December is a golden month for the leisure industry — families are together, corporate groups are celebrating, and people are in the mood to spend.
But competition is fierce. Every venue is fighting for attention, so to stand out, you need smart, seasonal marketing ideas that feel exciting, festive, and easy to act on.
Here are 12 proven festive marketing ideas to help your venue increase visibility, drive bookings, and end the year on a high note.
Launch a Christmas Countdown Campaign
Start the month strong with a “12 Days of Christmas” or “Countdown to Christmas” promotion. Offer something different each day — like small discounts, bundle deals, or spot prizes.
🎄 Tip: Use social media, email, and in-venue screens to reveal each new daily offer. It builds anticipation and repeat engagement.
Offer “Gift the Fun” Digital Vouchers
Gift cards are the ultimate last-minute Christmas gift. Automate digital gift vouchers that can be purchased and delivered instantly — ideal for shoppers in a rush.
💡 Promote them as:
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“The gift that creates memories.”
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“The easiest last-minute gift — delivered instantly.”
Include bonus value deals, like “Spend £40, get £50” to increase sales volume.
Decorate Your Brand — Digitally and Physically
A festive atmosphere sets the tone. Add Christmas touches to your website banners, social media graphics, and venue interiors — think lights, garlands, and themed staff uniforms.
It’s not just decoration — it’s part of the customer experience that makes your venue feel magical.
Create a Christmas Party Hub on Your Website
Make it effortless for customers to book group events. Add a dedicated Christmas party page featuring:
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Packages and pricing
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Food and drink menus
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Booking options and dates
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Photos from past events
Optimise for search terms like “Christmas parties near me” and “team Christmas activities in [town]” to capture seasonal demand.
Run Festive Social Media Contests
People love winning — especially during Christmas. Host a social giveaway such as:
🎁 “Tag a friend you’d bring to Laser Quest for the chance to win a festive game night!”
Encourage followers to share, tag, or comment to boost reach organically.
Introduce a “Christmas Combo” Deal
Bundle your core activity with festive food or merchandise — like:
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“2 games + Christmas pizza combo”
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“Family ticket + free festive slush”
Combos create perceived value and make purchases easy for families and groups.
Promote Corporate & Group Packages
December is prime time for team socials and work parties. Design special group offers with optional extras like drinks, food, or trophies.
💼 Reach out directly to local businesses via email or LinkedIn and offer exclusive weekday rates for corporate bookings.
Extend Opening Hours or Offer Twilight Sessions
If your venue can accommodate it, offer extended evening hours or themed “Twilight Specials” with music, lighting, and festive snacks.
The novelty of a special seasonal time slot can attract families, teens, and groups looking for something unique to do after work.
Partner with Local Businesses
Team up with other local brands to create cross-promotional deals.
For example:
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“Play & Dine” partnerships with restaurants.
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Joint giveaways with local cafés or cinemas.
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Gift card exchanges or shared flyers.
It strengthens community ties and gives both brands access to each other’s audiences.
Spotlight Your Staff and Customers
Humanise your brand during the holidays. Share team introductions, behind-the-scenes festive fun, and highlight loyal guests on social media.
✨ People connect with people — and showing your team adds warmth and authenticity to your venue’s online presence.
Run a “Festive Flash Sale”
Short, high-impact sales drive urgency. Try a 24-hour “Flash Friday” with limited availability — like “Buy one game, get one free” or “Book today and get a free upgrade.”
Use countdown timers in your posts and emails to create that “act now” energy.
End the Year with a Big “Thank You” Campaign
Celebrate your customers with a heartfelt message and a reward for their loyalty.
Examples:
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Send thank-you emails with a “return in January” discount code.
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Post a video montage of your best moments from the year.
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Feature top reviewers or competition winners.
It’s a perfect bridge from December to your “New Year, New Adventures” marketing in January.
Final Thoughts
Festive marketing doesn’t have to mean huge budgets or complex campaigns — it’s about energy, creativity, and consistency.
By combining small but clever seasonal ideas like gift vouchers, themed nights, and countdown campaigns, your venue can create a steady flow of guests throughout December and set the stage for a strong start to 2026.
So unwrap those ideas, light up your brand, and make this December your busiest — and most memorable — yet. 🎄✨
