You read that title correctly, and no, we’re not trying to make you forget about the sunshine and summer vibes! But the truth is, now is the perfect time to start planning your winter holiday and end-of-year celebration events.
We recently caught up with our creative services team to get their expert insights into what’s trending as we round the half-way point of the year. Read on for trends, themes, and imaginative concepts that could make your event unforgettable.
What’s Trending?
To kick things off, we asked our creative team about the guest experience enhancements they see gaining traction for this year’s winter events.
- Immersive Lighting & Sound: 43% of our team expects immersive environments to transform event spaces in memorable ways.
- AI-Driven Personalization: 36% foresee truly tailored experiences that speak directly to each guest.
- Other Notable Innovations: Augmented/virtual reality, sustainable activations, and health-conscious options (each earning 7%) are also pushing event design forward.
Winter Holidays Creative Inspiration
When we explored winter holiday color palettes, and décor ideas, our team’s visions were as diverse as the season itself, but they shared a common thread: multisensory experiences will define this year’s celebrations.
Liz Colburn describes a “multisensory ambiance with minimalist elegance, paired with cozy accents like warm lighting and soft textures. It’s the perfect balance of calm sophistication and sensory immersion.” Charlee Engle agrees, highlighting how scent, sound, and taste can spark deeper connections: “Seasonal events have a unique advantage of tapping into so many specific senses associated with the holidays.” Think the scent of pine, the sound of crackling fire, and the taste of spiced cocktails.
For those inspired by bolder statements, Courtney King predicted that the colors of the aurora borealis would influence many winter events. She sees guests “moving from simple and classic wintry scenes into color-infused, glowing moments that really light up the night." Melis Feingold has a similar glowing vision with her concept “Digital Aurora,” a theme blending holographic tablescapes, motion-reactive installations, and sci-fi-inspired lighting.
The future of holiday events is evolving, with everything from bold, vibrant color schemes to understated natural palettes making their mark. Kelsi Tucker sees a shift toward earthy tones and nature-inspired décor, saying, “Evergreens and browns will take center stage this year, focusing more on nature and the season rather than traditional holiday style.” In contrast, Chantel Mysliwiec's “Ice & Stripes” concept also breaks from tradition, introducing vibrant colors, metallic accents, and striking patterns to spark conversation. “This is holiday event design where striking patterns aren’t just décor, they’re invitations to mingle and break the ice in style,” Chantel shares.
As always with the winter holiday season, there’s a place for nostalgia. Serra Vitellaro predicts that Old-Fashioned and Vintage-Inspired themes will remain popular thanks to their emotional connection to cherished memories. Amanda Davis sees pastels replacing traditional reds and greens for a fresh, retro feel, while Emily Blackman imagines a 1950s-inspired holiday celebration filled with tinsel and vintage décor - a charming contrast to today’s high-tech world.
Guest Experience Enhancements
To really elevate your event, consider adding some unique interactive elements. Bailey Southard suggests a “horse-drawn carriage ride simulation” that takes guests on a scenic journey through a park, with 4-D technology and VR headsets creating a fully immersive experience. It’s the perfect blend of tradition and innovation.
Serra Vitellaro envisions a grand entrance featuring a life-sized gingerbread house, offering guests homemade bakery treats and hot chocolate. “The delicious aromas alone would instantly get me excited for the evening ahead,” she says.
Self-Care & Reflection
As the year comes to a close, many guests crave moments of calm and self-care. Jenny Morris proposes an “All in Your Feels” concept, where guests can unwind with self-care stations, chair massages, and hydration IVs. “With the hustle and bustle of the season, why not create an event that focuses on relaxation?” she asks.
Melis Feingold offers her own take with “Solstice Reverie,” an experience that combines immersive environments and reflective programming to create a space for connection and transformation. As Melis put it, “The most meaningful events don’t just celebrate; they reflect who we are becoming. Solstice Reverie is all about pausing, connecting, and remembering.”
Dream Winter Event Concepts
While many of these ideas are trending, our team also shared some personal dream concepts. The ones they are eager to see brought to life.
For Liz Colburn, that is "Prismatic Noel," a design she co-created with Devyn Dohner for our 2025 Winter Lookbook. “It’s a vision I’d love to see come to life with light, color, and texture all blending seamlessly together.”
Courtney King has a playful twist for holiday events in warm locations like Las Vegas. “In the desert, I would love to mix fake snow with cacti and tropical plants, adding bright colors that echo desert flora blooming in winter. It’s a fun challenge to blend the expected with the unexpected.” In Nashville, Charlee Engle is inspired by “Merry Citrus,” a sustainable concept that incorporates fresh produce and dried fruits as aromatic décor for a homey, welcoming feel.
Holiday movie magic also sparked creative ideas. Kelsi Tucker dreams of designing a Whoville-themed event: “The Grinch has always been my favorite during the holidays, and I think it would bring a whimsical, interactive element to an event that guests would love.” Stephanie Smith is drawn to the lighthearted spirit of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, which she envisions translating into a playful, family-friendly atmosphere.
Inspired Yet?
With these creative concepts and emerging trends in mind, now is the perfect time to start envisioning your 2025 winter holiday event. Explore our full Winter Inspirations Look Book and discover even more ideas!