Now that Halloween is behind us, are you ready to dive into the holiday season? For many companies, November and December are a whirlwind of last-minute holiday planning—especially when it comes to finding the perfect venue. This is the ideal moment to capture those late bookings by positioning your restaurant, bar, or family entertainment center (FEC) as the destination for festive company celebrations.
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Leverage Digital Signage to Spotlight Availability
Use digital signage inside and outside your venue to broadcast last-minute party availability and special packages. Display vibrant, eye-catching messages like “Holiday Party Spots Still Open!” or “Host Your Company Celebration Here!” to create a sense of urgency and remind walk-ins and passersby that they can still book a festive gathering with you.
Offer Quick, No-Fuss Party Packages
Appeal to last-minute planners by simplifying your party packages. Offer easy-to-book, all-inclusive options with set menus, streamlined drink packages, and ready-to-go entertainment options. Tailor packages to be flexible in size and scope, from small team dinners to larger company events, making it easy for organizers to say “yes.”
Promote Fast Booking on Social Media
Take to social media to promote last-minute availability for holiday parties. Use countdowns and limited-time offers to build excitement and create urgency. Highlight what makes your venue stand out, such as festive decor, holiday-themed drinks, and ready-made playlists or music videos that set a lively tone.
Encourage followers to tag colleagues or friends who might still be looking for a venue and consider running a “Book Your Party Today and Get a Free Gift Card” promotion to incentivize quick decisions.
Offer Incentives for Mid-Week and Early-Week Parties
Most venues book up quickly on weekends, leaving mid-week days often open. Attract last-minute corporate bookings by offering discounts for mid-week parties or complimentary add-ons like appetizers or a holiday drink sampler. This way, companies can still enjoy a festive celebration without battling for prime Friday or Saturday time slots.
Make Booking a Easy with Online Reservations
Streamline the booking process by offering quick and easy online reservations. Promote it on your website and social media, emphasizing how simple it is to book last-minute. Consider featuring a “Holiday Party Booking” banner on your homepage to drive traffic and make the booking option clear for those seeking immediate availability.
Cater to Corporate Needs with Convenient Amenities
Appeal to corporate groups by offering amenities that simplify planning, such as presentation equipment, customizable seating arrangements, and private or semi-private spaces. Highlight these features on your website and in social posts so companies know you’re ready to handle last-minute details professionally and efficiently.
Emphasize Gift Cards for Last-Minute Gifts
Many companies look to add value with gifts for attendees, making gift cards a perfect add-on. Offer a special holiday gift card promotion for those booking their parties last-minute, such as “Book Now and Get $10 Off Per Guest in Gift Cards.” This provides an easy takeaway for guests and encourages future visits, strengthening customer loyalty long after the holiday season.
Interested in more holiday gift card strategies? Check out our blog “How to Make Gift Cards Your Winning Holiday Strategy”
Showcase Success Stories
To reassure those booking on short notice, share photos or testimonials from recent holiday parties you’ve hosted. This demonstrates your ability to deliver high-quality events, even with limited planning time. Make it easy for potential clients to imagine their celebration at your venue, inspiring confidence in your team’s ability to deliver memorable, stress-free gatherings.
Capture Post-Holiday Party Bookings
Remember, some companies—especially those in retail and customer-facing industries—often delay their holiday celebrations until after the New Year. As the calendar year wraps up, shift your marketing to highlight your venue as the perfect spot for post-holiday parties. Emphasize themes like “Holiday Hangover” or “New Year Kick-Off” events to appeal to businesses looking for a fresh way to celebrate and unwind after their busy season.
If you’d like to dive deeper into any of these strategies, reach out—we’d love to help make your holiday season a success!
