As the holidays approach, the right music can transform your space, lift spirits, and even influence customer spending. But there’s an art to doing holiday music right—especially if you’re starting in November. At Control Play, we understand the fine balance between festive fun and avoiding holiday fatigue. Here’s our guide to incorporating holiday music and digital signage for an unforgettable guest experience.
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Rules for Playing Holiday Music in November
The big questions for holiday music in your business are often: When do I start? How much should I play? And what types of songs work best? Holiday music has a certain magic, but too much too early can bring on “holiday fatigue.” The key is to ease into it gradually. Starting with a light blend of holiday tunes in your regular playlist introduces a festive vibe without overwhelming anyone.
With that in mind, most bars and restaurants find that beginning holiday music somewhere between Halloween and Thanksgiving strikes the right balance. Guests often come expecting a seasonal shift, so this time can feel like a natural start to the season.
Here’s a simple rule to follow: ease into it. Starting with a light mix of holiday tunes woven into your regular playlists is a great way to introduce the season without overwhelming customers. We even have a blog that talks about some Holiday(not Holiday) songs that is great to start in November.
Control Play Pro Tip: For November, try adding two holiday songs per hour into your playlist. This way, most guests will hear at least one festive tune during their visit, while your regular music keeps the mood varied. As December rolls around, increase the holiday mix gradually—moving to 3-4 songs per hour, then ramping up closer to the holiday itself. Control Play’s playlists make it simple to adjust the balance, allowing you to build up the holiday spirit as you go.
Make an Impact with Digital Signage
Holiday music works even better when paired with eye-catching visuals. Digital signage gives you a chance to extend the festive vibe, showcasing holiday promotions, event countdowns, or just cheerful winter scenes. When your digital signage is in sync with your music, the experience becomes immersive—creating a memorable environment that makes your establishment the go-to spot for holiday cheer.
Control Play Pro Tip: Use digital signage to promote holiday specials or themed events in rhythm with your playlist. Highlight your seasonal drinks, holiday deals, or even social media posts from happy guests!
Lift Your Customers’ Mood with the Right Holiday Music
Holiday music has a proven psychological impact on mood. Slow, gentle carols create a calming atmosphere, while upbeat classics energize the room and encourage longer stays. By strategically choosing your holiday music, you can create an ambiance that’s relaxed and inviting or lively and festive, depending on the vibe you want to set. Having trouble choosing? You can even start with a simple holiday medley like the classic Perry Como:
Control Play Pro Tip: Use our playlist variety to match the day’s energy. Early mornings might call for softer holiday hits, while weekend evenings benefit from upbeat, recognizable tunes that get guests in the mood to celebrate.
Including Non-Denominational Holiday Music
The holiday season is celebrated in countless ways, and not all of them are tied to traditional Christmas themes. Incorporating non-denominational holiday music into your playlists is a great way to ensure that all guests feel welcome, no matter their background or beliefs. Songs that emphasize winter, community, or a general festive spirit can set the perfect tone without being overly specific.
Examples include tracks like:
- “Happy Holidays” – Andy Williams
- “Let It Snow” – Frank Sinatra
- “Winter Wonderland” – Dean Martin
- “Frosty the Snowman” – Gene Autry
- “Snowman” – Sia
Control Play Pro Tip: These songs capture the joy of the season without leaning on religious themes, making them ideal for venues that cater to diverse crowds. Adding non-denominational tracks to your mix alongside traditional holiday hits creates a balanced playlist that resonates with everyone.
Control Play Playlists: Your Holiday Soundtrack, Simplified
Finding the perfect mix of holiday music can be tricky. Control Play’s curated holiday playlists make it easy to get it just right. Each playlist is crafted to stir the spirit of the season without overdoing it, allowing you to adjust the vibe based on your audience and the time of day. Plus, our playlists keep your music fresh, so your staff and customers won’t get bored of the same tunes on repeat.
Why Choose Control Play for Your Holiday Music?
- Effortless Playlist Rotation: Our playlists automatically update, so you can have a fresh selection of tunes each day.
- Mood-Based Playlists: Choose from different energy levels to set the exact tone you’re looking for.
- Seamless Integration with Digital Signage: Sync up your digital signage and holiday music for a cohesive, immersive atmosphere.
Embrace the Holiday Spirit, One Song at a Time
Holiday music can be one of the most effective tools to create a positive and memorable atmosphere in your bar or restaurant. With Control Play’s playlists, you’ll have the perfect mix, timing, and vibe to get the most out of the season without any of the guesswork.
