Christmas & Gift 2025 finishes on a high

The year 2025 certainly began on a high note for the UK's only festive trade show – Harrogate Christmas & Gift – as exhibitors and visitors turned up in large numbers to not only see the latest products the industry had to offer; but to celebrate a few important milestones too.

Whilst the fair celebrated its 75th anniversary this year, one exhibitor, Playwrite, boasted having attended every single show since it began! Warren Cornelius, one of the directors of Harrogate Christmas & Gift, first attended the event himself as an exhibitor in 1967. However, his predecessor Syd Vening (who joined the company with his brother-in-law William (Con) Cornelius and took over the reins on Con's death in 1944), was one of the show's founders when it began its journey in Harrogate as International Toy Fair.

Fast forward seven decades and the show never fails to impress. The halls of the Harrogate Convention Centre were absolutely packed with an array of fabulous products, not only for Christmas but for celebrations throughout the year. New colours and trends are presented each season and for Christmas 2026 it looks as though we will be seeing lots of rustic colours with autumnal hues; and pretty bold colour mixes such as purple with pink and blue with brown.

Quality wrapping and packaging was also trending with a number exhibitors displaying gift wrap, gift boxes, labels, cards and adornments to make gift giving that extra bit special. The traditional Christmas cracker appears to be returning in popularity – and family pooches will be topping Santa's wish list next year with a selection of dog toys and baubles to choose from.

Kerry Brassil of Listowell Garden Centre in Ireland, told us: "It's been a great show and we placed lots of orders. I loved seeing more unusual colour mixes this year. It's so nice to see so many bold and retro colour schemes."

Exhibitors were happy with the quality of visitors and buyers too with Tara Hardman of RSW commenting: "RSW had a great show. Our sales figures were up by a whopping 80% on 2024. Many of our existing customers visited us and we also gained a lot of new customers. Once again, the show was great for networking."

Alan Pimm of SIL Interiors reiterated this adding: "Harrogate Christmas & Gift was very successful for SIL with both orders and quotes substantially up on last year's show. Visitor numbers to our stand also increased and we look forward to re-booking for 2026."

This was the second year that Jackson's Comprehensive Retail Supplies exhibited in Harrogate and Greg Jackson of the company told us that it was their most successful trade show to date. "We noticed a significant increase in footfall to our stand, which was incredibly encouraing. Not only did we engage with more visitors but secured numerous orders during the event. This has had a positive impact on our business and we are thrilled with the results."

As a second-time exhibitor, Andy Jupp of Paper Starlights commented: "As a small niche supplier we're delighted with the access the show gives us into the big pond of Christmas retail. After just two years attending, we're already discovering that Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without Harrogate Christmas and Gift".

Next year, Harrogate Christmas & Gift will take place at the Harrogate Convention Centre from Sunday 11th to Wednesday 14th January 2026. Priority booking (for this year's exhibitors) will be from 24th February 2025 until Friday 11th April, before space goes onto general sale.