17 Creative holiday marketing ideas for 2025

1. Create special holiday offers

Drive holiday sales by giving shoppers a reason to stop scrolling. Special holiday offers create urgency, reduce hesitation at checkout, and make your holiday marketing campaigns stand out in this busy season.

Here are some proven ideas to grab attention with your holiday marketing strategy:

• Free shipping – Shoppers are far more likely to complete their purchase when shipping costs are removed. Promote this upfront in your banners and social media posts to drive traffic.
  
• Buy one, get one free (BOGO) – This classic deal helps move seasonal inventory while introducing new products to buyers who love value-driven shopping.
  
• Holiday bundles – Combine related items into gift-ready bundles. This simplifies holiday shopping for your audience and boosts average order value while making gifting easier.
  
• Exclusive discounts – Create urgency with flash sales, limited-time discount codes, or early-bird promotions. Advertise them across email and marketing channels to pull in new and repeat customers.
  

Package these creative promotions into your holiday marketing plan and watch the sales roll in.

2. Offer free gifts as a holiday treat

Customers expect more during the holidays, and a thoughtful giveaway can feel like a special treat. Adding a small freebie to each order makes your holiday marketing campaigns memorable and increases the chances of buyers returning after the rush.

Here are practical holiday promo ideas you can use to build loyalty and spark word-of-mouth:

• Stickers and magnets – Affordable, branded keepsakes that stay visible year-round.
  
• Keychains or tote bags – Practical gifts that double as portable billboards.
  
• Holiday ornaments – Festive, seasonal items tied to the spirit of giving.
  
• Free samples – A clever way to introduce buyers to new products.
  

These small gestures encourage people to share their experience, post photos, and recommend your store to friends. 

3. Offer free gift packaging

People love convenience during the holiday shopping season, and gift wrap is a fun way to add value without cutting into margins. By offering free or low-cost wrapping, ribbons, and tags, you turn every purchase into a ready-made present, saving buyers time and stress.

Make your brand a one-stop shop for customers’ holiday needs. This small touch shows that you care and strengthens your holiday marketing efforts.

If you’re running a print-on-demand business, Printify offers custom gift wrapping on select items – an easy upsell that can drive holiday promotions while keeping your packaging on-brand.

4. Make a holiday gift guide with curated gift suggestions

The busy holiday season can get overwhelming, so a well-structured guide makes shopping smoother. Group your products into categories like gifts for him, her, kids, or even pets to help buyers find the perfect gift fast. 

This festive marketing idea works because you’re curating inspiration, not just selling. 

Promote gift suggestions across your social media posts and email campaigns to help customers navigate the holiday rush and boost eCommerce sales. 

5. Offer gift cards for easy sales

Want to make sure you’re targeting last-minute shoppers? Sell gift cards as a stress-free stocking stuffer.

List electronic or physical gift cards right in your store, or use them as prizes to drive engagement through online giveaways and contests.

Gift cards are the ultimate solution for shoppers who need a present for a casual acquaintance or the person who already owns everything. Plus, it’s a great way to clear up your holiday inventory toward the end of the season.

6. Plan your email marketing campaign

An effective holiday marketing strategy always includes strong email campaigns. With inboxes crowded during the holidays, timing and content matter more than ever. Use festive greetings, bold offers, and personalized touches to stand out.

Here’s how to make your campaigns work:

• Focus on key dates – Schedule your messages around shopping peaks like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and last-shipping-day deadlines.
• Craft engaging subject lines – Keep them short, punchy, and tied to the season to grab attention fast.
• Use visuals that convert – Add GIFs and branded graphics to give your emails a festive edge.
• Segment your audience – Tailor offers for loyal shoppers, new leads, and high-value buyers for better performance.

Holiday email marketing campaigns are also a fun way to test creative ideas, whether it’s a countdown timer, an exclusive discount, or a surprise holiday deal. Track what works and double down on what brings the most clicks and conversions.

7. Create engaging content for social media

Social media is where your target audience is already scrolling, so your content during this season is crucial. For small businesses, this is one of the most affordable and impactful ways to compete with bigger brands.

Here’s how to align with the latest holiday marketing trends:

• Plan across multiple channels – Don’t limit yourself to one platform. Repurpose your content for TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to meet shoppers wherever they are.
• Make short videos – Quick reels, stories, and TikToks are the formats people engage with most. Show off products and behind-the-scenes prep to capture seasonal vibes.
• Schedule content with key dates – Publish campaigns around Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and last-minute shipping cutoffs. Build anticipation with teasers and countdowns.
• Encourage interactions – Polls, contests, and games keep your brand top of mind while creating a festive shopping experience.
  

Think of your holiday marketing campaigns as both fun and functional. When your content is timely, engaging, and useful, shoppers stop scrolling and start clicking.

8. Run paid ads

Paid ads are the fuel behind the biggest holiday marketing campaigns, and the busiest shopping period is when smart holiday advertisers double down. With so many shoppers browsing online, ads help you reach more customers, promote seasonal deals, and build brand awareness fast.

Here are a few tactics worth testing when creating ads:

• Search engine ads – Target people actively looking for products like yours with Google text and shopping ads.
• Social media ads – Use carousels, videos, and stories to showcase limited-time deals. Tailor your holiday ad copy to match the festive mood.
• Display ads – Blend into websites with banners that highlight your holiday offers and promotions.
• Video ads – Tell a story with seasonal campaigns that build trust and inspire gift-giving.

Test different marketing channels, keep your holiday ad copy sharp, and focus on clear calls-to-action that push shoppers to buy before deals expire.

9. Evoke nostalgia with holiday videos

The best holiday marketing campaigns use video marketing to stay top of mind. Shoppers scroll faster than ever, and themed short videos on social media platforms can stop them mid-swipe. 

For small businesses, it’s one of the most creative ways to reach a wider target audience and win more customers.

Holiday videos work because they spark emotion and evoke nostalgia:

• Think cozy recipes, DIY gift guides, or heartfelt behind-the-scenes clips of your team prepping orders. 
• Mix in customer stories, holiday fundraisers, and classic winter wonderland themes that represent the holiday spirit.

Keep your visuals festive and your message clear. A few seconds of compelling storytelling can build brand awareness and turn casual viewers into loyal buyers.

10. Use hashtags to draw in more customers

Hashtags are the simplest way to grow your holiday marketing campaigns’ visibility. Tap into the season’s energy and get your posts seen by new customers searching for holiday inspiration.

Check out these trending holiday hashtags for the 2025-2026 season:

• General festive vibe – #WinterWonderland, #CozySeason
• New Year buzz – #HappyNewYear, #NewYear2026
• Gift-giving moments – #HolidayGifts, #TisTheSeason (evergreen picks)
• Social engagement – #SmallBusinessSaturday, #GivingTuesday, #[YourBrand]Holiday
• Nostalgic – #HolidaySpirit, #SpreadJoy, #ThanksgivingDay

How to maximize them:

Mix popular and branded tags. Use general phrases like #CozySeason alongside unique ones tied to your brand to make your campaign unforgettable.

Use them across formats. Add hashtags to your captions, stories, reels, and short-form videos for maximum discoverability.

Pick and rotate. Choose 3-5 per post and combine trending hashtags with brand-specific ones centered around your offer and your target audience.

When done right, hashtags make your holiday marketing campaigns easier to find and harder to scroll past.

11. Collaborate with influencers

For small businesses, influencer partnerships are one of the fastest ways to reach new customers and build trust during the holidays. And don’t worry about chasing follower counts – micro-influencers often drive better engagement and stronger brand loyalty.

Look for creators already aligned with your niche on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Reach out directly with a personal pitch and show how your products can fit their holiday content. 

The right partnerships turn authentic recommendations into steady sales and repeat customers who stay connected long after the season.

12. Use branded inserts

Enhance your customers’ shopping experience by including branded inserts in their orders. 

Whether you create a holiday-themed branded note, offer free shipping, or promote loyalty programs, people love to find a small gift with their purchase.

Use these to thank shoppers, send a warm holiday message, or offer a discount code for their next purchase. Custom branding inserts add a personal touch that makes customers feel appreciated.

13. Create an interactive experience

Your holiday marketing strategy doesn’t just have to focus on discounts – create experiences that keep customers engaged. 

Interactive elements make shopping memorable and give people a reason to return to your store. Try these:

• Well-timed pop-ups – Use seasonal pop-ups to highlight exclusive offers or last-minute deals. They grab attention fast and encourage clicks.
• Interactive gift guides – Build quizzes or product selectors that recommend the perfect gift, cutting down decision fatigue.
• Virtual try-ons – Great for clothing, accessories, and beauty items. Let shoppers preview products and buy with confidence.
• Social media contests – Invite buyers to share photos of their decorations, outfits, or purchases. It’s an easy way to spark user-generated content and boost engagement.
• Gamified shopping – Turn gift hunting into a game where people earn points for purchases, referrals, or social media shares.

For local business owners, interactive campaigns are a cost-effective way to build brand loyalty. 

If you’re opening a pop-up booth at a seasonal market, crafting an unforgettable shopping experience is a great way to drive foot traffic while competing with bigger retailers.

14. Run a holiday referral program

A smart referral program is one of the most effective holiday marketing strategies for bringing in new buyers while rewarding your loyal fan base. 

Instead of shouting into the void with ads, let your customers do the talking. When they share your store with friends or family, they’re vouching for your products as the perfect gift.

Offer perks like discounts, freebies, or access to a loyalty program that keeps shoppers coming back long after the holidays. Referrals fuel word-of-mouth momentum, expand your audience, and strengthen trust.

15. Host a holiday contest

The holidays are all about connection, tradition, and family time. Tap into that energy by running a seasonal contest that excites your customers and gets them sharing their stories. 

Whether it’s the ugliest sweater, the best cookie recipe, or the cutest pet in costume, contests create buzz and keep your brand front and center.

Sweeten the deal with rewards like:

• Gift cards
• Seasonal bundles
• Exclusive discounts

Contests spark creativity, generate user content for your marketing, and turn everyday shoppers into active participants. When done right, they build engagement that lasts long after the prizes are handed out.

16. Plan an event

From virtual gatherings and live streams to in-person events with the local community, these classic holiday promotion ideas help small businesses stand out.

Choose a fun holiday theme – like a cookie decorating contest or holiday trivia night – and use it to showcase your holiday collection in a fun, interactive setting. Sweeten the deal with a door prize featuring one of your products to boost attendance. 

With a cozy, welcoming crowd, these events don’t need to be large-scale to make a big impact.

17. Host classes and tutorials

Holidays are about learning new tricks, sharing traditions, and making life easier during the rush. Hosting online classes or tutorials gives your customers a reason to spend more time with your brand while positioning you as a trusted expert.

Run a gift wrapping masterclass and upsell your custom gift wrap papers. Share DIY gift ideas that feature your products, or create holiday recipe workshops that tie back to items you sell, like aprons or custom glassware. 

Even quick tips for perfect holiday photos or a custom holiday card tutorial can drive interest and clicks.

Classes are more than content – they’re a bridge between inspiration and purchase. When people learn from you, they’re more likely to shop with you.