What to Expect This Festive Season
As the holiday season approaches, brands and retailers are gearing up to create displays that captivate, inspire, and, most importantly, stand out. Each year, new trends emerge that shape how businesses approach their holiday decor and visual marketing strategies. For 2025, it’s all about blending innovation with heartwarming nostalgia, pushing the boundaries of what a holiday display can be.
Here are the top trends you can expect to see lighting up the retail world this year:
1. Minimalism with a Sprinkle of Magic: Less is More
While the holidays are often associated with lavish, over-the-top decorations, the trend for 2025 is steering toward minimalism. Sleek, clean lines paired with strategic pops of colour will dominate retail displays this coming holiday. Imagine window displays where a few carefully placed, elegant elements create a sense of wonder. The goal here isn’t to overwhelm but to captivate with simplicity. Think eye-catching displays that say “we’ve got style,” not “we’ve got everything.”
2. Let There Be Light! Immersive Lighting That Transports You
to a Winter Wonderland
Lighting will continue to play a major role in holiday displays, but in 2025, it’s all about immersion. Expect more brands to use interactive, dynamic lighting to evoke a magical winter atmosphere. Think twinkling LEDs that mimic snowfall or colour-changing lightboxes that create shifting moods—from a cozy hearth to a frosty winter night. shomi!’s iMPAKT-in-Motion lightboxes are perfect for brands looking to add that extra layer of immersion to their displays. By using programmable lighting effects, you can create a dynamic experience that draws customers in and keeps them engaged.
3. Eco-Friendly Displays That Don’t Skimp on Style
Let’s face it—customers are more eco-conscious than ever, and 2025 is all about decking the halls without decking the planet. From recycled materials to reusable displays, sustainability is where it’s at this holiday season. The good news? Being green doesn’t mean sacrificing style. At shomi!, we offer sustainable display solutions, from reusable SEG fabric banners to energy- efficient lightboxes. This trend allows your brand to be both festive and mindful of the environment—something today’s consumers are increasingly looking for.
4. Retro Holiday Vibes, with a Modern Twist
Nostalgia is in the air! This year, you’ll see plenty of retro-inspired displays—think vintage fonts, classic holiday colours, and old-school ornaments—but with a fresh, modern twist. It’s all about blending timeless holiday cheer with contemporary flair.
5. Personalized, Interactive Experiences
Personalization continues to be a driving force in consumer behaviour, and this holiday season, interactive and personalized displays will be a huge trend. Think augmented reality (AR) holiday experiences, customizable signage that allows shoppers to see their names or messages in lights, or touchpoints where customers can interact with the display.
6. Cozy Comfort: Because Everyone Wants to Feel at Home for the Holidays
Holidays are about comfort and joy, and this year, displays are leaning into that cozy vibe. Think warm lighting, soft textures, and displays that make you feel like you’ve just stepped into a cabin by the fire. This trend is all about creating a welcoming space that wraps customers in a hug (metaphorically, of course).
7. Futuristic Festivities: High-Tech Holiday Displays on the Rise
While cozy is one direction, some brands are looking to the future with high-tech elements like digital screens and 3D-like effects that draw in a younger crowd. Although fully interactive holograms and 3D projections are still a bit further off from mainstream retail, brands experimenting with cutting-edge tech are gaining attention.
8. Multi-Sensory Displays: Beyond Visuals
In 2025, holiday displays will go beyond just visuals—brands will be looking to engage multiple senses. This includes everything from the scent of pine and cinnamon incorporated into the display space to soft, festive background music that enhances the ambiance. These multi-sensory elements will work together to create a complete holiday experience that lingers in the minds of customers.
As the 2025 holiday season approaches, staying ahead of these display trends will not only help your brand to embrace the holiday spirit but also create innovative, memorable experiences that resonate long after the season ends. Whether you’re looking for sustainable solutions, immersive lighting, or interactive displays, shomi! has the tools and expertise to bring your vision to life. Let’s work together to create a holiday display that captivates and delights your customers.
