Christmas is the second-biggest season in the fancy dress calendar after Halloween. With every primary school staging a nativity play and millions of adults attending Christmas parties, the demand for festive costumes is enormous. Smart retailers start planning their Christmas stock months in advance.
The Christmas Costume Calendar
To maximise your Christmas costume sales, follow this retailer timeline:
- August-September: Place initial wholesale orders for nativity costumes and Christmas party outfits
- October: Launch your Christmas range online (many parents shop early)
- November: Peak ordering period — schools confirm nativity play dates, party season begins
- December 1-20: Last-minute rush — ensure popular sizes and characters stay in stock
Nativity Play Costumes — Your Biggest Christmas Category
Every state primary school in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland puts on some form of nativity play or Christmas performance. That's over 20,000 schools creating demand for:
Traditional Nativity Characters
- Angels — The most popular nativity costume. Stock in sizes from age 3 to age 11, plus a few adult sizes for teachers
- Shepherds — Tunic, headpiece, and optional staff. Boys and girls versions
- Three Wise Men / Kings — Robes, crowns, and gift props
- Mary and Joseph — Classic blue and brown robes
- Star of Bethlehem — Star-shaped costumes for younger children
- Animals — Donkey, sheep, and cow costumes for the stable scene
Modern Nativity Characters
Many schools now perform updated nativity plays with modern characters — aliens, robots, rock stars, and other creative roles. Stock a range of general character costumes that work for these productions too.
Christmas Party Costumes
Beyond nativity plays, Christmas parties drive huge demand for festive fancy dress:
- Santa Claus — Men's, women's, and children's versions. Budget through to premium quality
- Elves — Hugely popular for group outfits and couples costumes
- Christmas jumper alternatives — Festive onesies, holiday-themed costumes
- Snow Queen / Ice Princess — Always popular with girls and women
- Grinch and Scrooge — Character costumes that cross over with fancy dress
- Reindeer — Antler headbands, onesies, and full costumes
Accessories That Boost Your Christmas Sales
Christmas accessories are high-margin add-ons that increase basket value:
- Santa hats and elf hats
- Angel wings and halos
- Tinsel wigs and festive headbands
- Candy cane props and gift sacks
- Festive face paint and temporary tattoos
Stock Up for Christmas with Wicked Nights
Browse our full range of wholesale Christmas and nativity costumes at competitive trade prices. We offer same-day dispatch on orders before 2pm, so you can replenish fast-moving stock quickly through the festive season.
Need accessories and wigs to complement your Christmas range? We stock thousands of add-on products. Apply for a trade account to get started.