Christmas Collections in Streetwear: Iconic Drops Over the Years and What’s New This Year
The holiday season often brings out the most creative and festive side of streetwear brands. From limited-edition Christmas-themed drops to clever reimaginations of classic styles, brands leverage the holiday spirit to connect with their audience in unique ways. Here’s a look at some of the most iconic holiday-themed sneakers, past and present.
Past Icons: A Nostalgic Look Back
Nike SB Dunk Low “Ugly Christmas Sweater” (2013, 2017)
One of the most iconic holiday-themed sneakers, Nike SB’s Ugly Christmas Sweater series, debuted in 2013 with whimsical designs featuring snowmen, poinsettias, and festive patterns. A second drop in 2017 added even more flair, cementing this series as a seasonal staple.
Air Jordan 11 “Win Like ’96” (2017)
Released during the holiday season, this bold red colorway of the Air Jordan 11 celebrated the Chicago Bulls’ iconic 1996 championship season. With its patent leather upper and festive hue, it became a perfect sneaker for holiday celebrations.
Concepts x Nike SB Dunk High “Stained Glass” (2015)
While not explicitly Christmas-themed, this sneaker often makes holiday wishlists for its rich, church-like stained glass design that evokes a warm, wintry feeling. Concepts’ creative touch made this Dunk High a standout for the season.
Present Favorites: Modern Holiday Drops
Adidas Forum Low “Home Alone” (2021, 2022)
Paying homage to the classic Christmas movie Home Alone, Adidas dropped two festive iterations of the Forum Low. Details like burn marks, frayed laces, and themed graphics created an immersive holiday experience for fans of both sneakers and the film.
Nike LeBron 20 “Christmas” (2022)
This holiday-themed LeBron 20 featured a striking green upper with red accents, embodying classic Christmas colors. Snowflake details on the heel and insoles added a festive touch to this high-performance sneaker.
Concepts x Nike SB Dunk Low “Lobster Series” (2022 Red Lobster)
Though traditionally seafood-inspired, the holiday release of the red version in Concepts’ Lobster series became a winter favorite. Its red-and-white palette and luxe presentation felt perfectly festive.
Honourable mention goes to Kith that has built up a reputation for itself in the capsule collection market, especially around Christmas time. Let's take a look at their most notable collections.
Kith’s Christmas Classics (2019)
Kith mastered understated holiday elegance with their 2019 Christmas Classics collection. Think minimalist knitwear, winter-ready scarves, and an iconic holiday-themed Coca-Cola collaboration that quickly became a staple.
Streetwear Brands Spreading Holiday Cheer in 2024
Kith x The Grinch Capsule Collection
Kith’s collaboration with The Grinch offers a festive lineup of seasonal streetwear, including sweatshirts, tees, and headwear. Leading the collection is the $220 USD Fair Isle Lewis Crewneck Sweater, featuring bold Kith branding and The Grinch intarsia artwork in red, green, and off-white tones.
The collection also includes three hoodies and two crewnecks, blending The Grinch’s mischievous charm with Christmas-themed graphics. For lighter layers, there are 11 unique tee designs with bold prints and collaborative branding. Accessories like four caps and two beanies, starting at $65 USD, round out the collection, offering fans playful ways to celebrate the season in style.
Why Holiday Collections Matter in Streetwear
Christmas collections offer more than just festive fashion—they create a sense of nostalgia and community within the streetwear scene. These collections often become collectible pieces, making them highly coveted by enthusiasts. Additionally, brands use this opportunity to blend cultural traditions with modern streetwear aesthetics, fostering a deeper connection with their audience.
Conclusion
Streetwear and Christmas are a natural pairing, offering brands a platform to explore creativity and cater to the season’s gifting culture. Whether you’re after an exclusive hoodie, a festive sneaker, or a holiday-inspired accessory, this year’s collections from brands like Stüssy, BAPE, and Nike are sure to deliver. And as history shows, these limited-edition drops are destined to become iconic staples in streetwear history.
Which holiday collection are you eyeing this year? Let us know in the comments below!