Holiday SMS Marketing Calendar - Plan Your Year

Plan Ahead for Maximum Impact

The best SMS marketing campaigns are planned in advance. This calendar helps you prepare messages for every major occasion throughout the year.

January

New Year (Jan 1)

"Happy New Year from [Business]! Wishing you health, happiness, and prosperity in 2025!"

Post-Holiday Sales

Clear out holiday inventory

"New Year, New Deals" promotions

Gift card reminder messages

February

Valentine's Day (Feb 14)

"Make Valentine's Day special! [Special offer]. Reserve by Feb 12 for guaranteed availability."

Ideas:

Restaurants: Special dinner reservations

Retail: Gift suggestions, last-minute shopping

Services: Couples packages, gift certificates

Presidents' Day Weekend

Great for retail sales

Long weekend travel promotions

March

Spring Forward (Daylight Saving)

"Don't forget! Clocks spring forward tonight. See you tomorrow at [Business]!"

St. Patrick's Day (Mar 17)

Restaurant/bar specials

Green-themed promotions

Lucky customer drawings

April

Easter

"[Business] Easter Hours: Closed Sunday. Wishing you a joyful Easter with family!"

Earth Day (Apr 22)

Eco-friendly promotions

Sustainability initiatives

Community clean-up events

Tax Day (Apr 15)

"Tax Day stress? Treat yourself! [Special offer] to celebrate being done with taxes."

May

Mother's Day (2nd Sunday)

"Celebrate Mom! Special Mother's Day [offer/menu/service]. Book now - limited availability!"

Send reminder 1 week before for reservations/gifts.

Memorial Day Weekend

Summer kickoff sales

Outdoor/seasonal products

BBQ and picnic specials

June

Father's Day (3rd Sunday)

"Dad deserves the best! [Offer details]. Perfect Father's Day gift idea."

Graduation Season

Congratulations messages

Party catering/supplies

Gift promotions

Summer Solstice

Longest day of the year celebrations

Summer product launches

July

Independence Day (Jul 4)

"[Business] 4th of July Hours: [Details]. Have a safe and happy Independence Day!"

BBQ and outdoor specials

Red, white, and blue themes

Fireworks viewing events

Summer Vacation Peak

Travel-related businesses peak

"Beat the heat" promotions

August

Back to School

"Back to School time! [Special offer for students/parents]. Get ready for a great year!"

Key industries:

Retail clothing and supplies

Tutoring and education services

Tech and electronics

Haircuts and grooming

End of Summer Sales

Clear summer inventory

Last-chance vacation deals

September

Labor Day Weekend

"Happy Labor Day! We're [open/closed]. Enjoy the long weekend!"

End of summer celebrations

Fall preview sales

BBQ last hurrah

Fall Season Start

Seasonal menu changes

Fall fashion releases

Pumpkin spice everything

October

Halloween (Oct 31)

"Spooky savings at [Business]! [Halloween offer]. Ends Oct 31 at midnight!"

Costume-related businesses

Candy and treat specials

Halloween event invitations

Pet costume contests

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Pink-themed promotions

Charity tie-ins

Community awareness events

November

Veterans Day (Nov 11)

"Thank you to all who served. [Special offer for veterans]. We honor your service."

Thanksgiving (4th Thursday)

"[Business] Thanksgiving Hours: [Details]. We're thankful for customers like you!"

Send 1 week before for:

Restaurant reservations

Catering orders

Last-minute shopping

Black Friday & Small Business Saturday

"Black Friday at [Business]! [Biggest deal of the year]. Today only!"

Your biggest promotions of the year

Shop local campaigns

Cyber Monday for online

December

Holiday Season

"Holiday Hours: [Details]. Last day to order for Christmas delivery: Dec 18."

Key dates:

Hanukkah (varies)

Christmas (Dec 25)

New Year's Eve (Dec 31)

Year-End

Thank you messages to customers

Year in review

Early access to next year's deals

Monthly Recurring Ideas

Every Month

Birthday messages (if you collect dates)

Loyalty rewards reminders

New product/service announcements

End of Month

"Last chance" for monthly specials

Reminder for expiring offers

Planning Tips

Create a Calendar

Mark all relevant holidays

Plan messages 2-4 weeks ahead

Schedule in your marketing calendar

Timing Matters

Send holiday greetings 1-3 days before

Send promotional offers 1-2 weeks before

Send last-minute reminders day-of

Keep It Relevant

Not every holiday fits every business

Focus on occasions that matter to your customers

Quality over quantity

Conclusion

Planning your SMS marketing around the calendar ensures you never miss an opportunity. Start with the holidays most relevant to your business, and build from there.

Download our free planning template and map out your year!