⏱️ Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Capturing the Magic of Winter with Festive Hoarding Graphics
Winter attractions and pop-ups are all about creating memorable experiences, and your hoarding graphics play a huge part in setting the scene. Whether you’re decking out a Christmas market stall, a seasonal ice rink, or a cosy pop-up shop, the right graphics can really spark joy and draw people in.
In this guide, we’ll share some friendly, practical tips for designing festive hoarding that not only looks great but also works well in the real world. We’ll touch on everything from choosing the right materials to creating designs that capture the festive spirit without overwhelming your message.
⏱️ Reading time: 7 minutes · Updated for 2025 · UK Printing Guide
Understanding the Role of Hoarding Graphics for Winter Events
Hoarding graphics serve a dual purpose: they act as practical barriers while also extending an inviting visual welcome. In many ways, these graphics function as silent hosts, shaping the atmosphere before visitors even step inside. You’ll often find them on sturdy boards or panels encircling winter events, whether that’s a temporary ice rink or a festive market.
One thing to keep in mind is durability. Winter weather in the UK is notoriously unpredictable — a damp morning can quickly turn to frost by evening, and gusts of wind are hardly uncommon. The materials you choose need to hold up against these elements, ensuring your graphics don’t fade, peel, or curl midway through the season. It’s worth investing some time here because nothing kills festive cheer faster than damaged or shabby-looking hoardings.
Pick the Right Materials
- Foamex or Correx Boards: These are popular choices for hoarding thanks to their rigidity and resistance to weather conditions. Foamex tends to have a smoother finish and is a bit sturdier, while Correx is lighter and often more budget-friendly. Both perform reasonably well outdoors if treated properly.
- Vinyl Banners: If your hoarding needs to cover large or curved surfaces, vinyl banners offer flexibility and waterproofing. They’re less rigid but can be tensioned over frames or structures. Plus, if you anticipate changing your graphics mid-season, vinyl can be easier to swap out.
- Lamination: Adding a matt or gloss laminate isn’t just about aesthetics. Lamination protects against scratches, moisture, and fading. Matt laminates reduce glare, which can be particularly useful if your hoarding is exposed to streetlights or spotlights, while gloss finishes can make colours pop but might reflect light in less desirable ways.
At Newstyle Print, we provide a range of materials tailored for outdoor festive graphics, including eco-friendly options if sustainability is on your radar. Choosing the right substrate and finish can feel like a small detail, but it’s likely to make a huge difference in how your hoarding withstands the season’s trials.
Design Tips to Make Your Festive Hoarding Shine
When it comes to large-scale hoarding design, you’re balancing a few competing demands. Your visuals must be eye-catching enough to stop passersby in their tracks, yet clear enough that the message is grasped in a quick glance. Too much detail or clutter can dilute your impact; too little, and it risks feeling bland or forgettable.
1. Embrace Festive Colours and Themes
Certain colours just scream winter holidays: deep reds, emerald greens, sparkling golds, and crisp snowy whites seem to tap directly into seasonal nostalgia. Incorporating subtle motifs — maybe delicate snowflakes drifting across a background or sprigs of holly tucked into corners — can add character without overwhelming the main message. Twinkling fairy lights or gentle starbursts are another way to bring warmth and energy to the design.
2. Keep Text Clear and Concise
Chances are, people will only spare a few seconds to glance at your hoarding as they walk or drive past. This means your typography needs to be bold and legible from a distance. Avoid fancy, overly ornate fonts that might look festive but become unreadable. Stick to simple, clean typefaces and keep wording minimal — focus on essentials like opening times, event names, or a friendly greeting such as “Welcome to the Winter Wonderland.”
3. Use High-Quality Images and Illustrations
Nothing undermines a design faster than blurry or pixelated images. For large-format prints, artwork resolution should typically be between 150 and 300 dpi. If you’re unsure about your files, it’s a good idea to have a professional check them beforehand. At Newstyle Print, we offer a free artwork check service to help catch any issues that might cause your print to look less than perfect.
4. Consider Lighting and Placement
How your hoarding looks under various lighting conditions can change the entire impression it makes. Glossy finishes might reflect streetlights or spotlights, potentially distracting viewers or obscuring text. On the other hand, matt laminates reduce glare but can sometimes make colours appear a little muted. Think also about the physical environment — avoid placing important text or graphics where they could be blocked by poles, benches, or other urban clutter.
5. Incorporate Branding Subtly
While the festive theme is front and centre, don’t let your brand identity fade into the background. A small logo tucked neatly into a corner or a consistent colour palette that ties into your brand can help visitors connect the seasonal display with your business. It’s a gentle reminder that behind the fun and festivity, there’s a reliable, familiar presence.
A Real-World Example: Winter Wonderland Pop-Up in Manchester
To put these ideas into perspective, let’s look at a project we handled last year with a local event organiser in Manchester. They were setting up a winter pop-up in the city centre and needed hoarding that felt warm and inviting but also practical enough for an outdoor environment that sees its fair share of rain and chill.
We suggested using Foamex boards paired with a matt laminate to resist the damp weather and cut down on glare from nearby streetlights. The design featured a rich palette of deep reds and golds, accented by playful snowflakes scattered across the background. Text was kept simple and bold, prominently announcing the event’s name and opening hours. The client reported that the graphics held up beautifully throughout the season, enduring the usual weather ups and downs without a hitch. Importantly, the eye-catching display helped increase footfall by making the pop-up stand out amongst other attractions nearby — a win-win.
Wrapping Up: Making Your Festive Hoarding Work Hard for You
Creating festive hoarding graphics might initially seem straightforward, but putting in a bit of thought around materials, design clarity, and environmental factors really pays off. The right choices ensure your winter attraction not only looks fantastic but also endures the season’s challenges without losing its charm.
At Newstyle Print, we’ve printed hundreds of festive hoardings across the UK and have seen firsthand what works well and what doesn’t. If you’re uncertain about your artwork or want advice about paper stocks, finishes, or sizing, don’t hesitate to ask. We’re happy to offer a free artwork check and guide you through the process to make sure your graphics look just right in person.
Whether you’re planning a small pop-up or a large-scale attraction, getting your hoarding graphics right can truly make a difference in capturing that festive magic. With options ranging from recycled eco-friendly boards to vivid vinyl banners, we’ll help steer you toward a solution that fits your needs and budget.
FAQ
What materials are best for outdoor festive hoarding?
Foamex and Correx boards are commonly chosen for their robustness and weather resistance. Vinyl banners, especially when laminated, offer flexibility and waterproof qualities, ideal for curved or large surfaces. Your choice often depends on your site’s specifics and budget considerations.
How do I make sure my artwork is print-ready?
High resolution is key — aim for 150-300 dpi at the exact print size. Including bleed areas is important if your design runs to the edge. If you’re unsure, services like Newstyle Print’s free artwork check can help catch mistakes before printing.
Can I use eco-friendly materials for hoarding?
Absolutely. There are increasingly good eco-friendly and recycled substrates available that don’t compromise on durability. If sustainability is a priority, discussing options with your printer can guide you to the best choice.
What finishes work best for festive hoarding graphics?
Matt lamination helps reduce glare and is excellent for night-time visibility, whereas gloss finishes make colours more vibrant but can reflect unwanted light. Your site’s lighting conditions and desired aesthetic will influence the best finish.
How long does printing and delivery usually take?
Typical turnaround for hoarding projects ranges from a few days up to a week. Newstyle Print offers fast UK delivery and can often accommodate urgent requests, but it’s always best to discuss your timeline early.
Can I update my hoarding graphics mid-season?
Yes. Using vinyl banners or panels with replaceable inserts makes refreshing your messaging easier without the cost of replacing the entire hoarding.
Do you provide installation services?
While Newstyle Print focuses on printing, they can recommend trusted installers and provide technical advice to ensure your graphics fit perfectly.
How can I get a quote for festive hoarding printing?
You can reach out to Newstyle Print with your artwork and specifications. They provide clear, no-pressure quotes and can assist with design adjustments or material recommendations.
Updated on 3 December 2025
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