December is when people spend the most, search the most and decide which local businesses they'll remember in the new year. Christmas (Friday, December 25, 2026) is a chance to sell more and to start January with a fuller calendar, as long as customers can find you and your message stands out.
Here's a practical holiday playbook for small and local businesses.
1. Get your Google Business Profile holiday-ready
More people search "near me" in December than almost any other time of year. Your Google profile needs to be ready before the rush:
- Set special hours for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Holiday hours are one of the most common things customers check before calling or visiting.
- Post weekly in December: holiday hours, gift card offers, last booking dates and a thank-you message.
- Add festive photos of your team, storefront or recent holiday work.
- Keep reviews coming in. December customers are often in a generous mood. Ask them for a review right after the job.
This is the core of our Google Maps optimization service: an accurate, active profile that ranks when people search.
2. Sell gift cards (even if you're a service business)
Gift cards are the easiest holiday win for local businesses:
- They're an easy last-minute gift
- They bring new customers to you in January
- Recipients often spend more than the card's value
Cleaners, detailers, salons, spas, restaurants, gyms, photographers and home-service businesses can all sell them. Make them easy to buy online, promote them on your Google profile and social media, and remind people in the final week before Christmas, when last-minute shoppers are looking.
3. Offer holiday packages and deadlines
Create reasons to book now:
- Pre-holiday services: "Get your home guest-ready: deep cleaning before December 20"
- Bundles: two or three services together at a small discount
- Early-booking offers for next year: lock in January or spring appointments at this year's price
- Clear deadlines: "Last day to book before Christmas: December 18"
Deadlines create urgency without discounts that eat into your margin.
4. Plan your holiday social media
A simple December content plan:
| Week | Content idea |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Holiday hours + gift card announcement |
| Week 2 | Behind the scenes: team decorating, holiday prep |
| Week 3 | Customer appreciation or a favorite review of the year |
| Week 4 | Last-minute gift card reminder + "Merry Christmas" from the team |
| Week 5 | Year in review + "Happy New Year" and what's coming in January |
Short videos and real photos of your team outperform stock images every time. If December is your busiest month and posting falls to the bottom of the list, our social media marketing team can create and schedule it all for you.
5. Send a holiday message to your customers
A short holiday email or text to your customer list keeps you top of mind:
Subject: Happy holidays from [Business]
Hi [Name], thank you for being part of our year. We're grateful for your trust. Our holiday hours are [hours]. If you're looking for a last-minute gift, our gift cards are available here: [link]. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! – The [Business] team
Only message customers who have agreed to hear from you, and include an easy way to opt out.
6. Consider a small holiday ad budget
If you want extra visibility in December, a modest Google Ads budget targeting your service area and gift-card or holiday-service searches can work well. Keep it focused: specific services, specific areas and a clear offer. Our PPC management team can set up and manage holiday campaigns so every dollar is tracked.
7. Make sure your website can handle December
Holiday shoppers are impatient and mostly on their phones. Check that:
- Your holiday hours and offers are on the homepage
- Gift cards can be bought in a few taps
- Your booking or contact form works on mobile
- Your phone number is a tap-to-call button
A slow or confusing website loses customers to the competitor one tap away. Our web design team builds fast, mobile-first websites made for exactly this.
8. Plan for January now
The smartest holiday marketing sets up the new year:
- Include a "valid from January" gift card or offer so December buyers come back
- Collect reviews and photos in December to use in January posts
- Book January appointments before the holidays while customers are thinking of you
Frequently asked questions
When should a small business start Christmas marketing?
Early to mid November is ideal. Plan offers and gift cards before Thanksgiving, update your Google profile and website in late November, and run your main promotions through the first three weeks of December.
How can a service business make money over Christmas?
Sell gift cards, offer pre-holiday services and bundles, set clear booking deadlines and promote early-booking deals for the new year. These bring in revenue without deep discounts.
Do I need to update my Google hours for Christmas?
Yes. Set special hours on your Google Business Profile for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day so customers see accurate information in search and Maps.
What should a local business post on social media in December?
Holiday hours, gift card offers, behind-the-scenes team moments, customer appreciation and a year-in-review post. Real photos and short videos work best.
Let Ignite make this holiday season count
Ignite Marketing Solutions helps small businesses across the US get found, get booked and stay top of mind through the holidays and into the new year. From Google Business Profile management to holiday social content, ads and websites, we handle the marketing so you can focus on your customers.
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