The holiday season is one of the busiest—and most magical—times of the year for play cafés. Families are searching for festive activities, parents are looking for seasonal outings, and kids are eager to celebrate. With the right planning, your play café can become the go-to spot for holiday fun while also maximizing bookings and revenue.

Holiday Event Planning Tips Every Play Café Owner Should Know

Here are a few essential tips every play café owner should know when preparing for seasonal programming.

1. Plan Holiday Programming Early

Holiday calendars fill up quickly for families, so the earlier you announce your events, the better. Think about popular activities like:

• Visits with Santa or holiday characters (reindeer, snow princesses, elves)

• Cookie or ornament decorating workshops

• Holiday story time or sing-alongs

• Festive craft stations

• Themed play sessions (pajama play days, “Grinch” play parties, etc.)

Pro Tip: Release your holiday schedule at least 6–8 weeks in advance to capture early bookings.

2. Bundle Experiences for Higher Value

Parents love convenience, especially during the hectic holiday season. Create bundled packages that make it easy to book:

• “Santa + Storytime” tickets with hot cocoa included

• “Holiday Craft & Play” session bundles

• Cookie decorating with a family play pass discount

Not only does this increase revenue per booking, it makes your play café stand out from competitors.

3. Market Your Events Everywhere

Getting the word out is half the battle. Promote your events on:

• Social media with festive graphics and countdowns

• Email newsletters to your existing customer list

• Google Business Profile (add events and seasonal photos)

• In-store signage at the café checkout counter

Don’t forget to highlight limited spots—urgency drives faster bookings.

4. Train Your Staff for the Season

The holidays bring more guests and more questions. Be sure your staff is prepared:

• Review event details and timelines in advance.

• Assign a team member as the “holiday host” for each event.

• Train staff on upsells like party packages, gift cards, or memberships.

Smooth operations ensure guests have a stress-free and memorable visit.

5. Use Online Booking to Simplify Reservations

During the busy holiday season, parents want quick and easy booking. Online booking makes it simple for families to:

• Reserve tickets or event spots instantly.

• Prepay for crafts, cookies, or special activities.

• Secure their preferred dates before events sell out.

With the right tools, you can reduce admin time and avoid missed opportunities.

6. Keep the Fun Going After the Holidays

Don’t let the holiday excitement fizzle out—plan for January, too! Offer themed events like:

• “New Year Play Bash”

• “Winter Wonderland” play days

• “Valentine’s Cookie Decorating” preview event

Families will keep your play café top of mind as their go-to spot for year-round fun.

Final Thoughts

The holiday season is the perfect time to showcase your play café as a family destination. With thoughtful programming, bundled experiences, and streamlined booking, you can maximize holiday sales and create magical memories for your community.