32 Christmas marketing ideas to boost holiday sales

As the festive season quickly approaches, businesses around the world prepare to capture the magic and merriment in their marketing strategies. 

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or a brand-new startup, crafting a captivating Christmas marketing campaign can translate to increased sales. 

Ready to deck the halls of your marketing strategy? Dive into these 32 enchanting Christmas marketing ideas to ensure a holly, jolly sales season for your business.

• Personalization and festive packaging are key strategies for Christmas campaign ideas that will stand out during the holiday season and offer unique gifts and memorable experiences.

• Time-sensitive promotions and social media engagement drive urgency and interaction, keeping customers excited about your holiday deals during the Christmas shopping season.

• User-generated content and loyalty rewards help build trust and deeper connections with your audience during the rush of the Christmas holiday season.

• Collaborations, gift guides, and charitable partnerships expand reach, boost sales, create customer goodwill, and spread holiday cheer.

• Gelato’s services enable businesses to offer customized products and packaging with local production, ensuring fast deliveries and reduced inventory worries for online sales.

Embrace the festive spirit to elevate your brand this season! Here are some of the top Christmas marketing ideas tailored to boost holiday sales and make your business shine brighter than the star on top of the Christmas tree.

1. Personalized product offerings

Personalized products are perfect for the holiday season, making recipients feel unique and special. Offering customization options increases engagement and helps your brand stand out.

Here are some ideas for personalized offerings:

• Name or message customization: Customers can personalize items with names, initials, or special messages.

• Holiday-themed custom designs: Offer festive customization options, like Christmas patterns, colors, or seasonal graphics.

• Limited-edition holiday items: Create personalized products only available during the holiday season to encourage quick purchases.

Gelato's Personalization Studio makes it easy to create customized products with various design tools. With no minimum orders and the ability to produce locally in 34 countries, you can offer personalized holiday gifts without worrying about excess inventory or delayed shipping.

2. Christmas packaging

Festive packaging can make a big difference during the holidays; a Christmas theme adds a special touch to the gifting experience, making your products even more appealing.

Some Christmas packaging ideas:

• Holiday designs: Use seasonal elements like snowflakes, Christmas trees, or reindeer in your packaging.

• Eco-friendly options: Offer sustainable packaging to appeal to environmentally conscious shoppers.

• Custom packaging: Provide personalized packaging options where customers can add names or messages for a more personal gift experience.

Gelato's custom packaging allows you to offer eye-catching, festive designs that enhance the customer experience.

3. Time-sensitive promotions/discounts

These promotions drive urgency, encouraging customers to make quick decisions—especially during the holidays. Limited-time offers, flash sales, and countdown deals are powerful tools to boost sales during the Christmas rush.

Here are some easy tips for implementation:

• Advent calendar sales: Offer a new deal each day leading up to Christmas.

• Flash sales: Announce short, time-bound discounts for heightened urgency.

• Last-minute shopping deals: Offer special offers on stocking stuffers to attract procrastinators and promote them heavily via email and social media.

4. Engaging social media campaigns

Social media activity peaks during the holiday season, making it the perfect channel to connect with your audience. Use holiday visuals and engaging content to stand out from your competitors.

Here's how to make your campaigns pop:

• Holiday graphics: Use festive filters, stickers, and branded visuals.

• Contests and giveaways: Boost engagement by asking followers to share holiday traditions or recipes for a chance to win.

• Behind-the-scenes content: Share clips of your team decorating or packing holiday orders to show the human side of your brand.

5. User-generated content

Customer reviews, photos, and videos offer social proof, showing how real people use your products. User-generated content (UGC) is a fantastic way to build trust and authenticity. 

Here are some quick tips for encouraging user-generated content:

• Hold a festive hashtag challenge: Use a unique hashtag to encourage customers to share their holiday moments with your products or services.

• Invite customers to share content: Highlight user photos and reviews on your social channels or website.

• Incentivize UGC: Offer discounts or special deals to customers who share holiday-themed posts featuring your product.

6. Holiday season email marketing campaigns

Holiday emails create a personal connection, helping you deliver tailored recommendations and timely reminders for last-minute deals. It's a great way to capture attention during the busy season.

Here's how to craft the perfect holiday email:

• Leverage festive templates: Add snowflakes, reindeer, or twinkling lights to your designs for that extra seasonal touch.

• Segment your audience: Target specific groups with relevant product recommendations.

• Use interactive elements: Include gift guides or quizzes in your emails to make shopping easier and more engaging.

7. Loyalty programs and festive rewards

Reward your most loyal customers with special holiday perks. Offering festive incentives strengthens customer relationships and encourages repeat purchases during the Christmas season.

Here are some festive reward ideas:

• Exclusive products: Offer limited-edition holiday items to loyal members.

• Bonus points: Give extra loyalty points for purchases made during the holiday season.

• Special events: Host a ‘thank you’ sale or event exclusively for your most dedicated customers.

8. Collaborations and partnerships

Partnering with other brands can help you reach new audiences and create unique offerings. Working together allows you to blend creativity and resources to maximize your holiday impact.

Here's how you can collaborate and form partnerships:

• Co-host events: Plan joint pop-up shops, holiday markets, or workshops.

• Sell limited-edition products: Create special holiday products by collaborating with other brands to attract a larger audience.

9. Online advent calendar

An online advent calendar offers daily surprises, keeping customers excited and engaged throughout December.

Here's how to implement this strategy:

• Roll out daily offers: Reveal a new discount or product every day leading up to Christmas.

• Include interactive elements: Include fun challenges or small games to unlock each day's deal.

• Use the countdown feature: Add a festive countdown to boost anticipation for the next reveal.

10. Christmas bundles

Create value-packed bundles by grouping your best-selling items together with a holiday twist. It’s a win-win: customers get more for their money, and you boost sales.

Some ideas for creating Christmas bundles:

• Product pairings: Combine complementary products (e.g., a scarf and gloves set) for a ready-to-gift option.

• Discounted bundles: Offer bundles at a special price to incentivize larger purchases.

• Holiday packaging: Add festive packaging to make bundles feel like complete gifts.

11. Gift-wrapping services

Offering a gift-wrapping service makes holiday shopping easier for customers. It adds a personal, festive touch and increases the chances of your products being chosen as gifts.

Make your gift-wrap services stand out with:

• Festive designs: Offer wrapping options with holiday themes like snowflakes, Christmas trees, or reindeer.

• Customization: Allow customers to add personalized messages to their gift wraps.

• Free gift-wrapping: As an extra incentive, offer complimentary wrapping for orders over a certain amount.

12. Free shipping for the holidays

Offering free shipping during the holidays is a powerful incentive for customers to buy from your store, especially when they're comparing multiple options.

For holiday shipping, use:

• Threshold offers: Offer free shipping on orders over a specific amount to encourage larger purchases.

• Limited-time promotions: Run a "free shipping weekend" to create urgency.

• Holiday-themed banners: Use festive banners on your site to announce your free shipping offer.

13. Create a Christmas gift guide

Create a curated gift guide to help indecisive shoppers. The guide will showcase your products based on customer preferences, making it easier for them to find the perfect gift.

Here's how to build your guide:

• Categorize by price: Create sections for gifts under $50, $100, and so on.

• Customer segments: Tailor recommendations for different groups (e.g., gifts for kids, for parents, etc.).

• Featured products: Highlight your top holiday picks or new arrivals.

14. Post-Christmas sales

Don’t let the holiday shopping frenzy end on December 25th! Post-Christmas sales can drive additional revenue by catering to customers with gift cards or those looking for end-of-season deals.

Tips for success:

• Offer deep discounts: Clear out inventory by offering significant markdowns.

• Promote gift card usage: Encourage customers to spend any gift cards they receive during the holidays.

• New Year promotions: Transition into New Year sales with fresh offers to keep the momentum going.

15. Interactive holiday landing page

Create a special holiday-themed landing page with interactive features to boost engagement and keep visitors on your site longer.

Here's what to include on your holiday landing page:

• Gift guides: Add clickable gift guides or holiday suggestions.

• Quizzes: Include a fun holiday quiz to recommend products based on customer preferences.

• Festive visuals: Use Christmas themes like snow, lights, or wreaths to capture the season's spirit.

16. Charity partnerships

Partnering with a charity during the holiday season helps promote a good cause and build goodwill with your customers.

Here are some heartwarming ways to give back:

• Donate a percentage of sales: Pledge a portion of your holiday sales to a charity.

• Charity products: Create limited-edition products where proceeds go to a worthy cause.

• Encourage customer donations: Allow customers to add a donation to their purchase at checkout.

17. Gift card promotions

Gift cards are perfect for last-minute shoppers or those unsure of what to buy. Promote them as easy, thoughtful gifts during the holiday season.

Gift card promotion ideas:

• Bonus incentives: Offer a bonus gift card with purchases over a certain amount (e.g., "Buy $100, get $10 free").

• Holiday-themed designs: Customize your gift cards with festive holiday visuals.

• Last-minute shopping option: Promote digital gift cards as an easy solution for last-minute shoppers.

18. Holiday-themed content marketing

Engage your audience with holiday-themed content that entertains and informs. Seasonal content can boost your brand’s visibility and connection during the holidays.

Here are some holiday content ideas:

• Write holiday blog posts: Write about gift ideas, holiday trends, or how-to guides for seasonal topics.

• Post festive videos: Create video content showcasing your holiday products or behind-the-scenes moments.

• Leveraging social media countdowns: Build excitement by posting daily holiday tips, deals, or gift inspiration.

19. Customer appreciation giveaways

Show your customers some love with a holiday giveaway. This rewards loyal customers and drives engagement and excitement around your brand.

Try these giveaway ideas:

• Holiday-themed bundles: Create a festive giveaway with your best-selling products as the prize.

• Social media engagement: Ask customers to tag friends or share your post to enter the giveaway.

• Exclusive access: Reward loyal customers with early entry or extra chances to win.

20. Free gift with purchase

Offering a free gift with every purchase is a great way to add value and boost holiday sales.

Here's how to implement this strategy:

• Send small holiday-themed gifts: Include items like ornaments, candles, or festive treats with purchases.

• Use a limited-time offer: Create urgency by limiting the free gift offer to specific days.

• Advertise heavily: Promote your free gift offer across your website and social media to draw attention.

21. Personalized Christmas thank-you notes

A thank-you note goes a long way in building long-term customer relationships. These notes show customers that you care and can potentially turn a one-time shopper into a repeat buyer.

Here's how to nail these personalized notes:

• Write out notes: Include a small handwritten note in each package for a personal touch.

• Whip up digital thank-you cards: Online shoppers can send a personalized email or thank-you card with their purchase.

• Add sincere holiday wishes: Add a festive message to make the note feel special and timely.

22. Holiday-themed SMS marketing

Reach your customers directly with holiday promotions via SMS. It’s an effective way to remind them of special offers or last-minute deals.

Here's what to include in your holiday SMS campaigns:

• Holiday countdown deals: Send out reminders of daily or weekly specials.

• Exclusive offers: Offer SMS subscribers a special discount or early access to sales.

• Shipping reminders: Notify customers of key shipping deadlines for Christmas delivery.

23. Christmas-themed quizzes

Create Christmas-themed quizzes to entertain and engage your audience. These quizzes can help guide customers toward the right products while adding an element of fun to their shopping experience.

Here's how:

• Create a gift finder quiz: Help customers choose the perfect gift with a short quiz that suggests products based on their answers.

• Run a holiday personality quiz: Create a fun, shareable quiz about the holiday season and your products.

24. Holiday subscription box

Offer a holiday-themed subscription box that delivers festive products directly to your customers’ doors.

Here are our top three subscription box ideas to try:

• Curated holiday products: Fill the box with Christmas-themed items or best-sellers.

• Limited-time offer: Market the subscription as a limited-time holiday special to create urgency.

• Festive packaging: Make the unboxing experience even more exciting with Christmas-themed wrapping.

25. Christmas wish list campaigns

Encourage customers to create and share wish lists featuring your products. This will help boost engagement and inspire gift-givers to buy from your store.

Some outstanding wish list ideas our team swears by:

• Easy sharing options: Make it simple for customers to share their wish lists with friends and family.

• Incentivized wish list creation: Offer a small discount for customers who create and share their wish lists.

• Featured popular wish list items: Highlight trending products on your site or social media from customer wish lists.

26. Create a holiday-themed chatbot

Use a festive chatbot to assist customers during the holiday shopping rush. Chatbots can answer common questions and guide shoppers through the buying process.

Make sure your holiday chatbot has:

• Gift suggestions: Program your chatbot to offer gift recommendations based on user input.

• Order tracking: Allow customers to track their holiday orders via the chatbot.

• 24/7 support: Provide instant customer service throughout the busy shopping season.

27. Holiday-themed product recommendations

Help customers find the perfect holiday gifts with personalized product recommendations tailored to their style and preferences.

Here's how to make product recommendations:

• Recommend based on past purchases: Suggest products that complement the customer's previous purchase.

• Create Gift guide pop-ups: Feature holiday gift recommendations on your website.

• Send email campaigns: Incorporate personalized product recommendations into your holiday emails.

28. Festive live shopping events

Host live shopping events during the holiday season to showcase your products in real time.

Here ‘s how to host successful live holiday shopping events:

• Give product demos: Highlight your holiday best-sellers with live demonstrations.

• Offer exclusive discounts: Offer viewers special deals that are only available during the event.

• Use interactive features during each event: Engage your audience with Q&A sessions, polls, or live chat during the event.

29. Christmas product unboxing videos

Unboxing videos are popular, and showcasing your holiday products in festive unboxings can drive excitement.

Here are some product unboxing video tips:

• Elevate experience with holiday packaging: Use festive wrapping to enhance the unboxing experience.

• Leverage influencer partnerships: Collaborate with influencers to create unboxing videos featuring your products.

• Share customer unboxings: Encourage customers to share their own unboxing experiences on social media.

30. Holiday scavenger hunt

Take customers on a virtual or in-store scavenger hunt to engage them during the holiday season.

Some interesting scavenger hunt ideas include:

• Clue-based hunt: Share daily clues on social media that lead customers to hidden deals on your site.

• In-store events: If you have a physical store, create an in-store scavenger hunt for holiday shoppers.

• Offer rewards: Give participants a small discount or freebie to complete the hunt.

31. Christmas-themed mystery boxes

Everybody loves a mystery! Offer mystery boxes to customers filled with festive goodies to surprise them. 

Here are some compelling mystery box ideas:

• Holiday bundles: Curate boxes with various Christmas-themed items or best-sellers.

• Limited-edition boxes: Create a sense of urgency by offering limited quantities.

• Surprise discounts: Include a random discount voucher in each box to keep customers excited.

32. The stocking stuffer section on your website

Build a special section on your website dedicated to small, budget-friendly stocking stuffers.

Here are some stocking stuffer ideas to try:

• Affordable gifts: Highlight products under a certain price point, perfect for stocking stuffers.

• Add-on options: Suggest stocking stuffers as add-ons during checkout.

• Promote on social media: Feature stocking stuffer ideas in your holiday promotions.

As Christmas approaches and shoppers search for the perfect gifts, Gelato is here to help you every step of the way.

With Gelato's print on demand platform, you can create personalized products, avoid inventory hassles, and leverage localized printing and shipping solutions in 34 countries—all of which help ensure your customers receive their gifts on time.

Gelato is more than a service; we’re a partner in your success. It’s time to embrace the future of ecommerce, provide exceptional value to your customers, and witness soaring sales all year long!

Our subscription plans make it easy to find the right fit for your business this holiday season. Sign up for Gelato today and boost your Christmas sales strategy to new heights!

What is the 12 Days of Christmas marketing strategy?

The 12 Days of Christmas marketing strategy involves running daily promotions, discounts, or special offers for 12 consecutive days, usually starting on December 14. Each day reveals a new deal, building anticipation and driving consistent customer engagement throughout the holiday season.

What sells more during the Christmas season?

During Christmas, gift-related items, such as electronics, apparel, toys, personalized products, and Christmas decorations, tend to sell more. Consumers also favor seasonal items like gift sets, festive home decor, and experiences such as holiday events or subscription services.

How do you plan a Christmas marketing campaign?

Planning a Christmas marketing campaign involves identifying key goals, such as boosting sales or customer engagement, creating festive promotions, targeting specific audiences, and aligning messaging with holiday themes. Integrating various channels—social media, email, and in-store promotions—ensures maximum reach, while timing promotions for key dates enhances effectiveness.

When should I start Christmas marketing?

Christmas marketing should ideally start in early November. This allows businesses to capture early shoppers while building momentum for December. Launching promotions and teasers early helps keep your brand in mind throughout the merry Christmas holiday season, catering to early and last-minute buyers.