During the winter shopping season of 2025, I decided to immerse myself once again in the enchanting world of holiday retail by visiting two of the most beloved craft and décor destinations: Michaels and Hobby Lobby. My goal was to experience firsthand how each retailer presented its festive 2025 holiday merchandise, from opulent ornaments to delightful crafting kits. Michaels impressed me with its abundance of seasonal craft materials, exuding an atmosphere tailor-made for do-it-yourself enthusiasts eager to customize their celebrations. Hobby Lobby, by contrast, leaned toward a grander display of home décor — elaborate, traditional, and deeply nostalgic. My Gen Z daughter, unsurprisingly, favored Michaels for its trend-forward aesthetic and creative possibilities, though I recognized distinct advantages in frequenting both retailers.
I must confess, my enthusiasm for the early appearance of holiday decorations remains undiminished. When stores begin unveiling Christmas displays in October, I feel a thrill of anticipation rather than impatience; the sparkle of ornaments and scent of pine-infused candles seem to herald one of the most joyous times of the year. Every element of the season draws me in — from thoughtfully matching wrapping papers to the indulgence of sipping peppermint lattes while wandering decorated aisles. For the third consecutive year, I made it my mission to compare Michaels and Hobby Lobby’s winter collections, discovering once again that while both succeed in evoking the magic of the season, each excels in different ways.
Artificial Christmas trees dominated both showrooms. At Michaels, I encountered an impressive array of designs — from perfectly flocked evergreens shimmering with artificial snow to bold, unconventional versions in pink, black, and even Grinch-green hues. Hobby Lobby offered a similarly varied selection, ensuring that any shopper could find a tree fitting their personal style, whether minimalist or extravagantly whimsical. Lights came in dazzling assortments: blinking white LEDs, soft multicolored glows, and options capable of switching modes with the flick of a remote. In short, it seemed impossible to leave either store without envisioning the centerpiece of one’s future winter wonderland.
The troves of ornaments further amplified my admiration. Both stores offered countless choices — multipacks of classic glass baubles in every conceivable shade alongside carefully crafted themed trinkets inspired by popular culture. Among these, I noticed playful nods to beloved franchises such as “Harry Potter” and “Elf on the Shelf.” Hobby Lobby’s aisles presented treasures like a delicate glass camera ornament perfect for my photography-loving son, while Michaels captured my attention with whimsical finds — including a fuzzy felt mouse dressed as Mrs. Claus carrying a tray of miniature cookies and a polished monogrammed ornament symbolizing our family initial. My ideal Christmas tree, I realized, would merge items from both stores, interlacing Hobby Lobby’s nostalgic charm with Michaels’ spirited creativity.
Beyond ornaments, both retailers offered comprehensive assortments of complementary trimming materials. Hobby Lobby dazzled with cascading garlands—everything from faux pine strands with light-catching frost to playful ropes adorned with candy motifs. Michaels mirrored this abundance, offering ribbons, tree skirts, and finishing details that encourage truly personalized décor. Seasonal outdoor decorations were also prominent, with glowing reindeer figures, inflatable snowmen, and glistening metal yard signs illuminating entire sections.
Michaels distinguished itself through well-defined thematic collections that captured different moods of the season. Aisles dedicated to nutcrackers, peppermint pinks, or classic red-and-green arrangements were punctuated by sections brimming with vintage-inspired pieces featuring domesticated charm—dogs and cats dressed festively. Hobby Lobby, though rooted in tradition, showcased its decor with a looser layout: snowmen, Santas, and pastel gingerbread houses dispersed throughout the store, each vignette echoing a chapter of nostalgic storytelling. Unlike Michaels’ organized clusters, Hobby Lobby’s displays felt like a treasure hunt, inviting shoppers to wander deeper into each corridor to uncover hidden gems.
Fans of “Elf on the Shelf” would find Michaels particularly irresistible. Its shelves overflowed with themed merchandise — not only the classic figurines but also corresponding outfits, craft sets, candies, plush characters, and activity kits designed to keep children immersed in the elf’s daily mischief. Meanwhile, Hobby Lobby appeared devoted to another Christmas classic, prominently featuring décor inspired by “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” Entire aisles glimmered in the character’s iconic green hue, offering every imaginable collectible — mugs modeled after Max or Cindy Lou Who, furry lampshades, and festive figurines.
Among Michaels’ offerings, my entire family found items that reflected our individual styles. My daughter was charmed by the whimsical “vintage silly cats” line, while my husband gravitated toward the dramatic, sophisticated pieces from their “Silent Night” collection — a strikingly bold series of all-black ornaments, nutcrackers, and figurines that balanced elegance with a slightly gothic holiday flair. Hobby Lobby, conversely, maintained a steadfast commitment to traditional Christmas imagery — Santa Clauses, snowmen, candy-cane patterns, and gingerbread motifs dominated every shelf. Though not avant-garde, this consistency represents precisely what many shoppers seek: the comfort of timeless symbols that never lose their warmth.
Michaels also tapped perfectly into the creative trends that fascinate Gen Z consumers. My daughter lit up upon discovering unfinished wooden holiday villages and nutcracker figurines awaiting a coat of paint — DIY treasures made popular through countless TikTok videos. Inspired by these projects, we planned a mother-daughter painting gathering with friends, envisioning hours spent transforming simple pieces into personal keepsakes. Hobby Lobby, however, failed to capture her attention in the same way. Gigantic plush gingerbread men and oversized figurines amused her more than they inspired, prompting a humorous remark about their size compared to her own. Yet I personally found much to love — a quaint snowman teapot, intricate Santa espresso cups, and baking accessories I could already imagine incorporating into our family gatherings.
Predictably, both stores featured abundant promotions. Michaels offered half-off sales, discounted craft kits, and enticing holiday candle bundles, while Hobby Lobby continued its tradition of offering 50% off nearly every Christmas-related item. Regular coupons and app-exclusive deals made each shopping trip an exercise in strategic saving, rewarding loyal customers who checked weekly ads for updates.
Although both retailers excelled at celebrating Christmas, I couldn’t help but notice the limited representation of other winter holidays such as Hanukkah, Diwali, and Kwanzaa. Michaels occasionally introduces small collections centered on different faiths and cultures, though this year my local branch had yet to feature them. Hobby Lobby, consistent with its leadership’s Christian orientation, once again focused exclusively on Christmas, aligning with its established seasonal philosophy.
Ultimately, Michaels emerged as the haven for crafters — a playground for creatives of every skill level. From paintable ceramics and customizable wooden figurines to inclusive craft kits for adults and children alike, the retailer invigorated my imagination and kept both my daughter and me returning for art supplies. Our holiday ritual now includes picking up materials from Michaels before settling in to paint while Hallmark movies play in the background.
Hobby Lobby, on the other hand, caters beautifully to hosts and entertainers. Its merchandise spans from charming kitchen accessories to elaborate serving platters emblazoned with holiday motifs. Baking aficionados would find everything they need — mixing bowls, apron sets, and gingerbread-house kits ready for family competition. If you’re planning a holiday dinner party or cookie swap, Hobby Lobby provides all the essentials to elevate any gathering.
In the end, deciding between Michaels and Hobby Lobby depends entirely on what kind of holiday shopper you are. If your joy lies in creativity, hands-on projects, and exploring inventive décor trends, Michaels is your destination. But if you long for the warm embrace of traditional imagery and need supplies for hosting, Hobby Lobby will exceed your expectations. Both are overflowing with festive abundance this season, ensuring that whatever your style—boldly modern or endearingly classic—the magic of the holidays awaits you at every aisle. Just don’t forget to reward yourself with a peppermint latte on the way home, because few pleasures signal the holiday spirit quite like that first, sweet sip.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/holiday-decor-shopping-review-michaels-vs-hobby-lobby-christmas-2025-11
