10 Christmas Marketing Ideas for Texas Restaurants

Everything is bigger in Texas, and that certainly includes the holiday spirit. But down here, Christmas doesn't always look like a scene from a snowy movie. It looks like 70-degree patio weather, smells like smoked brisket, and sounds like George Strait on the radio.

For Texas restaurant owners, the holiday season is the most critical time of the year. But with every eatery from El Paso to Beaumont fighting for attention, a generic "Holiday Special" just won't cut it. To get more customers and bigger orders, you need to tap into the unique culture of the Lone Star State.

If you’re looking to fill your reservation book this December, ditch the boring corporate playbook. Here are 10 Christmas marketing ideas tailored specifically for Texas restaurants.

See Also: Holiday Rush Survival Guide: 9 Simple Steps to Using Your POS to Make More Money

1. Host a "Cowboy Santa" Photo Event

Skip the traditional red velvet suit. In Texas, Santa wears boots, Wrangler jeans, a Stetson, and a bolo tie.

Hosting a brunch or dinner with "Cowboy Santa" is a magnet for families searching for "unique Christmas events near me." It provides a shareable photo opportunity that differentiates you from the mall Santa.

• The Setup: Create a rustic backdrop with hay bales, a decorated longhorn skull, and plenty of twinkle lights.
• Marketing Tip: Require reservations for photo slots. This ensures that families commit to a full meal, boosting your table turnover.

2. Create "Tex-Mas" Menu Specials

Your diners can get turkey anywhere. A Texas holiday menu needs a little more kick. Use this season to showcase limited-time items that highlight regional flavors. This helps you rank for searches like "best Christmas dinner in [Your City]."

• Menu Ideas: Pecan-smoked prime rib, cranberry-jalapeño glazed ham, or a "holiday tamale" platter.
• Dessert Upsell: Don't just serve pie. Offer a spiced bread pudding with bourbon sauce using a local Texas distillery spirit (like Garrison Brothers or Balcones).

Also Read: Create Holiday Menu Combos that Boost Profits

3. The "Tamales to Go" Pre-Order Strategy

In many parts of Texas, it simply isn’t Christmas without tamales. If your kitchen can make them, you are sitting on a goldmine. "Tamales for sale near me" is one of the highest-volume search terms in Texas during December.

Launch a pre-order campaign for tamales by the dozen. This allows you to generate revenue before the guest even walks in the door.

• Tech Tip: Use your POS system’s online ordering feature to manage these pre-orders. Set specific pickup windows so your front-of-house doesn't get crowded during dinner service.

4. Pour a "Lone Star" Holiday Drink Menu

Texas weather is unpredictable. In December, it might be 30 degrees, or it might be 80. Your drink menu needs to be ready for both to capture those searching for "holiday cocktails."

• For the Cold Snaps: Spiked Mexican hot chocolate or a Hot Toddy made with Texas whiskey.
• For the Warm Afternoons: A "Mistletoe Margarita" (frozen cranberry and lime) or a Ranch Water dressed up with pomegranate seeds and fresh rosemary.

5. Promote Your "Winter Patio"

While restaurants up north are closing their outdoor seating, Texas restaurants can often make money on their patios well into winter.

Market your patio as a "Winter Wonderland." Wrap palm trees or oaks in oversized lights and use projectors to create a festive atmosphere.

• The Draw: If you have fire pits or heavy-duty patio heaters, advertise them heavily on social media. A "Cozy Patio Happy Hour" attracts diners who want festive vibes without being stuffed indoors.

6. Sell "Taste of Texas" Gift Bundles

Gift cards are essential, but retail bundles sell for more money. Create gift boxes that showcase the flavors of your restaurant. This appeals to shoppers looking for "local food gifts."

Package a $50 gift card with a bottle of your signature BBQ sauce, a jar of house-made salsa, or a bag of locally roasted coffee beans you serve.

• Placement Strategy: Set up a retail display near your POS terminal or host stand so impulse buyers can grab last-minute gifts on their way out.

7. The "Ugly Boots & Hats" Contest

The "Ugly Christmas Sweater" party is played out. Give it a Texas twist by hosting an "Ugly Boots and Hats" night.

Invite guests to wear their most ridiculously decorated cowboy boots or festive hats. Offer prizes—like a loyalty program point boost or a free appetizer—for categories like "Most Festive" and "Most Texan."

• Social Media Boost: Create a branded hashtag (e.g., #TexMasAt[YourName]) and ask guests to post their photos to enter. This gets you free advertising on Instagram.

8. Partner with a Local Texas Charity

Texans are known for their hospitality. During the holidays, align your brand with a hyper-local cause rather than a national chain.

Choose a local food bank, an animal shelter, or a regional toy drive.

• How to do it: Offer a "Round Up for Charity" option on your payment terminals, or host a specific "Spirit Night" where 10% of sales go to the organization. This builds community goodwill and keeps your brand top-of-mind.

9. Play a "Honky-Tonk Holiday" Playlist

Ambiance is a huge part of why customers choose a restaurant. If your playlist is on a loop of generic pop Christmas songs, you’re missing an opportunity.

Curate a playlist featuring Texas country legends. Think Willie Nelson’s Pretty Paper, George Strait’s Christmas albums, or Kacey Musgraves.

• Engagement Tip: Share your public Spotify playlist in your email newsletter so customers can bring your restaurant's vibe home with them.

10. The "Post-Holiday Hangover" Brunch

By December 26th, everyone is exhausted from cooking and cleaning. They need comfort food, and they need it fast.

Market your restaurant as the ultimate recovery zone for the days between Christmas and New Year's. This captures the "brunch near me" crowd.

• The Offer: Highlight your heaviest, most comforting dishes: Chicken fried steak and eggs, migas, and spicy bloody marys. Send an email blast on December 26th with the subject line: "Let us handle the dishes today."

Final Thoughts

Christmas in Texas is about warmth, community, and bold flavors. By tailoring your marketing to embrace the local culture — and using the right technology to manage the rush — you’ll create a memorable experience that keeps locals coming back long after the lights come down.

Ready to handle the holiday rush? Ensure your Point of Sale system is ready for online orders, gift cards, and split checks. Book a demo call today to see what OneHubPOS can do for your business.