2026 Festive Forecast

Eager to know what’s next for the festive season and how householders will be celebrating key winter occasions in 2026?

Designed to cross all key winter celebrations – from lighthearted rituals like welcoming the autumn season and New Year’s Eve, to ones more rooted in religion and spirituality like Christmas, Diwali and Hanukkah – Our 2026 festive trend forecast is a valuable forecasting tool for those working in the Gift and Greetings industry.

Referencing the broader context of how consumer lifestyles will shift in the coming two years, each festive trend details the design implications across gift, greetings, tableware, decoration, food and beverages.

Introducing 2026 Festive Trends

For 2026, at-home celebrations take centre stage. Whether it’s gathering with friends, family, or a religious community, or savouring the peace of solitude, the winter season invites us to slow down and reflect on the passing of time, the necessity of rest and the opportunities to party in comfort.

2026 is about reassessing the excess—not eliminating it. Seasonal celebrations continue to provide an opportunity to indulge in a little treat culture and extravagance while embracing intentional spending and mindful connections. It’s a time to blend traditions, beliefs, and moments that inspire hope and unity.

What’s included in the 2026 Festive Trend forecast?

4 x key trends shaping the future of the Gifting, Greetings and Celebrations industry: Complete with trend drivers to illustrate their commercial relevance, emotional drivers and compelling storytelling. 

32 x PANTONE® referenced colours: Across 4 x carefully curated colour palettes with colour combinations and usage guidance to bridge the gap between palette and product.

Commercially-led product direction: Demonstrating how key colours, shapes, materials, patterns and icons can be applied across a variety of product categories. 

Category Specific Range Build: Identify core product development areas for food and beverage, festive decor, greetings and gifting categories.

Downloadable content library: Instant access to the image library (including all image credits) and digital colour swatches. 

Watch on-demand: Get deeper insights and more inspiration in our Trend Editor walkthrough video.

Detailing the broader lifestyle context through to colour and design inspiration, our 2026 Festive Forecast will guide you through the holiday season and help you to develop commercially successful products and relevant messaging.