Christmas is in the air! Indeed, Christmas music seems already to be everywhere — in restaurants, retail stores, malls, grocery stores, hotels, even medical and dental offices. One reporter wrote: “Holiday creep is nothing new, as each year retailers start the Christmas season earlier and earlier.”
Why is Christmas music played everywhere? Because people like hearing it — and because smart businesses know that Christmas décor and music put customers in a buying mood. This year, Christmas music is more vital than ever to businesses looking to elevate the customer experience and shopping atmosphere.
Here are timing strategies to make sure your customers (and employees!) rejoice at your holiday music — instead of recoiling from it.
Think About Your Business Type
“Are we talking about a retail store, a dentist, or a restaurant?” asks John Bradley, Custom Channels co-founder and Chief Music Officer. “Each business category has different timetables for when to start playing Christmas music.”
Retail wants to start those holiday cues earlier than other businesses. Stores often begin playing Christmas music in early November — even before Thanksgiving — because it sparks the holiday shopping mindset. Black Friday might be the official kickoff, but shoppers start early, especially in years when people are more price-conscious and plan ahead.
“Certainly, restaurants don’t need to start those audio cues in early November,” said Bradley. “For them, Thanksgiving should be Thanksgiving. Let’s not kick Christmas into high gear until after Thanksgiving for restaurants and grocery stores.”
For personal services like salons, spas, and dental offices, customers aren’t visiting because it’s the holidays — so Christmas music doesn’t need to come early. Anytime after Thanksgiving is ideal for creating a festive mood for both customers and staff.
Don’t Start at Full Blast
“I think there’s always the timing issue of not only when to start Christmas music, but how much,” said Bradley. “We talk to our clients frequently about timing and amount.”
It’s not an all-or-nothing proposition. Businesses sound better when they gradually increase the amount of Christmas music as the holiday approaches.
“Start with a few songs an hour,” advises Bradley. “Then ramp it up to 50%… then 75%… all the way to nothing-but-Christmas in the days before December 25.”
The music your business plays year-round should already fit your brand — and holiday music should blend naturally into that existing sound. Integrate Christmas tracks gradually throughout late November and December.
That not only matches customer expectations but also keeps employees sane through the season. If you’re doing the right thing for customers musically, you’re likely doing the right thing for your staff too.
Don’t Play Trick or Treat with Christmas
“And by all means, avoid the Christmas creep. NO Christmas music before Halloween, please,” said Bradley. Even Christmas music diva Mariah Carey agrees — watch the video.
More Christmas Music Insights
Now that you’ve read The Right Time for Christmas recommendations, check out Old, New, Remakes, Originals — There’s More Christmas Music Than Ever to learn how businesses can pick the right songs to match their atmosphere and brand.
Unsure how to legally stream music for customers in your business? Visit our Music Licensing Basics page or give us a call at 303-444-7700.
