From Vintage to Minimalist: 2025 Holiday Décor Trends

2025.07.24

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The holiday season is one of the most lucrative times of the year for independent retailers. Between gifts

In fact, Christmas is overwhelmingly the top holiday consumers of all ages plan to purchase for this year, according to the 2025 Gift Book Consumer Survey, with 85 percent of Gen Z, 77 percent of millennials and 75 percent of both Gen X and Baby Boomers expecting to buy holiday décor.

But the recent tariffs may put a damper on the availability of fresh products.

Nearly three fourths of retailers (74 percent) identified holiday décor as one of the categories most affected by the tariffs, according to an exclusive survey by Gifts & Decorative Accessories

“Not everyone, but a lot of retailers hit pause on buying when the new China tariffs went to 145 percent,” said Dan Loughman, president and CEO of Roman

And while the seemingly ever-changing tariffs continue to weigh on retailers and their bottom lines, they also play a part in trying to establish consumer trends.

“It’s hard to tell what is a slowing trend

As we enter the final push for ordering holiday inventory, consider how consumers are changing their buying habits and possibly scaling back as you stock for these popular trends.

Nothing Beats a Classic

There’s something special about products that can feed into holiday memories and bring up feelings within a consumer. According to the 2025 Gift Book Consumer Survey, at least half of every generation has an interest in the traditional, nostalgic holiday aesthetic.

“Vintage and retro-themed decorations are making a comeback, with consumers gravitating towards items that evoke memories of past holidays,” Neal Applefeld, president and CEO of Old World Christmas, said.

Younger consumers, especially Gen Z, are taking this trend to heart. In fact, 60 percent of Gen Z say they plan to purchase nostalgic-themed décor this year, something Applefeld ties to their desire to “revisit the decorations of their childhoods.”

There are a lot of motifs that lend themselves to the traditional Christmas vibe. Nutcrackers, vintage Santas and classic reindeer are all gaining steam, according to Rachael Stanfill, director of product strategy at Transpac Brands. Bows are also coming back into play.

“Bows are trending across all product formats, adding a classic touch,” Stanfill said. “In our Traditions collection, we’ve introduced a festive tabletop line featuring painterly bow designs adorning Christmas trees. This charming bow motif extends across a variety of products, including wall décor, stockings, figurines and more.”

Applefeld agrees with the benefit of bows, noting that larger ones can pack a punch. “Consumers are embracing vibrant colors, oversized bows and playful figurines, creating a festive atmosphere [that’s] … reminiscent of the ’80s and ’90s.”

The Joy Jubilee collection from Old World Christmas really embraces the feel of the nostalgic aesthetic. Featuring bold patterns, ’80s-inspired glamour and jewel-toned hues, the collection showcases “the vibrant energy that celebrates joyful abundance and vibrant nostalgia,” said Applefeld.

According to a Messe Frankfurt release describing the trends from Christmasworld 2025, the “real” style trend is one that lends itself to a more nostalgic theme. “The colors of this style evoke associations with longevity and authenticity,” the release said.

The “real” trend also focuses on connecting to more nature tones without losing the sense of nostalgia. “Alongside festive green, the symbol of growth and hope, the nuances of fine woods and a soft, less intense beige create a connection to nature,” Messe Frankfurt said.

Melrose International is taking a more Christmasworld approach to the traditional/nostalgic style by combining natural elements with traditional flair.

“One thing we love

Simply Timeless

Not all consumers are looking to travel back to decades past with their holiday décor choices. Some are instead opting for a calmer, less vibrant approach that still feels just as festive.

“We’re seeing a continued focus on warmth and intentional styling,” Blair said. “Customers are gravitating toward layered lighting, cozy neutrals and natural textures. Instead of over-the-top themes, it’s more about building an inviting atmosphere that feels personal and timeless.”

Within that atmosphere are products with sculptural shapes, soft metallics and frosted finishes, Blair said. “Everything is designed to layer well, work in multiples and feel fresh even after the season.”

A small group of consumers are looking for just that: a more muted palette with the ability to be transitional from just holiday to seasonal. Millennials are most intrigued with this style, according to the 2025 Gift Book Consumer Survey, with 14 percent planning to purchase it this year. Gen Z and Gen X aren’t far behind, though, at 13 percent each.

Transpac Brands has embraced the desire for more simplistic pieces, with Stanfill pointing out a “noticeable shift toward simpler, more elegant holiday décor.”

“Our Simple Celebrations collection showcases modern reindeer and minimalist tree designs in a striking black, white and green palette,” said Stanfill. “This collection also highlights trees finished with a contemporary iridescent sheen, adding a refined touch of shimmer to the seasonal décor.”

The trends from Christmasworld 2025 coincide with this style, too. “Natural materials teach us to perceive the here and how and not to lose ourselves in thoughts of the past or the future,” a Messe Frankfurt release said. The trend named “deep” focuses on transforming the home into a “cozy retreat” where the “simplicity of the objects is only apparent.”

Other Trends to Watch

While traditional and timeless styles may be at the forefront of a majority of consumers’ minds this year, they still aren’t the only options people want to see.

The third trend from Christmasworld 2025, dubbed “ease,” “turns the familiar on its head” with unconventional playfulness. Messe Frankfurt describes it as “lively patterns and imaginative, innovative creations [that] provide festive cheer.”

For some consumers, that may be a pastel palette similar to the “pinkmas” trend from last year. For others, like 21 percent of Gen Z and 20 percent of Millennials, all eyes are on neon/bright and cheerful décor items, according to the 2025 Gift Book Consumer Survey.

Décor that reflects a personal touch is also in demand. Retailers can expect to see this heavily in the ornaments category. According to the consumer survey, 55 percent of those looking to purchase an ornament this year want something that reflects their individual interests, while another 54 percent are looking for keepsake/memento pieces.

“Personalization continues to be a significant trend, with consumers seeking ornaments that reflect their unique stories and milestones,” Applefeld said.

Some consumers may opt for a style that is more in line with the roots of the Christmas holiday. “Product-wise, we are seeing an uptick in religious product for Christmas and every day,” Loughman said, adding that consumers with an interest in faith are becoming more expressive not just during the holiday season, but year-round.

For consumers looking to add a spiritual touch to their décor, Roman offers several nativity pieces — like the Confetti Lite Nativity Scene — and products featuring angels both in holiday and everyday settings.

On the Way Out?

As brands take note of what’s hot, they also pay attention to what’s not. And as you stock for holiday it’s just as important to pay attention to what experts feel is starting to phase out of consumer interest.

One big trend that’s starting to take a back seat — at least in the holiday world — is mushrooms. Similar to the gnome phenomenon, mushrooms have invaded their way into just about every category in recent years. But, according to Stanfill at least, it seems they are starting to fade.

“While mushrooms were a standout trend last year, they are beginning to transition out of seasonal décor and return to more garden-inspired settings,” she said.

And as for the gnomes? Well, they may finally be breaking, too.

“While gnomes have been a perennial favorite and continue to hold a special place in many customers’ hearts, we are seeing signs that the peak of the gnome trend may be tapering off,” Applefeld said. “For the past several years, gnomes have been a top-selling theme across holiday décor, thanks to their whimsical charm and wide appeal. However, some retailers are beginning to scale back their gnome assortments as consumers look for fresh, new characters and motifs to add to their collections.”

Melrose International and Transpac Brands report that products with bold or heavy typography, novelty products and heavily themed décor items are also seeing a slide. “Today’s customer wants to curate — not cover every surface,” Blair said.

“Bold novelty pieces and glitter-heavy designs that once dominated are being used more selectively,” she added. “We still love a statement moment, but it’s being balanced with more timeless accents.”

Scents of the Season

Once your customers have their spaces properly decorated, they’ll need the cherry

Candles and home fragrance products are consistently a top purchase this time of year, which is reflected in the 2025 Gift Book Consumer Survey, as 59 percent of consumers said they plan to purchase something from the category this season. That just barely edges out ornaments (58 percent) for the No. 1 spot.

Old World Christmas is expanding its seasonal scent offerings this year to better embrace the “spirit of tradition and holiday magic.”

“We’re expanding our scented candle line, which has been thoughtfully crafted to complement the holiday aesthetic our customers know and love,” said Applefeld. “Each candle is inspired by classic holiday moments — think fresh pine, spiced cider and warm sugar cookies — and designed to create an inviting, nostalgic atmosphere in any home.”

Fresh-baked scents – like the previously mentioned sugar cookies or fragrant fruit pies – are ideal for colder months because they help create warm, inviting atmospheres while also evoking memories for consumers.

“Smell has a strong connection to memory, and by capturing nostalgic scents you can create positive mood states and comfort,” Jennifer Kellison, director of innovation for essential oil company Aura Cacia, said in a 2024 article in Better Homes & Gardens.

Notes of gingerbread will also be popular, along with warm holiday spices like clove mixed with citrus. Both scents are fluid between the fall and winter seasons, making it more appealing to consumers wanting to get the most from their candle purchases.

Order Up!

There are a lot of things to consider when planning inventory for the holiday season. This year, the added pressure of tariffs have left some retailers worried about how much product will be available to purchase at reasonable prices.

“The current uncertainty surrounding global supply chains and tariffs

Transpac Brands has worked “diligently” to keep production timelines and deliveries on track since the initial tariff announcements back in February. “As a result of these efforts, we’re pleased to report that 90 percent of our ordered goods for Transpac remain on schedule,” Stanfill said.

At Roman, Loughman said things are currently operating as “business as usual,” despite briefly pausing shipments from manufacturers earlier this year.

“[We] had received a lot of goods prior to the pause,” he said. “We’ve been able to continue fulfilling orders week after week, and are actually up in shipping through May. … We are developing new for 2026 like always and are not cutting back on the number of items or dumbing down designs. It is business as usual for Roman, and customers can expect the same sales programs, flat freight rates and exciting new products that they’ve come to expect for more than six decades.”