After visiting Christmasworld 2025, the premier global expo for the commercial Christmas industry, our Director, Leigh Gardner, reflects on the emerging industry trends and how they will influence our product offerings.
Three weeks have passed since returning from Christmasworld in Germany, the premier global expo for the commercial Christmas industry. Yet, it feels as though I have been back in the saddle for only a matter of days. The sheer volume of insights, trends, and ideas gathered from the event has kept our team at Dec the Malls engaged in deep reflection and implementation.
Attending Christmasworld each year presents an opportunity to explore cutting-edge design, innovative materials, and emerging global trends. As a business, we continuously ask ourselves:
In response, our team has actively workshopped our experiences from the expo, leading to new research and development initiatives and improvements to our existing product lines. The energy and dedication across our team since returning to Australia have been nothing short of extraordinary.
A Culture of Innovation and Collaboration
One of the most rewarding aspects of attending Christmasworld is the ability to experience it alongside our team. For first-time attendees, the scale and spectacle of the event can be overwhelming—a true sensory experience. Yet, it is precisely this environment that fosters deeper conversations about design and creativity. Free from daily distractions, we have the chance to completely immerse ourselves in the artistry and craftsmanship that shape the festive season.
Each year, I dedicate time to walking the halls with a singular purpose: to seek inspiration from projected seasonal trends. In 2025, nature once again took centre stage. A striking mix of matte metallic finishes and gold lustres was complemented by rich oceanic blues and warm earthy browns, creating a calming and elegant aesthetic.
The presence of environmentally friendly materials continues to grow, with notable expansion in the colour palettes available in sustainable 3D-printed mediums. Additionally, pastel tones, sheer silks, and delicate feather textures blended seamlessly with vibrant fruit-inspired hues such as lemon and plum—an undeniable trend in the 2025 Christmas palette.
Timeless Aesthetic Meets Modern Trends
While trends evolve, a core design philosophy remains timeless: the fusion of warm timber tones, deep ocean blues, and the lush greens of moss-covered forests creates the perfect canvas for Christmas iconography. Whether it is the addition of a gold star to a tree, or a soft pastel bauble trim draped around a garland, these elements harmonise to evoke nostalgia and wonder while also introducing a refined sense of elegance and sophistication.
This philosophy aligns seamlessly with Pantone’s 2025 Colour of the Year: PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse. Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Colour Institute, said:
“Infused with subtle elegance and earthy refinement, PANTONE 17-1230 Mocha Mousse presents a discrete and tasteful touch of glamour.”
This warm, inviting tone perfectly encapsulates the essence of Christmas—fostering a sense of connection and joy that transcends cultures and traditions.
Looking Forward
At Dec the Malls, we are driven by the belief that Christmas is more than a season—it is an experience. Our takeaways from Christmasworld 2025 reaffirm our commitment to innovation, quality, and the magic of festive design. As we integrate these insights into our upcoming projects, we look forward to continuing to create spaces that captivate and inspire.
The passion within our team is stronger than ever, and we are excited to bring these global inspirations to life for our clients in Australia. Here’s to a season of warmth, wonder, and creativity!
(Article first published on Linked In, 7 March 2025)
Amanda Miller Photography
Amanda Miller PhotographyFestive Elegance at Forest Lakes
