{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Elevate Your Event","title":"Holiday Hits: Year-End Events That Actually Work","html":"<iframe width=\"100%\" height=\"180\" frameborder=\"no\" scrolling=\"no\" seamless src=\"https://share.transistor.fm/e/937d8106\"></iframe>","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1926,"description":"Episode summary’Tis the season… to plan smarter. The Home Team swap holiday menu takes (turkey wars!) and then get practical about running fundraising events between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. From low-lift “open house” formats to creative themes and revenue add-ons, they break down how to cut through a crowded calendar, boost attendance, and tie event moments to year-end giving without turning it into a hard ask.Who this episode is forFundraisers, event planners, and nonprofit marketers looking to host a December event, drive last-minute donations, and leave donors smiling (and subscribed).In this episode (highlights)Why timing matters: avoid Thu–Sat nights; try Tue/Wed evenings or a Sunday matinee.A low-stress format that works: drop-in donor open house with light bites, festive vibes, and a short auction that can close later in the Handbid app.Theme ideas that actually draw a crowd: ugly-sweater social, outdoor movie night, après-ski/Northern Lights party, rooftop glow-night, karaoke, and more.Family-friendly revenue plays: gingerbread house contest with $1 per vote, “Taste-Of” sample stations with ticket voting, pay-to-play mini-games.Tree magic: themed Christmas tree auction (include delivery/setup/take-down in the package).Ticketing tactics: “Buy One, Gift One” to bring new faces; couples ticket with 2 comp tickets for first-time guests.Light-touch giving: giving tree / envelope wall; food or toy drive tie-ins; corporate match prompts via Handbid’s Double the Donation integration.Data with a purpose: capture emails—and actually follow up in January.Actionable playbookPick the slot: Tue/Wed evening 6–8pm or Sun 2–4pm.Choose a format: Open house + mini auction (mobile bidding stays open until Sun 5pm).Anchor a theme (choose one):Ugly Sweater Social at a brewery/warehouseHoliday Movie Matinee (blankets, cocoa, popcorn)Après-Ski / Northern Lights tent partyRooftop Glow Night (DJ, light-up dance floor)Add revenue stations:Gingerbread Build-Off: $1 = 1 vote;...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/tCB5rzUDpu8CRPF_lPRdW5E3E7cR3VgOmKoGSrR1Gw4/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzQ0MTY4LzE2OTIy/OTM2MjUtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}