December

Need ideas for December? You’ve come to the right place! Here are turn-key promotions for Christmas/Holiday (including charity ideas), New Year’s, and more!

 

December is…

Bingo’s Birthday Month • National Impaired Driving Prevention Month • National Write a Business Plan Month • Operation Santa Paws • Safe Toys and Gifts Month • Take A New Year’s Resolution To Stop Smoking

 

CHRISTMAS/HOLIDAY IDEAS (NON-CHARITY)

 

INCREDIBLE CHRISTMAS TREE

Station gives clues to multiple presents under the tree. First listener to correctly identify one of the presents wins it. Clues can be given on of off air with sponsor mention attached. Can give clues to one present until it’s won or (recommended) mix up clues so that you will be revealing one clue at a time for it might be for any of the presents offered.  (Christmas 2017)

 

HEALTH ELF

Sell the idea of giving a “get healthy” gift as a holiday present.  Target a gym, sporting goods store, health food store, home food delivery, green grocer, etc. (Christmas 2017)

 

STOCK-ING STUFFER

Sell an investment firm, bank, tax advisor, etc. a schedule which includes giving away a savings/retirement account that contains stocks worth an agreed upon amount. Can also offer investment tips on line as part of the package. (Christmas 2017)

 

THRIFT GIFT

Sell this to a thrift store: spot package with theme of ‘giving and getting at the same time’ (“…your purchase is not only a gift to someone special but a helping hand to a neighbor…”). Can be tied into remote and also online video including tour of the store, how the money is used, people who have been helped, etc. (Christmas 2016)

 

CHRISTMAS CAR(D)

Car dealer spot idea: two voice spot with one subject saying they’re going to go buy a Christmas car. The other corrects “you mean card…” etc.  Dealer offers $500 off for anyone wearing a Santa had or bringing in dreidel or similar. Team with a bakery to give away holiday cookies with a test drive. (Christmas 2016)

 

MISTLETOES

Sell to a nail salon gives away one holiday image with a pedicure. (Christmas 2016)

 

NORTH BOWL

Sell to a bowling alley: Bowl with Santa for several hours. All weekend, for every game bowled, the amount of the station’s frequency will be donated to Salvation Army, other charity. (Christmas 2016)

 

THERE’S NOT PLACE LIKE HOME (DEPOT) FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Sell to Home Depot or Lowe’s (get the LOWE down on holiday home improvement…).  Post a different holiday-themed home improvement daily with pictures and supply list, all of which available at sponsor.  Also works with furniture store, grocery store for meal planning, etc. (Christmas 2016)

 

STATION GIFT CATALOGUE

Sell online promotion to multiple merchants who have holiday gifts for sale.  Each sponsor receives a space that includes a photo of a single item, 250 character description including link to merchant’s website.  Allow a set number of changes over the course of the promotion. Station promotes its gift catalogue (avoid mentioning word “mall” or similar) on air. (Christmas 2016)

 

 

More ideas from Christmas past…

 

CANDY CANE HIGH-LOW

Same as regular high-low except it’s holiday-themed. Sell to mall, strip mall or merchants along with schedule and enough cash to fund the contest. (Christmas 2015)

 

COUNTRY CAROL MASHUP

Listeners win gift certificates for identifying all the country songs used in making up a holiday song. (Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree =  “Rockin’” from “My Kind of Party;” “Around” from “How Forever Feels;” “the” from “Pontoon;” “Christmas” from “Christmas in Dixie;” “Tree” from “Honeybee.”  (Christmas 2015)

 

HIDDEN CLAUSE

“Shhh – I’m the hidden Clause” is the trigger to call and win sponsor’s prize. The audio trigger can be dropped in at any time including in commercial sets. You could even set it up this way. (Christmas 2015)

 

TWELVE STRINGS OF CHRISTMAS

Secure two autographed guitars and give away one per week. (Christmas 2015)

 

COOKIE EXCHANGE

Sell to a supermarket, bakery; listeners receive a dozen cookies when they make a cash or food donation to food bank. Can also be turned into remote. (Christmas 2015)

 

CELEBRITY HOLIDAY VOICE MAIL GREETING

Secure artist permission in advance, then give away a voice mail ‘away’ message featuring the artist and listener name: “Hi, this is (artist) and (name) is out buying presents at the moment. But leave your message (name) will get back to you.” (Christmas 2015)

HOLIDAY CARDS FOR LISTENERS

All air talent sign. Sell to a sponsor who includes a “free gift” coupon.  Be sure it has value, like a free coffee, soft drink, etc. – no BOGOs or ‘with the purchase of.”  Listeners will find it a cool gesture and client gets in-store traffic. (Christmas 2014)

 

DON’T JUST DECK THE HALLS

Sell spot campaign to a home improvement/decorating/painting company. “Why just deck the HALLS when you can beautify EVERY room in your house?” Also works for florist, Pier One type store, etc.  (Christmas 2014)

 

HOLIDAY PUNCH

Listeners have their choice of entering drawing for private party at comedy club (lots of PUNCH lines) or sports bar to see MMA or boxing event with 10 of their friends – or cool housewares including upscale juicer and blender that can be used to make/serve the liquid kind of punch. Sponsors: gym, sports bar, kitchen or department store, etc. (Christmas 2014)

 

KXXX LIVING GIVING CHRISTMAS TREE

Like an Angel Tree but in a mall or high traffic area. Listeners can “donate the frequency” to buy someone a needed item that the mall sells – clothes, glasses, appliances, shoes, books, games, etc. Include big display with logo, etc. (Christmas 2014)

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND SEASON’S GREETINGS TO OUR TROOPS

If you have a sizeable military presence or large population, consider creating a “We’re thinking of you” billboard where the creative is listeners’ signatures and up to a 10 word message. Work with the billboard company on best way to collect the signatures which you gather via one hour van stops, and ask for a free 30 day posting. Ambitious project but will yield a lot of talk. (Christmas 2014)

 

CYBER SANTA

Why limit cyber shopping to just one Monday when you could make a week-long promotion out of it? Sell one business (like a shipping company, Christmas decoration store, etc.) on giving away gift certificates to Amazon or similar. Or, sell multiple businesses this promotion where each supplies a gift certificate good for merchandise bought on line. (Christmas 2013)

 

CHRISTMAS STOCKING v2

Timely name for a food drive; sell this to a grocery store where a weekend remote is the vehicle for collecting food to stock a food bank in advance of the holidays. (Christmas 2013)

 

HOLIDAY (W)-RAP-SONG REMOTE

As part of a paid remote, a talent plus at least one expert gift wrappers wrap listeners’ purchases and register them for free music downloads. (Christmas 2013)

 

CHRISTMAS CARDS

Sell a box store, mall, etc. on giving away gift cards to their store/mall; also works for a bank giving away Visa gift cards or similar. (Christmas 2013)

 

CHRISTMAS STOCK-ING v1

Sell a financial planner a “there’s no better gift than financial security”-themed promotion where prizes include a financial review and a grand prize of $1000 worth of stock.  (Christmas 2012)

 

CHRISTMAS FILL-IN-THE-BLANK CAROL

Take 5 carols giving listeners most of the words in a line and having them fill in the blank (Deck the halls with ‘blank’ of holly).  Fill in all the blanks in 15 seconds to win. (Christmas 2012)

 

OLD FASHIONED (YOUR TOWN) HOLIDAY

Off air, web sales idea – listeners post old photos of holidays past in various categories: old pictures of Christmas lights downtown, store windows, family, holiday trees, etc. Sell sponsorship to the page, perhaps tying in several specials that are priced at what they were10 years, 20 years ago, etc. No prize necessary. (Christmas 2012)

 

TWELVE ‘SOMETHINGS’ OF CHRISTMAS

Good vehicle for daily gift certificate. Throughout the day, about every 45 minutes, reveal on the air a new ‘something’ of Christmas – 12 items each day in all (string of lights, stocking, plastic reindeer with a light up nose, etc.). Sometime in the afternoon take Nth caller who can list at least half of them to win the day’s gift certificate or prize. (Christmas 2012)

 

MYSTERY ELF

Speed up a famous person’s voice to make it sound “elfish” (be sure what you use can’t be found on Google after being transcribed). Offer prize for the first correct answer. (Christmas 2012)

 

GREAT HOLIDAY COOKBOOK

Sell this online event to a grocery store. Listeners upload their favorite holiday recipes into various categories (appetizers, main course, etc.). Make each available for download along with grocer’s coupons. (Christmas 2011)

 

INSTANT HOME DECORATOR VAN

Sell one hour van stops where listeners register for free gift certificates and the grand prize of having their home professionally decorated for the holidays: decorated tree, greens, lights, etc. Sell to multiple merchants: stores that specialize in holiday merchandise, florist, handyman to hang lights, caterer/take-out, etc. (Christmas 2011)

 

SANTA SAVER REMOTES

Sell multiple two-hour remotes where discounts apply while you are there (or for that day only or all day but deeper discounts while you’re there, etc.). Bring along a Santa and take pictures which are posted online for free downloading. (Christmas 2011)

 

SHARE YOUR HOLIDAY PHOTOS

Listeners post their favorite family winter scenes/holiday pictures. Professional photographer judges and awards grand prize of family portrait.  (Christmas 2011)

 

MERRY TEXTMAS

At the cue to text, listeners text-in to win various small prizes and qualify for the grand prize of a $500 Visa Gift Card from a big box store that sells phones, an iPhone plus a year of service sold to cell provider, etc. (Christmas 2011)

 

FACEBOOK STOCKING STUFFER OF THE DAY

Sell multiple, non-competing merchants on buying a schedule plus giving the station 10 “good for something free” coupons – one of which goes into a stocking once a day for 10 days. Put at least three coupons in each stocking. Give away one to a Facebook fan each day for 10 days. If you can sell 6 packages, give away two per day. Make ‘freebies” coupons worth at least $25 each. (Christmas 2010)

 

OLD TOYS MAKE NEW FRIENDS

Hold a pre-holiday ‘gently used’ toy drive with all collections donated to needy charities. You can make great stories: saved from the landfill, what’s frustrating for you to store will bring joy, etc.  Sell one hour remote collection/drop-offs if you like. (Christmas 2010)

 

TRIP TO THE NORTH POLE

Sell this to a private airport, sightseeing service, even a commercial airline trying to make inroads into your market. Register kids on air to win ‘trip to North Pole’ which is really a decorated airplane hangar. Plane taxis from gate to hangar where Santa and Elves have punch and small presents and do some caroling before the plane departs back to the lower 48. (Christmas 2010)

 

NORTH POLE-DANCE

Sell a gym or weight loss center on firming up for the holidays with an aerobic dance class/workout featuring a stripper pole. Too daring for country? Give it to the rock station in your cluster which could also hold it as the holiday party your boss won’t throw. (Christmas 2010)

 

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO SPEND NEW YEAR’S EVE?

Sell this promotion idea to a big retailer to run between Thanksgiving and December 9^th (three weeks and one day before New Year’s Eve. Customers select which of 3-4 locations they’d like to go to and register in store for drawing on December 10. Listeners can also play on air or online for “dollars off” coupons. (Christmas 2010)

 

REMEMBER WHEN YOU SAT ON SANTA’S LAP…

Sure, you can have a snap shot of your child on Santa’s lap, but what about a video of the moment? Shoot digital video of each child’s moments with Santa and save it to a storage card which you give to the parents. Sell to an electronics store, mall or other. (Christmas 2009)

 

SHOPING MONEY HIGH-LOW

Station has Holiday Shopping Checks in pre-determined dollars and cents. Listener guessing the exact amount to the penny wins the check. Also works with bank cards (how much has been pre-loaded). Potential sponsors: banks, quick cash services, mall. (Christmas 2009)

 

PRIVATE SALE

Sell multiple businesses (one to a category if you like) on arranging a “Private Sale” for database members. Could be as simple as including a coupon or as involved as opening before/after hours for listeners with an invitation (refreshments could be provided, special discounts would be available, etc).  (Christmas 2009)

 

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS GIVEAWAY

Sell to 12 different sponsors, each receiving a spot bank and web presence and each donating a gift card or prize worth $200. Listeners respond via cue-to-call or by keeping track of different random lines from holiday songs that are given each hour and then calling at the designated time and correctly reciting back all the lines. (Christmas 2009)

 

CELEBRITY HO-HO-HO

Edit three different celebrity/well-known voices saying ‘ho;’ first listener to identify the three voices wins. (“ho” could be lifted from words like hotel, home, etc). (Christmas 2009)

 

HEAR LESS THIS HOLIDAY

Sell promotion to audio store/business that sells headphones. Give away noise reducing headphones and register listeners to win an audio system/portable DVD player with set of noise cancelling headphones. (Christmas 2009)

 

SCARF THIS UP

For about the cost of T-Shirts you can produce custom scarves. (Christmas 2009)

 

BAKER’S DOZEN

Sell a bakery (supermarket) on hosting parent-child classes on making cookies and other kid-friendly holiday treats. (Christmas 2009)

 

CHRISTMAS PIES

Pizza pies, that is – red sauce and green pepper pies or outline of Christmas tree in sausage with olives, peppers, etc as tree decorations. Sell this as a concept to a pizza place that delivers so you can pitch ‘holiday shopping convenience food’ with a twist. (Christmas 2009)

 

THE ‘PRACTICAL’ GIFT GUIDE

Take advantage of this year’s trend of buying practical gifts by selling one merchant in a category a package that includes spots and a space/link on your “Practical Gifts for Christmas” page. Possible sponsor products: tires (“I love you and want you to be safe”), furniture (“we can enjoy this together all year”), basic kitchen appliances (“we can learn to cook together this year”), paint/lighting fixtures, etc. (whatever is on the Honey-Do list), new sheets and towels (each time they’re used it’s like being in a first class hotel), anything “green” (we save money and help the environment each time we use this gift), etc.

 

ADDED INCENTIVE

Clients buying special holiday package/paying a fee receive listing and link on the station Christmas Ideas page. Put a character maximum on listings, say 160 characters.

 

WXXX FREE LOVE CHRISTMAS

Sell to multiple clients. To increase customer attention and further differentiate themselves, businesses give some ‘free love’ to customers in the form of low/no cost freebies: free gift wrapping, free bonus (buy cookware, get free cooking class at store), free green grocery bags with food-gift purchases, electronics store offers free DVD exchange, golf store/ski resort gives free lesson or equipment tune-up.  Download WXXX Free Love Christmas Super Pass from station website; the pass is good for freebies at all participating clients (must show pass to get freebies).

 

WXXX FREE HOLIDAY GUIDE

Sell merchants on air and online line (with links) version of things to do between now and New Year’s Day. Think everything from entertainment to free demonstrations on how to use a product a business wants to sell for the holidays. If you have the lead time, print a version and distribute it free at all participating sponsor locations.

 

GOOD THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES/SMALL INDULGENCES

Sell a series of 2-hour remotes with the theme of giving the gift cards for things that the recipient has cut back on: designer coffee, movies, fast food/mid-scale restaurants, bookstores, manicures, upscale items that have been replaced by generics. Merchants offer discount on cards during week of remote and draw for free cards during remotes.

 

HOLIDAY DEAL OF THE DAY

Sell to 20 merchants on a first come first served basis. Each day one client gives a deep discount on a single item that promoted throughout the day but for one day only.  Client receives an hourly, five-second live spot at the end of one break each hour between 5am and 7pm (15 spots). Also post the deal online along with a link that stays up throughout the promotion.  Depending on your clients’ needs, you can keep each deal a mystery until it’s announced on the air or you can post them all online with the one day that they will be available. You could also offer a ‘click here’ for clients who want to offer listeners a downloadable coupon for use in their store.

 

VIDEO CHRISTMAS LIST PAGE

Sell 60-second video spots on your online Holiday Wish List page. Record spots with a simple digital flash cam; keep the editing basic, building in a fee for a student/part-timer who will edit and post the final spot. You could add a simple, off-air contest to drive traffic to the page if you need to (watch these and win, etc).

 

GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY

Sell a mall or bank on giving away a gift card as a grand prize on the last day of the book (still plenty of time to use it before Christmas). Everyone who plays any game on the station (or who wins any prize) is qualified to win.  Client receives a mention after every station contest big or small. Add a spot bank to the package and include a line that also plugs the Gift Card Giveaway.

 

THE GREATEST HOLIDAY SONGS OF ALL TIME

Create an online page where listeners can submit their votes for the three greatest holiday songs ever (title and artist). Play them back in a special, sponsored countdown the weekend before Christmas. Sponsor the page and support in sponsored email blasts. Randomly drawn name wins prize from sponsor(s).

 

WHAT ARE YOU DOING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON?

Create a Twitter-type social page on your website where listeners can share what they’re doing in 140 characters of less. Sponsor the page and support with 5-second on air spots.

 

SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED

Sell a toy store/bike store/department store promotion with remote that includes a “who can assemble it the fastest?” contest with 10 listeners. The listener who assembles the toy/bike/etc. fastest wins the item. All other contestants win a consolation prize. For added fun, hide the assembly instructions and coat the assembly tools in honey or Vaseline. Invite the local TV stations to cover the event.

 

PRESENT-WRAPPING CONTEST

Get the most-difficult-to-wrap items you can find and, just like the idea above, have a “who can wrap these the fastest?” contest with 10 listeners. The listener who wraps all of their items the fastest wins the items. All other contestants win a consolation prize. Host the event at a local mall and invite the local TV stations to cover the event.

 

NAME THE GAME

With board games experiencing a resurgence in popularity, give clues on-air as to a specific game (colors of tokens, largest bill in the game, etc.) and give listener that game as a holiday gift. Sell to toy store (or Christmas store). Also works with CD retailer with “Figure out the Flick” with clues given for Christmas movies, which are awarded as prizes.

 

LIGHTEN UP THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Hire an electrician to string lights on a listeners’ house. Or, scale it down and give away sets of 10 electric window candles (or menorah). Sell to home improvement company or merchant that sells these and other decorations.

 

HAPPY HOLIDAY-SKIS

Give away post-Christmas ski vacation. Sell to ski store. Or give away day passes as stocking suffers.

 

NAUGHTY OR NICE

Give away listeners’ choice of a gift certificate to Victoria’s Secret/upscale dress shop or place like Bed Bath & Beyond (women’s naughty or nice) and for guys food certificates at Hooters or nice restaurant.

 

TWELVE DATES OF CHRISTMAS

Starting on December 12^th or 13^th, give away a different set of tickets every day to different events (concerts, movies, shows, etc.) that would make a nice date for single or married couple.

 

WHOSE “HO” IS IT?

Lift “ho” syllables from songs, put half a dozen together, and have listeners identify the artist for prizes.

 

LET’S BLOW THIS SNOW

Winner receives choice of snow blower or trip to warm climate.

 

GET LIT FOR CHRISTMAS

Grand prize winner receives lighting decoration for their house (installed by a handyman we hire); qualifiers receive famous holiday literature (like nice copy of Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”).

 

GET A CHARGE OUT OF CHRISTMAS

Sell promotion to a bank that offers to pay the first $100 worth of credit card purchases.

 

CHRISTMAS STOCK-INGS

Give away shares of penny stock (sponsored by a bank, broker, financial advisor, etc.).

 

STATION TOY TESTER

Award hot items to listeners (from kids’ toys to electronics, gadgets, etc.) and have them report back on how they like them.

 

HOLIDAYS WITH YOUR FAMILY IS A GAS

Give away gas cards so you can visit your family over the holidays.

 

DON’T BE UP A TREE THIS CHRISTMAS

Award fully-decorated Christmas trees. Can be sold as part of an on-site registration at a remote.

 

YEAR-LONG SLEIGH RIDE

Register at a furniture store to win a sleigh bed and matching bedroom furniture.

 

PICTURE PERFECT CHRISTMAS

Listen for contest trigger to win a new digital camera and optional holiday, family photo shoot from a photographer.

 

GUILTLESS CHRISTMAS

Local celebrity chefs appear on the morning show with one or two recipes each that they’ve “slimmed down” in terms of fat, calories, carbs, etc. Post on your website. Also arrange to have chef award certificates for dinners for two after the chef’s segment on the show is over.

 

MAD LIB CHRISTMAS CAROLS

Using the most highly-familiar secular songs, have listeners replace verbs, nouns, etc. “Mad Lib”-style to come up with a new carol. Get bonus points for having the morning show sing the new carol using a karaoke or similar bed.

 

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING WITH (TALENT)

Sell this to a mall, department store, etc. where listeners register to win a shopping spree with one of the talent. Include lunch, ride in station vehicle, and “gift of music” from us (hot CDs).

 

HOLIDAY GROOVY MOVIES

Each day, lift audio from famous, “multi-person” scenes from a popular holiday movie. Then have several listeners each play a role, giving them the lines and mixing their lines in with the movie’s biggest star. Have more fun with strange sound effects, one of the morning show players playing one of the characters but changing a line or two to make the scene funny.

 

SANTA’S CHIMNEY

Sell a fireplace dealer a promotion where listeners register to win their choice of gas fireplace insert or small “corner fireplace.” Tie in other merchants who supply the presents that Santa will leave around the fireplace and tree.

 

WXXX TREE-MENDOUS TREE

Sell to multiple clients: an artificial tree that fully-decorated, AND comes complete with presents! All clients buy schedule plus supply either tree, decorations or presents.

 

TWO-FER TUESDAYS

Sell to card store where, on Tuesdays, there’s buy one/get one free on select cards, wrapping paper, etc. Also works for take-out food for those too busy to cook.

 

NORTH “POLLS”

“Real of Fake” – poll listeners for their preference: a real or artificial Christmas tree? “Redneck Survey” – Who still has their Christmas lights up from last year? “Give and Take” – Better to give or receive?

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS – DON’T TELL ANYONE

E-mail your database of listeners of this silent contest, letting them know you’ll be wishing them a Merry Christmas on the air. If they hear their name and call back, they’ll win a new Christmas CD. Alternately, have them listen for the Christmas Song of the Day and give away CDs, dinners for two, Christmas movie rentals, etc.

 

MAGIC CHRISTMAS TREE

Sell this to a merchant stocking fully-decorated artificial trees. Take fully-decorated tree around town and have listeners guess how many lights and ornaments are on it. Closest guess wins tree and gift certificate in amount of frequency. Or sell this as a stand-alone remote stop event.

 

JINGLE BELL ROCK

Paint jingle bells on a real rock and hide it. Give on-air clues to its location. First person to find it wins flyaway tickets to New Year’s Eve concert, diamond, $1,000, etc.

 

CHRISTMAS SONG SWEEPSTAKES WEEKEND

Sell weekend promotion to a mall or group of merchants. All weekend, award gift certificates whenever a Christmas song plays. Offer additional special prizes during your remote.

 

ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS STOCKING

Sell to a merchant who can display a giant stocking that you’ve “stuffed” with various gifts (list them and their sponsor’s name, plus a few from the station). Listeners register guesses of total value with closest guess winning everything in stocking. Give clues on air; invite listeners to visit each merchant where they can see the actual price of the sponsored items in the stocking. Option: Take the stocking to multiple locations and sell as one hour “stocking stops,” registering listeners to win (give away before Christmas).

 

SANTA’S SHOPPING LIST

Sell sponsors a schedule and the right to have one item of at least $100 retail included on Santa’s List. All prizes are printed on “take-one” lists that are distributed at client locations or during one-hour stops. Listeners call when they hear Santa’s invitation to identify one of the prizes on his list. Nth caller who can identify the item on the list wins it.

 

HOLIDAYS ARE FOR ANIMALS

Tie in several clients, displaying a different huge stuffed animal in holiday attire at each. Invite listeners to register to win the animal at each location. Hold a remote with a live drawing at each location the week before Christmas.

 

PLAY CHRISTMAS TOY JEOPARDY WITH KIDS

Give away toys for a week on the morning show playing Kids’ Jeopardy. Remind kids to phrase their answers in the form of a question just like on the TV show. Would also work for adults with different prizes. Lift audio from Jeopardy software or online. Examples: “This red, silver and white screen has been around for decades and it allows kids to create graphics with vertical and horizontal lines using knobs.” Question: “What is an Etch-A-Sketch?” Or, “This toy walks down stairs.” Question: “What is a Slinky?”

 

FLAKES ON ICE

Do morning show from ice-skating rink and call it “Flakes On Ice.” Provide free skating from 6am to 10am, serve hot cocoa, coffee, etc. Tie in a sponsor for free breakfast snacks.

 

HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE TO PITCH TO SMALL BUSINESSES

Sell schedule to small or mom and pop businesses who share a :60 under the umbrella, “Here are more gift ideas from WWWW.”  Four sponsor to each :60, with each getting :12; the last :12 includes the opening and closing. Or do a Christmas Wish List variation. Four different items OR four places in different parts of the metro offering similar items. Also works for restaurants trying to lure shoppers. Also offer each participant a link on your website. Charge more for bigger space, graphics, etc. Or make this a complete web event with on-air announcements merely directing listeners to your web-mall site.

 

GINGERBREAD HOUSE-MAKING CONTEST

Sell to an area mall, strip mall, kitchen equipment store, etc. Houses are displayed at sponsor location and judges (or shoppers) vote for their favorite in several categories. Winner and runners-up receive gift certificates. Also works with kids’ drawings, decorating Christmas trees, etc.

 

CALLER SING-A-LONG

Line up a succession of callers and have each do a line from a holiday classic like “The Twelve Days of Christmas” or “The Night Before Christmas.” It should be spontaneous and, the more foul-ups, the funnier it’ll be.

 

MORNING TEAM CAROLING

Get into the holiday spirit by taking the members of your morning team caroling over the weekend. Make sure you’ve got appropriate holiday attire and doctor a few traditional Christmas carols so that they contain your call letters and names of the morning team. Like “God Rest Ye, Merry Listeners” or “We Three Disc Jockeys.” Offer to sing at offices or at holiday events to raise money for local charities. Or sing to kids at area hospitals or senior shut-ins.

 

SNEAK A PEEK

For the week leading up to Christmas Day, hold the Sneak a Peek Challenge where listeners are bribed to open a Christmas present under the tree early.

 

SANTA’S HELPERS TOY SEARCH

Works well up to Christmas. Listeners help each other out in finding those hard-to-find toys. Let listeners get specific in describing their frustration and telling of their encounters in the crowded stores, and let “helpers” get equally specific in their own successes.

 

BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR UNDER 30-BUCKS

Morning show bit that can take over the entire station with listeners calling in (email, text) their favorite gifts to give for under $30 and where they can be bought. Run with this for as long as it has legs (probably at least a few days). List best ideas on your website (update them as often as you can) and make up-to-date copies for the front desk, which will be swamped with calls about where to find many of these items.

 

JINGLE BELL ROCK

Actual 5-10-pound decorated rock is hidden in the listening area with clues to its location given throughout the day. First person to find the rock and bring it to the station wins $1,000 Christmas cash. Sponsors can be involved by selling them the right to post past and in-store-only clues (preferred), or by sponsoring the reading of each hour’s clue.

 

LOST SOCKS

Virtual treasure hunt (stockings not physically hidden). “Hide” $100-1,000 in a Christmas stocking in one location (or hide multiple stockings). Give hourly clues to locations and award prize to first correct guess. Then go to next hidden location. Also works with nice prizes.  For added sales tie-ins, listeners pick up additional clue sheets at sponsor locations.

 

THIS KISS

Bring mistletoe to all remotes in December. Invite listeners to kiss for the length of your remote. Those who do win cash and certificates from merchant. Give away merchant’s discount certificates to anyone who brings food or new toy to the remote.

 

CHRISTMAS DRESS REHEARSAL

Listeners register at department/clothing store for gift certificates and a grand prize shopping spree. Good signage and database opportunity plus a reason to sell a remote.

 

WE WISH YOU A BEAR-Y CHRISTMAS

Station sells packages to mall/strip mall merchants each of who put giant (4-foot) stuffed bears in their store windows. Each can be dressed slightly differently and each should have station call letters displayed somehow. Visitors visit stores and register to win bears via drawing at pre-Christmas remote.

 

CHRISTMAS CARD SWAP

Listeners send station a Christmas card with a return address. Station randomly returns their cards with coupons for free merchandise or cash, including one large prize of $1,000. Revenue generation possible (good targets could be strip malls offering free merchandise/gift certificates to lure shoppers from larger malls). Plus listeners get in the habit of writing the station’s name down and, if station announces winners at fixed times throughout the day, the event has TSL possibilities as listeners tune in to see if they’ve been added to list of Christmas card winners.

 

CHRISTMAS CAROL QUIZ

Sell this morning show game of translating Christmas Carols into their more familiar lines to a sponsor who, in addition to buying a schedule, also provides a prize for the winners. Sample translations: Move thitherward the entire assembly of those who are loyal in their belief. List the celestial messengers produce harmonious sounds. Nocturnal time span of unbroken quietness. Exalted heavenly beings we have perceived by our auditory mechanisms. Diminutive masculine master of skin-covered percussionistic cylinders.

 

INSTANT PRESENT REFUND

Listeners keep receipts of gifts (or anything) they’ve purchased. DJ’s read random prices on the air; first listener who has matching cost item on their receipt wins that amount of money. Stores remind listeners to keep their receipts. Also listeners can win the amount if the number matches consecutive numbers in their Social Security Card to prevent any lottery consideration. Station earns bonus points for donating like amount to charity.

 

WORKPLACE CHRISTMAS PARTY

To win a catered lunch Christmas Party, at-work listeners send their names in and listen for them to be read back on the air hourly between 9 and 5. Daily or weekly winners can be drawn on the morning show. Team with a caterer, sandwich shop, grocery with a deli, etc. to provide the food.

 

SANTA’S SECRET WISH LIST

Sponsor-contributed prizes are entered on Santa’s Secret Wish List with each prize given a number. Listeners get copies of Santa’s list at sponsor locations. Prize numbers are announced on the air; designated caller who can correctly identify what the prize corresponding to the number is wins that prize.

 

PLASTIC PAY-OFF

Sell a credit card company or bank (or a series of clients) on making credit card payment in the amount of the station frequency. Give away one per day with each Thursday between Thanksgiving and Jan 1 paying-off an entire credit card bill up to $1,000.

 

DISH IT OUT

Two-week promotion for a satellite dish/home entertainment client. Play Jeopardy-type game where each caller answers trivia questions that contain the word “dish” or “satellite.” Or play “Dueling Dish-Heads” where two contestants vie to name TV shows beginning with the last letter of the previously named. Use “Dueling Banjos” underneath for staging.

 

CHRISTMAS WISH/12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

Listeners mail in wishes (up to a designated dollar amount). Station selects wishes at random and grants them, one per day, for 12 days.

 

SHOP TILL YOU DROP SHOPPING SPREE

Work with merchants/malls/credit card company to give away shopping sprees in the amount of the station’s frequency or a single, large spree. Talent wraps presents at mall, helps carry to car, etc.

 

CHRISTMAS STOCKINGS

Give away station Christmas stockings filled with CDs, concert tickets, movie passes, T-shirts, etc. Or qualify listeners to win giant stocking with stereo system, computer or other big prize. Sales tie-ins include electronics and video stores.

 

TWELVE PRIZES OF CHRISTMAS

Listeners register at participating sponsors or e-mail/fax/mail their names and database information to the station. During the 12 days preceding Christmas, names are read on the air. Listeners whose names are read and who call back on the first day win that day’s prize. Listeners who call back on the second through twelfth days win that day’s prize plus all the previous prizes if they can name in order everything that has been given away previously (just like the song the 12 days of Christmas). Prizes get larger each day. Recap all the prizes at a fixed time each day in morning drive. Multiple sales opportunities with participating merchants.

 

TWELVE WORK-DAYS OF CHRISTMAS

Employees e-mail/fax in their workplace locations. One is chosen at random each day on the 12 working days before Christmas to win a pizza lunch, bagel break, Christmas basket, etc.

 

PARKING LOT ANGELS

Station arms staff with rolls of dimes and sends them to popular shopping areas that have parking meters. Staffers look for expired meters (or those about to) and buy 30 minutes more time. Put classy pre-printed note with station logo on it under windshields: “While you were shopping, the time on your parking meter expired. In the true spirit of the holiday season, we’ve bought you another half-hour of shopping time and hopefully saved you a ticket in the process! Happy Holidays from WXXX!”

 

SHAKE ME I RATTLE

Station jocks describe to young contestants a package under the station tree. Kids can “shake” package to hear its contents and ask 3 questions to help them guess prizes. If their guess is correct, they win the prize; if not, they receive a consolation gift and the prize is offered again next time. Good sales tie-in with toy, software, hobby and department stores. Very memorable!

 

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Have listeners send Christmas cards to the station for a chance to fly home (or have relatives fly in) for the holidays.

 

JINGLE BALL

Stage holiday concert with all proceeds going to charity. Several ways to go: nationally known act(s) in a concert setting, local bands with dancing, night at a club, etc. Involve multiple sponsors who receive mentions and good will.

 

BATTERIES INCLUDED

On Christmas Day, give away batteries to everyone who got gifts where batteries weren’t included. Even if no one comes to pick them up, just the topicality of giving them away makes this promotion a very memorable success.

 

JINGLE BUS

Morning show street person leads morning commuters in rounds of “Jingle Bells” on busses, at public location, school, etc.

 

LIVING WINDOW

Air staffers who can act (preferably pantomime), act out a scene from a famous holiday movie or scenario in a large store window several times during a remote. Don’t forget to cover multiple remote fees.

 

TACKY LIGHT TOUR

Morning show bit with station taking nominations for tackiest decorations.

 

SO WHAT’S THE PROBLEM WITH THIS?

For a fun bit, a member of the morning show goes to large department store the day after Christmas to talk to people in the return line to find out what they are returning and why.

 

BATTERY TEST

Morning show selects a toy that makes a lot of noise and puts in a major brand of batteries. The toy is then turned on in the studio and run 24 hours a day until the batteries die. The time the battery lasted is recorded and a new brand is put in. The process repeats until all brands have been tested. The toy is audible all day long, so what starts out as a morning show bit becomes a station bit.

 

VIRTUAL FRUITCAKE SHUFFLE

Why pay for postage when you can send such an unwelcome present on its way for free? Fun, silly bit. On first of the month, each member of the morning show sends a virtual fruitcake to a friend or relative somewhere far away. The next day, each recipient forwards it on to one of their friends or relatives and copies morning crew. Always be sure to specify where the recipient is. Only one forward per day is permitted and no forwards to anyone who has already received the fruitcake. After two weeks, add up the distances to see which cake traveled the farthest. Can also be played with several listeners.

 

 

 

CHARITY TIE-INS

 

Ideas from Christmas Present – New for 2016!

 

 

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (Charity)

For 12 days, feature a different charity on your website including a brief statement about their goals, who they help, how listeners can contribute time or money. Bonus ideas: Create 4 podcasts, each featuring three of the 12 charities. Contribute the amount of your frequency to the charity of the day. (Christmas Charity 2016)

 

STATION ‘ADVENT CALENDAR OF HOLIDAY SPIRIT’

Create online Advent Calendar with a different holiday-themed message each day – everything from encouraging words to information to recipes to stories, each with a link to the complete text. Sponsorable as a page (but not with sponsor message in any of the Advent reveals). (Christmas Charity 2016)

 

GIVING GLASS

Secure some art students or artists who would donate their time to paint holiday scenes on listener and business windows. Suggest a charitable donation based on the size of the window ($20 for a household window or $50 for a large window for example). Post finished pictures online; this should have strong viral and cross-media potential (you could consider working with a TV station as well). Station could also make a donation to art student college fund. Launch this as an annual promotion in the likely event you want to do it again in the future. (Christmas Charity 2016)

 

 

 

Charity Ideas from Christmas past…

 

1. NICK MEET ST. JUDE

For all December remotes, bring St. Jude literature and allow listeners to donate or sign up as Partners in Hope. (Christmas Charity 2015)

 

FILL SANTA’S SACK

Staging idea for collecting toys, clothes, food or other donations for charity. (Christmas Charity 2015)

 

FOOD “BANK” BRANCH LOCATION

Sell a bank on being drop-off location for food drive for attention-getting play on words. (Christmas Charity 2015)

 

ARMED SERVICES SANTA

Organize collection and packing of cards, unbreakable Christmas decorations, sealed snack packages, DVDs, batteries, etc. Sell “collection” remotes as well as a “packing party.” Start in November and conclude in early December. (Christmas Charity 2015)

 

ANIMAL SHELTER SANTA

Opportunity for pet-loving listeners to donate cash, animal toys, and other needs of local animal shelter/rescue. Could work as a stand-alone event or with pet store or vet. (Christmas Charity 2014)

 

LIVE TOY “DRIVE”

Listeners call in that they have toys to donate; we drive station vehicle and pick donations up. Establish a hotline (you can sell a hotline sponsor). Additionally, plan multiple one-hour stops on the weekends where listeners can drop off donations. (Christmas Charity 2014)

 

SPEED-DATE A CHARITY

Invite spokespeople to cut 15-second video about their charity’s good work. We post them online along with a link for information about donating. Ideally there is WOM associated with the effort, and landing page can be sponsorable.  (Christmas Charity 2014)

 

AS LONG AS YOU’RE HERE…

Team with a local charity to join you at every remote with a donation bowl. Merchant may also want to make a nominal contribution of 5% of all profits. Everyone benefits. (Christmas Charity 2013)

 

ADOPT A CHARITY

From December 1^st through Christmas Eve, feature a different charity each day via a 30-second recorded announcement. Invite listeners to give others a holiday gift by donating to one of these charities. Can be sponsored by civic-minded business. (Christmas Charity 2013)

 

SHOP WITH A JOCK

Sell this to a mall or department/super store. Work with a city agency to identify underprivileged kids who accompany a talent on a shopping trip to buy gifts for their family. Sponsor receives high quantity of mentions, perhaps remote. Also put signage in the store with the station and store name encouraging donations. (Christmas Charity 2012)

 

(JOCK’S) KIDS

Find a skating rink, bowling alley, etc. that, for PS/exposure, will provide a free 60/90 minute session for station jock to host free skating, bowling, etc. for underprivileged kids. (Christmas Charity 2012)

 

SHOPPING AND SHARING

Sell this to a large store or mall. Store holds 2-hour open house with free light refreshments, entertainment, and specials. There are also designated ‘donation’ kiosks/ tables where shoppers can make a donation to the charity of their choice. Alternatively, sell this to a high end store and make admission by invitation only (the store is responsible for this) and charge admission with the admission charge going to whatever charity the attendee identifies. If you go this route, make the refreshments and entertainment very upscale. In either case, the station is the primary promotional vehicle for the event. You may also wish to include a remote from the event. (Christmas Charity 2012)

 

HOLIDAY FOOD ‘DRIVE’ V.1

Sell this to a driving range. Listeners who bring non-perishable food items to the driving range receive free small bucket of balls. All can register for the random drawing to win a year of free driving. (Christmas Charity 2011)

 

HOLIDAY FOOD ‘DRIVE’ V.2

Sell this to a car dealer or car wash. Listeners who bring non-perishable food items get a free car wash. All can register for the random drawing to win a year of free washes. (Christmas Charity 2011)

 

MUSICAL GREETING CARDS

Team with a Karaoke DJ to have listeners record musical video greeting cards. All donations go to a charity. Also could be made part of a special holiday remote package. (Christmas Charity 2011)

 

OPEN HOUSES FOR CHARITY

If you have an historic part of town that decorates for the holidays, offer to host a walking tour of homes with proceeds going to charity. If such a walk already exists, offer to be the exclusive radio host with a special night just for your listeners. Have a high profile talent host the walk and include something not offered in the regular tour. (Christmas Charity 2011)

 

CHRISTMAS CAROL CRAWL

Trade for a bus and take listeners who want to participate to carol in 4-5 public places in one night (center court of mall, parking lot of restaurant, etc.). Use a karaoke machine and give everyone a Santa hat. Invite a TV personality to join us so we can get some B-roll. Collect money for local holiday charity effort. (Christmas Charity 2010)

 

CHRISTMAS APPETIZER CRAWL

Sell to 10 restaurants that agree to supply free appetizers (deserts, etc.) in your parking lot (or a nice, central location like a mall or a park) with listeners bringing canned donations to replenish local food bank drain after holidays. (Christmas Charity 2011)

 

CHANGE THINGS THIS HOLIDAY

Place ‘Change Things This Holiday’ jars/boxes at cash registers around town with all change collected donated to charity. Be sure to have plenty of station signage on the jars and boxes. Consider partnering with a TV station for more exposure. (Christmas Charity 2009)

 

HOLIDAY PHOTO CONTEST

Listeners submit holiday photos (can be from this year or any that they’ve taken). Award prizes in various categories (best decorated store, best decorated home, best picture with one or more kids, nature, historical, etc.). Sell all photos for charity (all entrants know that their photos can be sold for charity). Also works as a sponsored web event if you don’t want to go the charity route. (Christmas Charity 2009)

 

SHOE IN FOR A SHOW (OR ‘FOOT IN THE DOOR’)

Listeners donate pair of new shoes for needy in exchange for tickets to a holiday show. Or sell to a shoe store where X amount of money from each pair of shoes goes to a shoe fund for the needy. (Christmas Charity 2009)

 

CHRISTMAS BALLS

Secure autographed baseballs, footballs, etc. and auction for charity. Potential sponsor: sports memorabilia store, sporting goods store. (Christmas Charity 2009)

 

 ‘REAL SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS’ CHARITY AUCTION

Secure items that listeners bid on to buy with all proceeds going to local charity (charities). Be like professional sports franchises and sell merchants the ‘rights’ to participate, calculating the value of on air mentions, web links to their businesses, possible remotes you build into the package, etc.

 

WORRY-FREE CHRISTMAS DINNER

Budgets get stretched at this time of year, so families that will have a tough time putting together Christmas dinner can register on station website to win free dinner from a local grocery store/caterer. Award as many of these as you can get your hands on.

 

HOLIDAY ANGEL TREE

Partner with local Salvation Army to provide new clothing or toys for children of needy families by sponsoring an Angel Tree. Place the tree in a mall and decorate it with numbered paper angel tags with the first name, age and gender of the child who will receive the gift. Listeners remove tags and buy for that child. Promote heavily on-air and on your website to drive traffic to the mall. Collect presents at mall or station and have Salvation Army delivers the gifts along with morning show.

 

WE’LL MAKE THE DONATION FOR YOU

Participating sponsors’ make donations of $1 to local charity for each person entering the store who says that WXXX sent them.

 

SANTA CAUSE

Find a Santa with costume and takes kids’ pictures for a small fee with all proceeds going to charity. Sell these as two-hour remote stops.

 

THIS CHRISTMAS, SANTA’S BRINGING YOU COAL…OR WHATEVER FUEL YOU NEED Find names of needy families and arrange to pay for their December home heating bills.

 

SHARE WEAR

Encourage listeners to bring new clothing items to their workplace. Workplaces register with the station; talent picks up the items for delivery to charity and drop off holiday treats (cookies, punch, etc. from a co-sponsor).

 

“WRAP” STAR

As an add-on to holiday remotes, bring professional gift wrapper who will wrap purchased items free but gladly accepts “tips” to be donated to charity.

 

SHOE-IN

Sell to a local footwear store that stocks tennis shoes and will agree to sell them to us at a discount price. Listeners buy or leave cash contribution that will be used to purchase new pairs of tennis shoes for needy kids. Arrange for a local sports celebrity, coach, etc. to appear for more impact. Play “put it in the hoop/goal/etc.” game to win station prizes.

 

CANINE AND KITTY CHRISTMAS

Sell a pet store on a weeklong promotion/Saturday remote where the store is the collection point for a food drive for your local animal shelter. Those who bring their pets can have a red or green bow put on them (or other small prize). Station takes digital pictures that listeners can later download from our website. Get bonus points for also putting up Photoshopped versions that have pets in Santa hats along with the original picture.

 

UNDERCOVER CLAUS

Clues are given on-air as to who the Undercover Claus is (any celebrity or national figure is appropriate). Listeners piece clues together to win shopping center/big box gift certificates.

 

WXXX TEDDY FOR CHRISTMAS

Sell multiple sponsors a promotion where giant bears are put in their windows and listeners register in-store to win one. Draw winners on the weekend before Christmas. Post locations on your website. Outfit bears with station T-shirt, cap, holding mug, etc. The rock station in your cluster might want to give away teddy evening wear.

 

CHRISTMAS STOCKING STOCKINGS

Sell a client a remote where listeners bring new socks to put inside station’s giant stocking with all socks given to charity (orphanages, shelters, etc).

 

TOY-A-THON

Set up at a mall or toy store, collecting toys for needy kids. Alternately, rent a U-Haul and drive it around town until it’s filled with donations. Or sell two-hour “collection stops” to merchants where station collects food or toys for charity and passes out discount certificates from the business to all who contribute something. Also works with clothes, food, etc.

 

RIDES FOR RONALD

Team with area McDonald’s to offer sleigh rides (horseback/pony rides, go-cart rides, etc.) with all monies raised going to closest Ronald McDonald House.

 

THE “REAL SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS” CONTEST

‘Tis better to give than to receive, so everyday between Thanksgiving and December 24, listeners win $$ in the amount of station frequency that they can donate to their favorite charity.

 

CURBSIDE CHARITY CHECK DROP-OFF

Host a drive-by location with a colorful barrel where listeners can drop off check (or cash) to their favorite charity. Ideal spots: strip mall parking lots, fast food restaurants, etc. Offer as a value-added for holiday packages (like a Sun-Mon-Tues package) or charge for the privilege of collecting at these locations. Or sell to a single client and pass out certificates for products (Coke, McDonald’s fries, etc.) at each of the various locations you broadcast/collect checks.

 

SANTA’S SACKS

Print our logo on plastic shopping bags that will be distributed through multiple sponsor locations plus at station and remotes. Have listeners fill them with food. We’ll pick them up in a truck on a certain weekend and deliver them to food bank. Same idea works for toys, too.

TRAVELING SOUP KITCHEN

Team with a restaurant that will donate several gallons of gourmet soup. Take the station’s vehicle with the hot soup to various key locations, and sell the soup with the proceeds given to a local soup kitchen. Spiff the restaurant with some nice “thank you” spots or sell the ideas as a value-added to a restaurant or grocery store with a kitchen.

 

SANTA’S HELPERS

Station staffers volunteer to work for a day as waiters, bartenders, busboys, etc. and donate their tips to charity.

 

DANCE FOR PRESENTS

Host a night at a club where the cover charge will be donated to a local charity. Or make the cover a new, unwrapped gift that will be given to charity.

 

DESSERT FUND RAISER

Sell to catering house/restaurant.  On slower night, host a dessert tasting and coffee bar with all proceeds going to station charity, food bank, etc. Restaurant could offer dinner specials that night for those who wish to come early and eat dinner first. Also works for raising money for people who have disaster strike just before holidays (fire, injury, etc).

 

ROCKIN’ AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE

Invite listeners to participate in rock-a-thon to benefit holiday charity. Sell to multiple sponsors including mall/high-traffic location that will accommodate decorated tree and a good crowd, furniture store that will donate rocking chairs, fast food vendors, stores specializing in holiday decorations, etc. Talent does cut-ins, accept donations, register passers-by to win prizes.

 

TOY AUCTION/BROADCAST

Sell promotion to toy merchant where toys are auctioned off on-air (and website) for charity. Feel-good, fun way to help listeners get hard-to-find items. Some callers donate money without bidding. Alternatively hold a marathon broadcast at a single location to collect cash and toys.

 

HOMELESS MAKEOVER

Work with local agency that will help find families who are homeless but want to work and get help. Broadcast each family’s story using their voices when possible. Post their stories (pictures if they agree) on your website. In conjunction with a local bank, set up a fund where listeners can donate and divide proceeds amongst families. Have AEs advise their accounts that might want to make a cash or appropriate hard-good contribution. Good opportunity for press and talk.

 

TAKE THIS MORNING SHOW…PLEASE!

Auction off your morning show on e-Bay or on your own website, with proceeds going to charity. Include a complete taped/CD copy of the show, all the show prep, one of each of the prizes given away, station shirt, etc. Make it a bigger prize by giving away the CD single of every song played, a $25 gift certificate from every sponsor that had a commercial air on the show that day, etc. Invite an artist to call and give away something autographed by them, too. Potential sponsors include web hosts and designers, auction house, music store, many others.

 

BOATLOAD OF FOOD

Food drive that can be sold to boat dealer who lends bass boat that can be towed around the area to collect donations (sell the collection stops) or by filling it at the boat dealer’s place of business.

 

YOURTOWN’S LARGEST OFFICE PARTY

Team with a hotel or catering hall that has a large enough facility to hold 500+ people and a band. Provide free finger food and soft drinks along with a cash bar. Sell tickets at a nominal price to cover expenses and still permit a nice donation to charity. Great idea for cluster as each station could feature a different band that played the station’s genre of music. Potential other sponsor tie-ins at remote ticket outlets.

 

CHRISTMAS CAROLING FOR KIDS

Raise money for children’s charity (St. Jude’s, Ronald McDonald House, etc.) by organizing listeners in various neighborhoods to go caroling with station staff, in their neighborhood, at area mall, etc. Get bonus coverage by inviting TV personalities to join listeners and station staffers.

 

TIPS FOR TOTS

Working with a local restaurant, arrange one day where the entire staff waits tables, bartends, busses tables, acts as host/hostess. Staffers’ tips and a portion of restaurant proceeds during the period go to local children’s (or other) charity. Variations: other service-oriented jobs like grocery store baggers, gas station pumpers, etc.

 

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Listeners are invited to put cans of food under Christmas trees set up in each branch of a business with multiple outlets (bookstore chain, banks, supermarkets, fast food restaurants, etc.).  Be sure station’s logo is prominent. Do an e-mailing/mailing to station and sponsor’s combined databases informing them of the event. For client database, include an opt-in form for your newsletter.

 

YOUR CHANGE CAN MAKE A CHANGE

During December, set up displays/boxes to collect change from purchases. Fast food restaurants and convenience stores are good targets. Display station logo prominently, promote heavily on the air, use the phrase “your change can make a change.” Donate the money collected to a local charity. Good sales opportunity when combined with a schedule and/or remote.

 

SANTA’S HELPERS

Another touchy-feely variation of the “we grant Christmas wishes.” Station invites listeners to write in with details on a family/organization with a specific need. Morning show reads best of these on the air. Listeners then get the chance to play Santa by helping to meet those needs: donating toys to a family that was burned out of a house, food to a soup kitchen that is in danger of closing due to lack of support, books to a nursing/veterans home that doesn’t have funds for a library. Station sets up collection points with multi-location merchant. Very community-minded, heartwarming. Sales opportunities include remotes, on-air mentions.

 

CHRISTMAS TREE SALE

Sell Christmas trees in station parking lot for amount equal to your frequency; donate proceeds to charity. Broadcast live from tree seller who donates some of profits to charity or to help defray township’s cost of Christmas decorations, etc.

 

GROCERY STORE GRAND PRIX

Sell a grocery chain a holiday promotion where listeners qualify to win 3-minute “all you can throw in your grocery cart” shopping sprees. Listeners keep whatever groceries they can grab while store, station make matching gift contributions to area food bank.

 

CHRISTMAS TREE RECYCLING
If your city offers this service, spend a few hours there thanking listeners who bring their trees by and rewarding them with station merchandise or qualifying them for a drawing. Keep list of all recycling handy in-studio and post on website.

 

“CAN-“ DID FILM FESTIVAL

Tie in a large theatre chain and a local food bank. Listeners drop off canned food items at participating theaters. Host special show where anyone bringing in 5 cans of food receives free admission. Listeners can register on-site to win items donated by local co-sponsors (car wash passes, restaurant certificates, etc.) or to volunteer to help with food bank as worker or with cash/additional donation. Station may offer separate prizes to sponsor who donates largest per-capita amount of food. Potential for media exposure, community image and revenue from sale of sponsorships.

 

 

 

NEW YEAR’S EVE/DAY/WEEK BEFORE/WEEK AFTER/FIRST QUARTER PROMOTIONS

 

 

New for 2016!

 

RING OUT THE OLD, BLING IN THE NEW

Sell a jeweler a promotion where listeners register to win some nice but inexpensive bling with the grand prize being of a ring of substantial value. (New Year 2016)

 

CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR TWICE

Sell this to multiple sponsors: a formal wear store, vintage clothes store, party store, pizza store on being part of a “Family New Year’s Eve Party.” Outfit everyone in the family with either formal wear or vintage clothing (you could sell it to both), as well as other clients who sell New Year’s Eve Party-related items. One winner receives everything free; all items are available to listeners who ask for the station discount. The twist: celebrate New Year’s Eve first in an earlier time zone so kids can stay awake for it. Then celebrate a second time when it’s turns January 1 in your time zone. (New Year 2016)

 

TIE ONE ON

Sell this to a department or men’s wear store where ties – appropriate for New Year’s parties are deeply discounted. Also works for shoes. Potential tie -in (pun intended) with Lyft or Uber for rides home in case you tie one on in another way. (New Year 2016)

 

 

 

Some More Ideas from New Year’s/First Quarter’s Past…

 

BE CHEESY IN THE COMING YEAR

Sell a pizza merchant on giving away pizza for a year. 16 (2016) winners get one two-topping pies, 1 winner gets 16 2-topping pies. Works best as a straight-ahead sales spot-buy pitch with no on-air component. Adjust for the year of course. (New Year 2015)

 

HAPPY MOO YEAR

Listeners qualify to win station’s frequency worth of pounds of beef (or any other food stuff the sponsoring grocer sells). Add an appliance dealer to the promotion and give away a new freezer as well. (New Year 2015)

 

RESOLUTION BUDDIES

Sell schedule and category exclusive promotional participation to weight loss center, gym, community college and businesses related to resolutions. Listeners register to win $500-ish value from client. (New Year 2015)

 

LOSE YOUR BUTT

Sticky name for a lose-weight promotion involving multiple sponsors: gym, weight loss center, even clothing store for when you need a smaller size. (New Year 2015)

 

WHAT’S YOUR RESOLUTION?

Sell a first quarter schedule to businesses related to the top resolutions (lose weight, quit smoking, eat healthier, exercise more, save money, take a trip, get a better job, manage stress, drink less, find a new love) and offer listeners ‘help’ in keeping their resolutions by registering their resolution(s). One listener randomly chosen from each resolution category wins services/products from that resolution’s sponsor. (New Year 2014)

 

MODERN DAY ‘FIRST FOOTING’

Originally a New Year’s Day custom of bringing neighbors firewood or something to eat; update it with a Pay It Forward for the first full week of the New Year. Do something different each day from buying coffee for the next 20 people, filling 10 cars’ gas tanks, etc.  Possibility client will donate the “pay it forward” for mention – or buy into a package. (New Year 2014)

 

OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW (YEAR)

Sell an “upgrade for the new year” theme to an appropriate business: software, electronics/big box, home improvement, even cars. (New Year 2014)

 

HAPPY OLD YEAR v1

Sell this to a car dealer who discounts any of last year’s models still on the lot making would-be buyers pretty happy with the price. Also works for used cars. (New Year 2013)

 

HAPPY OLD YEAR v2

In the week between Christmas and New Year’s, create 15-second vignettes of the biggest stories of the year and sell a 15-second sponsorship to make an interesting 30-second piece. Ideal if you have a news department; alternately use artist audio that you’ve archived to re-create the best musical moments of the past year. Both can pre-promote your year-end countdown. (New Year 2013)

 

HAVE A HEALTHY NEW YEAR

Sell a health food/nutrition store a one-month campaign that promotes the benefits of a year of healthy eating/vitamins and supplements. (New Year 2013)

 

START THE NEW YEAR WITH A SMILE

Sell a dental group a promotion featuring discounted cleaning for new patients and/or a special on teeth whitening for everyone. (New Year 2013)

 

NEW YEARS AT YOUR HOUSE

Can be on or off-air registration to win fully catered party including decorations, food, DJ, hose cleaning before and after, etc. Sell as many sponsorships as makes sense with each sponsor providing a service or product. (New Year 2012)

 

LITTLE BLACK DRESS (AND TUX) GAME

Photoshop black and tux over torsos of ten country singers’ photos (or find actual photos); blur or cut off the head so the identity is not readily obvious. Supply 15 names (10 of which match the photos, 5 are extras to make the game more challenging). Take email or on air guesses. First to get all correct win; if no one gets all, draw from those with the most correct answers.  (New Year 2012)

 

“RING” IN THE NEW YEAR

Works for the month of January. Sell to a jeweler who may not be getting as much traffic as before the holidays. Offer men’s or woman’s ring as the prize with registration on air (listen for the “ring tone”) as well as in-store. (New Year 2012)

 

NEW FOR NEW YEAR

“What would you like/need new in the new year?” Set a dollar amount on what the station will spend (say, $2500). A new washer and dryer, TV, wardrobe, car repair/make-over, etc.? Sell this to multiple merchants. Client receives spots (maybe you need a new washer and dryer from Mike’s Appliances) and web presence (photos of what we’re giving away along with links). Again, run this through the month of January.  (New Year 2012)

 

MIDNIGHT RIDER

Promote this contest between Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The prize is a ski (or weekend) get away with the winner announced at midnight on New Year’s Eve (and throughout the following week of course). (New Year 2011)

 

CELEBRATE NEW EARS

Sell this to a business that specializes in piercings. Listeners register to win free piercing and a nice stud or earring (s). (New Year 2011)

 

FIRST BILL OF THE NEW YEAR IN ON US

Sell to a bank or quick-loan company. Listeners register to have their first bill of the year paid. Set a maximum amount. (New Year 2011)

 

THE YEAR OF THE DONUT

Throughout the month, register workplaces for a year’s supply of free donuts (trade + schedule).  Each Friday in January, select one workplace to win (three dozen donuts every Friday for the year); or have a one dozen winner each morning with the grand prize at the end of the month, etc.). (New Year 2011)

 

WHEN MIDNIGHT ‘STRIKES’

See a New Year’s Eve party to a bowling alley. Bowl all you want till midnight for $20.10 per person including shoes, snacks, etc. At midnight, all present roll one ball – each strike wins $100 in free games to use in 2011.  (New Year 2010)

 

KIND OF LIKE NEW YEAR’S EVE IN TIMES SQUARE BUT COMPLETELY DIFFERENT

Sell a coffee shop or similar a New Year’s Eve promotion idea where it’s like a regular New Year’s Eve party but there are different kinds of coffees and teas instead of booze. (New Year 2010)

 

EAT NOW, SAVE NOW

Sell this as a web/on air promotion. Listeners download discount coupons to their favorite restaurants from station site: two people eat for $20.14 for the month of January. (New Year 2010)

 

EAT HEALTHIER THIS YEAR

Sell a grocer on posting a healthy alternative recipe each day on their website. Station supplies spot bank and downloadable coupons and recipes only at station website. (New Year 2010)

 

READ ALL ABOUT IT

Sell a bookstore a January promotion where listeners can register to win a book a week for a year. Also works with e-book readers. (New Year 2009)

 

CD OF THE WEEK

All database members are registered to win one of three grand prizes – a CD a week all year. Specify that winners will not only receive the latest from big stars but also from some new artists that are on the rise. Use this to drive database membership. (New Year 2009)

 

EAR-RING IN THE NEW YEAR

Sell a jeweler on registering listeners to win a man’s or woman’s diamond stud earring. Get a new look for the new year! (New Year 2009)

 

TV SERIES CATCH-UP

Many TV series return in January. Sell a video retailer or electronics store on giving away DVD series for listeners who haven’t caught up with returning shows (or who just want copies of their favorite shows). (New Year 2009)

 

YOUR LUCKY DAY CALENDAR

Listeners download monthly calendar with station events and sponsor coupons, ads, etc. Each day also has a secret word that the Nth caller has to know to win a free lunch for 4 (or similar); daily winners are entered in monthly grand prize drawing ($500 or similar).

 

FIRST NIGHT EVERY MONTH

Sell multiple entertainment-related businesses that offer a discount on the first night of every month throughout the year. Make it exclusive to your database if you wish by requiring members to bring a ‘first night’ coupon from their emailed newsletter.

 

Alternate: First “Knight” – sell a Medieval-themed restaurant on ‘kids eat free’ or similar idea on the first night of each month.  (New Year 2009)

 

GO GREEN NEXT YEAR

First quarter promotion idea: post a page of 13, weekly tips on how to go green, selling sponsors a listing on the page and mentions on air that are included in station’s Go Green Monday tip of the week (all tips air on Mondays only). Also sell title sponsorships to local green companies, public transportation, etc.

 

WE’LL HELP YOU SAVE FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL

First quarter promotion for a bank that opens or adds $25 to the account of a daily winner and qualifies each for a monthly drawing for $500.

 

THE WXXX DISCOUNT CARD

Bringing back this old idea now is especially timely. Station produces Super Saver Cards that are good for various discounts at participating merchants who receive on air and online mentions. Details of each discount are posted online. Email your database to solicit requests for the cards.

 

A NEW REAR IN THE NEW YEAR

Team weight-loss contest. Teams of four come in to get weighed once a week during the month of January. The team that collectively loses the most weight wins health club memberships, home gyms, weight-loss program fees, etc. Lots of potential sponsors.

 

A NEW YOU FOR THE NEW YEAR

Extreme Makeover: The Radio Edition. Listeners tell us why they are most in need of a complete makeover: clothes, hair, makeup (if applicable), etc. We choose 5 finalists and let listeners vote on our website. The person with the most votes gets an extreme makeover, courtesy of our sponsors.

 

TURN BACK THE HANDS OF TIME

Give away makeovers just in time for New Year’s Eve parties.

 

AT THE STROKE OF 12

Every 12^th song, give away tickets to a New Year’s Eve showing of a movie, show or tickets to a bash (sell this to sponsors).

 

GO SOMEWHERE NEW IN THE NEW YEAR

Sell this to restaurants, clubs, movie theaters that opened in the second half of the year. Listeners win free tickets, meals, appetizers, etc. to sponsors.

 

JOIN THE QUITTERS AND LOSERS CLUB

Listeners are invited to join talent who are committed to either quitting smoking or losing weight. Or, have a talent who has done one of these lead the club. Update results weekly for the first month. Sell to gyms, Weight Watchers/Jenny Craig (or similar) or no-smoking clinics/drug producers, etc. Be sure to include a talent fee for those talent participating.

 

NEW YEAR’S TO REMEMBER

The week between Christmas and New Year’s, give away digital camera so listeners can record the celebration. Post the digital photos they take on your website.

 

YEAR OF REMEMBERING

Between Christmas and New Year’s give away smart phones; listeners can keep track of great things that will happen to them in the coming year (or keep track of resolutions).

 

GIVE AWAY A NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

Listeners call on hearing part of Auld Lang Syne to qualify for a New Year’s Eve party from the station including food, party supplies, CDs and player, etc. Sell to multiple sponsors.

 

NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY PATROL

Listeners who are having parties at their houses e-mail addresses. Random addresses are selected with the station dropping buy to distribute prizes, do call-ins.

 

HELP LISTENERS KEEP NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

Listeners e-mail us their resolutions. Random resolutions are selected and clients contacted who agree to help listeners keep their resolutions. Sell to multiple sponsors like weight loss and quit smoking centers, gyms, etc. Each sales package includes a spot bank.

 

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS LOST

On January 2^nd, morning show asks what New Year’s resolutions listeners have already broken.

 

COUNTDOWN KEEPSAKE

Create slick looking “Top 100 Songs of the Year” lists and e-mail them to listeners who ask for one. Add these names and address to your listener database. Sell a coupon at the bottom or offer limited number at sponsor locations.

 

REMEMBERING HANK, SR.

Classic Country stations can remember Hank on January 1 by giving away Hank CD collections with grand prize of a trip to Montgomery, AL. Also mark the event with a “Midnight in Montgomery” mini-concert featuring a montage of Hank Senior’s hits at 11:59pm, January 1.

 

 

Month-Specific Events…

 

BINGO’S BIRTHDAY MONTH

Celebrate the game of Bingo, first manufactured in 1929.  Bingo has grown into a five-billion-dollar-a-year charitable fundraiser.  Listeners download game boards from station website and listen for song titles (instead of numbers) all day. Post new boards each day (listeners fill in times they heard the songs). Or hold bingo night at a bar with the “cover charge” being a new game appropriate for needy 4-12 year olds; have live music and special food and drink prices. Sell toy store remote where free bingo games are given to all who come by while you’re there. Or hold all-day remote at a mall where bingo is played continuously for mall gift certificates. Or hold night of bingo for charity, with proceeds going to a holiday-related cause. Or tie several ideas together: i.e., bring a new, unwrapped toy to the mall to get a bingo card that you can use to play for mall gift certificates.

 

NATIONAL IMPAIRED DRIVING PREVENTION MONTH

Sell promotion to taxi or limousine or insurance company that offers free rides home to those who have celebrated too much at holiday parties. Invite expert (MADD, SADD, local police official, local judge) to the morning show to explain problem, penalties, and what listeners can do to help. Create a “more information” page on your website and sell to beer distributor or others who conduct public awareness campaigns.

 

NATIONAL WRITE A BUSINESS PLAN MONTH

Time to get out of your cubicle and turn your business ideas into reality! Use the last month of the year to craft a business plan – and get a great start to the year to come. Talk to business specialist or banker about what makes a good business plan. Have listeners call to brag about their home businesses. www.ezbizplans.com

 

OPERATION SANTA PAWS (Dec 1-18)

Time to encourage animal lovers to buy toys, treats or food for abused or abandoned pets in animal shelters and to deliver them before the holiday. www.SantaPaws.info Sell a remote to a pet center where listeners are encouraged to purchase animal food and toys to be donated to area pet shelters. Or have a talent camp out at a shelter until a certain amount of donations are received; invite TV stations to cover.

 

SAFE TOYS AND GIFTS MONTH

www.PreventBlindness.org Prevent Blindness America offers tips on choosing age-appropriate toys. Team with toy store to post reports on safest toys, best ideas, etc. on your website. Or hold remote at toy dealer with an expert on-hand to make recommendations and evaluate the safety of your toy purchases relative to the child receiving them. Or do as weeklong bit with morning crew playing with new toys or inviting kids into the studio to try them out.

 

TAKE A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION TO STOP SMOKING (Dec 17-Feb 7, 2016)

To educate patients, health care professionals undertake a New Year’s Resolution to stop smoking.  www.ppsinc.org