The Festive Marketing Calendar for UK Small Businesses: Key Moments from November to January
Updated: Aug 1
Festive marketing is not one campaign in December. Customer behaviour shifts week by week from late autumn to the New Year, and businesses that plan around those moments usually feel calmer and sell more. Use this calendar as a starting point and adapt it to your own customers.
Early to mid November: get ready
Check your website, forms, opening hours and delivery information
Prepare festive offers, gift ideas and seasonal photography
Plan your email and social content for the weeks ahead
Late November: Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Decide early whether discounting suits your brand. If it does not, a value-added offer, early access for subscribers or a gift with purchase can work without cutting prices.
Early December: Small Business Saturday and gifting
This is a good moment to encourage people to support local businesses. Share your story, your team and your best gifts or services.
Mid December: bookings and last orders
Remind customers of last order and booking dates, and be clear about delivery and opening hours.
Christmas Eve to Boxing Day
Keep communications short and kind. Confirm your holiday opening hours everywhere you are listed online.
New Year
Thank customers, run a January offer if it suits your business and ask for reviews while the experience is fresh.
If you would like help planning your festive marketing, get in touch with Merx Marketing via the Contact page for a free consultation.
