Three ways to boost holiday PR coverage

Get ahead this season by working with a trusted public relations agency to pitch stories, land speaking spots, and refresh your brand’s year-end image.

You know how fast December moves when you're trying to get your brand noticed. Reporters are racing to meet holiday deadlines, inboxes are flooded, and everyone’s trying to wrap up the year. That’s why December can be one of the best windows to secure public attention if you’re prepared. A public relations agency that understands how to work with holiday timing can help you stand out when others get buried. With the right focus, you can turn one of the busiest times of year into your most visible. Here are three ways to do just that.

Pitch Seasonal Stories with Broad Public Appeal

The holidays bring a unique chance to connect your brand to universal feelings like giving, gratitude, and new beginnings. Media outlets look for these themes in December. You can make your story work by tying your activities to what newsrooms are already looking to feature.

If your company supports a holiday charity, runs a community program, or offers predictions for next year, turn that into a seasonal highlight. Newsrooms often add last-minute spots for stories about donations, volunteer efforts, or what’s forecast for 2026.

Take a cue from brands like Coca-Cola, which is known for linking its holiday campaigns to broader messages of togetherness. The holidays can lift your brand in a similar way if your story fits the moment. Even if you’re not launching a holiday product, you likely have data, trends, or successes that could be framed as year-end insights, customer wins, or reflections.

When you use timely angles tied to gratitude or fresh starts, you offer journalists an easy, relevant hook that grabs attention quickly.

Align Executives with End-of-Year Keynote Speaking Opportunities

December and early January fill up with industry summits, planning events, and final conferences of the year. Many still seek strong speakers late in the game, especially if cancellations leave last-minute openings. This is the perfect time to pitch your top executive as a source of fresh insight.

Instead of repeating brand talking points, focus on the lessons, trends, and planning decisions that shape your industry for the new year. Use storytelling and thought leadership, just like companies such as Salesforce, which showcases insights at its annual Dreamforce event. Position your company’s experts as leaders in year-end reviews and bold 2026 predictions.

When submitting a speaking abstract, make it about what the audience will learn or do differently—not about promoting what you sell. Event organizers—and the media—appreciate unique insight, hard-won lessons, and forecasts about what comes next.

Keynote speaking can also double as a media touchpoint. Q&A coverage, live-stream mentions, or conference recaps can carry your brand forward into the new year’s headlines.

Leverage Existing PR Wins for Recap and Review Features

You’ve likely earned some media hits, social buzz, or major milestones over the past year. Now’s your chance to bring them together as a clear story of progress. Editors, bloggers, and trade journalists all look for year-in-review content as December unfolds.

Think about the moments that mattered. Did your company show up in a national interview? Did customers embrace a new program or product launch? Did your team earn recognition for an award or innovation? Shape these into a recap, both for your own newsroom and for external pitches.

LinkedIn, for example, has built buzz around its end-of-year member spotlights, showing how smart review features set the tone for ongoing engagement. When you share your own “top accomplishments of the year,” you add depth to your brand beyond your own announcements.

Strengthen your recap with tools reporters need. A simple press kit or easy-to-access news center helps journalists reference your brand as they build their own wrap-up stories. The goal is to make it easy for outside writers to pull your name into wider coverage and give you more lasting exposure.

Axia Public Relations provides digital press kit development as part of its earned media strategy, which helps reporters find your story fast when building end-of-year summaries or industry lists.

Results That Live Past the Holidays

Holiday coverage boosts your immediate visibility, but the best results reach well into the new year. When you’re seen in December recaps or quoted at a January event, you become part of early conversations—and future decisions. Year-end momentum can lead to new business, speaking inquiries, or more requests for your perspective long after the decorations come down.

Showing up with focus and meaning during the holidays lets you shape your story while your competitors wind down. When you lead with smart storytelling, executive thought leadership, and reminders of your biggest wins, your brand stays on the radar for the year ahead.

FAQs

What kind of holiday stories interest reporters?

Reporters want stories tied to charity, giving, gratitude, community highlights, and forecasts for the coming year.

When should I start pitching for holiday media coverage?

Pitch your stories by late November or early December. The earlier you connect with editors, the better your chances.

How do I pitch keynotes and speaking opportunities last-minute?

Check upcoming business or industry events for open panel slots. Submit clear, audience-focused abstracts that explain why your executive is a timely voice right now.

Should I re-share earlier media coverage at the end of the year?

Yes. Repurposing your year’s best hits for year-end lists or newsrooms keeps your brand relevant and top-of-mind.

Do end-of-year PR efforts impact Q1 opportunities?

Strong holiday coverage can impact new business, networking, and earned media in Q1 as leads and journalists revisit December headlines.

How can a public relations agency support year-end PR?

A public relations agency frames your strengths into compelling story ideas, develops media kits, and aligns your messages with holiday deadlines for bigger impact.

Author’s Bio

With over 20 years in public relations, this writer has helped national and international brands secure media coverage, thought leadership placements, and high-profile speaking opportunities. Their work has shaped campaigns for clients in technology, finance, and healthcare, delivering real-world results and industry recognition. Known for building data-driven strategies and strong media relationships, they guide brands to high-impact seasonal coverage and lasting visibility.

Planning ahead for stronger media visibility during the holidays and into the new year starts with the right partner. A smart strategy, aligned with deadlines and news cycles, helps you get noticed when coverage counts. If you're considering a seasoned public relations agency, Axia Public Relations helps brands secure interviews, position executives, and stay relevant. Let’s connect to talk about your goals and timeline so we can help you make the most of the moment.