With Halloween under our belt, Thanksgiving and the rest of the holiday season are right around the corner. That means it’s time to start planning your creative Thanksgiving promotions! These promotions can be anything from social media giveaways to hosting Thanksgiving dinner with a curated menu. No matter the route you chose, holiday promotions are an opportunity to bring in new business, show appreciation for current customers, and associate your restaurant’s brand closely with celebrations and good times! 

Social Media Giveaways

Social media giveaways are one of the easiest and most beneficial ways to celebrate holiday promotions. They are an especially great option to grow your social media following and engagement! This can be as simple as posting an Instagram photo and having people enter to win by engaging in different ways with your post. For example, ask them to comment something they’re thankful for, tag someone they’re thankful for, and share the post on their own Instagram story.

The prize could be something like a giftcard to your restaurant or a free Thanksgiving dinner. Social media giveaways are easily customizable in every way, so get creative with it!

Host Thanksgiving Dinner 

Dining out on Thanksgiving Day has become a popular way to celebrate the holiday. Your restaurant has something to offer whether it’s for those seeking a novel Thanksgiving experience or those looking for the classics! 

One great way to host is to create a curated menu for your guests to enjoy. Maybe you give into the classics like turkey, stuffing and of course, pumpkin pie. If your cuisine is unique, lean into your favorite special occasion dishes! 

If you plan to host, be sure to promote that you’re open and offering a special experience on your social media platforms. Additionally, be sure to require reservations in advance so you can prepare for the volume of guests! 

Throw a “Friendsgiving” Celebration

Friendsgivng – a mashup of “thanksgiving” and “friend” and a time to gather with your best buds to celebrate the holidays. Hosting an event for friendsgiving is a unique way to celebrate and is a great option if you plan to close on Thanksgiving day. 

Similar to hosting a Thanksgiving dinner, creating a curated menu will make the event something people would love to attend! Because of the playful nature of friendsgiving celebrations, you might create fun holiday cocktails, perfect for Instagrammable moments. 

Be Sure to Decorate!

Don’t put your Halloween pumpkins away just yet! Instagrammable moments are born from Instagram-worthy decor. Whether you’re hosting an event or just looking to get festive, fun decor will draw people to your restaurant. 

The type of decor you choose depends on the concept of your restaurant. If you want to go for a classic look, put together fall centerpieces and wreaths with pumpkins and fall flowers. If you want to go for a silly, family-friendly look, set up a whimsical photo stand. Photo opportunities can double as social media giveaways by asking customers to share and tag your restaurant’s Instagram account!