Christmas.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
And in the church world, it’s also the busiest time of the year. Between event planning, sermon prep, and shepherd-costume chaos, it’s easy to let your promotion strategy fall to the bottom of the list.
This guide is here to help you flip that script.
Don’t worry, we’re not just giving you more to-dos. We’re talking about...
...communicating clearly.
...marketing strategically.
This Christmas, it’s all possible: reach more people, create more impact, and share the good news of the newborn King. And we’ll walk you through how, one step at a time.
Step 1: Build Your Foundation
Before you think about postcards or promo videos, step back and get crystal clear on your “why.”
- What’s your theme or sermon series? Simple is good. Memorable is better.
- What message do you want people to walk away with?
- Who are you trying to reach? First-time guests? Families who only attend at Christmas?
Every piece of promotion should reflect this core message.
Step 2: Plan Your Timeline
What are the final service dates or key events on your calendar? For many churches, it will be Christmas Eve. For others, it might be several events throughout the month of Advent.
Once you define a date, work backward to avoid the last-minute scramble.
We’ve mapped out what to do each week in our downloadable timeline, but here’s the high-level view:
- 10+ Weeks Out: Define your audience, message, and theme.
- 8–9 Weeks Out: Finalize branding, design printed materials, plan content.
- 6–7 Weeks Out: Create landing page, series bumpers, and invite videos.
- 4–5 Weeks Out: Install signage, launch email invites, and start teaser social posts.
- 2–3 Weeks Out: Run digital ads, keep posting, and prep welcome gifts.
- Week of Christmas: Post daily, celebrate the season, and keep the welcome warm.
- Post-Christmas: Send thank-yous, share highlights, and invite guests back.
Tip: Use a shared document to align your staff around key promo dates and deadlines.
Need a calendar template? We’ve got you covered, too!
Step 3: Prep Your Content + Creative
Take your theme or sermon series from Step 1 and center your messaging around that.
Starting with your website, write welcoming copy that speaks to first-time guests. Clearly spell out event details, what they can expect at services, and frequently asked questions.
Once your website copy is set, you’ll be able to use it as a base for social media, emails, print invitations, and all other promotional pieces.
People make snap judgments based on design, so make yours count.
- Create cohesive branding for your sermon and event artwork.
- Use colors, photos, and fonts that feel warm, clear, and inviting.
- Then, match your branding across signage, slides, invites, web, email, and social.
You don’t need a giant design budget to look polished; you just need consistency.
Never overlook video—it can do a lot of heavy lifting. Use video for sermon series bumpers, social media teasers, and personal invitation videos from your pastor and staff.
Remember: Keep it real, not perfect. People connect with people.
Step 4: Promote with Purpose
Don’t assume your church family knows what’s happening just because it’s in the bulletin. Recruit volunteers through in-service slides, stage announcements, and email updates. Give your congregation tools to invite their friends and family (see below).
Make it easy for someone who’s never been to your church to find your event (and say “yes”).
- Develop a website landing page to house all Christmas event details.
- Add a banner to your website homepage pointing to the Christmas page.
- Post regularly on your church’s social media.
- Create Facebook events.
- Write an email campaign for new and past church attendees.
- Create invite cards for your congregation to share with their neighbors.
- Send out mailers to the surrounding communities.
- Distribute yard signs around town.
- Install a road sign outside your church with simple, clear details.
- Run targeted digital ad campaigns to reach your broader community. (Tip: Get your church set up with Google Ad Grants.)
Step 5: Prepare for Guests (before AND after Christmas)
You’ve worked hard to get your guests through the doors. Now, make it easy for them to stay—and come back.
- Install clear wayfinding signage at key points.
- Establish a clear way for guests to connect, such as a QR code or a text number.
- Offer a welcome gift—something simple, but meaningful.
Pro Tip: Walk your space like a first-time guest. Can you find the bathrooms? The kids' check-in? The auditorium? We visit a lot of churches each year, and you’d be surprised how often signage is outdated—especially in kids' areas where room assignments or age groups have changed. Don’t confuse your visitors. A quick signage audit can go a long way in making guests feel confident and cared for.
And Finally: Follow Up
This is one of the most important—and often overlooked—parts of your Christmas strategy.
Four easy ways to keep the connection going:
- Use email or text automation to thank guests for visiting and invite them to return.
- Provide a concrete next step, such as a connection lunch.
- Assign volunteer teams to follow up with visitors personally.
- Send a text reminder on Saturday before your Sunday invite.
Phew. That’s a lot.
The good news? We’ve created a free downloadable resource for you to promote Christmas with clarity and impact. Our Christmas Planning & Promotion Guide includes:
- Christmas Promotion Checklist
- Email Templates
- Social Media Templates
- During/After Christmas Strategy Guide
- BONUS: Planning & Promotion Timeline
Get your free Christmas Planning & Promotion guide now:
