The festive season is a golden opportunity for pubs in the UK. With Christmas parties, family gatherings, and New Year’s Eve celebrations, it’s a time to not only boost revenue but also create memorable experiences for your customers. However, to truly capitalise on the holiday spirit, pub owners must plan strategically, blending creativity with operational efficiency.

Justine Lorriman, Owner of The Royal Dyche, says: "The festive season is very important to finish off with a successful year, we always expect to do ‘summer’ trade during the December month. This year we have decorated earlier than normal and advertised our events a lot sooner to keep up with other competitors and also attract more customers' attention around the Christmas period. Takings-wise it’s always important to finish on a high, and you always want to beat the previous year (so far so good for us!)."

Ollie Coulombeau, General Manager at Bartons Mill, echoes this sentiment: "The festive season is incredibly important to the year-round success of Bartons Mill. It’s a time when we welcome a variety of guests—from families celebrating together to office parties and local community gatherings—all of which contribute significantly to our business. Our Christmas offerings, like festive menus, party packages, and seasonal events such as our Christmas markets, not only generate valuable revenue but also strengthen relationships with our guests. Many first-time visitors during this period return throughout the year, which helps sustain our year-round success."

Here are some top tips for making the most out of the festive season.

Planning is key

Start by mapping out your festive calendar early. The holiday season brings a natural influx of customers, but to maximise footfall, consider hosting a variety of events that cater to different groups. A festive quiz night, for instance, can be a fun, family-friendly draw, while live music or carol singing sessions create a warm, festive atmosphere. Themed parties—such as “ugly Christmas jumper” competitions or a retro ‘80s Christmas evening—add a playful touch to your offerings. For New Year’s Eve, think about what will resonate with your regulars, the local community, and the influx of one-off festive customers, whether it’s a relaxed countdown or a more formal, ticketed celebration complete with live entertainment and champagne toasts.

Lorriman comments: "When preparing for Christmas we try to create a well-balanced month with live music and events, ensuring everything is well planned, taking into consideration live sport and Burnley home games. Each year we invest more into decorations and try to create an even better ‘Christmassy feeling’ when you walk into the building. If a venue feels festive I think customers are more likely to stay longer and return again over the festive season. Being a wet-led venue, we make sure our drinks offerings also give you that warm feeling; having Bailey’s hot chocolate and mulled wine are always a big hit for us too."

Coulombeau adds: "At Bartons Mill, preparation for Christmas begins as early as March each year. We analyse data from previous years and consider current trends to carefully design our festive offering well in advance. This ensures we can deliver a memorable experience tailored to what our guests truly want during the Christmas season. Pre-booked spend is a vital part of our success during this period. We prioritise giving our guests the opportunity to pre-book as much of their visit as possible, from securing tables to organising pre-orders for food and drinks. To encourage this, we offer incentives for booking and paying well in advance, such as early-bird discounts."

Champion your festive menu

Your menu should also play a starring role during this time. Many customers will be looking for festive food and drink options, so think about offering a seasonal menu. Traditional Christmas dishes, sharing platters for groups, and indulgent desserts can all contribute to the holiday spirit. Don’t forget to elevate your drinks menu as well—mulled wine, spiced cider, and creative winter cocktails can set you apart.
Transform your pub for the season

Decorating your pub is another key step in setting the mood. The right decorations can transform your space into a warm and inviting festive haven. Think beyond just a Christmas tree—twinkling fairy lights, seasonal garlands, and cosy touches like blankets or candles can enhance the overall experience.

Maximise your marketing

Marketing your festive offerings effectively is critical. Use social media, email campaigns, and posters in your pub to spread the word about upcoming events and seasonal menus. Highlighting special packages, such as pre-booked party deals or group discounts, can encourage early reservations.

Ensure staff are set up for success

Don’t overlook staff preparation. The festive period can be demanding for your team, so ensure they’re well-trained and motivated. Schedule extra hands for peak times, and consider rewarding your staff with small tokens of appreciation, like a festive meal or a thank-you gift.

The festive period is a time to shine for pubs, but it requires effort, creativity, and forward planning to truly make it a success. By creating a welcoming atmosphere, offering unique experiences, and delivering excellent service, you can ensure that your pub becomes a go-to destination for holiday celebrations. Cheers to a merry and successful festive season!

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