The holidays aren’t just for cookies and carols, they’re prime time for brands to shine. It’s the season built on wonder, nostalgia and emotion, making it the ideal moment for companies to connect with audiences in unforgettable ways.
From retail pop-ups to large scale brand experiences, the holiday season offers endless opportunities to create buzz, build loyalty, and deliver a little magic. Here’s how brands are “sleighing” the season (and how you can too).
Create Experiences, Not Just Displays
The most effective holiday activations pull people in, literally and emotionally. Instead of setting up a standard display, think of your space as a moment brought to life.
These experiences can pop up almost anywhere, including inside shopping malls, airport terminals, hotel lobbies, busy downtown plazas, or even corporate atriums. The key is meeting your audience where the holiday energy already lives.
Picture this:
- A cozy chalet-style booth at a winter market where guests can sip cocoa while sampling your product.
- A walk-through snow globe in a retail center that doubles as an immersive photo backdrop.
- A branded lounge inside a train station where travelers can warm up, recharge devices, and enjoy a quick treat.
In Real Life:
Tate's Brings Their Cookie Magic to NYC
What says holiday more than cookies? We helped Tate’s bring tradition to the city with a custom brand activation featuring their holiday treats.
Blend Tradition with Innovation
Holiday nostalgia is timeless, but adding a modern twist makes it unforgettable. The strongest seasonal campaigns mix classic charm with creative innovation.
Think beyond twinkle lights. Imagine:
- A digital Santa’s workshop where kids use touchscreens to “build” custom gifts or ornaments.
- A snow-inspired product demo zone that feels both sleek and festive.
- A projection-mapped storefront that transforms every evening into a mini holiday show.
These experiences spark familiarity and curiosity. The ultimate recipe for holiday engagement.
Make It Personal, And Shareable
The holidays are all about connection, and audiences crave experiences that feel tailor-made. Add a personal touch with:
- Custom photo ops that integrate your brand and seasonal themes (think: “ugly sweater” backdrops or glowing ornament tunnels).
- Personalized gifting stations where visitors can monogram, customize or wrap their purchase.
- Interactive digital elements that adapt to each guest. From touchless holiday trivia games to AR snowflake selfies.
Pro Tip
Give Back While Giving Joy
‘Tis the season of giving, and modern audiences notice when brands give back. Consider building a purpose into your activation, whether that’s donating a portion of proceeds to a local charity, hosting a toy drive, or designing an installation that raises awareness for a cause.
The most memorable activities don’t just sparkle, they make an impact. When your brand ties joy to generosity, it resonates long after the holiday ends.
Think Beyond December
Holiday activations may glitter for a few weeks, but the smartest brands build experiences that extend into the new year. Think post-event engagement, social storytelling, and ongoing partnerships.
Turn that December pop-up into a spring collaboration. Repurpose that winter wonderland activation into a refreshed display. The key is keeping the magic alive, even after the lights come down.
Bringing the Magic Home
Holiday activations are more than just seasonal sparkles. They’re powerful storytelling moments that remind people why they love your brand. Whether you’re decking out a brand activation, launching a limited-time retail pop-up, or creating a community experience that tugs on heartstrings, Nationwide 360 knows how to make it shine.