While December is full of joy, family gatherings, and delicious food, it can also leave business owners and marketers feeling overwhelmed with limited time and resources.

However, with effective strategies and promotions, you can simplify your December marketing and enjoy more quality time with loved ones. In this article, we’ll provide everything you need to finish the year strong without sacrificing your well-being!

Table of contents

• December at a Glance
• Ideas Inspired by December’s Monthly Awareness Themes
• Ideas Inspired by December Holidays and Observances
• Holiday Marketing and Promotion Ideas
• Complete List of December National Days

December at a Glance

Let’s take a quick look at December to spark your creative marketing brainstorming.

December Awareness Themes

For cause-related marketing, December is recognized as the national month for:

• Business planning
• Car donation
• Drunk and drugged driving (3D) prevention
• Food service safety
• Human rights
• Learning a foreign language
• Safe toys and gifts
• Sharps injury prevention
• Spiritual literacy
• Operation Santa Paws

It’s also National Tie Month, Pear Month, Root Vegetable Month, Exotic Fruits Month, and Bingo’s birthday month. Who would have thought?

December Holidays

Just in case you needed a reminder!

• Hanukkah (December 7-15; dates vary annually)
• Christmas (December 25)
• Kwanzaa (December 26-January 1)
• New Year’s Eve (December 31)

December Diversity and Inclusion Holidays

Discover numerous inclusive holiday marketing ideas here!

• Human Rights Month
• Rosa Parks Day (December 1)
• Human Rights Day (December 10)

December National Days

This post will cover all the festive December national days (Free Shipping Day, Gingerbread House Day, etc.), but here are some unique ones.

• InterNinja Day (Dec 5)
• Human Rights Day (December 10)
• World Trick Shot Day (first Tuesday in December)
• Cat Herders Day (Dec 15)
• Underdog Day (Third Friday in December)
• Homeless Persons’ Remembrance Day (first day of winter)
• Make Up Your Mind Day (Dec 31)
• Universal Hour of Peace (Dec 31) Craving more tips and ideas? We have over 130 for you! Download the guide » 130+ of the Best Online Marketing Tips for Generating More Traffic, Leads, & Sales

December Marketing Ideas Centered Around Monthly Awareness

Now, let’s delve deeper into December marketing ideas!

National Safe Toys and Gifts Month

The holiday season is a prime opportunity to give back to your community. Organize or participate in a toy drive and encourage your customers to join the cause. Here are some toy drive ideas:

• Place a large box in your store for customers and community members to drop off toys.
• Offer a promotion for those who donate to your toy drive—perhaps a coupon for their next visit, a percentage off a purchase, or a stamp on their loyalty card.
• Collaborate with other local businesses to spread the word about your toy drive and encourage them to set up a donation box at their establishments.
• Share photos of your participation on social media, tagging the charity you’re partnering with.
• For a comprehensive list of toy drives, check here. Even if you choose to participate in a toy drive organized by another organization instead of hosting your own, sharing pictures on social media is a great way to raise awareness about helping children in need this holiday season.

Image source

National Flu Vaccination Week

Healthcare professionals are strongly advising everyone to get their flu shots this year. What better time to spread the message than during National Flu Vaccination Week? Here are some ways your business can participate:

• Share information on where people in your community can get a free flu shot.
• Post photos of you and your team members receiving or after getting your flu shots (bonus points for a fun and festive bandage!).
• Share resources from trustworthy organizations about the importance of flu vaccination.
• Healthcare providers can share videos of their professionals discussing the flu shot.

Image source By participating in this awareness week, you can demonstrate your concern for your community’s health. Plus, it’s a great way to remind yourself to get vaccinated!

National Write a Business Plan Month

January arrives quickly after the holiday season, so ensure your marketing efforts are prepared by reviewing your business plan for the upcoming year or at least for January. Outline any business goals and objectives you want to achieve next year and identify what you need to reach those goals. Consider these questions:

• What essential marketing strategies do you need to implement consistently throughout the year to maintain or grow your business? Consider your website, SEO, PPC, and more.
• What marketing strategies are you interested in exploring to reach new audiences or engage your existing customers?
• Are there any areas for improvement in your marketing plan, such as a platform frequently used by your audience where your business isn’t currently present?
• How will you measure the success of your marketing initiatives next year? Reflecting on these questions will help solidify your business plan, budget, and marketing plan as you look ahead to the new year.

December Marketing Ideas Centered Around Holidays and Observances

If you decide to implement any of these ideas, remember to avoid using generic copywriting! Consult this guide to cliche-free, emotion-filled holiday copywriting to maintain authenticity and stand out.

Hanukkah

Many businesses focus their December marketing efforts solely on Christmas and New Year’s, often overlooking the important holiday of Hanukkah. Make your holiday marketing inclusive by incorporating Hanukkah decorations in your store, offering special promotions targeted at customers who celebrate Hanukkah, and extending warm holiday wishes on your social media platforms.

Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a week-long annual celebration in the US honoring African heritage. It embodies seven core principles:

• Unity
• Self-determination
• Collective work and responsibility
• Cooperative economics
• Purpose
• Creativity
• Faith Draw inspiration from these principles for your thought leadership and values-based content. Additionally, discover a wealth of Hanukkah and Kwanzaa material in these 41 Ready-Made Holiday Social Media Posts & Canva Templates.

Free Shipping Day

Free shipping holds significant weight for customers. A LocaliQ consumer survey revealed that only 20% of consumers are willing to pay for shipping. If you run an e-commerce business, consider participating in Free Shipping Day on December 14 by offering free shipping on all orders.

Don’t forget to incorporate the #freeshippingday hashtag in all social media posts promoting your offer! Free guide >> The 30 Best Ways to Promote Your Business (With or Without Money!)

Ugly Sweater Day (Dec 16)

A playful approach can work wonders in attracting customers, so embrace the festive spirit and capitalize on Ugly Sweater Day. Here are some dress-up ideas for your business this month:

• Sport some reindeer antlers or wear festive pajamas if appropriate for your workplace.
• Daycare centers can have a blast dressing up and encourage a pajama day for their students!
• Professionals can add a touch of holiday cheer with a festive tie or socks.
• Post pictures of you and your employees sporting your most outrageous ugly sweaters and offer a discount to anyone who visits in theirs.

Naturally, remember to share your festive attire on social media using the appropriate holiday hashtag.

Gingerbread House Day (Dec 12)

Mark your calendars for National Gingerbread House Day on December 12th! Celebrate this fun and festive occasion in style with these ideas:

• Organize a gingerbread house decorating competition among your employees and share the masterpieces on your social media channels. Encourage your audience to vote for their favorites.
• Invite your audience to showcase their gingerbread house creations on social media, tagging your business. Select a winner to receive a special holiday promotion.
• Craft a captivating gingerbread display at your establishment for people to snap photos in front of (while maintaining safety).
• If you’re a healthcare provider or dentist, share healthier alternatives for traditional gingerbread houses.
• Bakeries can offer build-your-own gingerbread house kits for customers to purchase and enjoy.

No matter how you choose to participate, don’t forget to spread the cheer using the #nationalgingerbreadday hashtag!

First Day of Winter (Dec 21)

Although it might feel like winter has already settled in, the official first day of winter graces us on December 21st. Commemorate the occasion with a simple image on your social media pages, a special winter promotion, or by offering some delightful to-go treats at your business location.

Holiday Marketing Ideas to Delight Your Audience

Get ready for cheers of joy from your audience with these promotional ideas!

Host a Live (or Virtual) Party & Giveaway

Events are a fantastic way to market your business during the holidays. Consider hosting an open house and extending your business hours for an evening. Invite local customers and fellow businesses to stop by, mingle, and enjoy some refreshments. You can even collaborate with another local business for food and drink donations. Parties and open houses are excellent for igniting word-of-mouth marketing and fostering strong partnerships.

For those joining virtually, encourage them to raise a glass of their favorite beverage and offer prizes for attendees. Discover even more promotions and marketing ideas in our free holiday guide » 27 Promotions, Campaigns & Social Posts to Unwrap

Send Holiday Cards (with a Promotion!)

Receiving mail around the holidays is always a treat. Compile your contact list and send out holiday or New Year’s cards from your business. You can opt for a classic card design featuring a picture of your team and a simple holiday greeting, accompanied by a promotional code to encourage customers to visit your business during the holiday season.

Image source Customers appreciate feeling valued, and a thoughtful holiday card can keep your business on their radar—whether they’re new or loyal—ensuring you come to mind when they need your products or services. (Explore more sales promotion ideas here!)

Run a Holiday Instagram Giveaway

Instagram giveaways are consistently popular, but they can generate even greater engagement in December during the holidays. Define a clear objective for your Instagram holiday giveaway. Are you aiming to gain more followers, boost awareness for a specific product or service, or simply spread some holiday cheer on people’s feeds? Once you have your goal in mind, determine the most suitable giveaway for your business.

Here are some holiday Instagram giveaway ideas to help you get started.

Create a Photo Opportunity

Time is precious during the holidays. Save both time and money by leveraging user-generated content throughout December. An easy way to achieve this is by setting up an enticing photo opportunity at or near your business location. Consider inviting Santa Claus for a visit or designing a captivating winter wonderland backdrop for customers to pose in front of.

Everyone loves a good photo op with a giant polar bear, so provide your customers with the chance to market your business for you by creating a fun and shareable experience! Stock up on props like Santa hats and tinsel garlands, and let customers unleash their creativity. Make sure to establish a unique hashtag incorporating your company name and actively share, retweet, or regram customer photos on social media.

Don’t Be Shy—Get Personal on Social Media!

Behind every successful business are real people, and customers crave genuine connections. Sharing glimpses into the lives of you and your employees helps foster those connections with your audience. Share anecdotes and photos of your family and holiday celebrations on your blog and social media profiles. Do you have a cherished holiday memory that inspired you to start your business? How about a beloved family recipe or tradition? Share them on your Share yours on Facebook or Instagram and encourage your followers to do the same. Here are some ideas for personal stories to share on social media or your business blog:

• Bakers can share a video or recipe on their blogs.
• Photographers can post their family Christmas pictures on Instagram or Facebook and invite others to do the same.
• Personal trainers can use social media to encourage clients and potential clients to participate in holiday-themed races.
• Makers can share the inspiration behind a particular product.

Sharing this type of content across your social media platforms and website is a fantastic way to boost engagement and forge meaningful connections during the holiday season!

Publish a Gift Guide

A well-crafted gift guide is an excellent way to increase brand visibility while offering a valuable service to your community. Given that people will be relying on online sources more than ever for holiday gift inspiration this year, consider creating a blog post or social media post dedicated to gift ideas for moms, dads, kids, and friends! While your gift guide can include some of your products, the most effective approach is often subtle rather than overtly promotional. Showcase items relevant to your industry to demonstrate your expertise:

• Gift Guide for Accountants (tech gadgets, ties, luxury pens)
• Gift Guide for Home Decor Enthusiasts (Christmas pillow covers, gold candlesticks, electric candles)
• Gift Guide for Fitness Fanatics (ice cleats for outdoor running, winter hats with built-in Bluetooth headphones, Epsom salts for muscle recovery)

Image source People are constantly searching for gift ideas, so seize the opportunity to showcase your helpfulness and expertise.

Share 12 Days of Tips or Products

Inspired by the classic “12 Days of Christmas,” consider featuring a daily tip or product on your blog or social media feed. Here are some ideas to spark your creativity:

• Fitness-oriented businesses like personal trainers or gyms can offer a “workout of the day” to combat holiday weight gain.
• Flower shops can showcase a “wreath or bouquet of the day,” highlighting different holiday colors and flower arrangements.
• Restaurants and bars can entice customers with a “cocktail of the day” featuring festive flavors.

Alternatively, you could run a different deal or offer each day for the 12 days, encouraging people to return to your social media pages daily and boosting engagement.

Decorate Your Business for the Holidays

Nothing embodies the holiday spirit quite like festive decorations. Take some time to adorn your business with twinkling lights both inside and out, hang some cheerful garland, and set up a Christmas tree and menorah. If your business is located in a high-foot-traffic area, create an eye-catching holiday window display to captivate passersby and entice them to explore your store. Embrace the spirit of the season and transform your business into a warm and inviting space amidst the holiday rush.

Take Customers Behind the Scenes

Video marketing provides a fantastic platform to show customers what goes on behind the scenes at your business during the holidays. Are you a busy baker whipping up delicious cakes and cookies? Invite customers into your kitchen with a video showcasing your holiday preparations. People are inherently curious, and offering them a sneak peek of new products or behind-the-scenes action can be a powerful way to differentiate yourself from competitors!

Stay Top-of-Mind with Email Marketing

Life gets hectic, but email marketing helps maintain a steady stream of sales and leads throughout the holidays. Stay on your customers’ radar by sending emails about special promotions, roundups of local holiday events in your community, or simply a friendly reminder to visit your business in the new year. Make sure your holiday email subject line stands out to maximize email opens and click-throughs! Here are some ideas for engaging December email marketing:

• Dentists can send an email discussing the best and worst holiday treats for healthy teeth.
• Fitness-oriented businesses can share tips on staying healthy during the holiday season.
• Mental health professionals can provide valuable advice on managing stress during the holidays.
• Keep it short and sweet by sending warm Happy New Year wishes.
• Restaurants can promote their special catering options for holiday family gatherings.

People are actively checking their emails during the holidays. In fact, 75% specifically look for deals and discounts in their inboxes. Take advantage of this trend by sending targeted emails to your holiday promotions this month.

Send a Year-in-Review Email

Year-in-review emails present an excellent opportunity to give your marketing goals one final push before the year ends. Celebrate your accomplishments and growth to reassure customers that they made the right decision by choosing you. Emphasize their valuable role in your successes to show appreciation and foster loyalty. If possible, recap their achievements using your product or service to encourage continued engagement in the new year. For more insights, explore our 17 unforgettable year-in-review examples and learn how to craft one that drives results.

Refresh Your Online Reputation and Generate More Reviews

Maintaining a positive good reputation is important is crucial year-round, but the holiday season offers a particularly opportune time to focus on generating reviews for your business. Dedicate some time to request reviews from satisfied customers, diligently respond to all reviews received, and ensure you’re actively managing the most relevant platforms where customers are leaving feedback—including Yelp, Google My Business, and Facebook.

Update Your Google Business Profile

Holiday shoppers rely heavily on Google for all their needs, from gift ideas and home cleaning services to appliance repairs, travel arrangements, safety tips, and more. Ensure your business information is current and accurate to maximize visibility in search results. Take these essential steps:

• Verify and update your contact information.
• Update your holiday hours of operation.
• Upload high-quality photos of your seasonal products and services.
• Create enticing Offer and Event posts.

Numerous strategies can be employed to optimize your Google Business Profile, enhance your search ranking, and attract more customers—and there’s no better time to implement them than now!

Conclude the Year Stronger Than Your Aunt’s Eggnog

December can be a demanding month for business owners and marketers, but by incorporating creative and straightforward ideas like the ones outlined above, you can maximize your business exposure, nurture customer relationships, and set the stage for success in the new year. Eager for more marketing ideas for every month of the year? We’ve got you covered.

• January Marketing Ideas to Start the New Year with a Bang
• Fabulous (and Affordable) February Marketing Ideas
• Creative and Cost-Friendly March Marketing Ideas
• Free April Marketing Ideas to Freshen Up Your Content Calendar
• May Marketing Ideas for Any Business or Budget
• Free June Marketing Ideas for Sizzlin’ Hot Campaigns
• Free and Creative July Marketing Ideas (With Examples!)
• Easy & Engaging August Marketing Ideas (With Examples!)
• Free and Creative September Marketing Ideas
• Free and Effective October Marketing Ideas
• Simple Yet Superb November Marketing Ideas (with Examples) And for effective planning, explore our comprehensive check out this marketing calendar template from our friends at LocaliQ.

Complete December National Day List

As promised, here’s the complete list of December national days to inspire niche-specific marketing ideas. This list is courtesy of National Day Calendar. December 1

• Rosa Parks Day
• Pie Day
• Eat a Red Apple Day
• Bifocals at the Monitor Liberation Day
• Day With(out) Art Day
• Faux Fur Friday – First Friday in December
• Bartender Day – First Friday in December December 2
• Fritters Day
• Mutt Day
• Special Education Day December 3
• Roof Over Your Head Day
• International Day of Persons with Disabilities December 4
• Cookie Day
• Dice Day
• Sock Day
• Wildlife Conservation Day December 5
• Bathtub Party Day
• International Ninja Day
• Repeal Day
• World Trick Shot Day – First Tuesday in December December 6
• Pawnbrokers Day
• Microwave Oven Day
• St. Nicholas Day
• Miners’ Day December 7
• Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
• Illinois Day
• Cotton Candy Day
• Slime Day
• Hanukkah Begins December 8
• Brownie Day
• Pretend To Be A Time Traveler Day
• Crossword Solvers Day
• Salesperson Day – Second Friday in December December 9
• Pastry Day
• Weary Willie Day
• Christmas Card Day
• Techno Day December 10
• Dewey Decimal System Day
• Lager Day
• Human Rights Day
• Nobel Prize Day December 11
• App Day
• Noodle Ring Day December 12
• Ambrosia Day
• Ding-a-Ling Day
• Gingerbread House Day
• Poinsettia Day December 13
• Cocoa Day
• Violin Day
• Pick A Pathologist Pal Day
• National Guard Birthday December 14
• Bouillabaisse Day
• Alabama Day
• Monkey Day December 15
• Cupcake Day
• Bill of Rights Day
• Cat Herders Day
• Wear Your Pearls Day
• Ugly Christmas Sweater Day – Third Friday in December
• Underdog Day – Third Friday in December December 16
• Chocolate-Covered Anything Day
• Barbie and Barney Backlash Day
• Wreaths Across America Day (changes annually) December 17
• Maple Syrup Day
• Wright Brothers Day December 18
• Twin Day
• Answer The Telephone Like Buddy The Elf Day
• International Migrants Day December 19
• Hard Candy Day
• Oatmeal Muffin Day December 20
• Sangria Day
• Mudd Day December 21
• Crossword Puzzle Day
• Humbug Day
• Maine Day
• Phileas Fogg Win A Wager Day
• Winter Solstice – Day Between December 20 and 23
• Flashlight Day – Day of Winter Solstice
• French Fried Shrimp Day
• Homeless Persons’ Remembrance Day – First Day of Winter
• Yule – Day of Winter Solstice
• Re-Gifting Day – Thursday before Christmas December 22
• Date Nut Bread Day
• Forefathers Day – December 22 (Unless on Sunday, then the following Monday) December 23
• Pfeffernusse Day
• Roots Day
• Festivus December 24
• Eggnog Day
• Christmas Eve December 25
• Pumpkin Pie Day
• A’Phabet Day or No “L” Day
• Christmas Day December 26
• Candy Cane Day
• Thank-you Note Day
• Whiner’s Day
• Boxing Day (Canada) December 27
• Fruitcake Day December 28
• Short Film Day
• Chocolate Candy Day
• Card Playing Day
• Holy Innocents Day
• Pledge of Allegiance Day December 29
• Pepper Pot Day
• Tick Tock Day
• No Interruptions Day – Last Work Day of the Year December 30
• Bicarbonate of Soda Day
• Falling Needles Family Fest Day
• Bacon Day December 31
• Champagne Day
• Make Up Your Mind Day
• Universal Hour of Peace