|
|
|
Mariah has defrosted, and the holiday season has officially begun. In our hyper-commercial world, TikTok culture has oddly tempered “Christmas creep”—creating algorithmic rituals around the calendar. The pattern is now codified: October is Halloween, Mariah thaws on November 1, the early Christmas decorators emerge, Thanksgiving briefly reclaims deep-fall aesthetics, and then it’s back to holiday through December—until, of course, Christmas Day ends it all and “new year, new you” content takes over before Christmas Dinner. These are the rules our hyper-secular social media culture has agreed upon. Still, November has its own quiet romance (cue Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving soundtrack). |
|
|
Thanksgiving is nearly here, bringing its annual reminder to slow down, look up from our screens, and take stock of a year that somehow sped by. It’s a moment for gratitude—for our teams, partners, and all the wild, wonderful projects that kept us creating through 2025. |
|
|
So before inboxes fill with “OOO” replies, take a beat to appreciate the in-between. Light the candle. Pour the cider. Send the text. Celebrate the shift. |
|
|
In that spirit, we’ve gathered the best of what to see, gift, and experience this festive season—from city lights to candlelight, and everything in between. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | | The holidays can be a mad dash to find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Don’t stress–it’s still early, but BMF has you covered! We’ve rounded up the best of our clients’ offerings to make your holiday shopping simple. Get ready to swipe that card and sleigh this gifting season! ➔ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | As he marks 40 years in the business of joy, legendary event designer, author, and tastemaker Colin Cowie reflects on four decades of turning imagination into celebration. In conversation with BMF Founding Partner Brian Feit, the two talk creative processes, festive design, and the soundtrack to a truly chic holiday. ➔ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The New + The NoteworthyEverything Worth Doing/Seeing/Getting/Booking |
|
|
| | This season, let BMF client Rosewood’s The Carlyle be your home for the holidays. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, the iconic Upper East Side landmark transforms into a festive retreat, serving up elegant feasts for every occasion. Little ones can enjoy Madeline’s Tea, while adults can revel in a glamorous New Year’s celebration at Bemelmans Bar with resident duo Jim Caruso and Billy Stritch. Let The Carlyle be your host here. ➔ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | Nothing says “holiday season” quite like a night at the ballet. With over 150 performers, a 40-foot Christmas tree, and Tchaikovsky’s iconic score, New York City Ballet’s The Nutcracker captures that bittersweet nostalgia that defines this season and wraps it all up in a bow. Tickets are limited and selling fast—don’t miss your chance to purchase them here. ➔ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Photo via Hard Rock Hotel |
|
| BMF client Hard Rock Hotel’s iconic Guitar Hotel in Hollywood, FL, just rolled out a new holiday tradition—two million lights, 20+ immersive displays, Santa appearances, and family-focused spectaculars across the resort’s 24-acre footprint. It’s part light show, part winter playground, kicking off November 29th and running through New Year’s. This is your destination for one of this season’s boldest moments–book your next visit here. ➔ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | Season’s greetings—Vogue’s Festive Calendar has officially entered the chat with 32 surprises, $2,000+ in value, and 29 full-size treasures packed into one large, elegant box. Inside? A perfectly curated mix of beauty icons, tiny treasures, and just the right amount of luxury. Leave it to Vogue to turn December into a daily unboxing moment. Discover what’s inside and pre-order yours here. ➔ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Photo via Mandarin Oriental Mayfair |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | Forget the countdown to Christmas—the real magic starts November 12, when Covent Garden flips the switch on the 300,000 twinkling lights lining its 55-foot tree. It’s the city’s unofficial sign to trade cold brews for mulled wine and lean fully into sparkle season. Beyond the switch moment, Covent Garden unfolds into a full calendar of bookable experiences. Consider it your invitation to lean in early on the season’s magic. More details drop soon, so follow along here. ➔ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Photo via Cj Hendry Studio |
|
| After fans lined city blocks for her Flower Market pop-up, artist Cj Hendry is planting roots in SoHo in time for gifting season. Opening November 10th at 172 Prince Street, Flower Shop turns her cult pop-ups into a permanent playground of plush petals. “Flowers are for every occasion,” Hendry says, “but the sad part is they’re gone in a few days. Flower Shop flips that idea on its head.” Follow along her journey here and be one of the first to step inside. ➔ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The FrequencyWhat We’re Listening To Now. |
|
|
| Photo via Florence + The Machine Official Store |
|
| Just in time for Halloween to pass, but perfect for those still craving a little October in their November—Florence + The Machine’s Everybody Scream keeps the spirit alive. Released on Halloween, the record is part gothic hymn, part fever dream with Welch’s signature wails turning fear into catharsis as her lyrics dance between darkness and rebirth. The magic of the season lingers with this—listen here. ➔ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| BMF has partnered with Flash GEA (jē), NYC’s hottest up-and-coming DJ and genre-blending producer known for having his finger on the pulse of the city’s vibrant music scene. From his electrifying sets at the hottest venues to his signature mix of big room techno and acid house, @flashgea is the sound selector that major brands and tastemakers are turning to. For this issue of The Pulse, Flash has curated a playlist, giving you a taste of today’s top festive tracks—listen here. ➔ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
That’s Fire By Sir Candle Man 🔥 |
|
|
| Photo via Harlem Candle Company |
|
| BMF tapped fragrance aficionado Kudzi Chikumbu, aka Sir Candle Man, for this edition’s scent spotlight. We’re burning Brownstone Spice by Harlem Candle Company, a fragrance that bottles the spirit of celebration. Perfect nutmeg and cedarwood meet a bright touch of orange, blackcurrant, and fresh ginger, evoking the aroma of holiday mulled wine and laughter shared among friends. Aromatic, elegant, and joyfully warm—fill your space with the holidays here. ➔ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The DestinationNow Departing... |
|
|
| | There’s no place like New York for the holidays. From skating under the skyline to twinkling lights on every avenue, the city transforms into a cinematic dream—equal parts sparkle, nostalgia, and chaos. Whether you’re shopping, sipping, or simply strolling, here’s everything worth seeing, doing, and booking this festive season. ➔ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | Let’s chat about how we can keep your brand in tune with the pulse of culture. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The SublimeCreators, Innovators, And Cool $#!+ You Should Know About. |
|
|
| | It’s tiiiiiiiiiime! The Queen of Christmas has officially defrosted. Mariah Carey kicked off the holiday season in signature style, announcing via Instagram with a sparkling campaign in partnership with BMF client Sephora. The video (and the internet) melted instantly as Mariah emerged, declaring the start of festive shopping, singing, and self-gifting season. Watch the iconic announcement here. ➔ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | This past weekend, BMF client Hard Rock Hotel hosted the queen of Halloween herself. From years past, it’s safe to assume there’s no such thing as subtlety at Heidi Klum’s Halloween bash—and this year was no exception. As Klum stunned as a mythic Medusa, her guests followed suit, turning the iconic hotel into a runway of outrageous creativity and over-the-top spectacle. View the night’s coverage here. ➔ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | Tiffany & Co. became the first luxury jeweler to partner with Netflix, showcasing its iconic creations in Guillermo del Toro’s 2025 release, Frankenstein. On Fifth Avenue, the brand extended the collaboration beyond the screen, using thunder, rain, and music to turn its windows into cinematic soundscapes that transform a passing glance into an experience. See more here. ➔ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | Claridge’s has once again claimed the crown of Christmas glamour—this year with Burberry’s Daniel Lee at the helm. His vision? A 16-foot masterpiece draped in over 600 handmade bows spun from surplus Burberry fabric, crowned in gold, and guarded by sculptural chess pieces. It’s festive opulence with a modern, British twist—Mayfair’s most photographed moment of the season. Find out more here. ➔ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Photos via Le Creuset & Reader’s Digest |
|
| For the second year, Thanksgiving is overshadowed by a new holiday…with much better merch and enough magic to leave you changed for good. On November 21st, Wicked: For Good hits theatres as the last installment of the two-part extravaganza, but not before its impact sweeps every corner of culture. From branded Le Creuset cookware to Crocs to Stanley Cups, the rollout is unmatched. View the collection here. ➔ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | Halloween met Christmas (and couture) as Disney turned Sleepy Hollow into a real-life fairytale for the launch of its Disney Style x The Nightmare Before Christmas collaborations. Set in Tarrytown, the moody, candlelit dinner brought creators together dressed in limited-edition pieces from brands across the collab—each look as hauntingly chic as the next. Shop the collection via the Disney Style Instagram here. ➔ |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Week in ReviewICYMI... |
|
|
Travel Travel And Give Back On Hands Up Holidays’ Luxury Volunteer Trips ➔ These Are the Top Trending U.S. Destinations For Winter 2025, According To Airbnb ➔ Why The Ultra-Wealthy Are Gifting Travel Experiences Over Objects ➔ 7 Winter Family Vacation Ideas To Shake Up Your Holiday Routine ➔ Wanderlust, Not Wrapping Paper: How Gen Z Is Redefining Holiday Travel ➔ Holiday Travel During A Shutdown? Here’s How To Make It Work (Or Stay Home In Style) ➔ St. Regis And Ladurée Extend U.S. Holiday Season Partnership ➔
Fashion & Beauty Tiffany & Co. Debuts Its 2025 Holiday Campaign Starring Anya Taylor-Joy ➔ Bath & Body Works’ Holiday Campaign Includes Scenting NYC Subway, Movie Theaters ➔ Prada Invites Maya Hawke, Damson Idris And More On Magical Winter Trip For Holiday Ads ➔ Gap Extends ‘Give Your Gift’ Holiday Campaign To Promote Hope, Unity ➔ Experts Talk How Beauty Will Perform For The Holidays ➔ The Minimalist’s Guide To Mastering Holiday Season Style ➔ Stanley & LoveShackFancy Are Dropping Their Largest Collab Next Week ➔
Entertainment Celebrity-Fronted Campaigns Are Taking Over 2025 Holiday Ads ➔ Charles Melton, Elle Fanning, And Ravyn Lenae Stun In New BTS Snaps For Coach’s 2025 Holiday Campaign ➔ Duchess Meghan's First-Ever Holiday Collection Sweetly Honors Husband Prince Harry ➔ ‘The Grinch’ Returns For Holiday Podcast With Guests Jonas Brothers, Mark Hamill ➔ The Best Celebrity Halloween Costumes Of 2025 ➔
Technology Naughty Or Nice? Coca-Cola Doubles Down On AI In New Holiday Campaign ➔ Walmart Unveils AI Tools For Holiday Shopping ➔ How AI Is Reinventing The Holiday Gift Guide ➔ AI Is Going To Be A Game Changer For Black Friday ➔
Media Best Buy Holiday Campaign Features Influencers, ‘Wicked' And Holograms ➔ Facebook’s New Holiday Ad Pines For A Social Platform That’s Long Gone ➔ Advertisers React To Holiday Creep By Pushing TV Spend Earlier ➔ J.C. Penney, iHeartRadio Partner On Holiday Collection ➔
|
|
|
|
|
|
