# Virtual Holiday Brands are debuting services to help consumers safely celebrate amid COVID-19. By [Kalin Ned](https://www.trendhunter.com/knedelch), Research Writer | Published Oct 3, 2020 | Category: [Special](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/special-features) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/virtual-holiday ## Key Figures - Trend score: 5.2/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Virtual Holiday trend? **Virtual Holiday:** In many countries, governments insist on the restriction of holidays like Christmas and Halloween due to the ongoing health pandemic. Brands are stepping in by offering festive virtual experiences and solutions that allow consumers to celebrate in a safe manner. ## The consumer insight behind the Virtual Holiday trend The COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the associated government-imposed restrictions for social gatherings and businesses, have caused consumers to rethink their lifestyles and how they interact with one another and the world. As personal celebrations and holidays approach, individuals are looking for ways to be together and embrace their festive spirit without putting their health or that of their loved ones at risk. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: May 1 to Oct 4, 2020 - Published: Oct 3, 2020 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction) - Megatrends: [Curation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/curation), [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/experience) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Virtual Holiday trend ### Virtual Holiday Experiences With the COVID-19 pandemic, the trend of virtual holiday experiences has risen as brands offer festive virtual solutions for individuals to celebrate while staying safe. ### App-Based Holiday Solutions Virtual holiday applications like TREAT TOWN have emerged to offer personalized and unique modern-day celebrations to traditional holidays. ### Digital Marketplaces for Holiday Celebrations Digital marketplaces like The World's Biggest Virtual Christmas Market offer individuals the opportunity to connect globally with a wide range of vendors and custom holiday activities. ## What the Virtual Holiday trend means for industry ### For Hospitality The hospitality industry should explore offering virtual experiences and solutions for guests to safely and digitally celebrate, especially during the holidays as personal celebrations and traditional holiday experiences are altered. ### For Retail Retailers can adapt to the trend by offering unique, digital products and experience to customers while safely tapping into the holiday spirit. ### For Technology The rapid development of technology has allowed individuals to connect and celebrate virtually. Innovators in the technology industry should look into solutions that create immersive, digital experiences for individuals celebrating holidays from home. ## Workshop question How can your brand honor the holiday spirit in a safe way? ## Trend signals for Virtual Holiday Trend score 5.2 out of 10, from popularity 78%, activity 69%, freshness 9%. - Popularity: 78% - Activity: 69% - Freshness: 9% ## Examples of the Virtual Holiday trend 4 featured examples from May 1 to Oct 4, 2020. - [Virtual Christmas Markets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-christmas-market): The World’s Biggest Virtual Christmas Market Will Run in November (Category: Business) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate virtual Christmas markets into existing e-commerce platforms, allowing customers to seamlessly shop both online and in-person. - [Digital Halloween Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-trick-or-treating): TREAT TOWN is an App-Based Experience for Virtual Trick-or-Treating (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: The introduction of app-based experiences like TREAT TOWN creates opportunities for the confectionery industry to develop unique marketing strategies and partnerships to promote t… - [Branded Virtual Holiday Backgrounds](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holiday-backgrounds): Cracker Barrel Made Virtual Decorations to Ring in the Season (Category: Business) Implication: Retailers can leverage virtual holiday backgrounds and nostalgic decor as a way to increase holiday sales and engage with customers in a unique way during the holiday season. - [Virtual Mexican Holidays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/online-cinco-de-mayo-celebrations): Cameo & Tequila Don Julio are Taking Cinco de Mayo Celebrations Online (Category: Lifestyle) Implication: Exploring innovative ways to connect with consumers and create memorable experiences for holidays and special occasions. ## Recent trend clusters - [Format Flexing](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/workout-energy-formats) (Lifestyle) - [Package Play](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/promotional-food-packaging) (Marketing) - [Affinity Sailings](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-travel-experiences) (World) - [Care Continuity](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/hormonal-health-services) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Special - [Deluxe Beauty Advent Calendars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/classic-and-prestige) - [Nourishing Almond Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/almond-sublime-favorites) - [Dynamic Outerwear Holiday Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holiday-2026-campaign) - [Wellness-Themed Gift Sets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bleu-lavande1) All articles: [Special](https://www.trendhunter.com/special)