The Most Wonderful Time in Salons and Spas

There's no doubt that sales rush into salons and spas during the holidays, the result of careful year-round planning from owners and their leadership teams. Yet the cheerful chaotic madness of the season is also a stress point for busy stylists, colorists, estheticians and the guest care teams.

So many owners use the season to find ways to express their gratitude to their team members and recognize their annual success through festive gathering that also solidify culture.

That gratitude can also extend to VIP clients and the overall community through seasonal events that boost average tickets, whicle helping shoppers tick off names on their holiday lists.

SALON TODAY recently put out the call, asking for owners to share their favorite ways to celebrate the holidays, while revealing the hidden business benefits behind these events. It's time to get out your own planner, and start making a list of ideas to borrow...

Pinkmas Time is Here

Christina Kirkey, Pinup Hair Studio in Raleigh, North Carolina

“At Pinup, the holidays aren't just a season—they're Pinkmas.

“The moment Halloween is over, our team spends nearly two weeks transforming every inch of the salon into a pink holiday wonderland. From hand-painted storefront windows to over-the-top pink décor throughout the entire space, Pinkmas is all about creating a magical experience that our guests look forward to year after year.

“Throughout the season, we serve signature holiday-inspired cocktails and mocktails, making every appointment feel even more festive. Black Friday also marks the launch of our highly anticipated Pink Days—our biggest promotion of the year. Guests can enjoy 30% off hair extensions, Buy One, Get One 50% Offers or Buy Two, Get One Free on full-size retail, along with exclusive holiday products, stocking stuffers, and curated gift bundles that pair perfectly with our gift card promotion.

“One of our most anticipated holiday traditions is our annual gift card sale: Purchase a $100 gift card and receive a $20 bonus gift card. It's the perfect way to give the gift of great hair while earning a little something for yourself.

“To wrap up the season, we host our favorite event of the year—our Client Appreciation Day on the Saturday before Christmas. Guests can stop in to enjoy day-of raffles, signature holiday lattes from a local coffee shop pop-up, our famous Pink Chex Mix, festive drinks, and plenty of holiday surprises as our way of saying thank you. The event gives guests one last reason to visit us before the holidays, even if they already had their appointment earlier in the season, creating another opportunity to connect with our salon community.

“More than anything, Pinkmas is about creating a space where people can slow down, relax, and experience the magic of the holidays from the moment they walk through our doors. We pride ourselves on creating an experience that extends far beyond great hair. We want every guest to leave feeling celebrated, cared for, and immersed in the joy of the season. For us, Pinkmas isn't just holiday décor—it's an experience our clients look forward to every year.”

Holiday Surprises

Shelby Bills, owner of Graeber & Company in Billings, Montana

“We plan extra time off around the holidays for our team to rest and be with their families. Each week of December, I do a surprise drop-off for my team—one week, it may be healthy snacks, the next week could be a brunch or early-morning coffee delivery.

“We step it up the week of Christmas by bringing in lunch one day and delivering personalized gift packages with 30+ gifts. Several times, we’ve held a food competition where we each bring in our favorite dishes—then we all get to sample everything, vote on the best, and the winners get a fun prize, like an ugly holiday sweater. Sometimes I even dress up like Mrs. Claus!

“For our clients last year, we did a holiday weekend event the first weekend of December. We brought in Santa Claus for pictures on Saturday, offered complimentary mini services, designed special offers, and hosted a wine tasting with treats.  This year, we are planning an event in November for all of our “Treat Yourself” reward members and our VIP clients.

“These are all usually planned by me, our manager and our director of marketing. We look at projections and see what we think our sales will be, and that’s how we establish our budget. We start collecting sample packs and extra gift items throughout the year, so it doesn’t all come at once.

“We feel like this all creates more connection, collaboration, and fun during a stressful time of year, and we want to make sure that we have a community of people who feel seen and cared for.”

FabYULEus Sip ‘n Shop

Nicole Dietz and Angela Erskine, Essense Salon & Sanctuary in London, Ontario

“Each year in November, we host our FabYULEus Sip ‘n Shop event. We offer pre-sale VIP tickets for $50 each. This gives our guests a swag bag they receive at the event with a value up to $300. We use our product partner points to help with the gifts in the swag bag, along with things we acquire throughout the year. These VIPs also receive an extra 5% off any purchase they make that night.

“We set up different stations with retail specials for this night only. Each station is staffed by a team member who explains the offer and answers any questions guests may have. At each station, guests receive a stamp in their Essense Salon & Sanctuary-branded passport. If they hit up each station, they receive an entry for our gift basked giveway, which is valued at $500.  

“Event promotions include pre-paid bundled services—for example, three facials for $315 or two manicures and two pedicures for $196. We also offer a gift card promo.

"The evening includes signature cocktail, a grazing table, a fun photo area and a selfie station. We have event invited other local businesses to set up displays and promote their items.

“Our guests look forward to this each year for both the social aspect of it and specials we offer. To advertise it, we share announcements on our Google Business, Facebook, and Instagram pages, we send an email blast, and talk about it in person with professional branded and printed postcards and posters throughout the salon.

“Starting mid-November, we gift our guests a small box of chocolates at checkout.

“Our team members receive a monetary Christmas bonus of $250, a small gift valued at $30-50, a staff party in early December, and a pizza lunch on the 24th. Last year's staff party was Axe Throwing, but we’ve done paint nights, bowling, and Escape Rooms over the years.

"We start planning holiday promos and events in August. My business partner Angela and I do most of the planning, but we definitely include our team in the process. They always have great ideas to share. Ensuring they are included and a part of the planning is essential to a successful event.

“Our budget for our staff Christmas party varies from year to year, from $500 to $1500. In addition, our salon campaigns for our local Food Bank, accepting food donations from November 1st to December 18th.

“The last few days before Christmas, we spotlight daily retail deals, which helps us clear out our holiday promos and give our team more retail sales opportunities.”

Ready for a Dance Off!

Kellie Johnson, Elan Hair Studio and Canvas by Elan in Spring Lake, New Jersey

“We do a holiday party with our staff. Last year, we closed a restaurant, so we had the whole space with a DJ.

“The fun part was having the team vote on Superlatives (Best of) prior to the party, It just so happened that "Best Dancer" competition was a tie! So we had a dance-off, which was super fun. We also do our Secret Santa gifts that night.

“This September, we are doing a Field Day, with all kinds of games like sack race, tug of war, spin it. It's always good to get out of the salon and have fun with each other!"

The Tiffany Awards

AnneMarie Krainich, Ottalaus Salon in Lehi, Utah

“Our annual holiday celebration is designed to recognize, reward, and celebrate our team's achievements while creating an engaging and memorable experience for everyone.

“We host a formal, black-tie Christmas dinner where each team member is invited to bring a guest, giving everyone the opportunity to celebrate with a plus one. We hire a professional photographer to capture the evening and create lasting memories.

“During the evening, we present the Tiffany Awards, which celebrate the team members who produced $100,000 or more in service and retail sales. They received a gift from Tiffany’s. We also recognize our top retail sales award winners, celebrating exceptional performance and achievements throughout the year.

“Interactive meet-and-mingle games and activities encourage conversation, strengthen relationships, and help team members connect in a fun, inclusive environment.

“We have a holiday planning committee that chooses the decorations, the food being served, and they design the invitations. We rent out a venue for the team, so it is outside of the salon. Our budget is $9,000, which includes the venue, food, awards, and decorations.”

Thankful for You

Gayle Fulbright, Headlines The Salon in Encinitas, California

“We take the opportunity around Thanksgiving to show our gratitude to our team with a ‘Thankful for You’ catered Breakfast. We share with each other what we are grateful for, we host special speakers, and we take the time to just acknowledge each other.

"Last year, we gave each team member a copy of David Wagner's The Life of a Daymaker and we had a panel of three mystery shoppers who had critiqued the salon share their experiences--that was very enlightening for the entire team."

First Look

Melody Van Drunen, Davanti Salon in Denton, Texas

“At Davanti Salon, we believe our team should experience the holidays before they create them for our guests. Each November, we host First Look, an immersive holiday preview that transforms our salon into an elegant holiday boutique inspired by the timeless department stores of New York City. Rather than holding a traditional team meeting, we invite our providers and guest care team to be the guests.

“From the moment they arrive, they're welcomed with champagne or a signature holiday mocktail, seasonal hors d'oeuvres, warm hospitality, and beautifully curated holiday displays. The salon is transformed with rich textures, candlelight, fresh greenery, jazz-inspired holiday music, and merchandising that feels more like an upscale holiday department store than a salon.

“The evening is designed around discovery. Team members explore our holiday retail collections, experience wellness rituals, sample seasonal services, enter to win door prizes, and interact with every holiday offering exactly as our guests will—we want every recommendation they make during the season to come from genuine excitement because they've personally experienced it.

“During the event, we officially unveil our holiday promotions, merchandising story, gift collections, and seasonal team contest. Instead of presenting information in a classroom setting, we reveal the season through experience.

“One of the most meaningful traditions of the evening is our ‘My Wish for You’ holiday gift presentation. A beautifully styled display of individually wrapped gifts waits for the team, each identified only by a handwritten name tag. Every gift is thoughtfully curated around one personal wish we have for that individual in the coming year—whether that's rest, confidence, creativity, adventure, wellness, or growth. Inside is a handwritten letter explaining why that theme was chosen, and how we hope it supports their journey in the year ahead.

“The gifts are intentionally personal rather than extravagant. Our goal isn't simply to give a present—it's to remind every team member that they are seen, valued, and invested in as a person, not just a professional.

“Planning for First Look begins in late summer. Our leadership team collaborates on the event design, merchandising, décor, gifting themes, food and beverage, wellness experiences, and seasonal initiatives. Invitations are shared several weeks in advance to build anticipation, and the event has quickly become one of the most anticipated gatherings of the year.

“Our investment is approximately $100–$150 per team member, including décor, hospitality, curated gifts, door prizes, and event materials. We view it as an investment in culture rather than simply a holiday celebration.

“The greatest outcome isn't measured by retail sales—although those certainly benefit. It's the energy our team carries into the busiest season of the year. They leave feeling inspired, appreciated, and emotionally connected to the experience they'll soon be creating for every guest who walks through our doors.

“At Davanti, we believe if we want our guests to feel wonder during the holidays, our team should experience that wonder first.”

Coming Together

Mechele Duke, Rain Salon & Spa in Meridian, Idaho

“Every year, we rent out a fine dining restaurant and treat the team to a nice meal with their plus ones. We give out Best of the Year awards, as well as some funny awards.  We gift each team member with a gift that is trending, such as comfort sets, jewelry, purses, and branded apparel. It’s our way to say Thank You for everything they do all year!”

Gifting It Forward

Kaeyl Rudawski, Douglas J Salon + Medspa in Okemos, Michigan

“During the holiday season, we intentionally create opportunities for our service providers to personally thank the guests who have supported them throughout the year. About six weeks before the holidays, we partner with the brands we carry to provide deluxe product samples that our team presents to guests they’ve selected.

“This simple gesture serves two purposes. First, it gives our stylists and service providers a meaningful way to express genuine appreciation and strengthen the personal relationships they've built with their guests. Rather than a generic giveaway, the sample is chosen with the guest in mind, making it feel thoughtful and personalized.

“Second, it introduces guests to products or even entire brands they may not have considered purchasing on their own. Because the samples are tied to a recommendation from a trusted professional, guests are more likely to ask questions, experience the results at home, and return to purchase the full-size product during a future visit. It's a celebration of our guests' loyalty while also creating a natural opportunity for education and retail growth.

"We also make it a priority to recognize our employees during the holiday season. Each year, every team member receives a holiday gift from the company, with several gift options to choose from. Offering a selection allows employees to pick something they truly want or will use, making the gift feel more personal and meaningful. It's a simple but appreciated way to thank our team for their hard work and dedication throughout the year.

"Each year, we host an Open House for all of our guests as our way of saying Thank You for the support they have shown us. The event features catered hors d'oeuvres, champagne, and wait staff to create a fun, upscale experience. Guests can take advantage of our biggest retail, service package, and gift card promotions of the year while meeting with representatives from our professional product lines, who provide product education and exclusive gifts with purchase

"Throughout the event, our team members staff interactive service stations where guests can learn more about our offerings and ask questions, with a special focus on MedSpa services such as microneedling, laser treatments, and injectables. We also partner with local businesses to enhance the experience through activities such as a live piano player, permanent jewelry, caricature drawings, and face painting, making the event both educational and enjoyable.

"Our annual Holiday Open House is planned collaboratively by our Salon Director and marketing team. Planning begins early in the year by selecting a date and securing our catering, typically during Q1, to ensure we can reserve our preferred vendors and venue.

"In early Q3, we review the previous year's event to evaluate what worked well and identify opportunities for improvement. During this phase, we finalize our holiday retail, service package, and gift card promotions. Later in Q3, we focus on the guest experience by confirming event details, including interactive service stations, product partner participation, and special activities provided by local businesses.

“We begin promoting the event in early November, giving guests approximately four to five weeks' notice. Our marketing campaign includes email, text messaging, social media, and in-salon signage to build excitement and encourage attendance. Our event budget is typically around $5,000, including catering and guest experience elements.

“More than anything, we want our guests to leave feeling appreciated. After nearly 60 years in business, we know our success is built on the loyalty of our guests, and this event is our opportunity to thank them. We also strive to provide exceptional value through our best promotions of the year, making holiday shopping and self-care more rewarding.”

Festively Building Culture

Cynthia Perry, Cynergy Color Bar, Wake Forest, North Carolina

"We start planning in September, especially for our client gifts, holiday retail sale, team traditions, and nonprofit gift drive. We begin reaching out to our product representatives in September to ask for donated samples for our client gifts. Each December gift bag includes three sample products, usually a shampoo, conditioner, and styling product.

"We set a date for our salon decorating party in our pajamas right after Thanksgiving. It has become a tradition that most of the team shows up for, and I love having their help. We bring in Chick-fil-A, decorate the salon together, spend time outside of the normal workday, and put together all of the client gift bags for December. It is one of those simple traditions that makes the salon feel warm, festive, and full of teamwork before the busiest part of the season begins.

"During our decorating party, we also prepare our nonprofit holiday gift drive. The nonprofit organization provides us with QR-code gift tags that we place on a mini tree in the salon. Our team and clients can take a tag, purchase the requested gift, and bring it back wrapped by a specific date so the gifts can be distributed to foster care children by Christmas. Last year, we were able to provide 75 gifts for foster kids ages 2 to 20. This project fills our souls with so much joy, and it has become something we plan to continue every year.

"In early December, we begin our annual gift-buying customer appreciation sale. We offer it once a year, and it runs for about two and a half weeks. During that time, any retail purchase is 20% off, and we gift bag the products with tissue paper so they are ready to go straight under the tree for anyone on their list. We market the sale with a simple message: Don't buy your family and friends gifts they will never use — give them quality hair care products that help them save money and take better care of their hair. We sell a strong amount of liters during this sale, especially to moms and grandmas stocking up their kids' and grandkids' showers. This promotion generally brings in roughly an additional $6,000 in retail sales each December, while also helping our guests give gifts that are truly useful.

"Throughout December, every client who comes in for an appointment receives one of our holiday gift bags. Last December, we saw 584 clients, and our reps provided enough samples for us to continue giving these same gifts, but in a different bag to new clients all year long. For new guests, we also include aftercare information for their hair, which makes the gift both thoughtful and educational. That is one of the reasons I love this tradition so much — our guests feel appreciated, and they also leave with products that support the health and longevity of their hair after their appointment.

"Within the first week or two of December, we host our team holiday potluck, usually at our manager Karla's home. Karla and I organize the overall celebration, but the whole team truly brings it to life through the food, the fun, and, of course, the outfits. Everyone brings one of their favorite dishes to share, which has become one of the sweetest parts of the tradition. It gives our team a chance to share a little piece of themselves with each other outside of the salon.

"At the potluck, we also exchange Secret Santa gifts, although somehow it never stays completely secret. The team always starts figuring it out and then helping each other with gift ideas, which honestly makes it even more fun. We have everyone fill out a little favorites survey ahead of time so their Secret Santa has ideas for things they genuinely love. We usually cap the gifts at around $45.

"One of our favorite traditions at the party is our ugly Christmas sweater contest. Everyone votes, and the winner receives a Sephora gift card. It is lighthearted, silly, and always gets everyone laughing, which is exactly what we need after a full holiday season behind the chair.

"Finally, during the last few days leading up to Christmas, we give each employee an individual Christmas gift. We usually choose one meaningful gift that everyone receives. Last year, we ordered spa baskets for at-home care and added Innersense lotion, scrub, and body wash. We included a note reminding them how important it is to take care of themselves first, especially when they spend so much of their time taking care of others.

"At the heart of all of it is the same goal: we want people to feel seen, appreciated, and cared for. Whether it is a team member helping decorate the salon in pajamas, a guest taking a foster care gift tag from our mini tree, a client purchasing useful gifts for their family, a guest leaving with a product bag chosen just for their hair, a stylist laughing in an ugly Christmas sweater, or a team member receiving a thoughtful gift before Christmas, these small moments help reinforce the culture we work so hard to build all year long."