How to Make Your Business Stand Out with Holiday Decor

May 19, 2025

Time to read 8 min

By Alicia Gonzalez

How to Make Your Business Stand Out with Holiday Decor

Holiday decor is a no-brainer for businesses. It attracts foot traffic, provides better customer experiences, and makes employees happier and more productive. But a standout design will take it to the next level, helping you outpace your competitors.

Many businesses ask themselves, How can I improve this year’s display, contributing to an exceptional aesthetic. These holiday decor tips will help you achieve a unique design that will divert attention from the competition, supporting a lucrative holiday season.

Table of Contents

The Impact of Holiday Decor on Customer Perception First Impressions Matter Evoking Emotions That Drive Spending Increasing Foot Traffic with Visual Appeal Aligning Holiday Decor with Your Brand Identity Choosing a Color Scheme That Reflects Your Business Custom Ornaments and Signage with Branding Elements Creating a Theme That Tells Your Brand Story Strategic Areas to Decorate in Your Business Entrances and Storefront Displays Reception Desks, Waiting Areas, and Showrooms Outdoor Spaces, Windows, and Rooflines Planning and Timing for Maximum Holiday Impact When to Start Decorating Coordinating With Promotions and Events Conclusion FAQs About the Author Recommended Products

The Impact of Holiday Decor on Customer Perception

Commercial Christmas decorations contribute to the customer experience, making a terrific first impression, boosting foot traffic, and driving conversions. Here are some ways they can help businesses.

First Impressions Matter

First impressions matter. According to Salesforce Research, 89% of consumers will likely return to a business after a positive experience.

Appealing holiday decor for businesses is an ideal way to make a positive first impression. Holiday lights boost serotonin, making consumers feel happier. They will have pleasant memories of your company, making them likely to return and recommend your business to others.

Evoking Emotions That Drive Spending

Holiday decorations for small businesses can also evoke emotions that drive spending. For example, they make people linger in your business longer. In addition to increasing the chances of finding something they want to buy, they will be inspired by the spirit of reciprocity and purchase items to reward the company’s efforts in creating a pleasant customer experience.

The decor will also remind them that the holiday season is approaching and they must start crossing those items off their shopping list.

Increasing Foot Traffic with Visual Appeal

People are attracted to a business Christmas light installation. When they see those lights gleaming from afar, they may want to see it up close, thereby learning more about your business and the products and services you offer. Even if they don’t purchase the spot, they will become familiar with your brand and may return to buy something in the future.

Aligning Holiday Decor with Your Brand Identity

Holiday decor is appealing, regardless of the theme, but items that align with your brand identity will remind people who is behind the design and ensure they remember your business. Here are some Christmas decor branding tips to make your company stand out.

Choosing a Color Scheme That Reflects Your Business

Many companies have brand colors that reflect their brand image. For example, a brand that sells baby items may use soft colors like carnation pink and sky blue. A luxury brand may favor black and gold.

Make your holiday decor align with your brand image to ensure people focus on your company and promote your identity through your holiday design.

Custom Ornaments and Signage with Branding Elements

You may also integrate customer ornaments and signage that feature branding elements. For example, you may purchase a tree with ornaments that bear your logo or mimic the products you sell in your shop. You may also hang a sign that says ‘Merry Christmas from (your company)’.

Specialized companies typically offer custom ornaments and signage. Order these items quickly so they are designed and shipped by the holiday season. Plan in advance to reach your holiday goals.

Creating a Theme That Tells Your Brand Story

Other holiday decor tips recommend creating a theme that tells your brand story. If you run a family-owned company, consider customizing designs featuring your family members hard at work in Santa's workshop, preparing for the holiday season.

If you own a salon, consider creating scenes that show people beautifying to prepare for special holiday events. Seasonal decor for restaurants and cafes may show people tucking in for a professionally served holiday meal.

Strategic Areas to Decorate in Your Business

You must also consider strategic areas for your displays. They should be placed in areas where customers are likely to see them. Here are some recommendations.

Entrances and Storefront Displays

Retail stores should integrate displays in entrances and storefronts, where customers can see them from afar, generating interest and foot traffic. For example, you may:

Place a wreath on your front door
Hang holiday lights and garlands around your front entrance
Place a holiday greeting welcome sign near the front of your business

Reception Desks, Waiting Areas, and Showrooms

Office-type businesses may incorporate displays by reception desks, in waiting areas, and showrooms to impress customers early on. Here are some holiday decoration tips for customer appeal.

Reception Desks: Place small decorations around your reception desks, like mini trees, lights, and garlands. Larger decorations can be placed behind the reception area, like wreaths, displays, and even full-size trees.
Waiting Rooms: Decor in waiting rooms can impress customers early on and may provide a sense of calm. Consider hanging soothing lights around these areas to reduce anxiety. Elle Magazine recommends calming color combinations, including blues, greens, pale pinks, and neutrals. They may not be the most traditional holiday colors, but anything goes in this day and age.
Showrooms: Showrooms are ideal for decorations because they usually feature large windows and are visible from the street. You can decorate your showroom according to your available space, adding lights, inflatables, and large trees. You may even make your showroom items part of your display, placing them atop snowy and holiday-themed pedestals.

Outdoor Spaces, Windows, and Rooflines

Make the most of your exterior with the following holiday decor tips:

Outdoor Spaces: Utilize outdoor spaces with large trees, selfie stations, and inflatables that will attract foot traffic. When implementing these displays, ensure you don’t infringe on anyone else’s property or violate local regulations.
Windows: Windows are an ideal decorating space. Holiday window display ideas include placing your products in snowy landscapes, adding a frosted look to enhance the season's spirit, or placing lights in strategic areas for illumination. Determine the best holiday window display inspiration for your business needs.
Rooflines: Brighten up rooflines by placing lights and snowflakes around the eaves. You may even place a branded reindeer-guided Santa’s sleigh atop your roof if possible. It will attract attention from miles around.

Planning and Timing for Maximum Holiday Impact

When decorating, timing is everything. Decorate too early, and you can cause holiday fatigue. If you’re too late, other stores will begin decorating before you, potentially stealing your customers.

The following holiday decor tips will guide your timeline.

When to Start Decorating

When is the ideal time to start decorating? Most businesses will want to focus on holiday decor after Halloween. You can replace Halloween decorations with Christmas decorations, providing a smooth process.

Although decorating may not start until Halloween, it’s never too early to plan. Many companies consider decorating in the summer to ensure they have all they need by the holiday. This approach also ensures you have customized decorations ordered and ready to hang.

Coordinating With Promotions and Events

Companies may also decorate to coordinate with promotions and events. For example, if your company is located in a shopping center or area, your community may host a lighting or shopping event. Ensure your store is ready for these activities.

Conclusion

Today’s companies must think beyond decorating. They must create standout designs that will help them outpace the competition. Creative business holiday decor themes, such as integrating branding and creating displays that attract foot traffic, will help you achieve your goals.

If you need assistance, Dekra-Lite can help. We provide a diverse selection of high-quality decorations suited to your business needs. Our team also offers professional holiday decorating services, ensuring an appealing aesthetic that makes a great first impression.

FAQs

Can I decorate my business for the holidays on a budget?

Yes, you can decorate your business for the holidays on a budget. Begin by establishing a budget and determining what you need. If your pricing exceeds the budget, consider eliminating or seeking lower-priced items.

While budgeting is essential, you should never cut corners that promote safety or a professional aesthetic. Ensure your display looks professional to make a great first impression on customers. A safe design will reduce the risk of injuries resulting in expensive liabilities.

What are trending commercial Christmas decor themes?

Trending commercial decor themes vary year by year. They may be based on a popular movie or video game. For example, Thunderbolts came out in 2025 and may be a trending theme for the holiday season.

Decor experts also predict trends that combine traditional and modern elements, such as vintage holidays, nature-inspired palettes, and minimalist themes.

While trends can attract foot traffic, they may not be sustainable year after year. Consider the ROI of holiday decorations to determine if you can invest in new design elements annually to keep up with current trends. Otherwise, a classic aesthetic that requires subtle annual upgrades may be more suitable.

Can holiday decor help with marketing?

Yes, holiday decor can help with marketing. It can attract foot traffic, improve customer experiences, drive conversions, and make consumers want to return to your store.

Integrating branding elements can make your holiday decor an even more effective marketing tool. They will make your brand name more memorable, increasing customer referrals and returning customers.

Where can I find professional holiday decorations for my business?

Several companies offer holiday decorations. However, if you want a professional look, you should source your decor from a company specializing in business designs. Dekra-Lite stands out as we have years of experience selling decor suited to professional needs and providing decorating services to ensure it looks its best.

What types of holiday decorations work best for attracting customers?

While all types of holiday decor can attract customers, holiday lights are best. They stand out in the increasing darkness of the holiday season and on gloomy winter days.

You can also attract customers with decor placed in outdoor spaces that enhances visibility. Additionally, trending decor representing the latest movies or pop culture could attract fans.

About the Author

Alicia Gonzalez

Alicia Gonzalez is the Sales Manager at Dekra-Lite. She has over 20 years of sales experience, including over 10 years of managing a sales team. If you’re looking for new ways to showcase your holiday spirit, Alicia would love to connect with you.