4 Ways to Prepare Your Vacation Rental for the Holiday Season

Do you have a home you are renting out for the holiday season? Here is how to prepare your property for a seamless renting season!

Everyone’s favorite time of the year is almost here—Christmas. 

As the holiday season rolls around, most Americans are planning vacations. According to a 2024 Deloitte holiday travel survey, less than half of people plan to travel between Thanksgiving and mid-January. Of them, 30% intend to stay in paid lodging. 

Hotels are the go-to for travelers, but they are often overpriced during the holiday—no wonder families flock to vacation rentals. Want travelers to book your property for the holiday season? Prep it up, then. 

Scheduled a check-up of your heating system? Steel T Heating & Air Conditioning notes that good maintenance ensures a comfortable, warm living space during the chilly winter months. But is that enough? Not at all. To turn your vacation rental into a holiday haven, a few festive tweaks are required. 

Here, we’ll share some ways you can prepare your vacation rental for the Christmas holiday season. 

1. Christmas Decorations Are a Must

Nothing says Christmas quite like the sparkle of holiday decorations. Decorations set the mood for the season, so they are an absolute must. 

A small, tastefully decorated tree can bring holiday cheer into the space. Opt for an artificial tree, though. According to Wirecutter, a good artificial Christmas tree can last for more than a decade, but live ones last for only one season. 

Hang a simple wreath on the door for a warm welcome. String up some fairy lights and place garlands along shelves or mantels. 

Don’t forget the exterior. Adding outdoor decorations, even if minimal, can make your rental feel magical from the moment guests arrive. 

Hang icicle lights to create a winter wonderland effect. Also, consider placing a small holiday welcome mat by the door or setting up a couple of illuminated lawn ornaments. Just be mindful not to overcrowd the exterior—simple touches can be just as inviting. 

2. Stock Up on Holiday Treats and Hot Drinks

What’s Christmas without some tasty treats? 

Stock the kitchen with festive goodies like hot cocoa packets, holiday cookies, or even a small tin of peppermint bark. 

Data from Instacart revealed that sales for whipped cream, pumpkin pie, pie crusts, and apple pie were the top foods that peaked just before Thanksgiving and Christmas in 2022. Since Americans are fond of these, consider stocking up on one or two of these items. 

For drinks, load your kitchen with some hot cocoa packets with mini marshmallows, holiday teas, or some festive coffee pods if there is a coffee machine. 

You can also add in some festive mugs or a little jar of cinnamon and nutmeg that they can sprinkle on top. These treats are small but thoughtful, and they will make your guest’s stay memorable. Plus, your guests will have something to snack on as they unwind. 

3. Make Sure Your Heating System is in Tip Top Condition

No one wants to spend their Christmas vacation shivering under blankets. 

Before the holiday season kicks in, schedule a check-up for your heating system. A quick inspection can help catch any issues that could lead to breakdowns or uncomfortable stays. 

Professionals can help ensure everything’s running smoothly. They will check the filters to see if they require cleaning or need to be replaced altogether. They will even test the thermostat to make sure it’s easy to use. 

The last thing you want is for your guests to shiver in a cold house or the heat to be unevenly distributed. Also, double-check that your air conditioning system is still functional, just in case your location experiences a warm spell over the holiday season.

4. Make It Easy to Cook a Christmas Feast

For many guests, cooking a holiday meal is part of the fun of the Christmas season. 

A survey shows that 88.9% of millennials plan to cook holiday dinners this year. Turkey is the star of the show, and so are traditional sides like mashed potatoes and stuffing. 

Nearly 6 in 10 Americans consider chicken a staple main course. And for about 46.3%, apple pie reigns as a must-have dessert. 

To make sure your guests can easily prepare these festive meals, ensure your kitchen is fully stocked with all the necessary cookware and utensils. A good roasting pan, sharp knives, and a large mixing bowl are essentials. 

If you have a double oven, highlight this in your listing—it can make a huge difference when preparing a multi-course meal. Also, make sure your appliances, from the oven to the refrigerator, are in good working order.

Add a few holiday-themed kitchen items, like a festive apron or holiday napkins, as well. They will give the space a seasonal touch. 

So, little touches can make guests feel like they’re getting a special, festive experience. 

Before you market your vacation rental for the holiday season, make a few cozy updates to turn your space into a Christmas retreat your guests won’t forget. This can help you earn some great reviews and repeat bookings, making it well worth the effort.