Let’s get one thing straight: if you’re waiting until November to promote your festive season specials, you’re already behind.
Christmas might feel far away, but for your ideal guests – the ones planning family getaways, long-haul safaris, or year-end celebrations – the decision window opens months earlier.
And if you’re not showing up when they’re looking, someone else is.
The Real Booking Window is Now
Hospitality businesses often underestimate how early travellers start searching for holiday plans. The truth? People researching Christmas travel in September and October aren’t “early.” They’re your prime audience.
By the time December rolls around, they’re not browsing – they’re booked.
What’s the Rush?
Because the holidays come with pressure. People want to get the best deal, secure the most sought-after spots, and organise logistics before the madness kicks in. If your lodge, hotel, or retreat isn’t in front of them by early spring, you’ve missed a major chunk of demand.
So … When Should you Start?
The sweet spot to begin marketing Christmas offers is now – mid-to-late September through October. This gives you enough runway to:
- Build awareness (emails, paid ads, social posts)
- Generate enquiries
- Nurture leads
- Convert browsers into bookers.
It’s not just about “going early” – it’s about layering your messaging. Build anticipation first. Then bring the offer. Then follow up with urgency.
Your Marketing Plan for the Festive Season
Create the Experience
Paint the picture. Don’t just say “we have availability.” Show them what a Christmas stay at your property feels like. Think festive menus, riverbank sundowners, family moments, or wildlife encounters under the stars.
Launch the Offer
This could be a “Stay 3, Pay 2” or a festive experience add-on. Package it in a way that feels exclusive and time-sensitive. Make it easy to understand and easier to book.
Promote it Everywhere
Yes, email your list. But also update your website banner, pin it to your Instagram feed, run a lead gen ad, and talk about it on Stories. If the offer lives in a quiet corner of your website, it won’t sell.
Retarget & Remind
Use retargeting ads for visitors who clicked but didn’t book. Follow up on enquiries with helpful reminders or added perks (“book by this Friday and we’ll include a bottle of bubbly”).
End Strong
As December approaches, shift to urgency messaging – “limited availability” and “final chance” posts that convert fence-sitters.
Why this Matters More than Ever
For many hospitality businesses, the festive season can make or break your annual targets. But you can’t capitalise on that if your campaign is an afterthought. You’ve worked hard to create an exceptional experience – don’t let it go unseen because you started too late.
Final Thought: The Early Lodge Gets the Booking
Your guests are already planning. The only question is: are you showing up where and when they’re looking?
Let’s build a festive campaign that works before the silly season kicks in.
Need help getting started? We’ve got you.