15 Holiday Content Marketing Strategies That Convert in 2025 

Key highlights 

• Know how to plan, create and execute impactful holiday content marketing campaigns that boost engagement and drive seasonal sales. 

• Learn practical strategies to personalize marketing, leverage user-generated content and create themed content that resonates with holiday shoppers. 

• Explore ways to optimize your website and SEO for the holiday rush to increase visibility and conversion rates. 

• Understand how to track, analyze and repurpose post-holiday content to improve future marketing performance and campaign success. 

• Uncover how Bluehost’s reliable hosting and SEO tools help your website stay fast, secure and ready for peak holiday traffic. 

If there’s one season that can make or break your marketing goals, it’s the holidays and the secret to standing out isn’t bigger discounts; it’s smarter holiday content marketing. People aren’t just buying products; they’re buying stories, connections and experiences that make the season memorable. For brands, this is a golden opportunity to stand out, but only if you plan your holiday content marketing strategy the right way. 

From festive gift guides and social media campaigns to heartfelt email stories and interactive quizzes, your content can do more than sell, it can spark joy. The challenge? Millions of brands compete for attention in the same short window. That’s why having a clear, creative and well-timed content marketing plan for the holiday season is essential to cut through the noise. 

In this guide, we’ll share 15 proven strategies to help you plan, create and optimize your holiday content marketing campaigns, from early planning to post-holiday performance tracking. You’ll also learn how Bluehost can help you deliver high-traffic campaigns that load fast, stay secure and keep your holiday promotions running smoothly. 

What is holiday content marketing? 

Holiday content marketing involves creating themed, seasonal content designed to engage customers and boost sales during the festive season.  It could be anything from blog posts and social media campaigns to email newsletters or videos. Each piece should tap into the joy, nostalgia and generosity of the holidays. 

Brands that succeed in content marketing for the holidays focus on emotional storytelling, authenticity and providing value, not just pushing promotions. 

Why holiday content marketing matters? 

The holiday season represents a peak in both consumer emotions and spending. Looking ahead to 2025, Deloitte forecasts that during the holiday season, eCommerce sales will grow by 7% to 9%, reaching between $305 billion and $310.7 billion. 

When executed strategically, holiday content marketing helps brands: 

• Connect with audiences emotionally through storytelling 

• Build anticipation and drive early sales 

• Strengthen brand loyalty and awareness 

• Stand out in crowded digital marketplaces 

With so many opportunities to connect, convert and create memorable experiences, your brand needs a clear plan to stay ahead of the competition. That’s where a strong holiday content marketing strategy comes in. 

Below are 15 proven holiday content marketing strategies to help you plan, create and execute campaigns that capture attention, inspire action and drive results this festive season. 

15 holiday content marketing strategies for success 

The holidays bring a unique opportunity to connect with customers when they’re most active and emotionally engaged. To make the most of it, your brand needs a clear, well-timed plan that blends creativity with strategy.  

These 15 holiday content marketing strategies will help you capture attention, inspire action and drive meaningful results throughout the festive season. 

• Start planning early 

• Set clear goals for your holiday campaigns 

• Build a content marketing holiday calendar 

• Create themed, valuable and engaging holiday content 

• Use personalization to connect emotionally 

• Leverage user-generated content (UGC) 

• Incorporate interactive content 

• Offer limited-time deals and flash promotions 

• Create holiday bundles and freebies 

• Promote gift cards for last-minute shoppers 

• Partner with influencers or creators 

• Add a charitable or cause-driven element 

• Optimize your content for SEO 

• Make your website festive and conversion-ready 

• Measure, analyze and repurpose post-holiday content 

Lets explore them in detail. 

1. Start planning early 

Holiday wins are decided well before December. Create your holiday content marketing calendar at least 2–3 months before the season begins. 

List key events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Christmas, then map your content types (blogs, emails, ads, social posts) around them. Early planning ensures every campaign aligns with your goals and avoids last-minute stress. 

Example holiday content marketing plan: 

Here’s how a small eCommerce business might structure its holiday marketing timeline: 

Month	Focus area	Action plan
September	Planning & Research	Review last year’s data, finalize budget and brainstorm campaign themes (e.g., “12 Days of Gifting” or “Festive Finds”).
October	Content Creation	Write holiday blog posts, design email templates, shoot product photos and prepare social media visuals.
November	Campaign Launch	Begin early promotions with teaser posts and gift guide blogs. Launch major sales campaigns for Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
December	Engagement & Retention	Focus on last-minute gift ideas, loyalty offers and post-holiday sales. Send thank-you emails and gather user-generated content.
January	Review & Repurpose	Analyze campaign performance, repurpose high-performing content and plan improvements for next year.

By mapping your content this way, you’ll stay ahead of deadlines, maintain brand consistency and maximize visibility across channels when shoppers are most active. 

2. Set clear goals for your holiday campaigns 

Before creating content, decide what you want to achieve during the holiday shopping season. Do you want to increase sales, grow your email list or boost social engagement? 

Set measurable goals. For example, “increase December sales by 20%” or “double engagement on holiday social posts.” These targets help guide your strategy and measure impact once the season ends. 

3. Build a content marketing holiday calendar 

A content calendar keeps you organized, consistent and ready for the busy holiday season. Plan when and where each campaign will launch, from your blog and email newsletters to social media posts and paid ads. 

Also read: How to Create a Content Calendar in 2025: Step-by-Step Guide 

Include publishing dates, deadlines and responsible team members. A well-structured calendar ensures your audience hears from you at the right time on every platform, without overwhelming them or your team. 

Example holiday content marketing calendar: 

Here’s how a small business or eCommerce brand might schedule its December content: 

Date / Week	Platform	Content type	Theme / Campaign	Owner
Nov 25 – Dec 1	Blog	Article	“Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide 2025”	Content Writer
Dec 2 – Dec 5	Email	Newsletter	Early-bird offer: “Get 20% off before the rush”	Marketing Lead
Dec 6 – Dec 10	Social Media	Instagram Reels + Stories	“Behind the Scenes: Our Team Prepping for the Holidays”	Social Media Manager
Dec 11 – Dec 15	Paid Ads	Google & Meta	Retargeting campaign for abandoned carts	Ad Specialist
Dec 16 – Dec 20	Blog + Email	Blog + Holiday email	“Last-Minute Gift Ideas That Ship Fast”	Content Writer
Dec 21 – Dec 24	Social Media	Countdown posts	“4 Days of Festive Deals” series	Marketing Team
Dec 26 – Dec 31	Blog + Email	Blog + Thank-you email	“Highlights of Our Holiday Season + New Year Sale”	Content Writer + Marketing Lead

This kind of structured calendar ensures every piece of content serves a purpose. Whether it’s driving awareness early, capturing conversions mid-season or nurturing loyalty after the holidays. 

4. Create themed, valuable and engaging holiday content 

This is where creativity shines. Holiday content should inspire, entertain and add value to your audience while staying true to your brand voice. The more relatable and festive your content feels, the more likely it is to be shared. 

• Gift guides: Help your audience find the perfect presents with themed or budget-based guides (“Gifts under $50,” “Holiday tech must-haves”). 

• Holiday-themed posts: Create festive blog posts, videos or graphics that match your brand’s look and tone. 

• Behind-the-scenes stories: Share how your team celebrates the season or prepares for big sales events. 

• Interactive ideas: Add quizzes, polls or challenges to keep users engaged and excited about your brand. 

Example: A small boutique could create a “12 Days of Holiday Outfits” Instagram series, showcasing new looks each day and encouraging followers to share theirs for a chance to be featured. 

5. Use personalization to connect emotionally 

The holidays are all about connection and that’s exactly what personalized marketing delivers. During the holiday shopping season, when consumers are bombarded with holiday ads and offers, the brands that stand out are those that make their audience feel seen. 

Personalized holiday marketing campaigns go beyond using someone’s name in an email, they create content that matches each customer’s habits, interests and shopping goals. When you add a personal touch, it can make all the difference in turning browsers into loyal customers. 

Here’s how to do it: 

• Segment your audience: Group your target shoppers by behavior. For instance, “gift buyers,” “repeat customers,” or “first-time visitors.” This ensures every message feels relevant. 

• Tailor your emails and recommendations: Send personalized product suggestions or holiday deals based on browsing or purchase history. 

• Example subject lines: 
  • “Holiday picks just for you” 
  • “Your perfect gift list is here” 

• Add warmth to your copy: Write like you’re talking to your best friend. Swap generic CTAs like “Shop Now” for inviting ones such as “We picked these with you in mind.” 

When your emails and website content feel genuine, you bring out the holiday spirit and encourage customers to engage long after the holidays are over. 

6. Leverage user-generated content (UGC) 

One of the best ways to build trust during the peak holiday season is by engaging and celebrating your own community. User-generated content (UGC), photos, reviews and videos, captures real experiences that holiday shoppers relate to. 

 Encourage customers to share how they’re celebrating with your products by running festive campaigns like a hashtag challenge or a simple giveaway. For example, ask shoppers to post photos of their favorite holiday deals and tag your brand for a chance to win a prize. 

Showcase top submissions on your homepage, social media and email newsletters. Featuring real customers not only strengthens your community but also drives authenticity, something no ad can replicate. 

7. Incorporate interactive content 

Interactive holiday content turns your marketing into an experience. During the busiest time of year, consumers crave something fun and different and this is your chance to give it to them. 

Launch holiday quizzes, polls or digital advent calendars that reveal daily special offers or holiday deals. Add playful elements like “unwrap your gift” pop-ups, trivia challenges or countdown timers to build excitement. 

These small touches spark holiday cheer, boost campaign success and keep your marketing strategy fresh throughout the holiday rush. Once your creative campaigns are in place, it’s time to drive urgency and action. 

8. Offer limited-time deals and flash promotions 

Few things motivate holiday shoppers more than the fear of missing out. Limited-time offers and flash holiday campaigns create urgency, helping you capture attention and drive conversions quickly. 

Run short-term eCommerce promotions like “12 Days of Christmas,” weekend flash sales or hourly specials. Pair them with countdown timers to drive urgency and excitement. 

Promote these across every channel, social media, email and SMS, so your audience never misses out. 

9. Create holiday bundles and freebies 

Holiday shopping is about giving and bundled products make it easy for customers to find gifts without the stress. Bundles also increase average order value while giving your marketing campaigns a seasonal edge. 

Offer curated collections like a “Winter Wellness Kit” or “Festive Home Starter Pack.” Add free shipping, gift wrapping or a bonus item to make it even more appealing. 

These thoughtful gestures help build brand loyalty and bring joy during the most wonderful time of the year. 

10. Promote gift cards for last-minute shoppers 

In every busy season, there are those who wait until the very end and that’s your opportunity. Gift cards are convenient, flexible and make perfect last-minute holiday deals. 

Feature them prominently on your website banners and in your holiday ads. Use language that emphasizes simplicity and instant delivery, like “The perfect gift, delivered instantly.” 

11. Partner with influencers or creators 

Influencer marketing can bring your holiday marketing strategy to life. Working with creators who share your target audience and aesthetic can help your brand break through the noise and build credibility. 

You don’t need huge celebrities, micro-influencers often generate better engagement because their followers trust them. Co-create festive content, such as unboxing videos, “holiday gift guide” reels or even limited-edition drops. 

12. Add a charitable or cause-driven element 

The holiday season is about giving back and your company can make a real difference. Supporting nonprofits or local charities not only helps your community but also strengthens your brand’s image and inspires your audience. 

Create a “shop for a cause” initiative, where each purchase funds a cause such as planting trees or providing meals. Share updates through your blog posts, newsletters and social media to show impact and build trust. 

13. Optimize your content for SEO 

Visibility can determine the success or failure of your holiday marketing campaigns. To get found by shoppers, you need to optimize your holiday content for search engines. 

Here’s how to make your content creation SEO-ready: 

• Use holiday-specific keywords in titles, URLs and meta descriptions. For instance, “holiday marketing ideas,” “Christmas gift guide,” or “content marketing for the holiday season.” 

• Optimize visuals with descriptive file names and alt text. 

• Refresh your previous years’ posts with updated links and data. 

• Add schema markup for FAQs or products to boost visibility. 

• Build internal links between related seasonal campaigns like your Black Friday and New Year’s Day blogs. 

Also read: SEO Content Optimization Guide: Steps, Tools and Pro Tips for 2025 

When your marketing strategy includes solid SEO, your campaigns reach more people especially during the holiday rush when everyone’s searching for the best deals. 

14. Make your website festive and conversion-ready 

Your website is the centerpiece of every holiday campaign. Updating visuals and CTAs with festive elements creates excitement and builds the holiday spirit your customers expect. 

Steps to prepare: 

• Refresh banners, CTAs and themes with holiday cheer. 

• Ensure the site is fast, mobile-friendly and secure, especially during peak holiday season traffic. 

• Add subtle pop-ups for special offers and countdown timers for limited-time promotions. 

A well-designed website doesn’t just look festive, it makes it easier for consumers to shop, check out and share your products with family and friends. 

15. Measure, analyze and repurpose post-holiday content 

Once the holiday rush is over, it’s time to reflect and plan for the future. Measuring results helps you understand your campaign success and prepare smarter strategies for upcoming marketing campaigns. 

Steps to follow: 

• Track key metrics: Measure engagement, sales and ROI from your holiday campaigns. 

• Repurpose top content: Turn your best-performing blog posts, videos or social content into “Winter Sale” or “New Year” assets. 

• Document lessons: Note what resonated with your target audience and what didn’t, so you can refine your plan for next season. 

The past few years have shown that brands who learn and adapt after each busy season see stronger results year after year. 

How Bluehost helps you execute your holiday content strategy? 

A great holiday marketing campaign starts with strong ideas but it succeeds with reliable execution. When the holiday rush hits and traffic spikes, you need a hosting partner that keeps your website, content and campaigns performing at their best. 

That’s where Bluehost comes in. 

1. Reliable hosting for high-traffic seasons 

Handle even the busiest holiday shopping periods without slowdowns or downtime. With Bluehost’s 99.9% uptime, your holiday campaigns stay live, secure and responsive, even during flash sales or viral promotions. Whether it’s a festive product launch or a last-minute holiday deal, your website stays fast and dependable when it matters most. 

2. Built-in SEO with Yoast integration 

Optimizing your holiday content for search is easier than ever with Yoast SEO, included directly in Bluehost WordPress hosting. Yoast helps you improve on-page SEO by guiding keyword placement, meta descriptions and readability.  

This ensures your holiday campaigns rank higher and reach more shoppers. Pair that with Bluehost’s site optimization tools and your content marketing for the festive period performs at peak efficiency. 

3. Scalable hosting plans for growing businesses 

Whether you’re a small business, creative agency or thriving eCommerce brand, Bluehost grows with you. Easily scale your hosting plan as your traffic and marketing campaigns expand during the peak holiday season, without compromising performance or security. 

4. Professional website design services 

Want your holiday campaign landing pages or online store to look stunning? Bluehost expert web design services helps you build beautiful, mobile-friendly sites that reflect your brand’s festive theme and personality. From seasonal redesigns to full-site makeovers, their design specialists ensure your holiday content looks as good as it performs. 

With Bluehost powering your website, SEO and design, you can focus on what matters most, creating memorable holiday campaigns that inspire customers 

Final thoughts 

The most effective holiday marketing strategies blend early planning, creativity and genuine storytelling to create lasting impressions. 

As you plan your holiday campaigns, focus on delivering value, spreading holiday cheer and keeping your customers at the heart of everything you create. 

And when it comes to making sure your website performs flawlessly through the holiday rush, Bluehost has you covered. With fast, secure and scalable hosting built for eCommerce and small businesses, it’s the reliable foundation you need to bring your holiday marketing ideas to life. 

Start preparing now and let Bluehost help your brand shine all season long. 

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