To plan Christmas bookings, open the season early (September is not too soon), publish your party menus and dates, take a deposit or a card on file for every December group, and set a clear cancellation policy for the season. December is the busiest month for many UK restaurants, and the venues that plan ahead fill their best nights first.
Open bookings early
Office parties and family gatherings are often planned in September and October. If your Christmas menu and dates aren’t online, the bookings go elsewhere. Aim to have by mid-September:
- your party menu and price per head;
- the dates you’re taking groups;
- your deposit and cancellation policy for December.
Decide your December rules
The season usually needs different rules from the rest of the year:
- Group size online. Decide how large a party can book online before it must call or email.
- Set menus for groups above a certain size.
- Deposits or a card on file for every group booking. See card on file or deposit.
- A longer cancellation window, for example 7 days for parties.
- Final numbers confirmed a few days before.
Protect your best nights
The Fridays and Saturdays before Christmas fill first. Consider:
- longer table times for parties, shorter for couples;
- two sittings on the busiest nights;
- limiting online covers per slot so the kitchen isn’t overloaded.
Promote it where guests look
- A “Christmas” page on your website with menus, dates and a booking button.
- Your Google Business Profile, updated with festive opening hours.
- A post on social media and a note to past guests who agreed to hear from you.
- Posters or table cards in the restaurant from October.
Plan the staff and the kitchen
Look at December’s bookings each week and staff up early. Share group numbers and dietary needs with the kitchen in advance, especially for set menus.
Don’t forget the bank holidays
Decide early whether you open on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve, and set those dates in your booking system so guests can’t book when you’re closed.
How ForStars fits
ForStars puts your bookings, walk-ins and phone bookings on one live floor plan, and occupancy alerts and peak auto-blocks help on the busiest nights. On the Growth and Premium plans, guests save a card through Stripe and you can charge in advance for party bookings. See pricing.
Questions owners ask
When should I start taking Christmas bookings?
Many restaurants open Christmas bookings in September, with menus and prices confirmed.
Should Christmas parties have a different cancellation policy?
Usually yes: a longer window and a deposit, because a cancelled party in December is hard to replace.