Christmas Food Packaging Ideas

The festive season has officially arrived, and what would be a better way to spread this festive cheer than with some beautifully designed Christmas food packaging? Whether you are a bakery, fish and chip shop, chocolatier, sweet shop, or speciality food brand, your packaging sets the tone for the holidays, creating a memorable experience for your customers. 

Creating your own thoughtfully crafted Christmas food packaging helps to transform your service offerings into a cheerful experience, perfect for gifting, or indulging in the holiday spirit

Why Invest Into Christmas Food Packaging? 

Christmas packaging is what really gets all shoppers in the holiday spirit, so why not make this the most festive it can be? You can significantly increase sales by re-packing your existing food/bakes with an updated Christmas packaging design, and this is normally driven by the appearance and price! Adding elements like a printed sleeve is an easy way to keep your original box structure while adding Christmas designs onto the sleeve. This is a simple switch, that can be easily restored once the Christmas period is over. 

It is also worth noting that you may have some customers who will be ordering from your business and sending them directly to the recipient for a Christmas gift. Offering a festive packaging design might be the reason why customers choose your brand over your competitors. 

Fun and Festive Christmas Food Packaging Ideas For Your Brand 

There’s something magical about unwrapping a package that feels like Christmas—it’s the joy, excitement, and anticipation all wrapped up in one. Creating that special feeling for your customers during the holiday season is a powerful way to connect with them and make your brand unforgettable.

If you are looking for inspiration this year for your festive food packaging designs, take a look at the below on how you can make your packing more festive this season. 

1. Choosing Your Colour Palette For Christmas Food Packaging Designs 

When it comes to choosing the right colour palette for your food packaging, most people instantly think of red and green when it comes to traditional Christmas colours. Changing your original brand colours to match these traditional festive colours can be massively impactful for any marketing/advertising campaigns that you may carry out. Adjusting these colours to match the season adds an instant festive feel to your branding and will entice people to come back. 

To open up your book of colours, red and green are not the only traditional colours for Christmas, there are also golds, silvers, and bronzes that also make up the traditional look! Any metallic colours like gold can give your food packaging a nice shiny finish while keeping it classy. 

Nothing beats sparkles at Christmas time, so adding a bit of sparkle can go a long way in making your packaging stand out. 

2. Christmas Designs & Patterns 

Incorporating festive designs and patterns into your Christmas food packaging is a great way to enhance its appeal and capture the magic of the season. Classic motifs like snowflakes, twinkling Christmas lights, trees, Santa hats, or playful reindeer instantly evoke the holiday spirit and create a sense of excitement.

Traditional patterns, such as candy canes, holly leaves, or plaid, can bring a nostalgic, cosy vibe, perfect for connecting with customers looking for that familiar Christmas charm.

3. What To Include Inside The Box/Bag

Include branded items with a festive touch, such as custom labels, stickers, or thank-you cards. These reinforce your brand identity and make the packaging feel cohesive, friendly, warm and professional. Enhance the presentation with decorative touches like festive tissue paper, ribbons, or a sprig of holly or pine. These little details can elevate the unboxing experience and make the contents feel more luxurious.

If you have a little bit more budget, consider including small gifts like mini candles, holiday-themed napkins, or a packet of hot chocolate mix. These thoughtful extras add value and surprise, making the box feel more like a complete holiday gift.

4. Include a Personal Note 

Adding a personalised note or greeting card is a lovely gesture that shows customers you care. A handwritten message or a printed holiday card with a thank you note can make the unboxing experience feel special and heartfelt.

5. Add Some Festive Final Touches  

A beautifully tied ribbon, twine, or festive bow adds elegance and charm to any package. Opt for metallics, plaids, or even burlap for a rustic, warm touch that screams Christmas. If you really want that real, festive feel, infuse the packaging with a light festive scent—such as cinnamon, pine, or vanilla—using scented sachets or essential oils. This sensory detail adds an extra layer of holiday magic when your customers open the box.

Finally, attach a small gift tag with a holiday greeting or a personal message. Not only does this add a personal touch, but it can also make the packaging look more like a present, ready for gifting.

For all things packaging, get in contact with Wyatt & Ackerman. We can help elevate your packaging this Christmas, giving your customers a lasting festive impression.