When it comes to the hottest celebration trends this year, Woodcliff Lake-based Party City says consumers will be particularly interested in hosting gatherings for Cinco de Mayo, “Friendsmas,” the Summer Olympics and the November general elections.

In a trend report released Feb. 1, the nation’s leading specialty retailer highlighted themes and types of parties it expects to be the most popular based upon retail data, customer feedback, social media and consumer behavior.

Party City Senior Vice President of Marketing & Digital Shannon Symalla said, “We service customers in over 800 retail stores around the country and online at partycity.com — and we know the hottest trends that will have an impact on how, when and what consumers will be celebrating this year.”

One of the newest types of occasions are “inchstones,” which Party City described as “smaller achievements” and “day-to-day wins” for kids that can be celebrated with decorations, favors and toys.

Month-long birthdays are now the norm, as more people opt to forego a one-day celebration in lieu of special dinners, breakfast bashes and other events spread across several weeks. According to the retailer, that presents an opportunity to plan different activities and consider celebrating with others if birthdays are close together.

Friendsmas – in which friends gather to share the winter holiday season – is becoming more common each year, as are vibrant, colorful Cinco de Mayo parties, according to Party City.

Red, white and blue

“As summer heats up the red, white and blue are always in, but with an Olympics year, you can expect patriotic themes to be all the glory. Hosting a festive watch party or your own backyard games will get you into the spirit to root for Team USA! The Olympics is not the only major sporting event over the summer; soccer fans will rock the red, white and blue while watching the CONMEBOL Copa América 2024. Plus – in case you missed it – there’s an election happening,” the retailer said.

Other continuing trends include creative themes for first birthdays, like “Wild One,” “ONEder the Sea,” One in a Melon” and “One Around The Sun.” Or, “Pop Star Parties,” in which guests dress up as their favorite singer.

Kids characters, Mario Brothers, Pokémon, Disney Princess, Spiderman, Paw Patrol, Bluey and Minnie Mouse, also remain popular, Party City said.