Christmas Is Here! Wacky Ideas for Your In-Store Promo This Holiday Season

The lights are up, the malls are packed, and that familiar sound of Jose Mari Chan is echoing everywhere—which can only mean one thing: Christmas is officially here!

For brands and retailers, the holidays aren’t just the busiest season of the year—they’re the biggest opportunity to connect with customers in ways that feel fun, memorable, and uniquely you.

It’s the perfect moment to push creativity, break the rules a little, and transform your store from “just another stop” to a place people actually talk about. If you want shoppers to stay longer, smile more, and leave with bags (and stories), then it’s time to bring out the unexpected.

Here are fun, quirky, and totally eye-catching in-store promo ideas to light up your holiday sales.

Install a big red button on the counter with a sign:“Press for a Christmas Surprise 🎅✨”

It could trigger a jingle sound, shoot confetti (clean-up friendly), or unlock tiny instant rewards: a freebie, a discount, or a silly dare for your shoppers to enjoy.

Bonus: People LOVE filming these. Instant social content for your brand.

Pick random times of the day to activate a mini indoor snow machine or bubble snow effect. When “snow” falls, shoppers in the store get a surprise flash discount for 10 minutes.

It’s magical. It’s chaotic. It boosts foot traffic. And yes—people will wait for it.

Bonus: Tease “Snowfall alerts” on your social media to drive walk-ins and build anticipation.

Let customers step up and spin a giant holiday-themed wheel split into two playful sides: “Nice” and “Naughty.” 

The Nice slots reward them with discounts or vouchers. The Naughty slots, on the other hand, serve up lighthearted holiday dares like singing a line from a Christmas song or doing their best Santa “ho-ho-ho.”

Bonus: Design a mini “Kids Only” version so families stay longer and spend more while the kids play.

Use your in-store radio creatively. Announce random cues like:“First person to shout ‘Merry Chrisssstmas!’ wins a treat!”

Or:“If you’re wearing red right now, go to the counter for a surprise!”

It feels spontaneous—even if it’s planned.

Bonus: Record customer reactions to build a fun holiday compilation video for your brand’s socials.

Set up a corner with giant candy canes, elf hats, oversized gifts, and goofy holiday glasses. Encourage shoppers to post with your branded hashtag for a chance to win a prize.

Why it works: Free user-generated content + customers hanging around longer.

Bonus: Add a “Best Photo of the Day” winner to encourage more people to take shots and share them online.

A Merry Final Note

Wacky, playful ideas don’t just create buzz—they create moments. Moments that make shoppers pause, smile, whip out their phones, and remember your store long after they’ve left. In a season where every brand is fighting for attention, experiences are what set you apart.

So this Christmas, don’t settle for the usual décor or the standard promo mechanics. Go beyond the tinsel. Build mini memories. Spark laughter. Turn your store into a place people look forward to visiting—not just to shop, but to have fun.

Because when customers enjoy themselves, they stay longer, engage more, and yes—spend more.