If you’re running around and scrambling to figure out how to increase Christmas bookings at your venue this year, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a guide to help you get more bookings this festive season. There are a couple of things you can do to set your venue up for success and we have the tips and tricks to get it done.
Here are some steps to help you boost Christmas bookings at your venue:
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas – With Those Packages You’re Offering
If you already offer some amazing food and drinks packages, that’s great! However, you’ll want to offer some Christmas specific packages. Having these will definitely increase bookings because it’s something that people really look for during the holiday season. Create some special packages that include dining, entertainment, and other holiday-themed activities. If you’re able to offer group discounts for larger parties, that’s really helpful too!
Deck the Halls! – With All of the Decorations
Transform your venue with all of the trimmings from a Christmas tree to lights, wreaths, and everything in between. We’ve seen some incredible venues, like The Montague on the Gardens, completely transform their space into a winter wonderland – complete with snow! You’ll definitely get more Christmas bookings if your venue is dressed the part.
Do They Know it’s Christmas? They Will With Entertainment
By organising some Christmas-themed entertainment like live music or holiday-themed shows, you’ll find that you’ll get more bookings. People really want to celebrate during the holiday season so it’s great if you can give them something extra to be excited about.
It’s the Most Wonderful Time…To Eat Something Delicious
This is the time to get creative! Increase your bookings by designing special Christmas menus that offer a variety of options ranging from traditional (think a Christmas roast and mince pies) to creative. Make sure you offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options to make sure everyone can enjoy themselves.
Santa Tell Me…. How Can I Book Your Venue
Make sure you’re launching your Christmas plans early! We’ve found that offices are booking their Christmas parties earlier and earlier, which means it’s great to have all of your festive details ironed out by Q3. You’ll end up with more Christmas bookings because people will know what you’re offering instead of waiting for you to come up with your plans.
You’ll Have a Blue Christmas if You Don’t Share Your Festive Plans!
If you’re wondering how to promote your Christmas offerings this season, we can help. You can sign up to list your venue on VenueScanner so people who are searching for venues for their Christmas parties this year can easily find it.
Another great thing to do is use social media to promote what you’re offering. You’ll increase bookings by sharing high-quality images and videos of your decorated venue (this is a great idea if you do this every year).
All I Want For Christmas is You… to Let Your Email List Know You’ve Got Something Planned
Your most loyal customers are probably signed up to your mailing list so let them know you’re planning something special. Odds are that you’ll be able to get some Christmas bookings from them, so create a strategic plan. Send out several emails – but remember to space them out! Make sure to include a clear call to action on how to make a booking.
Tips to Elevate Your VenueScanner Listing So You Can Get More Christmas Bookings
If you’re already listed on VenueScanner or hoping to sign up, there are a couple of ways you can optimise your listing so you can get more Christmas bookings.
Photos
If you have Christmassy photos, add them to your listing or create a separate space for Christmas that has all of the information you have about the festive period.
Descriptions
Make sure you’re adding details about your Christmas offerings to your descriptions. It’s a great way to eliminate any back and forth when enquiries come through.
Packages
Add your Christmas packages to your descriptions. These can be food, drink, or entertainment packages.
