Social Media Marketing for Your Holiday Event
It’s the most wonderful (and busiest) time of the year, especially if you’re planning a holiday event! From fundraisers and community markets to corporate parties and cozy staff gatherings, event season is officially in full swing.
Just planning the event is only part of the equation. Promoting it effectively online, especially when there are ticket sales or time-specific slots to choose from, can make a huge difference for your event.
Social media marketing can spread awareness about your event, build up excitement about going, drive attendance and keep your audience engaged before, during, and long after your big event.
Here’s how to create a social media strategy that makes your holiday event shine:
1. Start Early (and Build Anticipation Like a Countdown to Christmas)
Don’t wait until the week before your event to post. By then, people’s calendars (and budgets) are already packed. The secret to event success? Start early, at least 4–6 weeks in advance.
Use this time to tease, hint, and build curiosity:
Share sneak peeks of the venue, décor, or behind-the-scenes prep.
Create a countdown or Story series revealing event details piece by piece.
Post about your vendors, performers, or menu items leading up to the big day.
It’s not just about announcing your event. Tell a story that digs in and gives everyone FOMO about missing it!
2. Create an Event Hashtag
Hashtags are a huge help for events. They organize your content and make it easy for your audience to join in the conversation about it.
Choose a short, catchy, and memorable tag that fits your theme. Think, #HalifaxHolidayMarket, #FestiveFeast2025, #CheersToTheSeason, that sort of thing.
Encourage attendees, vendors, and sponsors to use it too. You’ll create an online “album” of memories that lives long after the event.
3. Use Reels & Short Videos to Spark Excitement
Reels are like ornaments when it comes to your marketing strategy. They grab attention and you can’t really have too many of them!
There are lots of things you can post for your event, but here are a few to try:
10-second clips of venue setup
Performers rehearsing
A sneak peek of your holiday menu
Ticket close-up videos with trending sounds
Remember: video doesn’t need to be perfect. People want to see content from behind the scenes!
4. Introduce the People Behind the Magic
People connect with people, not just events. Introduce your team, vendors, or entertainment with mini-spotlight posts.
This can look like:
Feature a performer or emcee with a fun “meet the talent” post.
Spotlight your sponsors with a thank-you graphic.
Share a vendor’s product or a caterer’s favourite holiday dish.
Not only does this make your event feel personal and community-driven, but it also encourages resharing, which expands your reach.
5. Use Real-Time Content on Event Day
When the big day arrives, your audience wants to feel like they’re part of the celebration, even if they can’t attend in person.
Post Stories and Reels of setup, arrivals, and key moments.
Go Live for speeches, toasts, or entertainment segments.
Encourage guests to tag your account and use your hashtag.
The goal: to make your event feel alive online while capturing content to repurpose later.
6. Keep the Momentum Going After the Event
The event might be over, but your marketing doesn’t stop there. Use your post-event content to thank attendees, highlight special moments, and nurture your relationships with your audience.
Here are a few posts you won’t want to miss:
Post a recap video with your best clips and photos.
Share a “Thank You” post tagging sponsors, vendors, and guests.
Create a Facebook or Instagram photo album for easy resharing.
This not only keeps your brand visible, but it also sets the stage for next year’s event.
7. Collaborate for Maximum Reach
The holidays are the perfect time for collaboration. Partner with local influencers, creators, or community pages who align with your event’s theme.
Tip: Even a few tagged mentions or shared Stories can double your reach and give your event an extra push right when ticket sales matter most.
🎁 Bonus: Add a Little Holiday Magic to Your Brand
Your visuals and captions should feel festive! Add holiday flair to your graphics, use emojis (🎄🎅❄️), and share the little moments that make things feel festive.
Try sharing behind-the-scenes photos of your team decorating for the holidays or a holiday blooper video of outtakes from previous holidays if you have the footage.
The holidays are all about connection and community. Your social media marketing should reflect that! So before the holiday rush takes over, take some time to plan out your social media.
Need help planning or promoting your holiday event? KA Social Media Consulting is currently booking seasonal social media campaigns, event-day coverage, and strategic content planning for holiday events across Nova Scotia.