Seasonal campaigns we love (and why)
Joey Lee
October 13, 2025
Seasonal campaigns aren’t just timely, they’re magic in your inbox. From spooky Halloween deals to heartwarming holiday offers, these themed emails boost engagement and drive sales. In this post, we’ll highlight why certain seasonal campaigns shine, backed by research and real-world strategy.
Why seasonal emails work so well
Relevance and resonance
Timing is everything. When your message matches your subscribers’ mindset, whether it’s pumpkin spice season or gift-giving time, it clicks. Seasonal emails naturally align with what’s top of mind.
Urgency built in
Holidays come with a built-in deadline. One-day events like Halloween or time-sensitive seasons like Christmas make your call to action stronger and clearer.
Less noise, more noticed
Some holidays, like Halloween, have fewer competing campaigns than Black Friday or Christmas, giving brands a better chance to stand out.
Emotional connection
Emojis, festive visuals, and holiday color palettes communicate emotion instantly. They help your brand feel more human and memorable.
Standout seasonal campaigns and what makes them work
1. Halloween: spooky motivation and urgency
Why it works: Halloween’s theme-driven nature offers creative freedom spooky aesthetics, playful copy, and a short window for impact
Pro tip: Launch early (mid-September), build urgency with countdowns, and segment based on behavior like past costume or décor interest
2. Christmas: emotion meets strategy
Why it works: This long holiday season is packed with gift-giving intent and generosity. Thoughtful campaigns build emotional resonance and recurring revenue
Pro tip: Use gift guides, advent calendars, and countdown timers to amplify excitement and personal relevance
3. Pumpkin spice latte effect (Starbucks style)
Why it works: Seasonal product launches like Starbucks’ PSL aren’t just promos, they become cultural anchors that signal transition (“hello fall!”) and motivate purchases
4. Pre-holidays: build momentum early
Why it works: Holidays are long seasons. Starting early with Black Friday teasers or Halloween alerts ensures you lead the pack, not scramble behind it
Pro tip: Pre-schedule your full-season campaigns to stay ahead, reduce last-minute rush, and improve consistency
Seasonal campaign snapshot
Campaign type | Why it works | Key tactics |
Halloween | Creative themes with built-in urgency | Early sends, countdown timers, fun visuals, behavior segmentation |
Christmas | Gifting-driven and emotionally deep | Gift guides, advent experiences, personalization, ongoing engagement |
Limited edition | Signals culture and builds desire | Launch-based campaigns synced with seasonal trends |
Pre-holiday build | Be first, not last | Pre-scheduled campaigns, teaser flows, drip scheduling |
Pro tips for seasonal success
Plan early: Seasonal send windows start long before the holiday itself. Build templates and time strategically
Use responsive, branded templates: Ensure holiday emails render beautifully on mobile and reinforce your brand
Balance tone: Be festive, not spammy. Emotional cues beat hard sells
Segment smartly: Tailor offers by past purchases, interest, or location for example, targeting pet owners with Halloween pet-themed products
Track and iterate: Review performance after each holiday. Use what worked to inform next year
Final thoughts
Seasonal campaigns are more than themed emails. They’re strategic, emotional connectors. From the playful spirit of Halloween to the heartwarming rush of Christmas, these moments let brands engage, stand out, and drive action.
