Holiday Email Marketing Templates That Convert

The holiday season is the busiest and most competitive time of the year for small businesses. Whether you run a salon, HVAC company, fitness studio, or boutique, your customers’ inboxes will soon be overflowing with deals, countdowns, and holiday cheer. The question is: how do you make your message stand out?

That’s where clever, well-timed email marketing comes in. With the right subject lines, visuals, and templates, you can turn festive emails into serious revenue and even build loyalty that lasts long after the holidays end. From Thanksgiving sales to New Year follow-ups, we’ll show you how to craft emails that connect, convert, and keep your brand top of mind.

1. Showcase your products with seasonal flair.

Holiday emails are your digital storefront dressed in lights. They’re a chance to highlight your products or services in festive, scroll-stopping layouts that spark emotion and urgency. Think: a cozy banner image, a bold “Shop the Holiday Collection” button, and short, benefit-driven copy that speaks to the season’s spirit of giving.

Even service-based businesses can get creative, like an HVAC company promoting a “Warm Up This Winter” tune-up special or a spa offering “Gift Cards for Self-Care.” Your holiday emails should feature bright visuals, gift-guide-style layouts, and calls-to-action that make it easy for customers to click through and book or make a purchase.

Thryv Tip: With Thryv, you can choose from ready-to-go, branded email templates that make your small business look as polished as the big brands, no design experience needed.

2. Use urgency to drive sales.

The holidays are built on limited-time moments, which makes urgency one of your strongest marketing tools. Incorporate countdown timers, “ends soon” banners, or language like “Last Day for Free Shipping” to prompt quicker decisions. Urgency doesn’t mean pressure; it’s about helping customers take advantage of your best offers before time runs out.

You can also segment your audience to deliver the right message at the right time. For example, send early-access emails to loyal customers or “still deciding?” reminders to shoppers who clicked but didn’t make a purchase.

Thryv Tip: Automate your segmentation based on past customer activity, from clicks and purchases to appointment history, so every message feels personal and timely.

3. Don’t forget the post-holiday period.

After the last gift is unwrapped, many small businesses go quiet. However, post-holiday emails are a powerful way to maintain your momentum. Try sending a “Thank You for Shopping Local” message, a “New Year, New You” offer, or a “We’d Love Your Feedback” request to gather reviews.

You can even turn post-holiday engagement into long-term relationships. Offer loyalty discounts, invite customers to join your email list for future deals, or share sneak peeks of upcoming events or products.

Thryv Tip: Track open and click-through rates inside Thryv to see which messages perform best — then duplicate that success year-round.

Holiday Subject Lines

Before you start designing your emails, there’s one small detail that makes the most significant difference — the subject line. Even the best holiday offer won’t get results if no one opens the email to see it. A great subject line stops the scroll, sparks curiosity, and sets the tone for what’s inside. Whether you’re promoting a flash sale or a heartfelt thank-you, your subject line is your first impression, and during the holidays, first impressions count.

1. Make it personal and festive.

A great subject line combines emotion, relevance, and a touch of personality. During the holidays, your readers are bombarded with deals, so avoid sounding like every other brand in their inbox. Instead, tap into the excitement of the season or the personal benefit your customer will gain.

Here are some examples that work across industries:

• “Your gift list just got shorter 🎁” – Perfect for retailers or boutiques.
• “Warm up with our winter savings!” – Great for HVAC, spas, or wellness businesses.
• “A holiday thank-you from us to you.” – Works for any service-based or local business.
• “Last chance for guaranteed delivery!” – Creates urgency while maintaining trust.
• “New year, new deals — start 2026 strong!” – Ideal for fitness, coaching, or financial services.
  

Thryv Tip: Personalize your emails with dynamic fields, such as first names or past-purchase details, to boost open rates and engagement.

2. Create urgency without pressure.

Phrases like “Ends Tonight,” “Final Hours,” or “Don’t Miss Out” still work, but balance them with friendly, conversational tones. Try variations like:

• “Still shopping? We’ve got you covered!”
• “Your exclusive holiday deal is melting away…”
• “It’s not too late to shine this season ✨.”
  

These subject lines strike a balance between time sensitivity and warmth, making them inviting rather than pushy.

Thryv Tip: Schedule your entire holiday campaign in advance so your messages hit inboxes at exactly the right time, even if you’re off for the holidays.

3. Highlight post-holiday opportunities.

Don’t stop once the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve. Post-holiday emails are your chance to re-engage customers and set the tone for the year ahead. Consider subject lines like:

• “Thank you for shopping local — here’s 15% off your next visit!”
• “Didn’t get what you wanted? Treat yourself!”
• “A fresh start deserves a fresh deal.”
  

Small touches like these turn one-time buyers into repeat customers and show genuine appreciation that builds loyalty.

Now that you’ve got the subject lines to grab attention, it’s time to focus on what your audience sees next — the email itself. A strong layout, seasonal tone, and clear call-to-action turn opens into a click. The best part? You don’t have to start from scratch. With ready-made holiday templates, you can design emails that look polished, professional, and on brand in minutes.

1. Thanksgiving: Show Gratitude and Spark Engagement

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to strengthen relationships and express gratitude to your customers for their loyalty. Focus on appreciation rather than sales, but include a light promotion to drive early holiday interest.

Template Idea:
Subject: We’re thankful for you — enjoy a little something extra!
Body: “This season, we’re grateful for every customer who’s supported our small business. As our way of saying thanks, enjoy 20% off your next appointment or purchase this week only. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at [Your Business Name].”

Here’s an example of a holiday email with a similar theme:

Thryv Tip: Use branded templates that make your thank-you messages feel personal, with your logo, colors, and call-to-action all pre-set for easy customization.

2. Black Friday & Cyber Monday: Create Buzz with Urgency

This is where your countdowns and limited-time offers shine. Use bold headers, clear CTAs, and imagery that screams “deal.”

Template Idea:
Subject: Black Friday starts NOW — save before it’s gone!
Body: “Ready, set, shop! Our best deals of the year are live. But hurry — they end Monday at midnight. Click below to grab your favorites before they’re gone!”

Here’s an example of a holiday email with a similar theme:

Thryv Tip: Schedule automated follow-ups to reach anyone who didn’t open your first sale email.

3. December Holidays: Add Cheer and Connection

December’s emails should feel warm, joyful, and full of spirit. Whether you’re promoting a gift guide, seasonal service, or year-end special, maintain a personal and inviting tone.

Template Idea:
Subject: Wrap up your holiday shopping — we’ve got the perfect gift!
Body: “Still searching for the right gift? From home comfort to personal pampering, we’ve got something for everyone. Order by December 20 to guarantee delivery before Christmas!”

Here’s an example of a holiday email with a similar theme:

Thryv Tip: Instantly sync your business hours across listings and include a link in your email so customers always know when you’re open during the holidays.

4. New Year’s: Inspire Action and Renewal

New Year emails are all about motivation and fresh starts. It’s a great time for service-based businesses, such as gyms, salons, or professional services, to promote memberships, makeovers, or goal-setting sessions.

Template Idea:
Subject: New Year, new goals — let’s make it happen together!
Body: “2026 is here! Start the year off right with [your service or offer]. Book now and get 10% off your first session of the year. Let’s make it your best year yet!”

Here’s an example of a holiday email with a similar theme:

Thryv Tip: Track open and click data inside Thryv’s dashboard to see which New Year messages drive the most engagement. Then, use those insights for your next campaign.

5. Post-Holiday: Keep the Momentum Going

Once the decorations come down, don’t go silent. This is the perfect time to re-engage your audience and show appreciation.

Template Idea:
Subject: A little post-holiday pick-me-up just for you.
Body: “Thanks for making this season special! To start the new year with a smile, enjoy [discount, free consultation, or loyalty points]. We can’t wait to see you again soon.”

Here’s an example of a holiday email with a similar theme:

Thryv Tip: Automate re-engagement emails for customers who haven’t booked or purchased recently so you stay top of mind without manual follow-up.

Kickstart Your Holiday Email Marketing

The holidays move fast, and so do your customers. Every email you send is a chance to remind them why shopping or booking with a small business like yours matters. With a mix of creative subject lines, eye-catching templates, and thoughtful timing, you can turn seasonal messages into lasting customer relationships.

If you’re short on time, automation is your secret weapon. Schedule campaigns in advance, segment your lists, and let your marketing run while you focus on serving customers and closing out the year strong.