Jan 1, 1970 | 5 min read

Best practices for advertising during the holidays

Nextdoor is where local conversations spark holiday excitement—and influence shopping lists. In 2025, 46% of neighbors considered buying due to a recommendation on Nextdoor, and 45% acted after seeing an ad.1

Neighbors are starting shopping earlier (29% more in August or before) and expect to spend $986, 14% more than the average consumer, with the biggest emphasis on gifts, décor, and personal treats.2

Plan early, stay active

Holiday chatter begins in September and surges around Black Friday, but this year, nearly one in three neighbors will start shopping as early as August.

Tip: Launch your campaigns early and keep momentum through December to reach early birds as well as last-minute shoppers.

Lead with local inspiration

Neighbors trust recommendations on Nextdoor 43% more than on other platforms.2

 

Become a go-to holiday resource with content that offers gift ideas, decorating inspiration, and community tips.


Ideas: Host a Neighborhood Cookbook, share local décor trends, or launch a “Nominate a Neighbor” contest where families celebrate each other’s holiday spirit.

Pick ad formats that pop

Use Spotlight and Carousel ad units to stand out in-feed during shopping-heavy periods like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. 

These formats keep your brand top-of-mind, especially when paired with messaging around exclusive deals, events, or community activations.

Takeover opportunities on key dates or local contests can also maximize impressions and drive urgency. 

Target your ideal holiday shopper

Leverage Nextdoor’s targeting to reach families, parents, and retail intenders:

  • ~32M users identified as families with children
  • ~11M users are parents
  • ~17M have shown interest in retail
Refine your audience for meal deals, gift seekers (cards, clothing, toys, sporting goods), and hosts looking for entertaining inspiration.

Blend online & offline experiences

Bridge digital messaging with real-world experiences: branded pop-up events, gift-wrapping trucks, DIY donation boxes, and community festivals.

 

Encourage neighbors to share holiday activities or décor—generate organic buzz and drive in-store visits. Collaborate with local businesses for co-branded experiences that truly connect.

Feature offers that are enticing

Highlight features that drive retailer choice:

  • Free shipping (86%)
  • Free returns (81%)
  • Loyalty programs (62%)
  • Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL), used-item discounts, and online pickup

Most neighbors will shop online, but promoting local pickup and small business support increases favorability.

Measure what matters

Use Nextdoor Pixel, Lucid, Kantar, Nielsen, or Foursquare to track:

  • Brand awareness and favorability
  • Foot traffic lift
  • Conversion attribution

Select solutions that align with your goals—Nextdoor supports custom vendor needs for measurement.

By focusing on authentic local engagement, smart timing, and high-impact offers and creative, your Nextdoor holiday campaign can drive both business and community cheer—delivering real results in the place neighbors trust most.

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Author image Nextdoor Editorial Team At Nextdoor, we love local. The Nextdoor Editorial Team is dedicated to telling stories of local businesses, providing product education, and sharing marketing best practices to help businesses grow.