Seasonal Labels for Thanksgiving & Christmas: Why Brands Should Be Planning Now
Remember in July when we were asking if it was too early for Pumpkin Spice? Well, here we are in October, and Pumpkin Spice is in full swing! Which makes it the perfect times for brands to internally switch gears to peppermint, and eggnog because Christmas and Thanksgiving are going to be here before you know it! As soon as the air gets crisp, for brands, that means it’s time to think beyond pumpkin spice and start planning labels for the next big moments: Thanksgiving and Christmas.
The holiday season is one of the busiest times of year for food, beverage, and giftable products. Shelves are crowded, competition is fierce, and seasonal packaging is often what helps your brand stand out. A well-designed Thanksgiving or Christmas label can spark excitement, highlight limited-edition products, and make your items a go to choice for celebrations and gift giving. But capturing that opportunity requires starting early.
Why Early Planning Matters
Even in September and October, brands that want to maximize their holiday impact should already be finalizing artwork and scheduling production. Labels are one of the last steps in the process and delays can mean missing crucial selling windows.
By planning ahead, you can:
-
Avoid production bottlenecks: Printers and packaging suppliers often face peak demand during the holiday rush. Getting your order in early ensures your labels are ready when you need them.
-
Maximize shelf time: Seasonal products only sell if they’re in stores before customers start shopping. A Thanksgiving label that doesn’t arrive until late November misses its moment.
-
Stay flexible: Starting early gives you time to experiment with finishes like foils, embossing, or special shapes that can elevate your holiday look.
Thanksgiving Labels: Warm & Gathered
Thanksgiving is all about warmth, family, and togetherness. Labels with earthy tones, seasonal motifs (like leaves or harvest imagery), and cozy textures resonate with shoppers. Specialty food products, craft beverages, and even candles or home goods can benefit from Thanksgiving-themed designs that invite consumers to bring them to the table.
Christmas Labels: Festive & Gift-Ready
Christmas packaging often doubles as a gift presentation. Labels that incorporate metallic foils, rich reds and greens, or snowy whites create an instant festive feel. For brands, this is the time to lean into luxury finishes and eye-catching designs that make your products feel like they belong under the tree.
Make the Most of the Season
Seasonal labels are more than decoration, they’re a tool for storytelling and driving sales during the busiest shopping season of the year. By getting ahead of the curve now, your brand can avoid last minute stress and fully capture the Thanksgiving and Christmas markets.
At Columbine Label, we help brands create labels that are both beautiful and production-ready, so your seasonal products shine right when it matters most.