Christmas 2025: What People Will Actually Buy This Holiday Season
Every year, it’s the same soundtrack: George Michael’s Last Christmas and Mariah Carey’s endless holiday hits. Haven’t we had enough? Yet, even as the familiar tunes play, the way people celebrate Christmas is changing — and 2025 is shaping up to be very different from the consumer-heavy holiday seasons of the past.
Experiences Over Stuff
People are increasingly prioritizing experiences rather than physical gifts. About 44% of consumers plan to buy experiences for friends and family, such as concert tickets, spa visits, theater shows, or immersive events, rather than traditional presents. Expect Christmas markets, festive light trails, and pop-up events serving hot drinks and seasonal treats to thrive. For brands, hospitality and leisure entertainment businesses have a unique opportunity to attract audiences seeking shared memories over objects.
Competitive Socializing
Fun and social activities are becoming central to holiday celebrations. From tech-driven mini golf to retro bowling, arcades, and darts, people of all ages are leaning into playful gatherings. Over half of consumers, 52%, say they’ll prioritize activities and social events over expensive presents. Group bookings and voucher gifting for venues that combine connection with a little friendly competition are set to grow this year.
Nostalgia and Retro Revival
When the future feels uncertain, people seek comfort in familiarity. About 62% of consumers find nostalgic or retro-themed products appealing. This trend means throwback gifts, reissued classics, and old-school packaging will resonate with audiences. For brands, leaning into heritage storytelling and retro aesthetics can capture the attention of both older generations and younger shoppers discovering these cultural touchstones for the first time.
Playful Collectibles and Novelty Gifts
Adults are embracing their inner child with playful, novelty gifts and collectibles. Whether it’s video game-themed items, limited edition figurines, or other fun, affordable presents, half of consumers say they’ll focus on gifts that bring joy rather than pure practicality. For brands, framing these products as small acts of self-care or fun indulgences can make them highly appealing this season.
Small Everyday Luxuries
Finally, people will treat themselves and their loved ones to small, affordable luxuries. Artisan chocolates, festive coffees, candles, cozy décor, beauty products, and wellness items are in high demand. Surveys show that 86% of consumers plan to spend on food and drink treats, 57% on home comforts, and 43% on beauty and wellness gifts. These small indulgences are a way to brighten the season without breaking the bank, and they represent a sweet spot for brands looking to engage shoppers in 2025.
What It All Means
Overall, consumers are shopping earlier, spending more selectively, and prioritizing experiences, comfort, and joy. About 61% plan to finish their Christmas shopping sooner to take advantage of better deals, 43% expect to spend less on presents, and many are looking forward to staying cozy at home and enjoying meaningful time with family.
Christmas 2025 won’t be about mass consumption — it will be about thoughtful spending, shared experiences, and simple pleasures. For brands, the opportunity lies in offering products and experiences that align with these shifting priorities: nostalgic items, playful collectibles, cozy home treats, and immersive events that bring people together.
So, as Mariah hits those high notes once again, perhaps it’s time to rethink the holiday season — less “stuff,” more joy, connection, and small luxuries that make memories last.
Let’s get to know each other!