Beyond the Lights: The Untold Truth About How Hotels and Restaurants Survive the Holiday Season

When the holidays roll in, guest volumes, expectations and complexity all rise — and savvy businesses know that the decorations and menus are only the visible tip of the iceberg.

Fact & Figures

• In one recent survey, 68 % of diners said they plan to celebrate at a restaurant or bar this holiday season.

• For hotels: in 2023, 56 % of U.S. holiday-travelers planned to stay in a paid hotel — up from 35 % the year before.

• Labor and staffing remain serious challenges: the hospitality industry is still recovering from a shortfall of millions of workers post-pandemic.

• Another article points out that holiday events give a major opportunity to boost revenue — but only if operations behind the scenes can execute.

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What this means: you’ll likely see higher occupancy, busier dining rooms, larger groups, more complex bookings. That’s great. But if your systems — kitchen, HVAC, equipment, staffing — aren’t ready, you risk service breakdowns, long waits, guest disappointment, and negative reviews.

Myth vs Truth: What People Often Get Wrong

Here’s a breakdown of common assumptions (myths) and the reality (truth) behind them:

Myth 1: “Just throw up the holiday décor and the guests will show up and be delighted.”

Truth: The visuals are important, but they’re only one piece. Even with stunning décor, if the dining service is slow, equipment fails, or the room is too hot/too cold, the guest experience suffers. The décor is the “finish line” not the race.

Myth 2: “We’ll be fine — our regular team can handle the holiday rush.”

Truth: The holiday rush often brings larger groups, private events, earlier or later operating hours, higher guest expectations, and unusual menu items. For example, a survey found 38 % of diners plan to celebrate in a group of 6-10. Staffing needs increase, roles may differ, training is key, and fatigue becomes a risk.

Myth 3: “Equipment breakdowns are rare — we’ve been running fine all year.”

Truth: When you increase volume, margins for error shrink. Kitchen ovens, blast chillers, refrigeration, HVAC systems — all are under extra stress. A minor issue that may have been manageable in low season can become a major service-blocker during peak. One article emphasizes how asset & facilities management is crucial during holidays.

Myth 4: “We’ll just do the usual menu with a slight holiday twist.”

Truth: Holiday guests expect an elevated experience: special menus, thematic touches, add-ons. The numbers show holiday diners are willing to spend more — one report: 88 % of diners willing to spend more on a holiday celebration, and 17 % willing to spend 50+ % more. If you treat it as a ‘business as usual’ night, you lose both revenue and guest satisfaction.

Myth 5: “Once we’ve done it for one season, we’ll reuse the plan.”

Truth: Each holiday season evolves — guest expectations change, staffing constraints shift, supply-chain issues emerge (especially in F&B and equipment). Articles underscore the need to review data from previous years to refine your approach.

Behind-the-Scenes Essentials:

1. Equipment & Facilities: Maintain kitchens, HVAC, lighting, plumbing, and backup plans.

2. Staffing & Training: Forecast needs, cross-train, manage morale, and prepare for high-volume service.

3. Menu & Guest Flow: Use past data, plan for groups, special menus, and pre-orders.

4. Guest Experience: Décor matters, but comfort, service, personalization, and social-media-worthy touches are critical.

5. Technology & Analytics: Robust booking systems, asset monitoring, forecasting, and real-time tracking improve efficiency and decision-making.

Holiday Checklist (Condensed):

• 6–8 Weeks Before: Inspect equipment, finalize décor, staff planning, create menus/packages.

• 3–4 Weeks Before: Confirm bookings, train staff, test equipment, launch marketing.

• 1 Week Before: Walkthrough décor & facilities, final menu prep, staff briefing, system tests.

• During Season: Monitor guest flow, equipment, staff morale, and feedback daily.

• After Season: Review outcomes, gather feedback, update plan for next year.

Why It Matters:Prepared operations = happier guests, higher revenue, fewer risks, stronger brand reputation, and efficient workflows.

Bottom Line:Holiday magic isn’t just lights and menus — it’s the seamless orchestration of staff, systems, and service behind the scenes. Get your operations ready, and the season becomes a win for your guests, team, and brand.