From Decadent Trees to Debutant Dresses, Here Are 10 Holiday Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Season

If Bridgerton taught us anything, it's that more is definitely more—and this season’s decadent tree designs are no exception. Inspired by the regencycore trend sweeping both fashion and interiors, these trees are dripping in opulence, with rich jewel tones like inky blues and deep burgundy taking center stage. Picture velvet ribbons, jewel-encrusted baubles and metallic accents of gold and champagne to create a plush, lavish aesthetic straight out of a royal ballroom. It's all about layering textures and colors—mercury glass ornaments, flocked branches and lace details—to craft a tree that's as indulgent as it is festive. And for anyone who’s really trying to bring extravagance into the holidays? No need to settle for one tree when you can have several: “We’re seeing people decorating with multiple Christmas trees in the home,” Balsam Hill’s director of merchandising, Mercedes Fuller, says. “It might be smaller trees in every room and decorated with different themes from vintage, family heirloom pieces to whimsical trees in a child’s room to travel themes that might reflect where they or their families have visited.”

Of course, what happens with home usually mimics fashion—and a decadent tree would be nothing without a debutant-ready outfit to match. This season is all about polished sophistication, including satin shift dresses, faux-fur stoles draped over your shoulders and over-the-elbow gloves for an extra touch of drama. Brands like Erdem and Simone Rocha are championing this ultra-feminine look with pieces that would make Jackie O. herself swoon—and the runway is showing everything from regal tweed twinsets to pearl necklaces and heirloom brooches that are the perfect mix of posh and playful. Basically, it’s a polished antidote to the casual Y2K looks we’ve been seeing everywhere. Whether you’re stepping out in a wool swing coat or accessorizing with classic black shades, this look is here to remind us that the holidays are about looking like you just stepped out of a New York heiress’s penthouse.

Just when you thought you’d seen it all last year, this holiday season brings even more advent calendars for every thinkable receiver and interest. Whether you're a foodie, a skincare junkie, or shopping for your little ones, there's an advent calendar that’s sure to surprise and delight. Seriously—there are advent calendars for wine, jam, peppermint bark and more foods; Barbies, crafts and Legos for the kids; top-rated skincare essentials (including Augustinus Bader), personalized jewelry and holiday-themed puzzles for the adults, even treats for your dogs. From luxury finds to budget-friendly thrills, if you can dream it, there’s probably a countdown calendar for it this year.

If you love entertaining, interactive food stations are going to be all the rage at this year’s holiday parties. Instead of your typical line of dishes, buffets are going to be more about a build-your-own taco bar where you can load up on favorite toppings or a mashed potato martini bar drizzled with lobster bisque. It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure, but for food —and it pairs perfectly with a cozy Christmas movie playing in the background. “Why settle for a standard buffet when you can give your guests the joy of playing with their food—literally?" says Roger Igo, award-winning event producer and CEO of The Bell Tower on 34th. To that end, it’s not just about eating, it’s about the experience. You get to experiment with flavors, create your ideal plate and maybe even have a little friendly competition over who made the best combo. It’s relaxed, interactive and way more fun than a sit-down meal.

Remember Brat Girl Summer? Think of Chrome-mas as its ultra-sleek winter counterpart. According to Etsy’s annual holiday trend report, chrome decor searches have skyrocketed by 3,756 percent, while shoppers are diving into chrome accessories like charm necklaces (+104 percent) and drinkware (+40 percent). It’s futuristic, reflective and perfect for anyone who wants their holiday decor to be as bold as it is polished. Think: chrome ornaments on your tree (or an entire tree made of chrome ornaments…), high-shine metal wreaths and mirrored vases filled with festive greenery. And when it comes to gifting, you want to lean into a space-age chic vibe—smooth, reflective surfaces bring a modern twist to holiday decor. Whether you're swapping out traditional baubles for chrome-finished ones or upgrading your table setting with sleek metallic accents, Chrome-mas is all about incorporating a high-gloss, futuristic edge.

Speaking of charms, Etsy’s report also found that charms are back—and it’s not just for jewelry. Bag charms, cup charms and even charms for pets are making everything from handbags to coffee cups a little more fun and a lot more personal this season. And with vintage charms seeing a 305 percent rise and charm necklaces up 156 percent, it’s clear that these tiny treasures are going to be hot on the gift list. Think: layered charms on bracelets, necklaces or even decking out your tree with charm-adorned ornaments. The latest iterations are personalized with everything from initials to astrological symbols, making them customizable pieces that turn accessories into statement-makers (and gifts into sentimental keepsakes).

Another unexpected decorating trend I’m seeing? Folksy felt ornaments. These adorable, needle-felted adornments—like fluffy sheep, quirky porcupines and mice on skis—are taking over trees and mantels, bringing a playful artisanal charm. This makes sense, considering they fit perfectly into the nostalgia craze that’s been sweeping holiday decor in recent years. As people crave the comfort of simpler times, handmade felt ornaments do just that—they bring back childhood memories of homemade decorations and add a personal, sentimental touch. Plus, while they’ve become a hit with Etsy crafters who want to replace their usual baubles with unique, handcrafted pieces, luxury brands like Diptyque and Ralph Lauren are hopping on the trend, collaborating with artisans to create felted candy canes and woodland creatures for their holiday collections.

In truth, the tinned fish trend started last year but it’s been going strong on TikTok ever since (“tinned fish date night” has over 128 million views) and is now making its way to the masses. And we’re not talking about the water-packed tuna that’s been lying in your pantry for two years. To give your holiday celebration some oomph, head to a high-end grocery store near you and they’re sure to have a plethora of options (mussels, salmon and sardines, oh my). You can dish these up on a board with a couple of forks and call it a day, or get a little fancy and try some of these tinned fish combos for a unique yet chic appetizer (the octopus + lemon + crispy potatoes suggestion is *chefs kiss*). Maybe just keep some mouthwash in the guest bathroom.

Pantone called out multiple shades of red—Cherry Tomato, Pureed Pumpkin, Fired Brick, Persimmon—in its recent trend reports and PureWow’s fashion editor Abby Hepworth is honing in on Cherry Red specifically this winter as the hottest color of the season. Not sure you can pull off this vibrant hue? “Go small with a bold red lip, turn it up a little more with a red baguette bag slung over your shoulder or go all in with a red silk maxi dress,” advises Hepworth. “There’s truly no wrong way to sport the color of the season, so do whatever makes you feel best and prepare yourself to revel in all the complements you’re about to receive.”

First it was LOL Surprise dolls. Then it was the Surprise Minis. And now, you can’t walk into a toy store without seeing a beloved plaything in miniature (Rubik’s Cube, ViewMaster, you name it). The Toy Association named micro toys as one of the top toy trends of this year—which is bad news for parents’ feet (ouch) but good news for their wallets, as these mini toys are typically budget-friendly and make excellent stocking stuffers. Per the organization, this trend “is driven primarily by social media, where unique and quirky toys have the potential to go viral and bolster consumer demand.” A little weird? Sure. But you can’t deny that these Squinkies Squishy Collectibles are also kind of adorable.