5 Holiday Event Trends: What Patrons Are Looking For This Season

A holiday choir performance with an older caucasian woman as the focal point

Amid the holiday season event organizers everywhere are preparing for one of the busiest times of the year. Whether it’s festive performances, community gatherings, or holiday dance recitals, understanding what patrons are looking for can help performance venues create memorable and well-attended events.

Here are five holiday event trends organizers should know about to delight patrons with successful performances.

1. Provide Immersive Experiences

Patrons are seeking events that go beyond the ordinary. Immersive experiences, such as interactive performances, dinner theatre shows, or workshops are growing in popularity. These events allow participants to feel part of the story, making the experience more engaging and fostering a sense of community.

Tip for Event Organizers: Event organizers should incorporate elements that touch audiences’ senses or incorporate live performers in the audience who interact with patrons. The more unique and memorable event organizers can be, the better!

2. Focus on Community Impacts

Patrons continue to prioritize connection and community in the performances they attend. Events that unite people, such as collaborative art projects, caroling groups, or holiday fundraisers, will strongly resonate.

Tip for Organizers: Event organizers should also consider partnering with local businesses to add an extra layer of appeal for patrons. This not only supports small businesses but also fosters a sense of belonging among attendees.

3. Convenience Remains Key

With busy holiday schedules and high expectations, convenience plays a major role in attracting attendees. From streamlined ticketing processes to accessible venues, patrons value ease of participation.

Tip for Organizers: Event organizers can leverage ticketing platforms, like Ludus, to ensure a seamless purchasing experience. Offer flexible ticket options, such as family packages or early-bird discounts, to cater to different audience needs.

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4. Emphasis on Personalization and Customization

It’s increasingly common for patrons to seek out events that feel tailored to their interests. Whether personalized holiday greetings, photo ops with cast members or on set, or even customizable gift packages, people are drawn to unique, “made-for-them” performances.

Tip for Organizers: Event organizers should gather data on patron preferences through your ticketing software database, surveys, or past event analytics. Use this information to offer performance enhancements that feel special and exclusive for patrons.

5. Feature Family-Friendly Activities

The holidays typically go hand-in-hand with family time, and events that cater to a variety of ages are highly sought after. From offering early or late showtimes to holiday movie nights, multi-generational activities remain a staple during the holiday event season.

Tip for Organizers: Event organizers can offer designated spaces or programs for children while ensuring there’s plenty for adults to enjoy as well.

Turning the Holiday Season into Successful Events

This holiday season, patrons are looking for experiences that are immersive, convenient, and community-focused, with a touch of personalization and focus on family. By understanding these trends and incorporating them into your event planning, event organizers can ensure holiday events stand out and leave a lasting impression.

About Ludus

Ludus simplifies event ticketing and delights patrons. Our all-in-one event management solution suite covers everything from ticket sales to final curtain and everything in between. Thousands of organizations from K-12 schools to professional theaters to dance studios across the country have trusted Ludus to power their ticketing, marketing, fundraising, and registration needs for nearly a decade.

For Ludus, we believe in bringing people together through shared experiences. Contact us today or book a demo to discover how Ludus can make your next event successful.

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