The HOLIDAY Issue

by Skyscraper Creative

Designing the Holidays: From Retail Magic to Hotel Splendor

This week, we’re unwrapping the magic of holiday design—how inventive concepts and immersive aesthetics redefine the way we experience hotels, retail, and public spaces during the festive season. The most captivating holiday displays aren’t just backdrops for Instagram moments; they’re dynamic, experiential narratives that invite interaction and spark wonder. Here’s a curated look at installations that are setting new standards in holiday design.

Retail Extravaganzas: Where Design Meets Delight

Retailers globally are collaborating with top-tier designers and creative directors to craft festive moments that go beyond mere shopping. These installations are immersive, stylish, and culturally attuned, merging bold creativity with commercial strategy.

Galeries Lafayette, Paris

Under its iconic glass dome, Galeries Lafayette unveils a towering Christmas tree that transforms the space into a kaleidoscope of color and creativity. With collaborations from luxury fashion houses, this display marries retail and fine art.

Cidade Jardim Mall, São Paulo

Known for its high-concept installations, this luxury mall features bespoke designs by Brazilian artists. The 2024 holiday season embraces a futuristic yet warm aesthetic, proving that cutting-edge design can still feel inviting.

GUM Department Store, Moscow

Red Square’s iconic department store embraces its historic grandeur with elaborate decorations that blend traditional Russian motifs with contemporary design. The result? A festive atmosphere that feels timeless yet refreshingly modern.

Saks Fifth Avenue, NYC

The holiday windows at Saks are more than displays; they’re a symphony of light and design, brought to life by some of the industry’s most innovative talents. This year’s theme, paired with a digital light show cascading down the façade, draws visitors from across the globe.

Hotel Wonders: Elevating the Holiday Experience

Hotels are using design to craft picturesque, memorable experiences, leveraging their spaces to create a sense of awe and exclusivity during the holiday season. These installations don’t just attract guests—they become destinations themselves.

This tradition of holiday hotel design has its roots in the grand hotels of the 19th and early 20th centuries, where opulent decorations were a way to showcase luxury and attract affluent travelers during the holiday season. Today, hotels elevate this practice through collaborations with world-renowned designers, blending timeless elegance with modern creativity. Designers like Karl Lagerfeld, Diane von Fürstenberg, and Dolce & Gabbana have transformed spaces like Claridge’s in London into festive masterpieces, while other properties partner with local artists to create installations that resonate with their cultural and architectural heritage.

The cultural allure of Christmas and holiday experiences in hotels has also been propelled by iconic movies that capture the magic of these spaces. Films like Home Alone 2: Lost in New York immortalized The Plaza Hotel as a holiday dreamscape, with its lavish decorations and festive atmosphere serving as the perfect backdrop for Kevin McCallister’s adventures. Similarly, movies like Elf and The Holiday highlight how hotels and cozy retreats become synonymous with holiday cheer. These cinematic portrayals have ingrained the idea of hotels as enchanting holiday destinations, reinforcing their appeal during the festive season.

The Plaza Hotel, NYC

The Plaza’s lobby sparkles with elegance, featuring oversized ornaments and a towering tree adorned with gilded accents. It’s a quintessential New York holiday scene, blending classic luxury with seasonal charm.

Claridge’s, London

Each year, Claridge’s invites a renowned designer to create a bespoke Christmas tree. Recent collaborations include Karl Lagerfeld’s whimsical ‘Upside-Down Tree’ and Diane von Fürstenberg’s celestial ‘Tree of Love.’ It’s a masterclass in merging high fashion with hospitality. This year they collaborated with designer Paul Smith.

Beverly Wilshire, Four Seasons, LA

Inclusivity meets elegance at this storied property, where menorahs and Hanukkah-themed decor complement the traditional holiday trimmings. It’s a sophisticated nod to the season’s diversity.

The Ritz, London

Known for its opulent approach, The Ritz transforms its interiors into a winter wonderland, with cascading lights and lush greenery framing every corner.

Spotlight: Why Design Matters

Design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about crafting experiences that resonate. During the holidays, thoughtful design elevates spaces, driving engagement, boosting sales, and creating unforgettable moments. From custom installations to sensory-driven environments, these spaces prove that bold creativity isn’t just eye candy—it’s a strategic investment, fusing elevated design with meaningful returns to create experiences that captivate and deliver.

What’s Your Holiday Vision?

Let these examples inspire you to think bigger this season. Whether you’re curating a retail window, elevating a lobby, designing an immersive pop-up, or simply decorating your home,  the secret is in the alchemy of style, narrative, and interaction. Have a favorite holiday moment?

Feel free to email us your favorite hotel or retail holiday moments and let's keep the holiday spirit going —email us at [email protected] 

Until next time, stay inspired and we wish you an unforgettable holiday season!

The Skyscraper Creative Team

www.SkyscraperCreative.com