4 Entertainment News Trends From the Holiday Season

A look at the entertainment industry news from PR Newswire in November and December that you might have missed.

 

 

By Nirmala J | Published Jan. 9, 2024

 

In the dynamic realm of the entertainment industry, the months of November and December saw a cascade of more than 1,900 releases sent via PR Newswire. The stories captured the attention of readers worldwide, whether they were drawn to the news of Annual Candle Day, TIME’s Person of the Year, or Black Friday deals.

During the festive season encompassing Thanksgiving, GivingTuesday, and Christmas, the entertainment news wire experienced a flourishing period marked by increased engagement and celebration. From heartwarming holiday films capturing the spirit of Thanksgiving to festive concerts and special events, entertainment offerings were a focal point of press releases sent via PR Newswire.

In this post, we dive into the can’t-miss stories from the entertainment industry during November and December that might have slipped under your radar, featuring compelling developments and intriguing stories that deserve a closer look.

The Most Popular Entertainment Releases

The entertainment feed showcased quite a few releases that garnered considerable attention, boasting high views and engagement. Each one covered a different topic, ensuring a varied and compelling content experience for audiences. Here are some of readers' favorites:

• Candle Lovers Rejoice: Bath & Body Works Annual Candle Day is Back!
• The Home Depot Enters into Agreement to Acquire Construction Resources Parent Company, International Designs Group
• Dr. Henry Kissinger Dies at Age 100
• TIME Names the 2023 Person of the Year: Taylor Swift
• Black Friday Preview: Big Lots Delivering Holiday's Hottest Bargains in November, Including 50% Off Toys

 

 

Entertainment News Trends

Get an insightful glimpse into the trends observed among entertainment-related press released in November and December.

Thanksgiving

PR Newswire saw 41 entertainment-specific releases tied to Thanksgiving celebrations, including parades, games, feasts, and events to focus on giving back.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City is an annual event that has become a cherished tradition in the United States. It’s a spectacular showcase of giant helium balloons, floats, marching bands, and high-profile musical performances. It attracts millions of spectators along its route and is televised nationally. The event marks the unofficial start of the holiday season, bringing joy and festivity to both live audiences and viewers at home.

Some of the releases that highlighted the parade and other Thanksgiving celebrations include:

• Messer’s helium supply was the crucial catalyst that allowed the Thanksgiving Day Parade balloons to gracefully soar through the skies.
• The Ram truck brand proudly maintained its unique tradition as the official truck of the 97th Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
• A longstanding tradition at the Laugh Factory, hosting a free Thanksgiving feast, showed its unwavering commitment to spreading joy and warmth during the holiday season.

GivingTuesday

GivingTuesday, a global day of charitable giving, saw the entertainment industry actively participating in fundraising initiatives and benefit concerts, using its reach to promote philanthropy.

On this Global Day of Philanthropy, individuals and organizations united to make a positive impact. Charities, nonprofits, and community initiatives garnered widespread support as people contributed money, time, and resources. Social media platforms amplified the movement, inspiring countless acts of kindness. GivingTuesday served as a powerful reminder of the collective strength in compassion, fostering a culture of generosity that reverberated through communities nationwide.

There were more than 80 releases on PR Newswire’s website that were tied to GivingTuesday and below are some that that caught our attention:

• Crown Royal, together with NFL legend DeMarcus Ware and Grammy Nominated Artist-Songwriter BRELAND, hosted a football watch party for veterans and active military members, extending a heartfelt thank you for their dedicated service.
• For GivingTuesday and leading up to World AIDS Day, (RED) offered several ways to fight injustice and save lives, including one-of-a-kind events and experiences.
• For the ninth year, The Taco Bell Foundation remained steadfast in its mission to empower students, fostering creativity, fearlessness, and hope with the Live Más Scholarship of $10 million.

Christmas Celebrations

PR Newswire saw more than 180 entertainment-specific Christmas press releases in November and December that were marked by festive joy and cultural diversity. Many brands embraced the spirit of giving, participating in charity events to spread goodwill. From dazzling decorations to the warmth of shared moments, Christmas celebrations reflected a rich tapestry of traditions, uniting people in the spirit of love and togetherness.

A surge in entertainment new content included the return of some beloved classics and several new releases. Television specials, theatrical performances, and themed events catered to audiences seeking joyous and festive experiences.

Here are just a few of the unique Christmas-related releases to cross the wire in recent months.

• Surfing Santas promised a unique blend of holiday spirit and coastal joy, as surfers dressed as Santa Claus rode the waves, creating a festive and memorable spectacle on Christmas Eve.
• The performance of “Carol of the Bells” was a powerful testament to the enduring spirit of hope and unity amid challenging times.
• This fresh and whimsical animated series introduced a playful twist on the classic game Rock, Paper, Scissors with Ron Funches as Rock, Thomas Lennon as Paper, and Carlos Alazraqui as Scissors. It aired on Nickelodeon on Christmas Day.
• Fotor’s AI-powered Christmas event promised a dazzling display of festive delights, set to illuminate the season with visually stunning experiences.
• In a magical holiday spectacle, Santa’s Spectacular Fire Truck arrived at the Harlingen, Texas, Boys & Girls Club and was complemented by enchanted fairies spreading joy and holiday magic.
• The 2023 run of the Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes was extended into January due to overwhelming demand. The Rockettes also made a daily appearance on the Exosphere, the fully programmable LED exterior of Sphere in Las Vegas. 
• Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris announced a slate of holiday-themed culinary and artistic events.

Children’s Entertainment

More than 200 entertainment releases sent in November and December were tied to children’s entertainment. They covered a kaleidoscope of offerings, from animated series to interactive apps, streaming content, theme parks, and engaging toys to captivate young minds.

Here are a few you might have missed:

• Nickelodeon and CBS Sports doubled their dose of slime with special telecasts announced for both Super Bowl LVIII and the Nickmas Game, promising a playful and entertaining twist to these major sporting events.
• Cameo Kids expanded its offerings by welcoming Baby Shark and a few Sesame Street characters to the platform.
• McDonald’s announced its latest Happy Meal, which allowed fans to collect up to 12 Squishmallow characters. And in a Happy Meal first, each character came with its own unique playlist.
• Crayola debuted its new batch of toys and said, “Kids will jump with excitement as they enjoy endless hours of creativity and imaginative play this holiday season and beyond!”
• Children’s learning game developer University Games acquired The Learning Journey, which develops children's interactive educational products like STEM-based roller coasters and gear-driven dino-bots.
• Indoor active entertainment company Sky Zone announced it was opening new franchises in California.

Conclusion

We anticipate an exciting future in the entertainment industry as press releases hint at more innovation with original content, interactive experiences, major blockbuster releases, and unique cinematic spectacles that captivate audiences. Collaborations between industry giants and emerging talent hint at groundbreaking projects. 

Stay tuned for our next recap!

 

About the Author

Nirmala has been with Cison's PR Newswire ADMIN support team for 1.5 years. Outside work, she loves to read books and has been volunteering to develop literacy among girls for the past eight years.