Holiday Menu Items Designed to Boost Restaurant Sales This Holiday Season
December 16, 2025at7:30 AM
Introduction
The holiday season is the most important sales window for casual dining restaurants. Guests dine in larger groups, order more comfort-driven food, and are more open to add-ons and desserts when menus feel festive and familiar.
To fully capture this demand, restaurants need menu items that are easy to order, easy to upsell, and appealing to families and groups. With Takeorder AI, casual dining restaurants can promote these holiday favorites consistently across phone orders and peak hours without increasing staff workload.
Below are 25 holiday menu items, each carefully chosen to help casual dining restaurants increase order value, improve guest satisfaction, and maximize holiday revenue.
1. Holiday Combo Meals
Holiday combo meals make ordering easier for families and groups by bundling entrées, sides, and drinks together.
Guests appreciate the simplicity during busy holiday moments.
These combos naturally increase average order value while reducing decision fatigue.
Takeorder AI presents combo options clearly during phone orders, ensuring guests understand the value upfront.
2. Family-Style Dinner Platters
Family-style platters are ideal for holiday gatherings and shared dining experiences.
They encourage larger orders without requiring complex menu explanations.
These platters are especially popular for dine-in celebrations and takeout feasts.
Takeorder AI helps handle larger group orders accurately, even during peak call volumes.
3. Limited-Time Festive Entrées
Seasonal entrées add excitement and urgency to your menu without permanent changes.
Guests are more willing to try new dishes during the holidays.
Limited-time availability creates a strong reason to order now.
Takeorder AI ensures every caller hears about festive entrées consistently.
4. Comfort Food Classics
Comfort foods like baked pastas, hearty mains, and creamy dishes perform extremely well in colder months.
They deliver familiarity and emotional satisfaction.
These items often become repeat favorites throughout the season.
Takeorder AI highlights comfort classics naturally during order conversations.
5. Shareable Appetizer Samplers
Appetizer samplers encourage guests to try multiple items at once.
They are perfect for group dining and celebrations.
These platters increase appetizer attachment rates early in the order.
Takeorder AI suggests sampler options at the right moment, boosting add-on sales.
6. Holiday-Inspired Burgers
Festive burgers with seasonal toppings offer novelty without straying from familiar favorites.
Guests enjoy the limited-time twist on classic items.
They are easy upgrades for repeat customers.
Takeorder AI clearly communicates special toppings and customization options.
7. Seasonal Pasta Specials
Rich, creamy, or baked pasta dishes feel indulgent and comforting during the holidays.
They appeal to a wide age range in casual dining settings.
Seasonal ingredients add freshness and excitement.
Takeorder AI captures pasta modifiers accurately, reducing order errors.
8. Warm Soups & Starters
Holiday soups and warm starters are affordable add-ons that feel cozy and satisfying.
They help increase order value early in the meal.
These items are especially popular during winter evenings.
Takeorder AI consistently offers soup and starter options to every caller.
9. Signature Holiday Desserts
Festive desserts tap into emotional holiday spending.
Guests often see desserts as part of the celebration rather than an extra.
These items carry strong margins and high attachment potential.
Takeorder AI never forgets to prompt guests about dessert options.
10. Mini Dessert Samplers
Dessert samplers reduce hesitation by offering variety in smaller portions.
They encourage sharing and group ordering.
Guests are more likely to add desserts when commitment feels lower.
Takeorder AI explains sampler options clearly during phone orders.
11. Seasonal Hot Beverages
Warm beverages like hot chocolate and spiced drinks perform exceptionally well in colder months.
They are high-margin and easy to upsell.
Guests often add drinks impulsively when reminded.
Takeorder AI ensures beverage options are mentioned consistently.
12. Holiday Mocktails
Festive non-alcoholic drinks appeal to families and mixed-age groups.
They add excitement without operational complexity.
Mocktails expand beverage sales beyond traditional soft drinks.
Takeorder AI communicates drink flavors and variations clearly.
13. Kids’ Holiday Meals
Holiday-themed kids’ meals attract families dining out during school breaks.
Parents value simple and quick ordering options.
Festive packaging or treats increase appeal for children.
Takeorder AI simplifies kids’ meal selection and customization.
14. Premium Side Dishes
Upgraded sides elevate the overall meal experience.
Guests are more willing to spend on sides during festive occasions.
These small additions add meaningful revenue per order.
Takeorder AI suggests premium sides naturally during ordering.
15. Customizable Add-Ons
Extras like sauces, toppings, and protein upgrades boost order value without changing core menu items.
They feel optional yet appealing.
Holiday guests are more open to small indulgences.
Takeorder AI recommends relevant add-ons at the right moment.
16. Party Packs for Takeout
Party packs cater to home gatherings and informal celebrations.
They are ideal for customers hosting at home.
These packs significantly increase takeout order size.
Takeorder AI handles complex party pack orders smoothly.
17. Catering-Style Trays
Bulk trays are popular for office parties and group events.
Casual dining brands are often the first choice for these orders.
They generate high-value transactions with minimal marketing.
Takeorder AI ensures accuracy and clarity for large orders.
18. Limited-Time Sauces & Dips
Seasonal sauces add variety to familiar dishes.
They are low-cost additions with strong upsell potential.
Guests enjoy customizing their meals during the holidays.
Takeorder AI consistently offers sauce add-ons during ordering.
19. Brunch-Inspired Holiday Items
Holiday brunch dishes attract daytime diners and families.
They help restaurants maximize off-peak hours.
Brunch items feel festive and relaxed.
Takeorder AI promotes these options clearly during morning calls.
20. Holiday-Themed Salads
Seasonal salads balance heavier holiday meals.
They appeal to health-conscious guests and lighter eaters.
Festive ingredients keep salads exciting.
Takeorder AI presents salad add-ons and protein options clearly.
21. Shareable Bread & Starter Baskets
Bread baskets and starter plates are classic holiday table items.
They encourage early spending without hesitation.
Guests often add them when prompted.
Takeorder AI includes these options naturally in ordering conversations.
22. Limited-Time Meal Deals
Holiday meal deals simplify decisions and emphasize value.
Guests appreciate bundled pricing during peak seasons.
These deals help drive volume quickly.
Takeorder AI explains meal deals clearly and consistently.
23. Digital Gift Cards
Gift cards are popular last-minute holiday purchases.
They generate immediate cash flow and future visits.
They also help extend customer relationships beyond the holidays.
Takeorder AI informs callers about gift card availability.
24. Holiday Loyalty Rewards
Seasonal loyalty offers encourage repeat visits after the holidays.
They help retain first-time holiday guests.
Rewards build long-term customer value.
Takeorder AI can mention loyalty benefits during calls.
25. Festive Upsell Prompts
Strategic upsell prompts ensure guests hear about high-margin items.
Consistency is key during busy holiday periods.
Upsells feel more natural when timed correctly.
Takeorder AI delivers these prompts reliably on every call.
Turning Holiday Menus into Real Revenue
For casual dining restaurants, the holidays are about offering comfort, convenience, and celebration. Takeorder AI ensures every caller hears about your holiday combos, seasonal specials, and add-ons, accurately and consistently.
By automating phone ordering and upselling, Takeorder AI helps restaurants increase revenue, reduce staff stress, and deliver a smooth guest experience throughout the holiday rush.
