⏱️ Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Getting Started: Why Festive Posters Matter
Whether it’s a school play, a bustling Christmas market, or a cozy winter concert, your poster is often the first thing people see. It’s your chance to grab attention, set the mood, and get everyone marking their calendars. But designing a poster that stands out without looking cluttered can be a bit of a balancing act.
Having printed hundreds of festive posters at Newstyle Print, we’ve noticed certain patterns about what really catches the eye—and what tends to get overlooked. It’s not just about cramming in every detail or slapping on the traditional red and green. Instead, it’s about thoughtful choices that combine clarity, warmth, and a touch of seasonal cheer. Let’s explore some practical tips to help you create a poster that feels welcoming and easy to read, sprinkled with a little festive magic.
Helpful Tips for Designing Your Festive Poster
1. Keep Your Message Clear and Simple
We all want to share as much as possible about an event, but the reality is most people only give a poster a brief glance—sometimes just a couple of seconds. That means the essentials need to jump out: event name, date, time, and location. Too many details can overwhelm rather than inform.
Try focusing on punchy, inviting phrases instead of lengthy descriptions. For example, instead of “Annual Christmas School Play Featuring Students from Year 3 to Year 6,” something like “Amazing Christmas Play – Join Us for Festive Fun!” instantly feels more approachable and memorable. The choice of words can spark curiosity and excitement without bogging down the design.
2. Choose Festive Colours Wisely
Red and green might be the go-to festive colours, but sticking rigidly to them can sometimes feel a bit, well, predictable. Think about the atmosphere you want to create. Gold and silver accents can add a subtle sparkle, while deep blues or earthy tones might evoke a more sophisticated or cozy vibe. It depends on your event’s personality.
One thing to be mindful of is contrast. No matter which colours you pick, your text needs to be easy to read at a glance. We’ve seen posters really pop when bold colours highlight headlines against softer, muted backgrounds. If you’re unsure about which combinations will print well and look good in real life (because screen colours never tell the whole story), our team at Newstyle Print is happy to offer advice.
3. Use High-Quality Images and Graphics
There’s nothing more disappointing than a blurry or pixelated image ruining an otherwise lovely design. Always aim for high-resolution images—300dpi is ideal for print. If your poster includes photos of children or performers, make sure you have permission and that the photos capture the cheerful, festive spirit authentically.
Illustrations and icons can add character too—little snowflakes, sprigs of holly, or twinkling lights can bring charm without overwhelming the layout. Remember, less is often more. A few well-placed graphics can enhance the mood without cluttering the message.
4. Pick the Right Paper and Finish
The physical feel of your poster can subtly influence how people perceive your event. A thick, matte paper often feels warm and sophisticated, while a glossy finish can make colours shine and catch the eye under different lighting. Both have their place, depending on the effect you want.
For those events with a sustainability focus, eco-friendly or recycled paper options might be a thoughtful addition that resonates with your audience. At Newstyle Print, we can guide you through the available stocks, helping you balance look, feel, and budget.
5. Prioritise Readability with Fonts
Festive fonts can be tempting—they add personality and flair—but they shouldn’t come at the cost of legibility. Limiting yourself to one or two typefaces usually works best, combining a decorative font for headlines with a clean, simple font for details. Also, consider size carefully; key information should be easily readable from a distance, while less critical details can be smaller but still clear.
6. Don’t Forget the Call to Action
Even a subtle prompt can make a big difference in moving people towards the next step—whether that’s buying tickets, visiting a website, or simply saving the date. The wording should be friendly and straightforward, like “Tickets available from the school office” or “Join us for a magical evening!” It’s about gently guiding without being pushy.
A Quick Example: The Winter Wonderland School Play Poster
One recent favourite was a poster designed for a local primary school’s winter play. They opted for a rich navy background with silver foil accents that caught the light beautifully—just enough festive sparkle without feeling over the top.
The headline featured a friendly, hand-lettered font that felt warm and approachable, paired with a simple sans-serif typeface for the event details. They framed the design with a delicate snowflake border but left plenty of white space, so the information didn’t feel cramped or overwhelming.
Printed on sturdy recycled matte stock, these posters were tough enough to survive sticky fingers (and the occasional hot chocolate spill) while maintaining a polished look when pinned around the school and local shops.
Parents mentioned that the design generated genuine excitement leading up to the event, and the school was delighted with how professional and festive it appeared.
Wrapping Up: Your Festive Poster, Your Story
Designing a festive poster isn’t just about sharing information—it’s an opportunity to convey the spirit of your event and invite people in. By focusing on a clear message, thoughtful colours, sharp images, and the right paper choice, your poster can become a small but powerful ambassador for your occasion.
If you’re planning something special and want a hand with printing, Newstyle Print offers free artwork checks and advice on finishes, paper types, and formats to help your poster look just right. Whether you need a handful of copies or a large run, we aim to help you get it spot on.
Feel free to send us your artwork or drop us a line for a quick, friendly review—no pressure, just honest advice based on years of experience.
⭐ 4.9/5 Google Rating · 10+ Years in Business · Free Delivery UK-Wide
Updated on 20 November 2025
Ready to print? Contact Newstyle Print for a fast quote today.
Call 01572 771377 or email hello@newstyleprint.co.uk
Get a quote »
