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When to start Christmas music in my gift shop?

38 replies

topcat2014 · 24/10/2026 12:13

We run a gift shop/gallery - just coming up to our third Christmas.

When is sensible to start with Christmas music?

I mean - obviously not October although I see John Lewis has trees in the window

OP posts:
Rootsinmydreamland · 24/10/2026 12:23

First of November, definitely!
However, you may wish to take my advice with a large pinch of salt since I am a Christmas obsessed weirdo who puts her decorations up on November 1st and happily listens to Christmas music all year round! My tolerance for all things festive, at any time of the year, is probably far higher than most people's! However, maybe if you start your Christmas trappings a little earlier you may attract some of my fellow Christmasaholics, I would pay you a visit if you were near me with that incentive!

DangerFrog · 24/10/2026 12:24

How about going traditional and playing it during the season of Advent? Sunday, 29th November is the first day of Advent this year. Your shop can be an oasis, away from the noise of Christmas Muzak. Where are you? I'd shop there!

I've worked retail in the past and the Christmas season just about drove me batty: nobody wants Christmas music in October.

Ratherhaveacupofteaandabiscuit · 24/10/2026 12:25

Never.
I detest being forced to listen to music whilst I shop.

jmh740 · 24/10/2026 12:27

1st December

Doctordoolittle · 24/10/2026 12:28

Now 😂😂😂

Most big shops start from 1st Nov.

Silverbirchleaf · 24/10/2026 12:29

December 1st. Anything sooner is too soon.

autumnvelvetwhisper · 24/10/2026 12:29

1st of December

AnnieDoodling · 24/10/2026 12:30

1st December at the earliest.

Snoringdogsfarting · 24/10/2026 12:34

I’m another for 1st December

Myfridgeiscool · 24/10/2026 12:34

1st December at the earliest. Silence far preferable!

Growlybear83 · 24/10/2026 12:36

If you must inflict Christmas music on your customers, at least wait until December. Unless I needed something really essential, I would walk out of any small shop that was playing Christmas music in November.

ToadRage · 24/10/2026 12:38

Although we had stock from of August, Christmas officially started on December 1st in our store. We were allowed to wear Christmas jumpers, hats, accessories etc. I actually dressed up as an elf one year, not full-on elf but I had a red and green dress, I got red and green striped tights and a red santa hat.

IggyAce · 24/10/2026 12:40

I work in retail and we are not allowed to wear Christmas uniform until after Remembrance Sunday.

mamaof4losingmymind · 24/10/2026 12:48

IggyAce · 24/10/2026 12:40

I work in retail and we are not allowed to wear Christmas uniform until after Remembrance Sunday.

Same with us, its disrespectful

menopausalmare · 24/10/2026 12:49

After Halloween at least, ideally towards the end of November. You could go in gently with some classical numbers then ramp up to the full Noddy Holder in December.

IbizaToTheNorfolkBroads · 24/10/2026 12:52

Not before 10 Dec.

EatingHealthy · 24/10/2026 12:53

Another vote for not until December

bababamama · 24/10/2026 12:56

from mid November is ok but I would try to make playlists which isn’t all Christmas music especially during November eg every 3rd or 4th song is Christmas as steer clear of the really annoying ones at first too.

our town lights are being switched on on 21st and the gift shop has a sign up saying they are taking requests for favourite music to be played that day for late night shopping, and says no Christmas music before that day

dicentra365 · 24/10/2026 12:59

Saturday 28th November - loads of people will be putting their trees up that weekend and pottering round gift shops for bits and bobs to add to their houses.

AuroraBloom · 24/10/2026 13:02

1st November. You need to maximise your Christmas sales.

chillyputsomesockson · 24/10/2026 13:02

It should be after bonfire night definitely. Around 22nd November I think is ok for Christmas shopping.

topcat2014 · 24/10/2026 13:08

Thanks - I quite like the option of after rememberance!

OP posts:
HalzTangz · 24/10/2026 13:10

Not until fireworks night has past

tinyspiny · 24/10/2026 13:16

After Remembrance Day . Dec1st is too late .

LeedsLoiner · 24/10/2026 13:23

December 24th!