December may look different for every restaurant — and that’s exactly why your planning needs to start before the month arrives.

While many American restaurants choose to slow down or take holiday breaks in December, a large number of Asian restaurants — especially Chinese restaurants — stay open and even hit their busiest season. If your restaurant plans to stay open or run holiday promotions, now is the time to start planning.

Between holiday gatherings, family dinners, office events, and the surge in delivery demand, December can be one of the most profitable periods of the year. Restaurants that plan early consistently capture more orders, manage operations more smoothly, and deliver a better guest experience.

So consider this your gentle wake-up call: It’s time to plan your December promotions — even before December starts.

December Holiday Calendar + Restaurant Promotion Ideas

If you plan to stay open or run holiday campaigns, here’s a practical, ready-to-use list of December dates you can build around. No pressure to cover them all — pick what fits your brand, your community, and your operations.

December 4 – National Cookie Day

Try this: Add a limited-edition cookie to your menu or give a free cookie with every family meal purchase.

December 8 – National Brownie Day

Try this: Bundle brownies with hot drinks or create a holiday brownie sampler.

December 13 – National Cocoa Day

Try this: Feature a seasonal hot cocoa drink — classic, spicy, or flavored — perfect for winter ordering.

December 14 – Free Shipping Day

Try this: Provide free delivery through your own online ordering channels.

December 21 – Humbug Day

Try this: Introduce a playful “No Humbug Happy Hour” or offer a comfort-food special to lift people’s spirits.

December 22 – National Date Nut Bread Day

Try this: Add a festive holiday loaf as a seasonal dessert or giftable add-on.

December 23 – Festivus Day

Try this: Run a tongue-in-cheek “Festivus Feast” combo inspired by the Seinfeld classic.

December 24 – Christmas Eve & National Eggnog Day

Try this: Promote family-style meals for take-home gatherings; add a holiday eggnog drink (non-alcoholic works great).

December 25 – Christmas

Try this: If you’re open, highlight a simple prix fixe menu or holiday special to support families not cooking at home.

December 27 – National Fruitcake Day

Try this: Offer mini fruitcake pieces as a free treat with dine-in or delivery orders.

December 30 – National Bacon Day

Try this: Make one bacon-themed dish the star of the day — a bacon appetizer, a brunch bowl, or a loaded entrée.

December 31 – New Year’s Eve

Try this: Pre-sell NYE party trays, late-night snacks, or a “countdown combo” menu for celebrations at home.

How Connexup Helps Restaurants Run Better December Promotions

December can be unpredictable — some restaurants slow down, while others get overwhelmed with demand. No matter where you fall, efficiency and smart planning pay off.

Connexup gives restaurants the tools to handle seasonal peaks and holiday campaigns with less stress and better results.

1. Data-Driven Holiday Insights

Customer preferences shift in December — more warm dishes, more family meals, more delivery.

Connexup highlights trending items in your own data so you can shape holiday menus with confidence.

2. Promotion & Campaign Guidance

Running holiday specials but not sure what to offer?

Connexup helps inspire and support your campaign planning with ideas like:

• Hot drink promotions

• Family party sets

• Holiday bundles & limited-time discounts

• “Warm-up winter menu” suggestions

3. Automated Seasonal Campaigns

Short on staff during the holidays?

You can pre-set promotions that automatically launch on specific days — including Christmas Eve, Free Shipping Day, or New Year’s Eve — keeping your team focused on operations instead of admin.

4. Loyalty Boosters to Increase Repeat Visits

Holiday shoppers love rewards. Connexup lets you run:

• Double points

• Seasonal gifts

• Holiday-exclusive rewards

• Re-engagement campaigns

Perfect for turning once-a-year guests into returning regulars.

5. Multiple Ordering Channels for High-Demand Days

Whether you expect dine-in crowds or heavy delivery demand, Connexup gives guests more ways to order:

• Web ordering

• Mobile App

• QR code ordering

• Kiosk App

Faster ordering = faster turnover + more revenue during peak days.

Final Thoughts: Planning Early Always Pays Off

Even if you’re unsure how busy your December will be, preparing your menu, promotions, and ordering flow ahead of time will set you up for a smoother month.

And if you plan to stay open or run holiday campaigns, Connexup can help you deliver a better guest experience — with smarter data, easier promotions, and more efficient ordering tools.

Ready to plan your December promotions?

Talk to us and let’s build your holiday strategy together.