Want to know more about Airbnb holiday marketing? Are you hoping to get more bookings for the holiday season? You’re not alone. The winter months—especially December—are some of the highest-demand periods for short-term rentals, but guests are also picky. They want cozy vibes, easy travel plans, and spaces that feel festive without being over the top.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through my most effective Holiday Airbnb marketing strategies—the same ones I’ve used helping over 10,000 hosts increase visibility, boost clicks, and fill their calendars fast. These are easy, zero-stress updates you can make today to attract more winter bookings.

How to Market Your Airbnb for the Holiday Season

1. Update Your Title with Seasonal Keywords

Seasonal keywords dramatically improve your search ranking during December. Try adding a holiday-friendly phrase to boost discoverability. As a mom, if I was going away for the holidays with my family, I would love if it was set up with some cozy elements, so I would not have to think about decorating at all ( I’m sure you would too and so will your guests) This is exactly how you will attract them to book in December.

My Suggestions for holiday Airbnb marketing keyword ideas: Use at least, one seasonal keyword now, then switch it back in January.

Holiday Escape, Festive Getaway, Winter Retreat, Ski-Season Stay, Cozy Winter Home

Airbnb Holiday Titles that Attract Bookings

Lets put them into a few title as an examples with Airbnb’s 50 character limit: Feel free to use these!

Cozy Winter Escape, Fireplace Retreat, Ski Access
(49 characters)

Festive Family Getaway, Near Ski Slopes, Cozy Stay
(49 characters)

Holiday Escape, Warm Fireplace, Close to Ski Hills
(48 characters)

Winter Retreat, Family-Ready Home, Ski-Season Stay
(50 characters)

Ski-Season Getaway, Cozy Fireplace, Winter Escape
(49 characters)

2. Add a Holiday Photo to the Top of Your Listing

Have you decorated or made your place cozy for the holiday season? then showcase it! Just one cozy holiday photo can dramatically increase click-through rates.

Ideas that convert:

A small, decorated tree A tasteful garland or wreath, A simple hot cocoa setup, A holiday table setting, A fireplace scene with blankets

Tip: Keep the look minimal and Scandinavian so it feels intentional and luxurious—not cluttered or gaudy looking.

Read my article on Airbnb holiday decor that is simple and festive: https://mammamode.com/simple-airbnb-holiday-decor/

3. Add a “Holiday Amenities” Section

Guests love perks, especially in the winter. Here are some holiday amenities you can highlight in your listing that will not break the bank to set up:

Hot cocoa bar, Cozy throw blankets, Holiday movies + board games, Festive décor (minimal and tasteful) Fully stocked kitchen for big meals like a turkey pan, and a cozy Fireplace setup with easy burn logs.

This small bonus section makes your listing feel curated and seasonal and EASY for guests to relax in.

4. Promote Your Airbnb in Local Facebook Groups

This is one of the fastest ways to fill holiday gaps. Instead of sounding promotional in the groups you belong to post something helpful like:

Sharing the best local holiday events happening this December in our town! If anyone needs a cozy place to stay, I host a winter-ready home near XYZ.

Helpful posts get approved + shared far more often than direct ads with links.

Staring an Airbnb in 2026? check out my Airbnb Pre-Launch Checklist

5. Email Your Past Airbnb Guests

Holiday travelers LOVE returning to places they already trust. his is why I always suggest you should get the emails of your guests, you can leave a note in your Vacation rental saying please leave us your email, we occasionally do promotions or giveaways and we would love to include you!

Use a simple message like:

Just a quick note to say we’d love to host you again this holiday season at our Airbnb ❤️ We’re offering a small repeat-guest perk for December visits. 15% your stay if you book by December 1st!

You could also make it more fun and offer options like:

10% off and a holiday welcome basket with Early check-in

6. Add a Limited-Time Airbnb Holiday Offer

Urgency works beautifully during winter travel planning.

Try something like:

“Holiday Special: 15% off December stays booked before November 30.”

 

7. List Local Holiday Events

Travelers want a reason to come. Let them know of all the fun things happening in your area. Things like Ice skating, tree lighting, holiday markets are what make a seasonal holiday special. This is Airbnb holiday marketing at its finest! 

Add a bullet list to your description with:

This helps your listing become part of a bigger experience for guests. Especially if they have kids, moms need things to do to keep the family busy over the vacation.

• Holiday markets
• Tree lighting ceremonies
• Ice skating
• Ski season opening
• Fireworks
• Light festivals
• New Year’s events

8. Create a Holiday Welcome Basket

Thinking ahead for holiday guests and anticipation what they will need is how you can stay ahead as a host. A $20 basket feels like a $200 upgrade.

Consider adding a few items that they will appreciate:

Hot cocoa packets, Candy canes, a local chocolate bar, A pine sprig, dollar store stretchy gloves, hand warmers and a handwritten note. Like this example!

Mention it under amenities:

“Complimentary holiday welcome basket for December stays.”

Read my article on other fun ways you can provide a welcome basket for guests year round

9. Optimize Your Airbnb Calendar

Holiday travelers typically book:

Short 2–3 night getaways or longer 5–7 night Christmas or New Year stays. You should adjust your minimum nights to maximize occupancy. If you want that longer holiday booking change that week to 7 days min. So you don’t get a one night stay on the 23rd, blocking that entire week.

10. Update Your Host Bio for the Season

Even one warm sentence can convert a guest:

“We love making our home feel extra cozy for the holidays and can’t wait to host you this winter.”

It’s a proven fact, Human warmth performs better than generic bios and this is a huge opportunity for airbnb holiday marketing. 

How I Helped 10,000 Hosts Set Up Airbnb Listings

11. Turn on Airbnb Promotions

Airbnb boosts listings offering special deals. My advice is to play with the algorithm for instant Airbnb holiday marketing. 

Turn on: Early-bird discount, Last-minute discount, Repeat-guest discount, weekly or monthly discount

Even 5% can dramatically increase visibility.

12. Share Holiday Reels on Instagram

Reels convert shockingly well for Holiday Airbnb marketing.

Ideas that perform: Holiday décor reveal, Hot cocoa bar setup, Fireplace clips, Blanket + book + warm drink aesthetic, Before/after decorating shots

Add: “Stay with us this holiday season, link in bio”

Grab out my Airbnb marketing bundle with templates for posts and over 350+ pre written post ideas in my Instagram guide!

FAQ: Holiday Airbnb Marketing

1. When should I start my holiday Airbnb marketing?

November is ideal. Travelers book early for ski trips, Christmas, and New Year’s.

2. How much holiday décor should I add?

Less is more. Go Scandinavian: a small tree, minimal garlands, cozy textures.

3. Do holiday discounts really help with Airbnb holiday marketing?

Yes—Airbnb boosts listings offering promotions, which leads to more views.

4. Is Instagram still useful for promoting an Airbnb?

Absolutely. Reels featuring cozy holiday moments often go viral locally and attract direct bookings.

5. Does adding holiday events help bookings?

Yes—this positions your listing as a complete travel experience, not just a place to sleep. See Airbnb’s Guide to holiday dates.

Learn all of my Hosting Knowledge in a weekend! 

If you’re getting ready for holiday guests and want your listing to shine, my Ultimate Airbnb Host Bundle gives you everything you need—checklists, guest messaging, Canva templates, and all the tools to create a seamless, five-star guest experience.