Taking place as part of the “three fairs, one ticket” concept at Messe Frankfurt, Christmasworld brings together global assortments, trends, and decision-makers across seasonal decoration and celebration. We spoke with Stefan Schopp, Director of Christmasworld, about what defines the upcoming edition and why the festive category continues to matter.
Christmasworld takes place alongside Ambiente and Creativeworld. How does the “three fairs, one ticket” concept strengthen the value proposition in 2026?
With three leading trade fairs at one location and one valid ticket, we create a highly efficient business platform across sectors. Visitors can access the most relevant global assortments for home, gifting, seasonal decoration and creative supplies in a single visit. Frankfurt becomes a one-stop shop for the global ordering season.
Looking ahead to the upcoming edition, what are the key themes shaping seasonal and festive retail right now?
– The Christmasworld Trends 26+ point to a shift towards more meaningful celebration. Emotional storytelling, authenticity and sensory experiences are becoming central. Consumers are looking for festive concepts that feel personal, immersive and emotionally grounding.
Decoration Unlimited is one of the fair’s signature presentations. What is the idea behind it this year?
– Decoration Unlimited shows seasonal decoration at its best. Under the theme “Tropical Bounty”, it translates the emotional power of tropical worlds into a contemporary seasonal language. Expressive, colourful and full of life, but carefully curated and commercially relevant. Retailers gain inspiration for eye-catching displays that drive impulse buying, both for Christmas and for other seasonal occasions.
Retailers across Europe are navigating economic uncertainty. How are festive categories performing in this climate?
– Seasonal and festive categories have proven remarkably resilient. Even in challenging times, consumers seek emotional value, atmosphere and moments of joy. Festive assortments fulfil this need and remain highly relevant when budgets are under pressure.
Visual merchandising and experience-led retail play a central role at Christmasworld. What advice would you give retailers?
– Start with emotional storytelling and immersive concepts. Create clear themes and cross-merchandise to build strong narratives. Christmasworld Take Off on the Monday of the fair is a key source of inspiration, offering insights into city lighting, shop windows and in-store experiences.
Sustainability has been a long-term focus, including initiatives such as Ethical Style. How is sustainability developing at Christmasworld?
– Sustainability remains an important focus. Programs like Ethical Style have helped drive progress, and today sustainability is increasingly embedded in product design, materials and supply chains. Buyers are looking for solutions that combine design, affordability and responsible production. Christmasworld makes these concepts visible, comparable and scalable.
How are retailers’ buying behaviours changing when it comes to seasonal assortments and planning cycles?
– Buying behaviour is becoming more cautious, more data-driven and more flexible. Retailers plan closer to the season, with smaller initial volumes and a stronger focus on fast reordering. There is also growing demand for modular products that work across multiple occasions, which makes reliable sourcing platforms more important.
For exhibitors, what makes Christmasworld an effective platform for long-term business?
– Christmasworld is the world’s leading trade fair for seasonal and festive decoration. It brings together international decision-makers from retail, wholesale and visual merchandising. High visitor quality, strong international reach and targeted formats like Christmasworld Take Off support long-term partnerships.
How does Christmasworld support celebrations beyond Christmas?
– We cover festive occasions throughout the year, from Easter and Halloween to birthdays and events. The dedicated area for Party and Festive Articles reflects the growing demand for year-round celebration concepts.
What is the key reason to visit Christmasworld 2026?
– To experience the full spectrum of seasonal inspiration in one place. From trends and standout presentations like Decoration Unlimited to the most comprehensive international assortment for festive merchandising. Christmasworld is where inspiration turns into business.
