Animals to Take Center Stage This Holiday, Christmasworld Says

Every February, trend experts at the German wholesale holiday show, Christmasworld in Frankfurt, design a trend showcase, highlighting what is expected to be the top trends for the coming holiday season. Now, those trend experts are expanding on their trend predictions, deeming these three themes as the most popular design choices for the coming winter holiday.

1. Luxury and Festive Opulence

In 2026, “Christmas trees will sparkle with lavishly decorated glass ornaments that shimmer and shine from every angle,” Christmasworld trend experts said in a press release. “Sophisticated color palettes feature elegant shades such as cream, wine red and burgundy, beautifully paired with gold, black and metallic finishes to create a luxurious festive atmosphere.”

The trend features richly detailed designs ranging from intricate decorative patterns and pearl embellishments to gold-leaf finishes and colorful motifs. Premium candles with delicate gold-dust finishes and radiant metallic surfaces add refined highlights.The same sense of extravagance extends to gift wrapping, the experts said. “Exquisite papers and ribbons with elaborate designs transform even the smallest presents into eye-catching gifts.”

2. Cozy Christmas

The cozy Scandinavian style, with its light natural tones, has become a firm favorite in festive decorating, according to Christmasworld trend experts. For 2026, this clean, understated look receives an irresistibly soft update. Faux fur, feathers and wool accents among other tactile decorative elements evoke warmth and comfort. Among the season’s standout accessories are cloud-soft stars made from plush fabrics, knitted textiles and faux fur.

These cozy elements will be complemented by the ever-popular Christmas gnomes, complete with irresistibly soft beards and fluffy bows. Velvety flocked finishes transform nutcrackers and deer into wonderfully tactile decorative pieces. Adding an even lighter touch, feather Christmas trees create an ethereal festive ambience, while traditional glass baubles are given a cozy makeover with knitted appliqué details.

The Dachshund Takes Center Stage

It seems every year there’s a new top dog, and this holiday season the dachshund will be the essential Christmas motif. The much-loved little dog is appearing everywhere, from festive figurines to Christmas tree ornaments. For the upcoming holiday season, it has been reimagined in countless styles: crafted from mouth-blown glass, woven from straw or made from knitted fabric, felt or wood – often dressed in scarves, woolly hats, sunglasses or even full ski gear. The faithful companion also finds its place as a charming candle holder and, naturally, is featured prominently on gift wrap and ribbons, making it one of the season’s most playful festive icons.

The next edition of the co-located Christmasworld and Ambiente shows are scheduled for Jan. 29-Feb. 2, 2027, at the Frankfurt exhibition center.