As the calendar turns to December, email inboxes begin to fill with a flurry of festive messages. Customers are typically more inclined to make purchases during this season, which often leads to a significant increase in consumer spending.
For businesses, this period is less about the festive backdrop and more about the strategic play. In fact, the holiday shopping season alone accounts for approximately 30% of annual revenue for many businesses.
As subscribers are more receptive to offers and suggestions, gentle, well-crafted mail can help you increase sales and engagement.
To make it easy for you, we’ve curated a bundle of efficient, effective, and oh-so-easy-to-use Christmas email marketing templates. Let’s jump in.
Table of Contents
1. Promotional Emails
Promotional templates are designed to highlight special offers, discounts, and exclusive deals. They’re direct and to the point, letting customers know about the savings they can enjoy during Christmas.
When presented with irresistible and time-bound offers, these emails can significantly boost revenue.
Here are some of the best promotional email marketing templates for your Christmas campaigns.
Template 1: The Scarcity Tactic
| Subject Line: Hurry, Only 3 Hours Left for 50% Off!
Body: Hey [Name], Time’s ticking! Our annual holiday sale is winding down. You have three hours left to get 50% off your favorite things. Don’t drop the ball and allow this opportunity to pass you by! CTA: Shop Now |
Why It Works: Scarcity and urgency (“Only 3 Hours Left”) trigger a fear of missing out. This encourages quick action, driving customers to purchase before the deal ends.
Template 2: The Social Proof
| Subject Line: Everyone’s Talking About Our Christmas Collection!
Body: Hi [Name], Our Christmas collection is flying off the shelves, and we know you’ll love it too. Customers like you are calling it “the best Christmas collection ever.” Don’t miss out on the trend! CTA: Check it Out |
Why It Works: Social proof (“Everyone’s Talking About”) taps into the human desire to belong. Knowing others are buying can validate the decision to purchase, increasing conversions.
Template 3: The FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
| Subject Line: Don’t Be the Only One Missing This!
Body: Hey [Name], Imagine a holiday season without our exclusive deals. Sounds bleak, right? These offers are flying off the virtual shelves. Secure yours now and make this holiday season one to remember. You won’t want to miss the chance to make your holidays shine. From festive decor to holiday treats, we’ve got something for everyone. Act fast, or you’ll be left with the holiday! CTA: Get Yours Now |
Why It Works: The template paints a picture of a less joyful holiday without the deal, leveraging FOMO. It also mentions a variety of products, appealing to a broader audience, which can lead to higher engagement.
Template 4: The Urgency + Benefit
| Subject Line: Last Chance: Free Shipping Ends Tonight!
Body: Hey [Name], This is it! Your last chance to enjoy free shipping on all Christmas gifts. Don’t miss this final call to shop smarter, not harder. We know the holidays can be hectic, so we’re making it easier for you. Order now and skip the shipping fees. The offer melts away at midnight! CTA: Shop and Save |
Why It Works: This template combines urgency (“Ends Tonight”) with a clear benefit (Free Shipping), making it a compelling reason for the customer to act immediately.
Read also: New Year Email Marketing Templates to Copy & Send Now
2. Newsletter Updates
Here, the aim shifts from sales to customer relationships and brand loyalty.
Email newsletters can be used to keep the audience informed and engaged with content that goes beyond sales.
They can highlight gift ideas, share holiday tips, or offer insights into how your products can enhance the festive season. Here are some Christmas email newsletter templates:
Template 1: The Gift Guide
| Subject Line: Your Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide is Here!
Body: Hey [Name], The holiday season is upon us, and we know finding the perfect gift can be stressful. That’s why we’ve curated an Ultimate Christmas Gift Guide just for you! It features tech gadgets, cozy winter essentials, and elegant decor items – we’ve got something for everyone on your list. Don’t miss out on our exclusive holiday bundles that make gift-giving a breeze. Plus, enjoy free gift wrapping on all orders! CTA: Explore the Gift Guide |
Why It Works: This email template solves a real problem – holiday gift shopping. By offering a curated guide and free gift wrapping, it adds value and encourages clicks, making the customer’s life easier during a busy season.
Template 2: The Holiday Recipe Share
| Subject Line: Spice Up Your Holidays with Our Secret Recipes!
Body: Hi [Name], The holiday season isn’t complete without some delicious food! We’re sharing our top 3 secret holiday recipes that you can whip up in no time.
Plus, get a free kitchen gadget with any purchase from our holiday collection! CTA: Get the Recipes |
Why It Works: Food is a universal love, especially during the holidays. By sharing exclusive recipes and offering a free kitchen gadget, this holiday email template adds value and encourages engagement, making the holidays tastier for everyone.
Template 3: The Christmas Countdown
| Subject Line: 12 Days of Christmas Deals: Unwrap Your First Gift!
Body: Hi [Name], The countdown to Christmas has officially begun, and we’re celebrating with 12 days of exclusive deals! Each day, unwrap a new offer that will make your holiday season even more special.
Mark your calendars and set your alarms – this is a holiday event you won’t want to miss! CTA: Start the Countdown |
Why It Works: The “12 days” theme creates a sense of urgency and excitement. Offering a new deal each day encourages daily engagement and taps into the joy of the holiday season, making each day a mini-celebration.
Template 4: Redirecting to funnel
| Subject Line: 🎄 A Christmas Story Just for You 🎄
Body: Hey [Name], Once upon a time, in a winter wonderland, we crafted the perfect Christmas deal. It’s a story of joy, savings, and holiday magic that you’ll have to read to believe. Intrigued? CTA: Read the Story |
Why It Works: This template uses storytelling to create a unique and engaging experience. It piques curiosity and offers a fresh approach to holiday promotions, standing out in a crowded inbox.
Read also: December Marketing Ideas for Maximizing Sales
3. Cart Abandonment Emails
Cart abandonment email templates can be used to recover potentially lost revenue by reminding customers of items they’ve shown interest in. Data from Barilliance shows these emails have an average open rate of 45%, making them a highly effective tool for recovering lost sales.
By sending a timely reminder, possibly with an added incentive like a discount or free shipping, you can encourage customers to revisit their abandoned carts and complete their purchases.
Template 1: The Friendly Nudge
| Subject: Did You Forget Something Special?
Body: Hey [Name], We noticed you left some sparkle in your cart 🌟 Your selections were truly inspired – it looks like you’ve got great taste. But in the hustle and bustle of the season, it seems you might have walked away without securing your finds. We’ve saved your cart for a smooth return: [Insert Cart Item Images and Details] And because we’re feeling the holiday spirit, we’re offering you an exclusive 10% off your cart items for the next 24 hours. Just use the code: FESTIVE10 at checkout. CTA: Come back and make your holidays shine! ✨ [Return to Cart Button] Warm wishes, [Company Name] |
Why It Works: This email serves as a friendly nudge, reminding the customer of their abandoned cart. The offer of free shipping acts as an extra incentive to complete the purchase.
Template 2: The Value Proposition
| Subject: Complete Your Purchase and Unlock Holiday Joy!
Body: Hello [Customer’s First Name], Your perfect holiday picks are waiting for you, just a click away 🎁 We couldn’t help but notice that you’ve got an eye for value – the items in your cart are not only perfect for the season but are also some of our best sellers: [Insert Cart Item Images and Details] To sweeten the deal, we’re offering you FREE shipping on your order. Imagine the convenience of having these treasures delivered straight to your doorstep at no extra cost. CTA: Seal the deal on your holiday shopping: [Return to Cart Button] Cheers to a joyful shopping experience, [Your Company] |
Why It Works: This email focuses on the additional benefits the customer will receive by completing their purchase, from membership points to a free gift, making the deal sweeter.
Template 3: The Emotional Connector
| Subject: Make Your Holidays Complete 🎄
Body: Dear [Customer’s First Name], There’s a little warmth waiting in your cart. And it’s just not the same without you. We understand that choosing the perfect holiday gifts is a journey – sometimes, you need a moment to decide. But remember, these aren’t just items; they’re the potential for joy, for memories, for that priceless look of surprise and delight: [Insert Cart Item Images and Details] Let’s wrap up your holiday story with a happy ending. Return to your cart, and we’ll take care of the rest. [Return to Cart Button] Wishing you a season filled with warmth and cheers, [Your Company] |
Read also: Holiday Contest Ideas for Some Sweet Seasonal Traffic
4. New Year Follow-up Emails
New year follow-up emails can be used to sustain engagement after the Christmas rush.
They can offer a look back at the year’s highlights or a sneak peek at upcoming products or sales.
This keeps the conversation going and helps set the stage for continued customer interaction and sales in the new year.
Template 1: The Resolution Booster
| Subject: New Year, New Beginnings 🌟
Body: Hello [Customer’s First Name], Happy New Year! 🎉 As we all embrace a fresh start, we’re here to help you stick to those resolutions and make 2024 your best year yet. Whether you’re looking to [insert common resolution, e.g., ‘get organized’, ‘live healthier’, ‘learn a new skill’], we’ve got just the thing to keep you motivated: [Insert Product Images and Details] And to give you that extra nudge, enjoy a special 15% off your next purchase with us – just use the code NEWYEARNEWYOU at checkout. Kickstart your resolutions: [CTA: Shop Now] Here’s to new beginnings, [Your Company] |
Why It Works: This email is tailored to tap into the New Year’s resolution mindset. It offers a range of products that align with common goals and provides a discount code to incentivize immediate action.
Template 2: The Year in Review
| Subject: A Look Back at Your 2023 with [Your Company]
Body: Dear [Customer’s First Name], As we step into the new year, let’s take a moment to reflect on the journey we’ve shared this past year 🌟 [Insert a personalized recap of the customer’s 2023 activity with your company, e.g., ‘You made X amazing purchases, which saved you Y hours on task Z’] We’re honored to have been a part of your 2023 and are excited to continue supporting you in 2024. To show our appreciation, here’s a special offer just for you: [Insert Special Offer Details] CTA: Continue the journey with us. [Shop Now] To more shared successes in 2024, [Your Company] |
Why It Works: This email serves as a recap and generates excitement for what’s to come. It keeps the customer engaged and looking forward to new updates, reinforcing their emotional connection with the brand.
Template 3: The Loyalty Thank You
| Subject Line: Cheers to Another Year of Being Awesome, [Name]!
Body: Hello [Name], As we ring in the New Year, we want to take a moment to celebrate you. Your loyalty means the world to us, and we’re excited to share another year of incredible experiences with you. To show our appreciation, we’re adding 200 bonus points to your loyalty account. These points are opportunities for you to enjoy exclusive rewards, special discounts, and members-only events. You can redeem them right away or save them up for something big later in the year. The choice is yours! Here’s to a rewarding 2023 filled with joy, success, and, of course, some fantastic shopping experiences! CTA: Check Your Points |
Why It Works: This email goes beyond a simple thank you by adding tangible value to the customer’s experience. It reinforces the benefits of the loyalty program and encourages further engagement, making the customer feel valued and appreciated.
Read also: How To Write The Perfect Christmas Email [+ Subject Lines]
Key Elements of a High-Converting Christmas Email
- Subject line precision: The subject line acts as the gatekeeper of your email’s content. It must be meticulously crafted to evoke emotion, pique interest, and stand out in a crowded inbox. For Christmas, this could mean using language that taps into the holiday spirit or offers a tantalizing glimpse of the value inside, like an exclusive deal or unique gift idea.
- Advanced personalization techniques: Beyond using the recipient’s Name, the Christmas email template’s personalization should extend to tailoring content based on user behavior, purchase history, and even predictive analytics. This could mean recommending products similar to past purchases or items left in the cart, thereby increasing the relevance and persuasive power of the email.
- Design that captivates: The visual aspect of the email must not only be mobile-friendly but also aligned with the festive theme. This includes using colors that are traditionally associated with the holiday season, imagery that conjures up warm, festive feelings, and a layout that guides the reader’s eye toward the call to action.
- Concise and impactful copy: The messaging should be succinct yet powerful, avoiding any fluff that could distract from the main message. Every word must earn its place, contributing to the overall goal of converting the reader.
- Irresistible Call-to-Action (CTA): The CTA is the climax of the email. It should be impossible to ignore and easy to act upon. Placement, color, size, and language all play a part in making the CTA as effective as possible for your Christmas offer.
- Seamless mobile experience: With the majority of emails now opened on mobile devices, a non-optimized email is a lost opportunity. The design must be responsive, with fast-loading images and a layout that adapts to various screen sizes.
- Authentic social proof: Incorporate genuine customer testimonials, ratings, and reviews to lend credibility to your message. This social proof should be relevant and recent to have the maximum impact on potential buyers.
- Strategic use of urgency and scarcity: These psychological triggers must be used judiciously. Overuse can lead to skepticism and fatigue, but when applied with finesse – such as a countdown timer for a deal or highlighting limited stock for a popular item – they can be highly effective.
- Clear value proposition: The email must communicate the benefits of the offer succinctly and convincingly. It should answer the question, “What’s in it for me?” from the customer’s perspective, making the value proposition the heart of the message.
- Intelligent segmentation: Segment your audience not just by demographics but by behavior and engagement levels. Tailoring content to fit the specific interests and needs of each segment can dramatically increase conversion rates.
Read also: Awesome New Year Landing Pages and What To Learn From Them
Offer Ideas for Christmas Email Marketing
| Christmas offer | Best suited for | Why it works |
| Percentage Discounts | New Customers | New customers may be hesitant to try a new brand. A straightforward percentage discount reduces the perceived risk of their first purchase.
The simplicity of this Christmas offer makes it easy for them to calculate the savings, and the direct reduction in price can be a strong incentive to complete a purchase they were undecided about. |
| Buy One, Get One (BOGO) | Repeat Customers | Repeat customers are already familiar with the quality of your products. A BOGO offer leverages their positive past experiences and incentivizes them to make a larger purchase than they might have otherwise. |
| Free Shipping | Cart Abandoners | High shipping costs are a common reason for cart abandonment.
Offering free shipping directly addresses this barrier to purchase. It’s a strategic move to lure back customers who were interested enough to add items to their cart but were dissuaded by additional costs. |
| Flash Sales | Engaged Subscribers | Engaged subscribers are those who regularly interact with your brand’s emails. A flash sale creates a time-limited opportunity that capitalizes on their existing interest.
The urgency of a flash sale prompts quick decision-making and can convert interest into immediate action. |
| Exclusive Previews | VIP Customers | VIP customers are your brand’s advocates and often the biggest spenders.
Offering them exclusive previews or early access to products makes them feel valued and reinforces their loyalty. It also taps into their desire to be first, encouraging them to spend before the general public has access. |
| Gift Cards | Last-Minute Shoppers | Gift cards are a practical solution for last-minute shoppers who are short on time or unsure about the recipient’s preferences. They’re a flexible gift option, and as statistics show, 65% of customers will spend more than the value of their gift card., increasing the overall sales potential. |
Read also: What To Learn From Christmas Landing Pages That Convert
Tools and Software for Crafting Christmas Emails
| Tool name | Best features | How can it help? |
| Mailchimp | Templates, Analytics | Offers specialized holiday templates and robust analytics to measure campaign effectiveness. |
| Sendinblue | Seasonal Segmentation, SMS Campaigns | Allows for list segmentation based on holiday shopping behavior and supports SMS for flash sales. |
| Constant Contact | Templates, User-Friendly | Provides a variety of Christmas templates and an easy-to-use interface for quick campaign setup. |
| GetResponse | Autoresponders | Set up automated email sequences tailored for the holiday season, like 12 Days of Christmas offers. |
| EngageBay | Templates, drag-and-drop email builder | Create holiday emails easily with a drag-and-drop builder and pre-designed, customizable templates |
| ActiveCampaign | Customer Experience Automation | Automate personalized customer journeys based on Christmas shopping behavior. |
| Klaviyo | eCommerce Integration | Seamlessly integrates with e-commerce platforms for targeted Christmas promotions. |
| Drip | Tagging and Segmentation | Use tags to segment your list based on Christmas interests, like “Gifts for Her” or “Stocking Stuffers.” |
| Omnisend | Multichannel Campaigns | Manage email, SMS, and push notifications for comprehensive Christmas campaigns. |
| Benchmark | Real-Time Analytics | Track your holiday campaign metrics in real-time to make quick adjustments. |
| Moosend | Countdown Timers | Add countdown timers to create urgency for limited-time holiday offers. |
| MailerLite | Interactive Elements | Incorporate interactive elements like carousels for showcasing holiday products. |
| Campaign Monitor | Personalized Content | Use dynamic content to personalize emails based on past holiday purchases. |
| SendPulse | Web Push Notifications | Complement your email campaigns with web push notifications for flash Christmas sales. |
| HubSpot | Workflow Automation | Create automated workflows for your Christmas campaigns, from lead capture to post-holiday follow-ups. |
Read also: Holiday Newsletter Ideas & Examples From Top Brands
What Not to Do
- Don’t overlook the holiday theme: Neglecting to incorporate the festive theme into your holiday email templates can make your campaign feel out of touch. Ensure your messaging and design reflect the warmth and joy of the season.
- Avoid insensitive timing: Bombarding subscribers with sales emails on Christmas Day or other significant holidays can be seen as insensitive. Plan your campaign schedule with an understanding of the holiday calendar and your audience’s likely availability and mood.
- Don’t skimp on festive creativity: Using bland, cookie-cutter templates can make your emails forgettable. Invest time in creating unique, creative content that stands out and captures the magic of Christmas.
- Avoid ignoring cultural sensitivities: Christmas is celebrated differently around the world. Be mindful of cultural nuances and sensitivities to ensure your emails are inclusive and respectful.
- Don’t forget post-Christmas opportunities: Ending your campaign abruptly after December 25th misses the opportunity to engage customers looking for post-holiday deals and New Year promotions.
- Avoid unrealistic promises: Overpromising delivery times or availability of products can lead to customer dissatisfaction. Be honest and transparent about what you can deliver during the busy holiday season.
- Don’t disregard the spirit of giving: Christmas is a time for generosity. Focusing solely on sales without offering something of value – like exclusive content, a free gift, or a charitable component – can make your brand seem self-serving.
- Avoid complicated redemption processes: If your email includes an offer, ensure the redemption process is straightforward. Complex processes can frustrate customers and lead to abandoned carts.
- Don’t use overly aggressive sales tactics: While urgency can be effective, pushing too hard with aggressive sales language can be off-putting during a time when goodwill is valued.
- Avoid lack of follow-up on customer service: The holiday season can be hectic, but failing to respond promptly to customer inquiries or issues can damage your brand’s reputation.
- Don’t neglect the New Year transition: Your Christmas campaign should smoothly transition into New Year messaging. Ignoring this can result in a jarring end to your holiday marketing efforts.
Read also: Christmas Marketing Ideas for Some Sales Magic
Conclusion
As we tie the bow on our guide to Christmas email marketing templates, it’s evident that the right template can be the difference between an email that sparks joy and one that gets lost in the holiday shuffle. The Christmas email marketing templates in this blog post are frameworks to deliver the festive cheer of the season straight to your customer’s inbox.
Crafting an email that captures the essence of Christmas while also driving sales is about blending the festive spirit with strategic marketing to create messages that resonate on a personal level. The templates provided are designed to be your starting point, a way to infuse the holiday spirit into your communications and ensure your messages are both seen and felt.
As you customize these templates for your campaign, remember to sprinkle in your brand’s unique voice and personality. Keep your messages merry, bright, and focused on the value you’re bringing to your customers’ holiday experience.
