If you’re a massage studio owner looking to bring in new clients, celebrate your loyal ones, and build buzz in your community, a holiday open house might be your best-kept secret.
When done right, these events aren’t just festive, they’re a strategic marketing move. They bring potential clients through your door, give people a taste of what you offer, and allow your team to build real relationships beyond the treatment table.
But here’s the thing: not all open houses are created equal. Simply offering cookies and hoping people book doesn’t cut it. You need intention, atmosphere, and a few key ingredients that turn browsers into bookings.
Why Host a Holiday Open House?
December is full of hustle, noise, and stress, which means it’s the perfect time to showcase your studio as a calm, comforting alternative.
A well-planned holiday open house gives your studio the chance to:
- Build brand awareness in your community
- Encourage existing clients to bring friends and family
- Book last-minute holiday appointments or sell gift certificates
- Celebrate your team and show appreciation for your loyal clientele
How to Make Your Open House Feel Like a Spa-Worthy Experience
The most successful open houses feel like a peek into what it’s like to be your client, soothing, thoughtful, and memorable. Here’s how to create an event that does just that.
Set the Mood With a Spa-Like Atmosphere
Transform your space into a cozy winter retreat. The goal is to slow people down from the moment they walk in.
Ideas to elevate the vibe:
- Warm lighting with candles or fairy lights
- A seasonal scent diffuser (think peppermint, pine, or vanilla)
- Calming background music or live acoustic music
- Signature mocktails or herbal teas with fruit-infused water
- Cozy seating areas with blankets and pillows
If your studio layout allows, offer quick chair massages, free hand scrubs, or skin consultations from your esthetician, anything that lets people physically experience what you offer.
Offer Exclusive Perks for Attendees
Your open house should feel special, like it’s worth showing up for, not just another sales event.
Incentives that work well:
- Raffle entries for everyone who attends (gift certificates, retail bundles, etc.)
- Holiday-exclusive service bundles or add-ons
- “Buy one, get one half off” gift card deals
- Free swag bags for the first 20 guests (include product samples, tea bags, a discount code, etc.)
Showcase Your Team and Your Story
People come for services, but they stay for connection. Your open house is a chance to humanize your brand.
Encourage your massage therapists and staff to mingle, answer questions, and chat with guests casually, no pressure, just connection.
Display photos or signage about your studio’s story, your mission, or milestones you’ve hit this year. Make it easy for guests to see what makes your business different.
Invite the Right Crowd
You don’t need to attract everyone, just the right people. That means reaching both your current fans and their networks.
Ways to promote your open house:
- Send an email invite to your client list
- Post about the event on Instagram, Facebook, and Stories (include behind-the-scenes prep)
- Partner with local businesses to co-host or cross-promote
- Offer “bring a friend” perks to current clients
- Create a Facebook Event to gather RSVPs and build buzz
Tip: Ask local influencers or community leaders to attend. If they share about the event, you’ll instantly get visibility with their audience.
Give People a Reason to Book (or Buy) on the Spot
The magic of an open house is that you have a captive audience; now it’s your job to guide them.
Make it easy to:
- Pre-book January or post-holiday appointments with a small incentive (like a bonus add-on or $10 off)
- Buy gift certificates for teachers, co-workers, or family
- Sign up for your email list to stay in the loop (offer a freebie or mini guide as a thank-you)
Final Thoughts: Don’t Just Celebrate, Strategize
A holiday open house is more than a party. It’s an opportunity to grow your business, deepen client relationships, and position your studio as a self-care sanctuary during a chaotic season.
With the right planning, your event can become a yearly tradition that fills your books, boosts your gift sales, and builds a meaningful community around your brand.
Need Help Planning Your Event (or Promoting It)?
We help massage business owners create marketing campaigns and seasonal strategies that actually get results. If you’re ready to host a holiday event that grows your business — not just your to-do list we’ve got tools, templates, and support to help.
Visit scalingwellness.com to learn more.
