Christmas is the perfect time to include more people in your church festivities—but how? At a time of the year when many people are hungry for community, eager to take part in celebrations, and longing for a deeper connection to traditions, people tend to be more open to attending church services or events. If you’re looking for church marketing strategies for Christmas to pack the pews this holiday season, here are 10 creative ways to market your upcoming events both online and offline!
#1 – Distribute Personal Invites
One effective way to reach people is the tried-and-true personal invite. Print and distribute invite cards for your church’s Christmas services and encourage your congregation to hand them out to friends, neighbors, coworkers, loved ones, and extended family. Personal invite cards give a tangible reminder of your services and create opportunities for personal connection.
#2 – Send Invites in the Mail
For a broader reach, consider sending postcards to homes throughout your community. Tangible mail pieces often remain in our minds longer than information we read in an email or text. Since many churches are eligible for special nonprofit postage rates through the United States Postal Service, targeted mail campaigns can be a great way to reach families within a certain geographic area.
#3 – Create an Online Event
Online events are effective methods to capture the attention of people who may be using search engines to look for “events near me” or “things to do this weekend.” Host family-friendly events like pictures with Santa, a Christmas concert, or a holiday market to attract people who may not regularly attend church. In addition to promoting these events on your website, you can also create a Facebook event or post it on event sites like Eventbrite. Activities like these provide a less intimidating way for people to engage with your church and feel welcome during the Christmas season.
#4 – Run Radio Ads
Local radio ads can help get the word out about your Christmas services to a broad audience. When scripting your ad spot, keep it simple, approachable, and avoid Christian buzzwords or theological jargon. Imagine you’re inviting a close friend who may be unfamiliar with church. By using relatable language and addressing the emotions people often feel during the holidays, you can draw in those who may be searching for a community during this time of year.
#5 – Use a Community Event Forum
Take advantage of local online forums or community event platforms to share information about your Christmas church services or upcoming events. These platforms are a great way to connect with people who are already looking for things to do in their area. You’ll be reaching individuals who are open to attending events and eager to connect with new friends, making it simple to introduce them to church, where they can create even deeper connections.
#6 – Utilize Google Business Profile
If you use Google Business Profile—and every church should—make sure your profile is up to date, especially with your Christmas events and service days and times. When people search online for churches or services in your area, your church will appear prominently in the local search results. This is a simple but often overlooked way to increase online visibility during the holiday season.
#7 – Create Facebook Ads
Facebook ads are an effective way to target people based on their location, interests, and behavior. You can create ads specifically for your Christmas services or events, then use Facebook’s algorithm to get your ads in front of the people most likely to respond. Facebook will even display your event to people who have shown interest in similar events in the past, which can help you reach an audience that is highly likely to engage.
#8 – Use Google Display Ads
Using Google Display Ads is another excellent way to promote your Christmas services. Display ads appear as visual banners that are shown as users browse the web. These can help your church remain top-of-mind for those seeking something spiritual this Christmas. It’s an effective way to “meet people where they are,” since everyone spends time online. As they browse, your display ad can appear, inviting them into a deeper sense of community this Christmas.
#9 – Run Google Search Ads
Running ads within Google’s search function allows your church to appear first in search results. By using Google Search Ads, you can target people using phrases like “Christmas Eve services near me” or “churches open on Christmas.” Consider running ads that also address people’s emotional needs during the season, like “how to deal with loneliness during Christmas” or “finding peace during the holidays after losing a loved one.”
#10 – Partner with Local Businesses
Consider collaborating with local businesses to promote your Christmas services and events. Reach out to local coffee shops, bakeries, or retail stores within your community and ask if they would be willing to display your invite cards or flyers. In return, offer to cross-promote their business at your church or in your event materials. If there is no space for this, consider including a business card, coupon, or product of theirs in your welcome bags this Christmas. This mutually beneficial partnership allows you to reach more people while also developing relationships with local businesses.
Ready to Reach More People This Christmas?
By utilizing these church marketing strategies for Christmas, you can create a warm and welcoming environment that encourages people to participate in your Christmas services. Whether you use one of these methods or try all 10, there are plenty of ways to get the word out!
If you need help with your digital marketing efforts, Missional Marketing is here for you! From running Facebook and Google ads to helping you optimize your Google Business Profile, we offer a range of services designed to ensure your Christmas marketing efforts are successful. Book a call with us today, and we will get you set up for digital marketing success this holiday season!