From Ralph Lauren Christmas to Caviar Pies, Here Are 10 Holiday Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Season

If this year’s holiday aesthetic had a uniform, it would be Black Watch plaid with a velvet bow tie. TikTok’s “Ralph Lauren Christmas” trend is all about country-club polish with a pinch of Polo Bar glamour. Think: tartan ribbons cascading down the tree, brass candlesticks lining the mantle and cut-crystal coupes gleaming under candlelight. The palette leans heritage (navy, hunter green, oxblood, cream), but it’s the layering that makes it feel rich—leather trays stacked with cigars, equestrian prints propped on sideboards, silver ice buckets chilling vintage Champagne. Even the gifts under the tree follow suit: wrapped in matching plaid and tied with one impeccable satin ribbon. Basically, it’s the Nancy Meyers holiday aesthetic everyone’s been waiting for.

The brooch is officially back—and this time, it’s not just a single pin on a lapel. Fashion houses from Schiaparelli to Prada have been sending jewel-encrusted brooches down the runway, and celebs from Naomi Watts to Julia Roberts have piled them high for red-carpet looks. The 2025 update? Stacking them like charms: layer two or three on a blazer, scatter them across the neckline of a holiday dress or even clip them to the bow on your evening bag for extra sparkle. Vintage brooch sales are climbing on resale sites, and new iterations feature crystals, florals and even zodiac motifs, making them as customizable as they are chic. It’s just the accessory to make a holiday outfit feel collected, not cookie-cutter.

Retro luxury is officially back on the menu, and nothing proves it quite like the return of the caviar pie. Once a staple of 1980s cocktail parties, the dish layers a cream-cheese-and-egg base with glistening roe on top, served with toast points or buttery crackers for the ultimate showpiece appetizer. It’s dramatic, indulgent and—thanks to the rise of “everyday caviar” moments on TikTok—suddenly accessible again. In fact, market analysts project the global caviar category will grow more than 7 percent annually through 2030, reflecting its steady move from elite banquets to chic dinner parties. Translation? Caviar pie is no longer your grandmother’s relic—it’s the chicest way to start a soirée, equal parts nostalgic and nouveau.

Just when you thought you’d seen it all last year, this holiday season brings even more advent calendars for every thinkable receiver and interest. Whether you're a foodie, a skincare junkie, or shopping for your little ones, there's an advent calendar that’s sure to surprise and delight. Seriously—there are advent calendars for wine, jam, games, peppermint bark and more foods; Barbies, crafts and Legos for the kids; top-rated skincare essentials (including Augustinus Bader), personalized jewelry and holiday-themed puzzles for the adults, even treats for your dogs. From luxury finds to budget-friendly thrills, if you can dream it, there’s probably a countdown calendar for it this year.

Matching pajamas just got a whole lot cuter—because this year, it’s not just about coordinating with your kids or partner, but with your dog (and yes, even your cat). Retailers like Hanna Anderson and Eberjey have expanded their holiday drops to include pet-sized versions of their classic PJ sets, while Target and Primark are stocking full family assortments that go from newborn to golden retriever. The look is delightfully over-the-top: candy-cane stripes, plaid flannels, even miniature doll outfits that mirror the family’s.

This year’s biggest tree trend is all about ornaments that celebrate imperfection: patina. Unlike glossy baubles, these are intentionally aged to look timeworn—glass globes washed in turquoise oxidation, gold leaf mottled with dark speckles, and burnished etchings that mimic decades of wear. Designers like Joanna Gaines and Shea McGee have both leaned into the look this season, releasing exclusive palettes of antiqued brass baubles and weathered copper finishes. The effect is moody and atmospheric—tarnished gold, smoky silver, mossy green—and when styled with velvet ribbons or antique candlesticks, the tree reads less “newly decorated” and more “collected over generations.”

First it was LOL Surprise dolls. Then it was the Surprise Minis. And now, you can’t walk into a toy store without seeing a beloved plaything in miniature (Rubik’s Cube, ViewMaster, you name it). The Toy Association named micro toys as one of the top toy trends—which is bad news for parents’ feet (ouch) but good news for their wallets, as these mini toys are typically budget-friendly and make excellent stocking stuffers. Per the organization, this trend “is driven primarily by social media, where unique and quirky toys have the potential to go viral and bolster consumer demand.” A little weird? Sure. But you can’t deny that these Squinkies Squishy Collectibles are also kind of adorable.

Holiday beauty is leaning away from candy-cane reds and into richer, moodier tones. First, you have cult-favorite lip products—like Fenty’s Gloss Bomb, Chanel’s Le Rouge Duo Ultra Tenue and Violette_FR’s Bisou Balm—topping bestseller lists in shades like ‘rose mauve’ and ‘mauve brown.’ But you also have a slew of new blush and eye palette arrivals that are packed with plums, mulberries and black cherry hues. Think: Merit’s Flush Balm or Makeup By Mario’s Ethereal Eyes Palette. When paired with chocolate-brown manicures—another TikTok-approved beauty trend—you have a final look that feels more mulled wine than peppermint mocha.

If you love entertaining, interactive food stations are going to be all the rage at this year’s holiday parties. Instead of your typical line of dishes, buffets are going to be more about a build-your-own taco bar where you can load up on favorite toppings or a mashed potato martini bar drizzled with lobster bisque. It’s like a choose-your-own-adventure, but for food —and it pairs perfectly with a cozy Christmas movie playing in the background. “Why settle for a standard buffet when you can give your guests the joy of playing with their food—literally?" says Roger Igo, award-winning event producer and CEO of The Bell Tower on 34th. To that end, it’s not just about eating, it’s about the experience. You get to experiment with flavors, create your ideal plate and maybe even have a little friendly competition over who made the best combo. It’s relaxed, interactive and way more fun than a sit-down meal.

Finally, no holiday soirée look is complete without the right shoe—and this year, the heeled Mary Jane is claiming center stage. Polished yet coquettish, the silhouette has been reimagined in glossy patent leather, jewel-tone satins and even crystal-buckled velvet, giving it just the right balance of sophistication and charm. Not to mention that celebs from Anne Hathaway to Daisy Edgar-Jones to Elsa Hosk (above) have put their stamp on the look. Think of them as the perfect foil to sequined minis or tailored tuxedo trousers: structured, feminine and just a touch nostalgic.