Christmas welcome
If you live in a country or household that celebrates Christmas, this is your chance to give your guests a warm festive welcome.
You may host a range of guests over the festive season including those that love Christmas, those who don't celebrate Christmas and those who are travelling with friends, family, children or solo so you may wish to tailor your welcome accordingly.
I've pulled together a few tips for BnB hosts to welcome your guests during the Christmas season.
Decorate your home
You can decorate your home as simply or extravagantly as you want.
You may want to make it simple if you don't want to over-clutter the space for your guests or have too many extra items to dust and clean.
Or if you really want to make an impact this could be a selling point for guests who love Christmas - include some festive pictures in your advertising.
Festive lights are very effective and take up little space. Perhaps you have room for a Christmas tree? I put up a small tree for guests decorated with London themed baubles. Christmas themed peel off window stickers are cheap and easy to do.
Personally I feel festive bedding is a waste of money (and takes up storage space for the remainder of the year) but you could get a festive cushion cover to use during the season if you wanted something Christmassy. And, if you live in the northern hemisphere, make the room nice and snug. This could be achieved by providing a blanket, some fluffy socks and dressing gowns, and look into the different types of led candles and fires you can buy to give the room a warm glow.
Christmas treats
Christmas treats can make your guests feel extra welcome. You could put out an advent calendar, some mince pies, festive chocolates or mulled wine for your guests.
Include the packaging so guests know the ingredients, not only to assist with allergy advice but also because some guests may not have heard of your traditional Christmas foods before.
A nice touch for your December guests is to write them a Christmas card welcoming them to your home. And, if you are giving them a small present on Christmas Day, perhaps you could have a Christmas stocking up for them?
Don't forget the pets too! 😃
Christmas in your neighbourhood
Create a list of events taking place in your local area for Christmas - whether it's a Christmas light switch on, carol singing, festive light trails, Christmas markets, ice skating rinks, theatre shows (and pantomimes if you're in the UK), chances to meet Father Christmas, church services or special events at local attractions. Let you guests know in advance if there's anything they need to pre-book.
You could also tell your guests about any houses nearby worth seeing for their Christmas lights and decorations.
Your guests may want to do some Christmas shopping whilst visiting so let them know where to go to get the best Christmas presents or Christmas food in your area. This could be in the form of traditional gifts, toy stores, where to get the best prices or locally made produce.
Christmas season timings
Inform your guests of any changes to shop opening times during the festive season, and if there are different public transport timetables or parking restrictions during this period.
Christmas Day
If your guests are staying on Christmas Day it's up to you how much you involve them in your celebrations. Make it clear to them whether they are invited to Christmas dinner, etc. If you don't celebrate Christmas it's worth mentioning that too.
Give suggestions of what your guest can do on Christmas Day, how to get around, let them know if any attractions are open, where they can eat and if they need to pre-book.
You may want to provide games for your guests to play on Christmas Day and a means to watch Christmas movies, etc. If you don't provide Netflix, Disney, etc, perhaps it's worth paying for a month's subscription just for December (as of Nov 2025, you can get Netflix with adverts for £5.99).
And, for those who don't celebrate Christmas, don't forget to mention all the non-Christmassy things to do in your local area.