'Tis the Season for Smarter Advertising: Your Holiday 2025 Playbook

The 2025 holiday season is shaping up to be unlike any other. Consumer priorities—and spending habits—are shifting. And that means last year’s playbook isn’t going to cut it.

So what’s a marketer to do? In our latest webinar, we explained exactly that. 

Our experts, Lauren Chesley, Head of Industry, Retail + Restaurants and Loryn Williams, Sales Marketing Coordinator, got together to break down the latest consumer trends driving the holidays and show how audio can make your brand a part of every pivotal moment throughout the season.

Together, they offered:

• Proprietary insights on when and how consumers are spending

• Creative best practices to break through the noise

• Data-driven tips to maximize your holiday ROI

• And so much more

If you’re ready to sleigh the holiday season, check out the on-demand webinar recording below.

A Powerful Place for Brands to Show Up

“Let's talk about how consumers are actually spending their time during the holidays. Because it turns out audio isn't just in the background, it's a constant companion during the season: 

• 83% of people listen to music during the holiday, at home, or on the road

• 65% say holiday music enhances the atmosphere

• 64% say it gets them in the holiday spirit

And interestingly, half of consumers say they listen to their favorite podcast during the seasons. Holiday audio is not just festive, it's functional, emotional, and habitual. And that makes it a really powerful place for brands to show up.” - Loryn Williams

Ad-Supported Audio Offers Increased Opportunities to Drive Connections

“As we think about sales and sales that slay the day, the first application is to lean into ad-supported audio. No surprise there, coming from us. But it really is a big impression. The average American spent 23% less on subscriptions in 2024. They also plan to spend 50% less and cancel subscriptions within the next year. That doesn't mean that they're cutting down on audio consumption, though. Far from it. And increased exposure in ad-supported spaces means, of course, opportunities to drive connections with relevant messaging that speaks to consumers' needs.” - Lauren Chesley

Audio Sets the Emotional Tone

“Emotional well-being, especially managing stress and loneliness, play a big role in how people experience the season—89% of Americans say they feel stressed during the holiday season, and 66% say they experience loneliness. This is where audio, especially music and podcasts comes in. Three-quarters of listeners say music helps them relax, and 73% says it makes them happy. Podcasts are also making a meaningful impact—60% say podcasts enhance their overall holiday experience, and 59% say they're the perfect companion during this time.” - Loryn Williams

Catch Consumers On-the-Go with SiriusXM

“Whether they're doing the full hauls in-store, or the browsing aisles for inspiration, or buying online with in-store pickup, one thing is definitely certain: Consumers are spending lots of time with SiriusXM. In vehicles specifically, SiriusXM reaches one in two cars on the road—and that really makes it the perfect medium to catch them while they're on the go.” - Lauren Chesley

The right insights are the first step toward building a sparkling seasonal strategy. But if you want to stand out as the true hero of the holidays, you need a media partner that has the reach, resources, and expertise to take it all the way. That’s where we come in—let’s chat.

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