Today's show highlights
Visitors to Harrogate Christmas & Gift today had the chance to peruse the latest designs and colourways from favourite brands for 2025 and among the usual traditional Christmas colours of reds, greens, gold and silver, the trend for next year appears to include lots of rustic colours and fabrics, with autumnal hues and floral displays. Quality wrapping and packaging also appears to be trending with many companies displaying gift wrap, gift boxes, labels, cards and adornments to make gift giving that extra bit special. The traditional Christmas cracker has also revived its popularity.
Family pooches won't be disappointed next year either, with a selection of dog toys and baubles to choose from.
Christmas is all about treating the senses and there is certainly an abundance of beautiful smelling products at the show this year, from candles and diffusers to scented pine cones. New exhibitor Volka Rock (Stand Q7) presents an alternative fragrant option made from ethically sourced and extremely porous volcanic rocks which are perfect for the slow release of specially formulated essential oils &ndash just two to three drops provides beautiful aromas for several days.
Garden Centres and venues presenting Santa Grottos will also go away from the show with food for thought on how to create magical experiences next year with several companies exhibiting fabulous 'hero' displays. Hamac Displays (Stand M2) once again has everything from singing reindeer to Santa Snoring in front of the fireplace. A completely new concept which has had many visitors talking excitedly is presented by The Seasonal Group (Stand Q15) with its Santa's Enchanted Elevator. This will give children a fairy-tale trip to Santa's grotto – they enter the elevator and are whizzed on a 3D journey before the elevator doors open at the final destination where Santa is waiting in his grotto to greet them.
This is just a tiny selection of what Harrogate Christmas & Gift has to offer. If you haven't already attended, tomorrow (Wednesday 15th January) is your last chance. The show is open from 9.00am until 4.00pm.
For more information and a full exhibitor list visit www.harrogatefair.com