20 Holiday Email Marketing Campaign Ideas + Examples in 2025
Can you feel it in the air? That unmistakable buzz of anticipation that tells us the holiday season is just around the corner. For businesses, November and December aren’t just busy—they’re prime time for connecting with customers. Why? Because over half of holiday shoppers are itching to snag early deals. If those shoppers are on your email list, guess what? They’re already primed to buy.
This is where holiday email marketing shines. It’s your chance to not only drive engagement but also boost sales in ways that feel personal and timely. Whether it’s a thoughtful Christmas email, an enticing holiday sale, or a perfectly timed Black Friday email campaign, the right approach can turn casual subscribers into loyal customers.
But here’s the thing: the inbox competition during the holiday shopping season is fierce. To truly stand out, you need more than just festive colors and a catchy email subject line. You need a solid email marketing strategy—one that blends creativity, timing, and best practices.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to nail your holiday email marketing campaign in 2025. From strategic timelines and clever email marketing ideas to holiday email templates and real-world examples, you’ll have all the tools and tips to make this your most successful holiday season yet. Let’s dive in!
Key Topics
What Is Holiday Email Marketing?
At its heart, holiday email marketing is about creating campaigns tailored for the festive season. Think of it as combining the magic of the holidays with the precision of a well-crafted email marketing strategy.
It’s not just about sending out discounts or holiday sales—though those can be powerful tools. Holiday emails are about capturing the spirit of the season. Whether you’re embracing the joy of giving with a heartfelt Christmas email or drumming up excitement for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, your emails need to resonate with your audience on both a practical and emotional level.
What Is Holiday Email Marketing?
The holiday period accounts for a significant portion of annual revenue for many businesses. During this time, people are actively looking for gift ideas, exclusive deals, and ways to make their holiday celebrations memorable.
By crafting compelling holiday email campaigns, you can:
- Build connections with your audience.
- Drive traffic to your website.
- Increase revenue by promoting exclusive holiday deals.
Strengthen your brand’s voice and presence during a busy season.
What’s more, well-planned campaigns can create long-lasting goodwill that carries into the new year, giving you a head start on future email marketing success.
What Counts as the Holiday Season?
The “holiday season” isn’t just about Christmas Day anymore. For marketers, it’s a dynamic, months-long period that stretches from October to January, with key dates punctuating the calendar.
Key Questions to Craft Your Holiday Email Marketing Campaign
Before you dive into crafting your next holiday email marketing campaign, take a moment to reflect and strategise. Here are some key questions to help you get started:
1. What Are Your Goals?
A successful holiday email campaign begins with clear objectives. Do you want to:
- Increase sales?
- Grow your email list?
- Drive traffic to your website?
- Strengthen brand loyalty?
For example, if your goal is to boost sales, focus on crafting emails with strong CTAs and time-sensitive offers. If you’re aiming for engagement, consider interactive email marketing ideas like a festive poll or a gift guide tailored to your audience.
2. Who Is Your Audience?
Not all customers are created equal, especially during the holidays. Segmenting your audience is one of the best practices in holiday email marketing. Ask yourself:
- Who are your frequent buyers?
- Which subscribers haven’t engaged with your emails recently?
- Who’s new to your list?
By understanding your audience, you can create personalised email templates and offers that feel tailored to their needs. For instance, VIP customers might appreciate early access to a holiday sale, while new subscribers might respond better to a warm welcome email with a festive discount.
3. What’s Your Offer?
Every effective holiday email needs a clear and compelling offer. Some ideas include:
- Exclusive discounts (e.g., “20% Off All Christmas Gifts!”)
- Holiday promotions (e.g., “Buy One, Get One Free Until Midnight!”)
- Gift guides segmented by price or recipient.
- Free shipping for orders placed before a certain date.
Your offer should align with your goals and speak directly to your audience’s desires during the holiday season.
4. How Will You Stand Out?
During the festive period, inboxes are overflowing with holiday marketing emails. To make your holiday email stand out, focus on:
- A captivating subject line that grabs attention (e.g., “Unwrap the Best Deals of the Season!”).
- Beautiful email designs with festive colours and imagery.
- Clear and concise email content that’s easy to scan.
5. Are You Ready for Mobile Shoppers?
With most people checking emails on their phones, optimising your holiday email templates for mobile is non-negotiable. Ensure your:
- Images load quickly.
- Text is readable without zooming.
- CTAs are large enough to tap with ease.
The Power of Holiday Email Marketing
A Captive Audience Ready to Engage
During the holiday shopping season, people are actively looking for deals and ideas. Emails offering discounts, limited-time sales, or beautifully curated holiday gift guides land at just the right moment.
Driving Emotional Connections
The holiday season brings an opportunity to forge meaningful connections. A warm Christmas email wishing subscribers a merry Christmas, paired with an exclusive offer, can leave a lasting impression.
Boosting Holiday Revenue
Research shows that holiday email marketing campaigns can contribute significantly to a business’s annual revenue. Well-timed campaigns that align with shopper behaviours—like Black Friday splurges or last-minute Christmas Eve purchases—can drive exponential sales growth.
It’s Highly Trackable
One of the reasons email marketing is so powerful is its measurability. You can track open rates, clicks, and conversions to see how your holiday marketing strategy performs, and make tweaks as needed for maximum impact.
Dos & Don’ts for Winning Holiday Marketing Strategies
Crafting an effective holiday email marketing strategy about creating campaigns that resonate with your audience, evoke emotions, and drive action. Let’s look at some email marketing tips to help you succeed.
Dos for Holiday Marketing Strategies
1. Plan Your Email Campaigns Early
To create the best holiday email marketing campaigns, start planning well in advance. This includes crafting your email content, designing templates, and segmenting your audience.
Why it’s important:
Early preparation ensures your email marketing campaigns are ready to go when the holiday rush begins.
2. Personalise Your Messages
Personalisation is the cornerstone of successful holiday email marketing campaigns. Use your audience data to send tailored offers, recommendations, or even a personalised Christmas gift guide.
Example:
Subject Line: “Emma, Your Perfect Holiday Gift is Waiting!”
3. Highlight Key Dates and Deadlines
Be clear about shipping cut-offs and sale expirations. Urgency drives action, so make these details prominent in your holiday email templates.
4. Use Eye-Catching Holiday Designs
Incorporate festive visuals like holiday colours, snowflakes, or Christmas trees to evoke the season’s spirit. Pair this with clean, mobile-friendly layouts to ensure your emails look great across devices.
5. Include Exclusive Offers
Everyone loves a deal, especially during the holidays. Offer special discounts, free shipping, or exclusive bundles to entice your audience.
Don’ts for Holiday Marketing Strategies
1. Don’t Overload Your Audience
While it’s tempting to send frequent marketing emails during the holidays, too many emails can lead to unsubscribes. Stick to a well-planned schedule and focus on quality over quantity.
Pro Tip:
Segment your email list to send targeted campaigns rather than blanket messages.
2. Avoid Generic Messaging
The holidays are about emotions, so don’t send bland or impersonal messages. Tailor your email content to reflect your brand’s unique voice and connect with your audience on a personal level.
3. Don’t Forget Mobile Users
More than half of all emails are opened on mobile devices, so your email design must be responsive. Ensure your CTAs, images, and text look great on smaller screens.
4. Avoid Overly Complex Designs
While festive visuals are a must, avoid cluttered designs that distract from your message. A clear hierarchy with one main CTA works best.
20 Holiday Email Examples To Inspire You
1. Integrate a Game (Gamification)
Brand: Two UK
Subject Line: “Get in the Holiday Spirit! Decorate a Christmas Tree with Two UK!”
Why It Stands Out:
Two UK brought the festive spirit to life by making their email interactive. This holiday email marketing strategy uses gamification to engage recipients in a playful way. Decorating a Christmas tree in the email creates a memorable, enjoyable experience while subtly keeping the brand top of mind.
2. Give a Gift Card
Brand: Taco Bell
Subject Line: “Give the Gift of Taco Bell – Get a $5 Bonus Card with Every $15 Digital Purchase!”
Why It Stands Out:
Gift cards are the perfect holiday marketing strategy for last-minute shoppers. Taco Bell’s offer is cleverly designed to encourage repeat purchases while promoting convenience and value—a key win during the busy holiday shopping season.
3. Remind People of Delivery Times
Brand: Moment
Subject Line: “Order Before 11:59PM PST for Guaranteed Christmas Delivery – Don’t Miss Out!”
Why It Stands Out: This email capitalises on urgency, a classic tactic in effective holiday email marketing. Moment combines clear messaging with a polished design, making it easy for customers to act quickly and confidently.
4. Publish an Advent Calendar
Brand: Wonderbly
Subject Line: “Unlock Today’s Exclusive Discount on Personalised Kids’ Books – Click to Reveal!”
Why It Stands Out: Wonderbly turns the classic advent calendar into a digital delight. Each day offers a new surprise, keeping recipients engaged and eager to open your email daily. This approach is ideal for sustained engagement throughout December.
5. Suggest Creating a Wish List
Brand: J.Crew
Subject Line: “Create Your Holiday Wish List with J.Crew – Share Your Gift Ideas & Shop with Ease!”
Why It Stands Out: J.Crew’s email encourages organisation and collaboration during the time of the year when gift-giving is on everyone’s mind. By helping customers create and share wish lists, this campaign combines functionality with holiday cheer.
6. Recommend Gifts by Category
Brand: Wool and the Gang
Subject Line: “Shop Our Ultimate Gift Guide Now!”
Why It Stands Out: Gift guides are a staple of holiday email marketing ideas, and Wool and the Gang nails it. Their visually appealing design and segmented categories simplify the shopping process, making it easier for customers to find what they need.
7. Recommend Gifts by Price
Brand: Ban.do
Subject Line: “Perfect Gifts for Every Budget: Find the Ideal Present Today!”
Why It Stands Out: Ban.do’s email tackles a common holiday challenge: finding the perfect gift without overspending. Its vibrant design and budget-conscious suggestions make this a successful email marketing campaign.
8. Address Last-Minute Needs with Humour
Brand: Brooklinen
Subject Line: “Oops, Did You Forget Someone? We’ve Got the Perfect Gift Ideas!”
Why It Stands Out: Brooklinen uses humour and practicality to appeal to last-minute shoppers. This campaign feels relatable and solution-focused, making it a standout in holiday email marketing examples.
9. Offer More Options
Brand: Kate Spade
Subject Line: “Endless Gift Options Await – Shop Today!”
Why It Stands Out: Kate Spade leans into simplicity and elegance. The email’s inclusive messaging and chic aesthetic make it feel sophisticated while ensuring recipients feel catered to.
10. Promote a Scarcity-Driven Sale
Brand: Poo~Pourri
Subject Line: “RIP Sale 👻 (No Tricks, Just Treats)”
Why It Stands Out: Scarcity and humour combine for an irresistible campaign. Poo~Pourri cleverly uses a spooky theme to highlight urgency, proving that seasonal creativity pays off.
11. Create a Holiday To-Do List
Brand: Bonobos
Subject Line: “Welcome to the Holidays, People.”
Why It Stands Out: Bonobos transforms a relatable concept—a holiday to-do list—into a creative, entertaining email marketing campaign. This unique take is both engaging and practical.
12. Emphasise Sustainability
Brand: United By Blue
Subject Line: “Why We Picked Up Trash Today.”
Why It Stands Out: United By Blue takes a bold, meaningful approach by prioritising sustainability over consumerism. This holiday campaign resonates deeply with eco-conscious customers, making it memorable and impactful.
13. Add a Countdown Timer
Brand: Aerie
Subject Line: “Unlock 50% Off Your Entire Purchase – Limited Time Only!”
Why It Stands Out: Countdown timers are a brilliant way to create urgency. Aerie’s use of discounts and multiple engagement opportunities makes this email effective for driving immediate action.
14. Reflect with a Year-in-Review
Brand: Sevenly
Subject Line: “Thanks! Because of You…”
Why It Stands Out: Sevenly’s gratitude-focused email combines transparency and community impact, reinforcing their mission and building customer loyalty—a great example of christmas email marketing done right.
15. Encourage Self-Gifting
Brand: Mahabis
Subject Line: “No Mahabis Under the Tree? Treat Yourself Instead…”
Why It Stands Out: Mahabis taps into post-holiday indulgence with a clever, self-gifting campaign. Its relatability and simplicity make it a standout email content idea.
16. Highlight Shipping Deadlines
Brand: Puma
Subject Line: “⌚ Order Before 2PM EST for FREE Overnight Shipping.”
Why It Stands Out: Clear, concise, and practical, this email reassures customers about delivery timelines, catering perfectly to last-minute shoppers.
17. Start Early
Brand: Cox & Cox
Subject Line: “Only 50 Days Until Christmas – Start Planning Your Holiday Décor with Cox & Cox!”
Why It Stands Out: Cox & Cox’s early-bird approach builds excitement while giving shoppers plenty of time to plan their purchases. It’s a great example of how to boost your holiday sales with early messaging.
18. Show Appreciation with a Special Gift
Brand: &Open
Subject Line: “The Deadline to Buy Gifts is Coming Up.”
Why It Stands Out: This campaign blends urgency with gratitude, creating a thoughtful connection with recipients. Email marketers can use this as inspiration for meaningful holiday marketing.
19. Encourage Gratitude with a Gift
Brand: Finn
Subject Line: “Enjoy a Special Gift with Your Finn Purchase – Shop Now!”
Why It Stands Out: Finn’s vibrant design and clear offer are perfect for inspiring immediate purchases. Adding a heartfelt touch makes this campaign feel extra special.
20. Leverage Humour for Black Friday
Brand: Casper
Subject Line: “Snooze Through the Sales…”
Why It Stands Out: Casper uses humour to stand out in a crowded Black Friday email campaign landscape. The witty message aligns perfectly with their brand voice.
When Should You Send Your Holiday Email Marketing Campaigns?
Timing is everything. Sending a holiday email too soon risks getting ignored or forgotten, while sending one too late can make your offers irrelevant. Understanding your audience’s behaviour during the holiday shopping season is critical for crafting a successful email marketing campaign.
Consumers have different shopping habits: some plan their Christmas shopping weeks in advance, while others wait until the eleventh hour. Your job is to strategically align your holiday email marketing strategy with these habits to deliver the right message at the right time.
So, when exactly should you hit “send” on your holiday emails? Let’s chat about the best and worst times to send holiday emails, offering email marketing tips to help you maximise your impact.
The Best Times to Send Holiday Emails
1. Early November
November marks the official start of the holiday shopping season. Shoppers are starting to browse for holiday sales and deals, especially as Black Friday looms. This is a great time to launch your email marketing campaign to build awareness.
Key Campaign Types:
- Teaser Emails: Hints about upcoming holiday campaigns can build excitement.
- Gift Guides: Start showcasing your Christmas gift guide to help early birds.
Example:
Subject Line: “Holiday Cheer is Coming… Here’s a Sneak Peek!”
Why It Works: A teaser email builds anticipation without overwhelming your subscribers. Use festive email design to evoke the holiday spirit subtly.
2. Mid-November
This is when Black Friday email campaigns begin in earnest. You’ll find shoppers hungry for early deals and itching to cross items off their lists. It’s also a chance to capture the attention of holiday shoppers before the big day.
Key Campaign Types:
- Early Access Offers: Reward loyal customers with exclusive access to sales.
- Countdown Timers: Add urgency with visuals showing how much time is left before the deal ends.
Example:
Subject Line: “Black Friday Starts Now – Exclusive Deals Await!”
Why It Works: A strong email subject line paired with time-sensitive offers encourages quick action. Include clear CTAs in beautiful holiday emails to guide shoppers to your site.
3. Late November
This is the busiest shopping weekend of the year, making it a peak time for email marketing campaigns ready to shine. These emails should be your strongest yet—crisp, direct, and action-oriented.
Key Campaign Types:
- Flash Sales: Highlight limited-time discounts to increase urgency.
- Bundle Offers: Encourage bigger purchases with attractive holiday bundles.
Example:
Subject Line: “Cyber Monday Exclusive: 50% Off Sitewide – Today Only!”
Why It Works: The urgency of a Cyber Monday email drives immediate conversions. Your email template should be mobile-friendly, as many users shop on their phones during this time.
4. Early December
As December begins, shoppers shift focus from discounts to finding the perfect Christmas gift. Your emails should now help guide them with curated suggestions and thoughtful recommendations.
Key Campaign Types:
- Personalised Gift Guides: Use segmentation to suggest gifts based on browsing behaviour.
- Holiday Cheer Emails: Spread warmth with Christmas email designs and festive imagery.
Example:
Subject Line: “Find the Perfect Gift for Everyone on Your List!”
Why It Works: Personalisation makes the message feel tailored, while thoughtful gift guides save shoppers time.
5. Mid-December
Now’s the time to target the procrastinators. Shoppers are scrambling to ensure their gifts arrive in time for Christmas Day, so emphasise delivery cutoffs and last-minute offers.
Key Campaign Types:
- Urgency Emails: Highlight “Order by [date] for Guaranteed Delivery.”
- Last-Minute Gift Ideas: Focus on digital or easily shippable options like gift cards.
Example:
Subject Line: “Only 3 Days Left for Christmas Delivery!”
Why It Works: This approach combines urgency with practical solutions, driving immediate action from last-minute shoppers.
6. Post-Christmas
The holiday season doesn’t end on Christmas Day. Post-holiday emails cater to shoppers with gift cards or those looking for deals to treat themselves.
Key Campaign Types:
- Clearance Sales: Offer discounts on leftover inventory.
- “Treat Yourself” Campaigns: Encourage subscribers to splurge on themselves.
Example:
Subject Line: “Didn’t Get What You Wanted? Shop Our Boxing Day Sale!”
Why It Works: These emails capitalise on the post-holiday shopping rush, keeping your audience engaged well into the New Year.
The Worst Times to Send Holiday Emails
Not every moment is a good moment to hit “send.” Here are a few pitfalls to avoid in your holiday email marketing campaign.
1. Too Early in the Season
Sending a Christmas email in early October? Pump the brakes. Most shoppers aren’t in the holiday mindset yet, so your email might be ignored or feel irrelevant. Instead, focus on subtle pre-holiday awareness campaigns.
2. Overloading During Peak Days
While Black Friday and Cyber Monday are prime shopping days, they’re also when inboxes are most crowded. If your emails aren’t unique or timely, they may get lost in the noise.
3. Missing Key Deadlines
Failing to address shipping deadlines can frustrate your audience and cost you sales. Be clear and upfront about the last day for guaranteed delivery, especially for Christmas gifts.
4. After Midnight for Key Campaigns
Avoid sending emails at odd hours like 2 a.m. Unless you’re targeting a specific global audience, your email will likely be buried by the time subscribers check their inboxes.
Want more holiday inspiration?
In 2025, make your emails shine with festive energy, strategic timing, and memorable messaging. Want more holiday inspiration? Let Webfuel Digital help you embrace the holiday with emails that deliver results. Contact us today!
