People often have more free time during the holidays and naturally gravitate toward meaningful content and heartfelt stories. That’s our chance to release new episodes that resonate with the season Today, I’ll share some Christmas podcast ideas and tips to help your business connect with listeners in a special way.
My name is Niall Mackay, founder of Seven Million Bikes Podcasts. I offer full-package podcasting services and host “Smarter Podcasting” to share tips and insights about this industry.
The holiday season, especially Christmas, is a time when people are looking for meaningful content to enjoy. That’s why now is the perfect time for businesses to consider starting a podcast—or, if you already have one, to publish special holiday-themed episodes.
Let’s get started and you’ll have your ideas for a new episode soon.
Table of Contents
The Growing Popularity of Podcasts Over the Holidays
Podcasts are the ultimate passive entertainment during the busy holiday season. Whether people are shopping for gifts, preparing festive meals, decorating their homes, or traveling to see loved ones, podcasts provide a convenient and flexible way to stay entertained and informed.
Podcasts also offer the ability to connect emotionally with listeners. The warmth of a friendly voice, storytelling, or helpful advice aligns perfectly with the spirit of Christmas, making them a favorite medium during the holiday season.
Let’s see some statistics about how podcasts are increasingly consumed during holidays. According to SiriusXM Media Customer Survey:
- 63% of podcast listeners use the holiday season to catch up on their favorite podcasts.
- 34% of listeners turn to podcasts for a break from screens, offering an alternative to visual-heavy content.
The holidays see a significant spike in podcast listenership, as people take advantage of their downtime to catch up on favorite episodes or discover new shows. Additionally, trends show that listeners gravitate toward feel-good stories, self-improvement episodes, and seasonal topics, which provide both entertainment and inspiration during the festive period.
Why Businesses Should Publish Podcasts During the Holidays
The holiday season presents a golden opportunity for businesses to connect with their audience in meaningful ways. Publishing a podcast during this festive time not only helps your brand stand out but also creates a lasting impact that carries over into the new year. Here’s why your business should consider jumping into the podcasting world this holiday season.
Strengthen Audience Connection
Podcasts offer a unique ability to forge a personal connection with listeners. Unlike other forms of content, the conversational and authentic tone of a podcast can make your audience feel like they’re part of a close-knit community. This sense of intimacy builds trust, which is crucial for any business.
Holidays are a time when people crave stories that reflect their emotions and experiences. A well-crafted podcast episode can help you connect authentically with your audience by:
- Share your brand’s holiday journey,
- Give advice related to your industry,
- Spread cheer
Stand Out in the Holiday Noise
During the holiday season, every business is vying for attention with ads, social media campaigns, and email blasts. It’s easy for audiences to feel overwhelmed and tune out. Podcasts, however, offer a refreshing alternative.
Unlike traditional ads that interrupt or demand immediate action, podcasts invite listeners to engage on their terms.
Besides, the holidays are chaotic for many people. A podcast can serve as a peaceful escape, offering thoughtful, inspiring, or entertaining content. By positioning your brand as a source of calm and value, you’ll leave a positive impression that lasts long after the season ends.
Year-Round Benefits
While the holidays are an excellent time to launch or promote a podcast, the benefits don’t end with the season.
- Audience Building
The audience you attract during the holidays doesn’t disappear when the decorations come down. Once you’ve established a connection, you can continue engaging with these listeners throughout the year. Podcasts offer a platform to nurture this relationship with consistent, high-quality content.
- Momentum for a Long-Term Strategy
The holiday season provides the perfect launchpad for a podcast. By capitalizing on the increased interest and emotional resonance of the holidays, you can set the stage for a successful, long-term content strategy. From promoting new products to building a loyal community, the possibilities are endless.
Related Posts: 10 Best Interview Podcasts You Shouldn’t Miss
Christmas Podcast Ideas
1. Unusual Christmas Traditions
Take your listeners on a journey to discover the quirkiest and most unexpected holiday traditions worldwide. For example:
- Australia: Christmas on the Beach
In Australia, where Christmas falls during the summer, many families spend the day at the beach. Traditional Christmas activities include barbecues, surfing, and picnicking under the blazing sun, far from the snowy imagery usually associated with the holiday.
- Italy: La Befana the Christmas Witch
In Italy, children eagerly await La Befana, a kind-hearted witch who delivers gifts on the night of January 5th, Epiphany Eve.
- South Africa: Fried Christmas Caterpillars
In South Africa, Christmas cuisine can include fried caterpillars, specifically the festive Mopane worms. These caterpillars are harvested during the holiday season, and their vibrant coloring is said to symbolize the spirit of Christmas.
- Venezuela: Roller-Skating to Church
In Caracas, Venezuela, it’s traditional to roller-skate to early morning Christmas Mass during the holiday season.
Remember to share some of your country too, or ask your listeners through social media or email lists, to collect their ideas and make them feel more engaged with the episode.
2. Holidays Through the Decades
You can invite guests in the older generation to share their experiences. We can compare the evolution and differences in traditions and trends in Christmas, such as:
- Gift trends
- Decoration trends
- Radio, TV and podcasts
- COVID Lockdown
Ask some questions like “Have you ever wondered how your grandparents celebrated the holidays?” or “What traditions from the past would you love to bring back?” to encourage listeners to share their own experiences.
3. Find a Holiday Angle to Your Content
Let’s come up with some special content that aligns with your niche, no matter what the topic is, there’s a way to add a holiday twist!
- A fitness podcast can share “Workouts to Beat Holiday Stress.”
- A true crime show could explore holiday-themed mysteries.
- A business podcast might discuss “How to Boost Sales During the Holidays.”
- A podcast about history can explore different stories and tales about Christmas
4. Holiday Movies
Review some movies that are related to Christmas and holidays, or you can invite guests who have the same interest to share their lists.
- Rank your favorite holiday movies based on your personal preferences or cultural significance.
- Share snippets about each movie—why it’s special, memorable scenes, or its impact on holiday culture.
- Highlight lesser-known but heartwarming movies, like Arthur Christmas, Klaus, or The Family Stone.
5. Holiday Favorites: Celebrating All Things Festive
Many listeners will seek advice about things to do during holidays. Hence, catch the opportunity to be their guide on some favorite activities.
Favorite Holiday Music:
- Share your ultimate holiday playlist and why each song makes the list.
- Include classics like White Christmas and modern hits like All I Want for Christmas Is You.
- Feature audience-submitted song requests or stories about their favorite tunes.
Best Holiday Books:
- Discuss seasonal literary favorites like A Christmas Carol or The Night Before Christmas.
- Recommend modern holiday-themed novels or short story collections.
- Suggest read-aloud books for families.
Festive Food and Drinks:
- Share your favorite recipes for cookies, pies, eggnog, or mulled wine.
- Talk about traditional holiday dishes from different cultures.
- Invite a chef or foodie guest to discuss holiday culinary trends.
Gifts That Made the Holidays Memorable:
- Reflect on gifts you’ve received that hold sentimental value.
- Offer creative gift ideas for listeners—DIY crafts, experiences, or budget-friendly options.
- Ask listeners to share their best or funniest gift stories.
6. Fun Facts about Christmas
Entertain your listeners by giving lesser-known, quirky, or surprising facts about Christmas that will fascinate and entertain your audience.
- The Origins of the Christmas Tree
- The First Christmas Card
- Why Santa Wears Red
- The World’s Largest Christmas Tree
- Jingle Bells Wasn’t Meant for Christmas
- Why We Hang Stockings
Moreover, there are many different activities that we can run. For example, you can create Quizzes, True or False, Poll to let your audience participate in the episodes.
This episode is perfect for spreading Christmas cheer while teaching your audience something new and entertaining!
7. Review the Year
Christmas is a great chance to reflect on the year when there are only some days left to enter the new year. Share both personal and professional goals, achievements, and remember to include your listeners in.
Top Episodes of the Year:
- Reflect on your most popular episodes, using listener feedback or download numbers.
- Share behind-the-scenes anecdotes about their creation.
- Offer extended commentary or bonus content for fan-favorite episodes.
Lessons Learned in the Past Year:
- Discuss personal and professional growth from hosting your podcast.
- Share how challenges turned into learning opportunities.
- Tie lessons into a hopeful or inspiring holiday message.
Listener Appreciation:
- Dedicate part of the episode to thanking your listeners for their support.
- Play audio clips or read messages from listeners sharing what your podcast means to them.
- Announce fun plans or updates for the coming year to keep them excited.
Christmas Podcast Ideas: How to Infuse Extra Holiday Spirit
Besides creating engaging content, there are plenty of ways to make your Christmas podcast episode feel festive and magical. Here’s a guide to enhance your holiday-themed episode with thoughtful touches:
Add a Festive Soundtrack
Include royalty-free Christmas music or jingles to set the tone. For example:
- A soft instrumental version of “Silent Night” for reflective moments.
- Upbeat jingles like “Jingle Bells” for fun, lighthearted segments.
- Use sound effects like bells, crackling fireplaces, or snowfall to enhance the atmosphere.
Record in a Festive Setting
You can decorate your studio with green and red tones, use bells, star, or Christmas tree.
- Homey Atmosphere: Record near a decorated Christmas tree or a crackling fireplace for a cozy vibe.
- Outdoor Setting: If possible, record in a holiday market or near a lit-up town square to capture authentic background sounds.
- Studio with Decor: Add Christmas lights, garlands, or other decorations to your recording space to get into the spirit, even if it’s just for your own mood.
Serve Holiday Treats
Have festive snacks or drinks while recording to make the episode feel more organic and fun. Mention what you’re enjoying!
- Sip on hot cocoa or eggnog during your recording.
- Share a recipe for a Christmas cookie you’re munching on.
Use Visual Elements for Video Podcasts
Video podcasts become more and more popular. If you’re also filming your podcast, consider adding:
- A Christmas-themed intro screen or logo.
- Festive lighting and decorations in the frame.
- Bonus video clips of holiday-related activities like decorating a tree or baking cookies.
Christmas Podcast Ideas – Conclusion
The holiday season is the perfect time to create a podcast episode filled with warmth, laughter, and connection. By adding touches like guest appearances, festive music, or even recording near a cozy fireplace, you can create an episode that brings the spirit of the season to life.
If you’ve been thinking about starting a podcast, there’s no better time than now. The holidays provide a wealth of inspiring topics, a built-in sense of community, and the opportunity to spread joy to listeners around the world. Podcasting doesn’t require fancy equipment or experience—just your voice, a good idea, and a willingness to share your story.
If you need an editing service or any help, don’t hesitate to contact me NOW.
