For hotels, bars and restaurants, right now is one of the most lucrative, and demanding, times of the year. Festive menus, Christmas parties, set dining packages and New Year events all compete for guests’ attention, often in busy, high-pressure environments.
One of the most effective ways hospitality venues are cutting through the noise is with LED screens and digital signage. When used well, they don’t just inform guests: they actively encourage higher spend, better engagement and smoother service during the festive rush.
What challenges do hospitality teams face during the festive season?
In December, hospitality teams face several challenges at once:
- Shorter guest attention spans
- Louder, busier environments
- Seasonal staff with less product knowledge
- Printed menus that quickly go out of date
- Multiple offers running at the same time
Traditional posters, table talkers and printed menus struggle to keep up. LED screens, on the other hand, allow venues to show the right offer, at the right time, in the right place.
How can LED screens showcase festive menus?
Festive menus are often more premium than standard offerings, but guests won’t order what they don’t notice.
LED screens positioned in:
- hotel lobbies
- bar areas
- restaurant entrances
- waiting or lounge spaces
can showcase:
- festive starters and mains
- seasonal cocktails
- Christmas afternoon teas
- limited-time dessert specials
High-brightness LED displays make food photography pop, even in low-light winter settings, helping guests visualise what they’re ordering before they ever sit down. This visual prompt alone can significantly increase uptake of festive dishes.
Promoting Christmas packages and set menus
December is about more than individual meals. Many hospitality venues rely on bundled festive packages, such as:
- Christmas party nights
- set-price group dining
- drinks-inclusive menus
- corporate event packages
LED screens and video walls allow venues to:
- clearly explain what’s included
- show pricing tiers without clutter
- highlight availability or key dates
- promote upsells like drinks packages or private rooms
Because digital signage can rotate multiple messages, venues can promote different packages throughout the day. For example, corporate lunches during office hours and party packages in the evening.
Driving impulse sales at the bar
Bars and lounges see some of the biggest upsell opportunities in December. LED screens behind or above the bar can be used to promote:
- festive cocktails
- premium spirits
- mulled wine or seasonal serves
- limited-time drink offers
When guests are deciding what to order, visual prompts are powerful. A short looping animation of a festive cocktail or a bold “Christmas Special” graphic can nudge guests toward higher-margin choices without staff needing to upsell verbally during busy service.
How do LED screens reduce pressure on staff while increasing spend?
During peak festive trading, staff often don’t have time to explain every option or promotion. LED screens take on that role for them.
Clear digital displays can:
- answer common questions
- explain menu options visually
- promote upgrades and add-ons
- reduce order hesitation
This not only increases average spend per guest but also improves service speed and consistency; critical during festive rush periods.
Keeping festive content flexible and up to date
One of the biggest advantages of LED screens is flexibility. Unlike printed materials, digital content can be updated instantly to reflect:
- sold-out items
- last-minute menu changes
- special offers on quieter nights
- promotions for upcoming dates
Venues can also schedule content automatically, ensuring festive menus appear at meal times, drinks promotions run in the evening, and New Year offers take over after Christmas, all without reprinting a single poster.
Creating atmosphere that encourages spending
Beyond promotions, LED screens contribute to the overall festive atmosphere. Subtle animations, branded visuals and seasonal messaging help create a premium, celebratory feel, encouraging guests to stay longer, order more, and return again.
In larger spaces, LED video walls can become a focal point, reinforcing branding while supporting revenue-driven messaging throughout the venue.
Why LED screens for hospitality are a sound investment beyond the festive season
While festive upselling is a major benefit, LED screens continue to deliver value all year round. Venues that invest in digital signage for December often go on to use it for:
- seasonal menus
- events and weddings
- promotions and loyalty messaging
- wayfinding and guest information
The result is a more flexible, modern and profitable hospitality environment.
If you’re planning to maximise festive sales and set your venue up for a stronger year ahead, LED screens and digital signage can make a measurable difference.
Speak to our team about LED screens, video walls and digital signage solutions designed specifically for hospitality environments, from discreet bar displays to large-format statement installations.