How to Design Large Christmas Posters for High-Street Retail Displays

⏱️ Estimated reading time: 7 minutes

Getting Your Christmas Poster Just Right for High-Street Displays

We all know how busy the high street gets during the festive season. Your Christmas poster needs to do more than just look nice – it has to catch the eye amidst all the hustle and bustle. Whether you’re welcoming shoppers or promoting a special offer, a well-designed large poster can make a real difference.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials of designing large Christmas posters that work well in high-street retail environments. Plus, we’ll share some tips from our experience at Newstyle Print, where we’ve helped hundreds of businesses bring their festive campaigns to life.

⏱️ Reading time: 7 minutes · Updated for 2025 · UK Printing Guide

Start with a Clear and Festive Message

Here’s the thing: shoppers are bombarded with visuals everywhere, especially at Christmas. Your poster’s message needs to be simple, clear, and festive. Think bold headlines that can be read from a distance, plus a warm, seasonal tone.

For example, phrases like “Christmas Savings Inside” or “Festive Offers Just for You” tend to resonate well. Avoid cluttering your poster with too much text—it’s better to tease the offer and encourage customers to step inside. This approach not only respects the limited attention span of passers-by but also creates a sense of curiosity that can drive foot traffic.

Choose Colours and Fonts that Pop (But Stay On Brand)

Red and green are classic Christmas colours, but you don’t have to stick to the usual palette. Golds, silvers, deep blues, and even icy whites can feel festive and fresh. The key is contrast—your text must be easy to read against the background, especially from a distance. For instance, a deep navy background paired with shimmering gold text might offer a sophisticated twist that still feels very seasonal.

Fonts are equally important. Pick typefaces that are clear and legible. A decorative font can work for headings or accents, but make sure the main information uses a clean, straightforward font. We often recommend sans-serif fonts for readability on large prints. It’s worth noting that overly ornate fonts, while festive, can sometimes hinder quick comprehension — something to keep in mind given the brief glance most posters receive.

Think About Size, Viewing Distance, and Placement

Large posters for high-street displays aren’t just about being big—they need to be viewed easily from the right distance. If your poster will be placed in a window, for instance, consider how far away passers-by will be. A font size that looks impressive up close might become unreadable from a few metres away, so testing visibility at various distances is crucial.

At Newstyle Print, we advise clients to choose a font size and image scale that works with typical viewing distances of 2 to 5 metres. Also, consider the lighting conditions of the display area—glare or poor lighting can impact visibility. For example, a poster placed near street lamps or direct sunlight might benefit from a matt finish to reduce reflections, whereas a spot with minimal lighting might call for brighter colours or even illuminated displays.

Use High-Quality Images and Graphics

Nothing spoils a festive poster more than blurry or pixelated images. Since large posters require high-resolution artwork, make sure your images are at least 300 dpi at the final print size. We’ve seen many customers bring in artwork created for web or small flyers that just don’t translate well at poster size. Such images can make an otherwise great design look amateurish, which may negatively affect your brand’s perception.

If you’re not confident with preparing print-ready files, you’re always welcome to send your artwork to Newstyle Print for a free check. We can help with bleed, resolution, colour profiles, and more, ensuring your poster looks crisp and professional. It’s a small step that can save a lot of frustration later on.

Consider Finishes to Add a Festive Touch

Finishes like matt lamination can reduce glare from shop lights, making your poster easier to read. Glossy finishes, on the other hand, can make colours pop but might create reflections. The choice depends on your display environment and the mood you want to convey.

Sometimes a spot UV varnish on key elements—like the headline or logo—adds a subtle shine that catches the eye. While it’s a bit of an extra, it can really elevate the look of your poster and make it feel special. However, overusing such effects might overwhelm the design or reduce legibility, so balance is key.

Real-World Example: A Local Bookshop’s Festive Poster

We helped a local bookshop prepare a large Christmas poster for their high-street window display. They wanted to highlight their seasonal promotions without overwhelming the design.

We suggested using a deep green background with gold lettering and a clean sans-serif font for the headline: “Discover Your Perfect Christmas Read.” They added a high-res photo of a cosy reading nook that set the mood perfectly. This image, showing a softly lit armchair by a fireplace stacked with books, evoked warmth and comfort, appealing directly to their target audience.

The poster was printed on a 120gsm recycled paper with a matt finish to avoid glare, fitting their eco-friendly values. The shop owner told us how many customers commented on the inviting design, mentioning it felt warm and engaging. This feedback underlines how thoughtful design and material choice can resonate with customers beyond just the visual.

Wrapping Up Your Christmas Poster Design

Designing large Christmas posters for high-street retail doesn’t have to be daunting. Focus on a clear festive message, strong visuals, and practical considerations like viewing distance and lighting.

Remember, the tactile feel of the paper, the finish, and the quality of your images all contribute to how shoppers perceive your poster—and your brand. It’s not just about catching the eye; it’s about creating an experience that feels thoughtful and inviting, even in a crowded retail environment.

If you’re ever unsure about any part of the process, you can always ask us at Newstyle Print for advice. We’re here to help you get it right, whether it’s choosing stock, finishes, or sorting out artwork issues.

If you’d like advice on printing, we’re always happy to help — free artwork check included.

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FAQ

What size should I choose for a large Christmas poster?

It depends on where you’ll display it and how far away people will be. Common large poster sizes like A1 or A0 work well for high-street windows, allowing your message to be seen clearly from a distance. For example, an A1 poster might be perfect for a small boutique window, while an A0 could suit bigger storefronts or busier streets.

Which paper stock is best for Christmas posters?

For durability and quality, a sturdy paper like 170gsm or 250gsm with a matt or gloss laminate is popular. If you want something eco-friendly, recycled stocks are a great choice and can still look fantastic. It’s worth considering the environment where the poster will be displayed; heavier stocks withstand handling better, while lighter papers might suffice for indoor use.

How can I ensure my poster colours print accurately?

Working in CMYK colour mode and providing a proof can help. At Newstyle Print, we offer free artwork checks to spot colour issues before printing. This step prevents surprises like colours appearing duller or different from what you expect, which can be especially important for brand consistency during the festive season.

Can I add special finishes to my Christmas posters?

Yes! Lamination, spot UV varnishes, and soft-touch finishes can make your poster stand out. Just keep in mind that some finishes may affect readability if overused. For example, a glossy finish might look striking but could reflect light and make text harder to read under certain lighting.

Is it better to print Christmas posters digitally or litho?

Digital printing is usually better for smaller runs and quick turnarounds, while litho is cost-effective for larger quantities. We can advise which method suits your project best. Sometimes the choice also depends on the complexity of your design and whether you want special finishes.

How early should I order my Christmas posters?

Ideally, get your order in a few weeks before the festive rush starts. This helps avoid delays and gives you time to review proofs and make adjustments. Ordering too late can result in rushed jobs and unexpected compromises in quality.

Can you help with designing my Christmas poster artwork?

While we don’t provide full design services, we do offer free artwork checks and can guide you on technical aspects like bleed, file formats, and resolution. This support ensures your design is print-ready and avoids common pitfalls that could delay your project.

What’s the benefit of using recycled paper for Christmas posters?

Recycled paper reduces environmental impact and often appeals to customers who value sustainability. Plus, recycled stocks at Newstyle Print come in various weights and finishes to suit your needs. Choosing recycled paper can also be a subtle part of your brand’s story during the season of giving and goodwill.

Updated on 23 November 2025

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