Christmas Booking Software for Guaranteed Festive Revenue

Christmas trading is one of the biggest revenue opportunities for UK restaurants, but it’s also one of the hardest to manage. With unpredictable walk-ins, rising costs and stretched teams, operators need more than festive décor to make it profitable. 

The shift towards pre-booking is clear. At the Propel Multi-Club Conference, Young’s CEO Simon Dodd revealed that pre-booked sales now account for 32% of festive revenue, up from just 18% in 2019. Pre-booked guests spend an average of £54 per head, compared to £33 for walk-ins. That’s a 63% uplift in spend and a clear case for locking in bookings early. 

In this article, you’ll find practical ways to attract group bookings, design festive packages that protect your GP% and reduce reliance on unpredictable walk-ins. We’ll share insights from Young’s, DesignMyNight, and ResDiary’s own festive booking data to help you plan ahead and make Christmas trading more predictable. 

Why festive bookings are changing and what it means for restaurants

The way people plan their Christmas celebrations has changed. Gone are the days of spontaneous walk-ins and last-minute group decisions. Today, guests are booking earlier, spending more and choosing venues that feel familiar, flexible, and festive. 

This shift is backed by consumer search behaviour. DesignMyNight reported a 746% increase in searches for “Christmas pub” experiences last year, and ResDiary’s own data shows that 42% of festive bookings happen in November and December. More than 60% of those are for groups of five or more. 

For restaurants, this means the festive season is no longer just about being busy, it’s about being bookable. Operators who rely solely on walk-ins risk missing out on high-value group bookings that are planned weeks in advance. And with smaller groups still booking just days before, visibility and flexibility are key. 

To stay competitive this festive season, restaurants should:

• Launch festive packages by September to capture early planners 

• Make their venue visually appealing and photo-friendly to drive organic interest 

• Promote group-friendly packages that feel generous but protect GP% 

• Ensure booking options are visible and easy to access across digital channels 

• Use booking tools that offer real-time availability, mobile access and deposit features to reduce no-shows 

• Be ready to respond to both early group organisers and last-minute bookers with flexible capacity planning 

3 ways to make your venue more bookable this Christmas

When it comes to festive bookings, first impressions matter. Guests are looking for venues that feel special, offer value and make planning easy. That means creating a space that looks the part, pricing packages that feel generous and giving people a reason to book early. 

1. Make your space feel festive and photo-worthy 

Visual appeal is one of the fastest ways to drive group bookings. It’s not just about decorations, it’s about creating moments people want to share. 

• Use statement trees, themed corners and branded props to create Instagrammable spots 

• Choose warm lighting and candlelit tables to set the mood 

• Add signage for festive menus and drinks packages to guide guests and upsell naturally 

• Provide Guest Wi-Fi so guests can book instantly or share their experience online 

Once your venue is dressed for Christmas, make sure people can see it before they walk through the door. Update your website with high-quality photos, refresh your listings and share behind-the-scenes content on social media to build anticipation. 

2. Offer festive packages that feel generous under £20

With cautious consumer spending and rising costs, pricing under £20 per head helps you stay competitive without compromising your margins. 

• Keep pricing transparent and inclusive, with food and drink bundles that are easy to understand 

• Offer tiered packages so groups can upgrade without pressure 

• Use festive themes to make lower-cost options feel premium 

Menu engineering plays a big role here. Focus on high-margin items like themed cocktails or sharing platters, limit choice to reduce waste and include vegetarian and allergen-friendly options to widen appeal.  

3. Upsell without overcomplicating the experience

The best upsells feel like thoughtful extras, not pressure tactics. 

• Add optional upgrades like mulled wine, dessert shots, or table gifts 

• Train FOH teams to suggest add-ons at the right moment 

• Use your EPoS to track what’s working and adjust your offer accordingly 

Together, these small details help you create a festive experience that feels worth booking in advance. And when paired with a booking system that supports deposits, real-time availability and mobile access, you can turn that interest into guaranteed revenue. 

When to start festive marketing and how to make it convert

For restaurants, festive marketing isn’t just about getting noticed, it’s about being ready when guests are ready to book. And that window opens earlier than many expect. 

ResDiary’s festive booking data shows: 

• 30% of Christmas bookings are made in October 

• The average lead time for December bookings is just 5.3 days 

• 70% of festive bookings are made online 

That means operators need to be visible early, but also stay flexible for last-minute demand. Here’s how to make your festive marketing work harder this year. 

Start early and stay consistent

• Launch your festive campaign between September and early October 

• Target early planners with group-friendly packages and clear availability 

• Keep messaging live through to December to capture late bookers 

Focus on the channels that drive bookings 

• Email: Reconnect with past bookers and loyalty members with early access offers 

• Social media: Use short-form video, countdowns and festive visuals to build excitement 

• In-venue signage: Promote festive menus and booking incentives to walk-ins and regulars 

Use messaging that encourages action 

• Highlight limited availability for peak dates and large groups 

• Promote value-led packages under £20 per head to appeal to budget-conscious organisers 

• Use phrases like “Book now for guaranteed space” or “Early bird packages available until [date]” 

Make booking friction-free 

• Ensure your booking system shows real-time availability and supports mobile access 

• Use deposit tools to reduce no-shows and secure revenue early 

• Keep your festive offer visible across your website, booking platforms, and social channels 
  

How ResDiary Evo helps guarantee festive revenue

Christmas trading can be unpredictable. A smart booking system helps you take control. 

ResDiary Evo gives you the tools to manage festive bookings with confidence. 

• Real-time availability across all channels 

• Mobile access for on-the-go management 

• Copilot insights to track booking trends and optimise capacity 

• Deposit and pre-payment tools to reduce no-shows by up to 40% 

• Feed and Spaces to keep teams aligned and bookings coordinated 

Whether you’re planning for large group reservations or managing last-minute demand, ResDiary Evo helps you turn seasonal interest into predictable profit. 

Lock in your festive revenue with confidence

Christmas trading is too important to leave to chance. With demand rising, group organisers planning earlier and last-minute bookers still filling tables in December, restaurants need to be ready for both. 

Operators who prepare early, promote value-led packages and make it easy for guests to book are the ones who see the biggest returns. But it’s not just about being visible, it’s about being in control. 

ResDiary Evo is built to help restaurants do exactly that. From real-time availability and mobile access to AI-powered insights through Copilot, Evo gives you the tools to manage festive bookings with confidence. Deposit and pre-payment features help reduce no-shows, while Feed and Spaces keep your team aligned during the busiest time of year. 

Whether you’re managing multiple sites or running a single venue, Evo helps you turn festive interest into guaranteed revenue. 
 

Want to make this Christmas your most profitable yet?

Discover how ResDiary Evo can help you plan ahead, fill your diary and stay in control this festive season. Book a demo today.