Seasonal Trend Alert: December 2023–February 2024
- Kristin Brodie
- October 10, 2023
- read
It’s official: the year is racing by and we’re heading into the final few months of 2023. As we wonder where the year has gone, it’s time for creatives to start planning out their seasonal content for the next few months.
As we mentioned in our recent Envato Reveals article, The Secret To Year Round Success, seasonally relevant content is critical for creatives.
Seasonal content is an important part of every marketer’s strategy. It helps creators connect with their audiences by meeting them where they’re at.
Adam Noonan Marketing Director, Envato
Read on for a brief summary of some of the biggest seasonal events happening between December 2023 and February 2024.
These are the events that we think will be most likely to drive customer demand and represent the biggest earning opportunities for creative stock authors.
If you’ve got content that fits any of these categories, upload it now to make sure that it’s published when our customers will be looking for it.
If you don’t have any content that matches these categories, we suggest that you spend some time focusing on these areas when you think about what you will create next.
Quick links
General Events
Winter
December marks the start of winter in the northern hemisphere, and with it a whole wonderland of content opportunities for creative stock authors. From cozy fireplaces and warm hot chocolates, to snowball fights and ice skating, the season of winter brings a huge scope for creativity.
In addition to this, many of the key seasonal events that happen between December and February are tightly associated with winter. Christmas and New Year are two such examples.
Seasonal events in December 2023
Winter solstice
The winter solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year in the northern hemisphere. This year, the solstice falls around December 21.
Traditions associated with the winter solstice vary across cultures but often focus on celebrating the return of the sun and the gradual lengthening of daylight. These can include lighting bonfires, candles, or lanterns; performing rituals to welcome the “rebirth” of the sun; and engaging in feasting, singing, or dancing to honor the changing seasons.
Christmas
Celebrated on December 25th, Christmas is a religious and cultural holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. It is observed by Christians worldwide, although some Orthodox Christian sects celebrate Christmas a few weeks later. In 2024, Orthodox Christmas will be celebrated on January 7.
Traditions associated with Christmas include gift giving, decorating trees and homes with lights and ornaments, and sharing meals with loved ones.
Boxing Day
The day after Christmas Day, December 26, is a holiday in the United Kingdom and various commonwealth countries known as Boxing Day.
Boxing day originated as a day when servants and tradespeople received gifts from their employers or were allowed to take a day off work. Today, it is often associated with shopping sales and sporting events.
Hanukkah (or Chanukah)
Hanukkah (or Chanukah) is an 8-day Jewish celebration that begins on December 26 2023 and runs until January 2 2024. Also known as the Festival of Lights, Hanukkah is celebrated with the lighting of the menorah, playing with dreidels, and enjoying fried foods.
Kwanzaa
Kwanzaa is an African-American holiday that runs from December 26 to January 1. It is based on a variety of African harvest festival traditions and focuses on seven principles.
These principles are each represented by a candle on a special candle holder called a kinara. They include unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith.
Seasonal events in January 2024
New Year’s Day / New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve, celebrated on December 31st, marks the end of one year and the beginning of another.
It is a time of festive celebration and reflection worldwide. People gather with friends and family to say goodbye to the old year and welcome the new one. It is also a time for making resolutions, setting goals, and embracing new beginnings.
Popular traditions include attending parties or fireworks displays, enjoying special meals and drinks, and counting down to midnight. The iconic ball drop in Times Square, New York, is one of the most famous New Year’s Eve events.
Martin Luther King Jr Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a US federal holiday observed on the third Monday in January.
This day commemorates the life and legacy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and his contribution to the American civil rights movement. The holiday is considered a time for reflection, community service, and promoting equality and social justice.
Republic Day, India
Republic Day in India is a national holiday celebrated on January 26. It commemorates the day when the Indian Constitution came into effect. To celebrate, military parades are held in the capital city of New Delhi, featuring displays of India’s cultural and military heritage.
Seasonal events in February 2024
Chinese New Year / Lunar New Year
Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year, which are often used interchangeably, hold a special place in the hearts of many cultures around the world. In 2024, the celebration will run from February 9 until February 15.
These festivals mark the beginning of the lunar calendar. Families come together to honor ancestors, share festive meals, and exchange gifts. The iconic red decorations and lanterns, dragon and lion dances, and the giving of red envelopes filled with money are just some of the traditions associated with these celebrations.
Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day (also known as St Valentine’s Day) occurs on February 14. It’s a day dedicated to expressing love—often romantic love, but also platonic and familial love.
Common traditions include exchanging greeting cards, flowers, chocolates, or other gifts, going out for a special meal, or spending quality time with loved ones.
Carnival
Carnival, a vibrant and joyful celebration, is embraced by communities around the world in the first few weeks of February.
This lively festival is known for its exuberant parades, colorful costumes, and captivating music. Each region adds its own unique touch to the festivities, showcasing the diversity and rich cultural heritage of its people.
Let the spirit of Carnival inspire you to create content that celebrates inclusivity and embraces cultural diversity!
A note on representation
We want all of our customers to feel included and represented by our content. Please make sure that you’re depicting people and cultures in a sensitive and respectful way.
If you’re in doubt, please check out our guide on creating diverse content. To check for more seasonal events and up-to-date Elements search trends, please visit our trends page.
