How to Create Unforgettable Events in Your Pub in the Run-Up to Christmas
As the festive season approaches, pubs are perfectly positioned to provide a lively and inviting atmosphere for those looking to celebrate Christmas. The challenge for pub owners is not only to attract customers but to create memorable events that resonate with the festive spirit, bring in a crowd, and keep them coming back for more.
So, what can you do in the lead-up to Christmas to make your pub the go-to destination? Here are some event ideas that cater to the tastes and traditions of the season while embracing the character of pubs.
Christmas Pub Quiz Nights
Pub quizzes are a tried-and-tested way to draw in regulars and new customers alike. Give your Christmas quiz a seasonal twist by incorporating festive themes like Christmas movies, holiday music, winter trivia, and even a few rounds focused on Christmas-themed cocktails or beers.
Tips for success:
Offer fun, Christmas-themed prizes, such as novelty decorations, quirky stocking fillers, or even a voucher for free drinks.
Encourage teams to dress in festive outfits, with a prize for the best-dressed team.
Consider adding a charity element, with a portion of the entry fees going to a local cause or food bank. It’s a feel-good way to get customers into the spirit of giving.
Live Music and Christmas Karaoke Nights
Live music has always been a great way to inject energy into a pub, and Christmas is the perfect time to celebrate local talent. Organize live music events featuring festive tunes—whether it's an acoustic set of classic Christmas carols or a rock band playing modern Christmas hits. It’ll create a warm, welcoming atmosphere where customers can sing along, share stories, and enjoy the holiday spirit.
For those who like to be the star of the show, why not host a Christmas karaoke night? From “Last Christmas” to “Do They Know It’s Christmas?” karaoke offers a fun, interactive experience for everyone to get involved.
Tips for Success
Plan your events around peak nights - Friday and Saturday evenings, or even mid-week as the holiday season leads up to the big day.
Set up themed karaoke with Christmas songs at the ready, or have a special "Santa's Songbook" for guests to choose from.
Festive Themed Nights and Dress-Up Events
One of the best ways to make your pub feel even more festive is by turning the atmosphere into a Christmas wonderland. You could host themed nights where customers come dressed in Christmas jumpers, Santa hats, or reindeer antlers. You could even host a Best Dressed Christmas Character competition, with a prize for the most creative or outrageous outfit.
Another fun twist would be to have a “Grinch Night” where people can dress as the iconic character (or as anyone in the Whoville world), or you could have a “Ugly Christmas Sweater” event where the goal is to wear the most outlandish holiday attire.
Tips for Success
Announce the event early so people have time to plan their outfits.
Use your social media channels to highlight the best dressed and encourage more participation
Charity Fundraisers and Raffles
Christmas is the season for giving, and your pub could play an important role in supporting local charities or causes. Organize a charity fundraiser by hosting a raffle, a silent auction, or a donation drive for food banks or local shelters. The festive period is a great time to partner with a local charity and build goodwill within your community.
Tips for Success
Have donation stations set up at the bar, where customers can donate items, cash, or bid on raffle tickets.
Offer a prize for those who donate, such as a free round of drinks.
Make sure to promote the charity partnership across your social media channels to increase visibility and encourage more participation.
Christmas Eve Party and New Year's Eve Countdown
Your pub could become the go-to destination for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve celebrations. A well-planned event for either of these nights can make all the difference in terms of customer satisfaction and retention.
Consider offering a DJ and party games on Christmas Eve, or a countdown party on New Year's Eve with festive drinks, and a midnight celebration. Ensure your pub has all the right ambience—dim the lights, deck out the space in twinkling lights, and crank up the Christmas music to get everyone in the mood for the holidays.
The weeks leading up to Christmas present a prime opportunity for pubs to engage customers, bring in extra revenue, and create a vibrant atmosphere. By tapping into the holiday spirit with creative events like pub quizzes, themed karaoke, charity fundraisers, and more, you’ll ensure that your establishment stands out as a festive haven. Whatever events you choose, just make sure they reflect the unique vibe of your pub and, most importantly, foster a sense of community and joy as customers come together to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.