With holiday promotions starting earlier every year, it’s easy to feel like festive music has overstayed its welcome by now. Holiday music fatigue is a real challenge for customers—and even your staff. But don’t let tired playlists dampen your holiday vibe. A few creative tweaks can keep your music fresh, your atmosphere lively, and your customers engaged throughout the season.
Table of Contents
1. Rotate Your Holiday Music
Avoid repetition by creating multiple playlists with unique themes and using them at different times of day.
- Traditional Holiday or Retro Holiday for nostalgia.
- Holiday Pop to appeal to younger crowds.
- Holidays + Bar Day Mix for quieter hours.
Switching between these options ensures your playlists feel fresh and relevant all day.
For some inspiration check out our holiday playlist page.
2. Add Unexpected Genres
Surprise your audience by mixing in unexpected genres like jazz, acoustic, or holiday-themed reggae and rock. These unique additions breathe life into your playlist and keep the music interesting without losing the festive feel. Still stuck? Check out this blog filled with unconventional holiday songs to help freshen up your playlists.
3. Incorporate Non-Holiday Songs
Not every track has to jingle all the way. Mix in winter-themed songs or cozy acoustic tunes that bring out the season without being overtly festive. This variety balances the mood and prevents overloading your audience with holiday cheer.
4. Involve Your Staff
Your team interacts with customers daily and knows what resonates. Get their input on what songs to keep or swap. This not only enhances the playlist but also boosts staff engagement and ownership of the holiday atmosphere.
5. Take Requests
Make your music interactive by letting customers request their favorite holiday songs. Use digital signage or social media to invite suggestions. This simple gesture adds variety to your playlists and makes customers feel more connected to your space.
6. Sync Playlists with Events
Align your music with holiday specials and events. For example:
- Play upbeat tracks for an ugly sweater party.
- Use themed tunes for a holiday trivia night.
Tailoring your playlist to match the occasion creates a more immersive and memorable experience.
7. Leverage Technology
Feeling overwhelmed? A service like Control Play can handle your holiday music needs. Our curated playlists are tailored to fit your audience, ensuring a seamless, festive experience without the hassle. Our extensive selection includes dedicated holiday playlists as well as blended options that mix festive favorites with regular hits, designed to simplify music selection during the holiday season.
CONTROL PLAY’S HOLIDAY PLAYLISTS
Holiday Playlists
- Family Holiday
- Holiday Party
- Kidzone Holiday
- Traditional Holiday
- Country Holiday
- Holiday Crooners
- Holiday Pop
- Retro Holidays
- Holiday Rock
- Hip-Hop Holiday
- Holiday “Not” Holiday
Holiday + Playlists
- Holidays + Bar Day Mix
- Holidays + Bar Night Mix
- Holidays + Classic Rock Mix
- Holidays + Country
- Holidays + Happy Hour
- Holidays + Hits
- Holidays + Party Hits
8. Showcase Local and Indie Artists
Support local musicians by adding their holiday songs to your playlist. Platforms like Bandcamp and SoundCloud are great for discovering unique tracks, and incorporating local talent builds community engagement while offering something fresh and exclusive.
9. Don’t Overdo It
Sometimes, less is more. Take breaks from holiday music during slower periods or early in the day. Rotating back to your regular playlist helps customers and staff appreciate the festive tunes when they return.
Conclusion
Keeping your holiday playlists fresh doesn’t have to be complicated. By rotating music, adding variety, and leveraging smart tools, you can create an engaging environment that leaves a lasting impression. A well-curated playlist does more than set the mood—it invites guests to stay longer, spend more, and return for future visits.
Ready to upgrade your holiday playlists? Contact Control Play today and let’s create a music experience that hits all the right notes this season.
