eve: Community and Cosy Vibes
Christmas Eve is one of the most sociable days of the year. Shoppers are finishing last-minute dashes, workers are clocking off early, and families are looking for a festive meal or drink together before the big day.
Top Tips:
- Atmosphere is everything: Warm lighting, festive playlists, mulled cider on the bar, and indulgent menus set the tone.
- Early doors trade: Expect a spike between 4pm–8pm. Offer lunch or afternoon menus to capture early crowds.
- Festive rituals: Promote Christmas jumper nights, charity raffles, or “Carols and Cocktails” sessions.
- Drinks packages: Pre-booked tables with prosecco, festive cocktails, or sharing platters make group bookings easy.
Christmas Day: The Main Event
Christmas Day is all about family, food and traditions. Around 1 in 10 now eat out rather than cook at home1. Top reasons include less stress, better food and simply wanting to make the day feel more special2. A golden opportunity for venues offering a festive feast and a chance to showcase your venue’s hospitality and create unforgettable memories.
Top Tips:
- Premium menus: Offer a set-price festive feast with all the trimmings, think roast turkey, luxury desserts, and vegetarian/vegan options.
- Pre-Booking is essential: Secure bookings early with deposits and clear cancellation policies.
- Family-friendly touches: Provide kids’ menus, activity packs, or small gifts to make it special for families.
- Drinks upgrade: Champagne or sparkling wine packages, festive cocktails, and quality non-alcoholic options elevate the experience.
- Staffing strategy: Ensure enough team members for attentive service, this day is about quality, not speed.
Boxing Day: Comfort & Sport
After the indulgence of Christmas Day, Boxing Day offers a more relaxed pace, but it’s still a huge day for food, drink, and sport. Football and horse racing fixtures draw crowds, and retail sales keep the buzz going.
Top Tips:
- Brunch appeal: Start the day with breakfast baps, Bloody Marys, or bottomless brunch offers.
- Comfort food rules: Think hearty roasts, pies, and sharing platters.
- Sports as a draw: Promote screens and run “match day offers.” Pre-sell group bookings where possible.
- Drinks strategy: Stock up on soft drinks and low/no alcohol options for guests looking to moderate.
New Year’s Eve: The Showstopper
The grand finale of the year falls on a midweek night in 2025. People will
celebrate in countless ways from house parties to big nights out and fireworks displays. For venues, this is the perfect chance to make the evening truly memorable. Whether it’s a themed party, live entertainment
or a midnight toast, creating a sense of occasion can set your place apart from the rest. Guests want that “wow” moment to remember and to post about as they step into 2026.
Top Tips:
- Sell the experience: Bundle tickets with food, drinks, entertainment, and extras like a midnight toast.
- Themed nights win: Gatsby glamour, ski-lodge parties, or retro throwbacks add theatre.
- Entertainment matters: DJs, live bands, or karaoke countdowns - make it more than background music.
- Countdown moment: Balloon drops, free prosecco shots, sparklers, or fireworks on screens create that Instagram-worthy “wow” moment.
1. HGEM x KAM Ultimate Xmas Guide 2023
2. Data taken from a OnePoll survey of 2,000 people, representative of the UK adult population age split and who celebrate Christmas. The survey was carried out in the UK between 15/11/2021 and 17/11/2021
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