Start Planning Christmas Now: 30 Festive Ideas to Secure December Bookings Early

Christmas makes or breaks the year for many pubs. The winners start planning early, lock in corporate bookings, and create a clear festive offer that is easy to say yes to. This guide trims the noise and focuses on the ideas that actually drive bookings.

The three things that matter most

1. Packages that sell: clear pricing, limited options, easy upsells.
2. Advance bookings: deposits and early bird incentives.
3. A visible calendar: guests want to see what is happening before they commit.

Package ideas that actually book out

• Fixed menu plus welcome drink.
• Sharing boards plus party playlists for smaller groups.
• Lunchtime corporate packages with a hard finish time.

Keep the packages simple and margin positive. Too many options slows decisions.

Event ideas that create buzz

Choose two or three and build them into the calendar.

• Christmas quiz with a booking cap.
• Local choir or school performance night.
• "Thank you" night for local businesses.

Daytime wins (often overlooked)

• Festive lunch for retirees and local groups.
• Afternoon kids crafts tied to a roast booking.
• Coffee and mince pie morning for remote workers.

Daytime events fill gaps and add incremental revenue.

Promotions that protect margin

• Upgrade bundles (starter or dessert add-on).
• Premium drinks packages.
• Early booking bonus rather than discounts.

A simple planning timeline

July to August: draft packages and pricing. September: launch bookings and deposits. October: push corporate bookings. November: final push and confirmation. December: execute and capture reviews.

If you want professional support getting your Christmas marketing right, take a look at our pub marketing services — we can help with everything from social media to event promotion.

Common mistakes

• Launching too late.
• Overcomplicated menus.
• Taking large bookings without deposits.

Quick checklist

• Two core packages priced and ready.
• Booking cap set for each event.
• Deposit policy live.
• Calendar published online and in the pub.

Mini FAQ

How early should I open bookings? September is the latest. Many corporate groups book in August.

Should I discount to win parties? No. Use added value instead of price cuts.