The holiday period is one of the most magical times of the year and one of the most competitive for short-term rental hosts. Guests aren’t just looking for a place to stay; they’re looking for warmth, atmosphere, and experiences that feel special and seasonal.
Hosts often ask the question on forums and Facebook groups “should I decorate for Christmas and the Holidays?”. My answer is always a resounding Yes!
Thoughtfully decorating your property for this special time of year doesn’t have to be expensive or over the top. Even small touches can elevate your listing, improve guest satisfaction, and increase bookings. Here are five compelling reasons to bring a little holiday cheer into your vacation rental.
1. Festive Décor Helps your property stand out in crowded OTA search results
If guests are searching for somewhere special for the holiday season, one of the first questions they often ask is whether you decorate with a Christmas tree or other festive touches.
A warm, cozy, tastefully decorated space instantly catches the eye and helps your property stand out from similar listings. So if you have some photos of your decorations from previous years (even if they are not professional shots), it’s well worth sprinkling them into your photo roll on the OTAs and, if you have one, your direct booking website. If you’re new to hosting and don’t yet have seasonal photos, don’t worry. Simply add them to your listing as soon as you’re ready.
A simple wreath on the door, twinkly lights inside or out, and a beautifully dressed tree can:
- make your listing feel more inviting
- increase click-through rates
- create an emotional connection before guests even read the description
When everyone else is competing on price, you compete on atmosphere.
2. Holiday Touches Create Memorable Guest Experiences
Guests choose vacation rentals because they want a true “home away from home.” Small, thoughtful seasonal touches can help them settle in quickly, relax more deeply, and even inspire them to share photos on social media, a little gift of free marketing for you!
From my own experience renting a property over Christmas, I remember how delighted I was to find a beautifully decorated tree waiting for us. It allowed us to recreate the feeling of being at home during the holidays. When we ran our STR in Panama, we did the same for our guests and they absolutely loved it.
Here are a few simple festive touches you can use to dress your property:
- A Christmas tree with decorations and lights (opt for low-energy bulbs)
- A bowl of ornaments or a clear glass vase with pine cones, threaded with a small string of lights.
- Seasonal greenery such as mistletoe, holly, or pyracantha.
- One or two festive pillows (cushions) and soft throws on your sofas to add warmth and comfort.
A memorable stay is the foundation of a glowing review.
3. Better décor and thoughtful touches = better reviews (and better rankings)
Guest satisfaction is deeply tied to emotional response. When guests walk into a space that feels warm, cozy, and festive, they feel cared for.
And décor is only part of it. When we ran our STR in Panama, I used to bake festive British mince pies for guests staying in December and leave a bottle of red wine together with some delicious Panamanian coffee. Those small gestures of hospitality made a huge impression.
If your guests are a family with young children, you could even leave a tiny wrapped gift with each child’s name under the tree. If your property is pet-friendly, a little treat or toy for their furry companion goes a long way too.
Thoughtful touches during the holiday season often translate directly into:
- 5-star reviews
• more positive comments about atmosphere and comfort
• improved search ranking on the OTAs
Holiday décor isn’t just pretty, it’s strategic.
4. Increase Your Seasonal Rates
December attracts families, couples, and groups who are willing to pay more for a festive, experience-driven stay. A beautifully decorated property looks more premium, and premium spaces justify premium rates.
You don’t need extravagance, just intentional, well-placed touches such as:
- Warm twinkly lighting (inside and out)
- A beautifully and tastefully decorated Christmas tree (fake)
- Quality ornaments
- Natural materials
- Cozy textiles
It all signals value and elevates perceived quality.
5. It sets clear expectations and reduces guest questions
Holiday décor helps guests instantly understand the ambiance of your home. When they see decorations in your listing photos, they know exactly what to expect upon arrival.
This reduces:
- “Will the house feel festive?” messages
- Requests for décor
- Misunderstandings around the experience you offer
Plus, your listing images feel more current and seasonal, always a trust-builder.
It’s about hospitality, not clutter
Decorating your vacation rental for the holiday season isn’t about filling spaces with tinsel and plastic ornaments. It’s about creating warmth, comfort, and a sense of celebration.
Tasteful, deliberate décor makes your guests feel welcomed and that feeling stays with them long after they check out.
So this holiday season, take a little time to decorate — your guests will feel the difference the moment they walk through the door.
