GITNUXREPORT 2026

Holiday Statistics

The 2023 holiday season saw massive spending increases across retail, travel, and consumer goods.

Min-ji Park

Research Analyst focused on sustainability and consumer trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

52% of U.S. consumers started holiday shopping before November in 2023.

Statistic 2

41% of shoppers used buy-now-pay-later options for holidays 2023.

Statistic 3

Mobile shopping accounted for 55% of holiday e-commerce traffic in 2023.

Statistic 4

68% of U.S. adults planned to give gifts to 10+ people in 2023 holidays.

Statistic 5

Impulse buys made up 28% of holiday purchases in 2023 surveys.

Statistic 6

73% of shoppers researched gifts online before buying in 2023.

Statistic 7

Women spent 25% more on holiday gifts than men on average in 2023.

Statistic 8

Millennials allocated 40% of holiday budget to experiences in 2023.

Statistic 9

62% of consumers returned holiday gifts within 30 days in 2023.

Statistic 10

Social media influenced 47% of holiday gift choices in 2023.

Statistic 11

35% of shoppers bought sustainable gifts during 2023 holidays.

Statistic 12

Average holiday shopping trips per U.S. consumer: 15 in 2023.

Statistic 13

29% of purchases were made via curbside pickup in 2023 holidays.

Statistic 14

Gen Z prioritized personalized gifts 55% more than boomers in 2023.

Statistic 15

51% used loyalty programs for holiday discounts in 2023.

Statistic 16

Budget-conscious shoppers grew to 64% in 2023 holiday polls.

Statistic 17

44% bought gifts for pets over extended family in 2023.

Statistic 18

Online price comparisons done by 77% before holiday buys 2023.

Statistic 19

39% delayed purchases waiting for sales in 2023 holidays.

Statistic 20

In 2023, U.S. holiday retail sales reached $957.3 billion, a 3.7% increase from 2022.

Statistic 21

Global holiday spending on decorations exceeded $12 billion in 2023.

Statistic 22

Holiday e-commerce sales in the U.S. grew by 8.2% to $230 billion during November-December 2023.

Statistic 23

Small businesses captured 30% of U.S. holiday spending in 2023, amounting to over $140 billion.

Statistic 24

The holiday season accounted for 20% of annual retail sales in the UK in 2023.

Statistic 25

U.S. holiday gift card sales hit $28 billion in 2023, up 10% from prior year.

Statistic 26

Black Friday 2023 generated $9.8 billion in U.S. online sales alone.

Statistic 27

Cyber Monday 2023 U.S. online sales reached $12.4 billion, a record high.

Statistic 28

Holiday apparel sales in the U.S. surged 15% to $85 billion in 2023.

Statistic 29

Toy industry holiday sales topped $25 billion globally in 2023.

Statistic 30

Jewelry holiday purchases in the U.S. averaged $250 per shopper in 2023.

Statistic 31

Electronics accounted for 38% of holiday wish lists in 2023 surveys.

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U.S. holiday beauty product sales increased 12% to $14.5 billion in 2023.

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Home goods holiday spending reached $70 billion in the U.S. for 2023.

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Books and media holiday sales grew 5% to $3.2 billion in 2023 U.S.

Statistic 35

Sports equipment holiday sales hit $4.1 billion in 2023 U.S. market.

Statistic 36

Pet holiday gifts spending reached $12.5 billion in the U.S. 2023.

Statistic 37

Grocery holiday sales spiked 11% to $120 billion in U.S. 2023.

Statistic 38

Alcohol beverage holiday sales increased 7% to $8.9 billion U.S. 2023.

Statistic 39

Candy and confectionery holiday revenue was $4.6 billion in U.S. 2023.

Statistic 40

Holiday plastic waste from packaging hit 1 million tons U.S. 2023.

Statistic 41

Christmas tree carbon footprint: 16kg CO2 per tree in 2023 avg.

Statistic 42

Holiday lights energy use: 6 billion kWh annually U.S.

Statistic 43

Wrapping paper waste: 2.3 billion rolls discarded yearly.

Statistic 44

Food waste during holidays: 25% of purchases thrown out 2023.

Statistic 45

Shipping emissions from holiday packages: 1.5 billion tons CO2.

Statistic 46

Real vs fake trees: real trees recycle 90% in 2023 programs.

Statistic 47

Battery waste from holiday toys: 100 million units yearly.

Statistic 48

Cardboard box recycling rate: 75% during holidays 2023.

Statistic 49

Water use for holiday plants: 50 million gallons U.S. 2023.

Statistic 50

Fireworks pollution: 7 tons particulate matter New Year's 2023.

Statistic 51

Plastic ornaments production: 500 million new ones yearly.

Statistic 52

Turkey farm emissions: 10 million tons methane holidays.

Statistic 53

E-card adoption reduced paper use by 20% in 2023.

Statistic 54

Holiday travel fuel consumption: 12 billion gallons U.S. yearly.

Statistic 55

Recycling participation dropped 15% during holidays 2023.

Statistic 56

LED lights saved 1.8 billion kWh vs incandescent 2023.

Statistic 57

Gift bag reuse rate: only 30% in consumer surveys 2023.

Statistic 58

Carbon offset programs joined by 12% travelers 2023.

Statistic 59

Compostable wrapping used by 18% eco-shoppers 2023.

Statistic 60

Holiday bonfires released 500,000 tons CO2 in U.S. 2023.

Statistic 61

Holiday turkey consumption reached 46 million birds in U.S. 2023.

Statistic 62

Average U.S. household ate 15 holiday meals in December 2023.

Statistic 63

Christmas cookie baking: 90% of U.S. households participated 2023.

Statistic 64

Eggnog sales spiked 400% in November-December 2023 U.S.

Statistic 65

88% of Americans gained 5+ lbs during holiday season 2023.

Statistic 66

Pumpkin pie slices consumed: 50 million on Thanksgiving 2023.

Statistic 67

Home-cooked holiday dinners: 85% preference in 2023 surveys.

Statistic 68

Candy cane production: 1.2 billion sticks for 2023 holidays.

Statistic 69

Ham holiday sales: 8 million units in U.S. 2023.

Statistic 70

Gingerbread houses built by 58% of families in 2023.

Statistic 71

Leftover turkey eaten over 4 days average in 2023 households.

Statistic 72

Hot chocolate servings: 500 million during U.S. holidays 2023.

Statistic 73

Fruitcake sales steady at 30 million lbs annually in 2023.

Statistic 74

Dining out for holidays: 40% of consumers in 2023.

Statistic 75

Stuffing consumption: 362 million lbs for Thanksgiving 2023.

Statistic 76

Wine pairings for holiday meals up 14% in 2023 sales.

Statistic 77

Cranberry sauce: 5,062 tons sold for Thanksgiving 2023.

Statistic 78

Appetizer platters prepared by 70% of hosts in 2023.

Statistic 79

Dessert calories per holiday meal: 800 average in 2023.

Statistic 80

Buffet-style holiday dinners preferred by 62% in 2023.

Statistic 81

Home fires from holiday cooking: 49% increase December.

Statistic 82

880 home Christmas tree fires yearly, causing $18M damage.

Statistic 83

Drunk driving arrests up 20% on New Year's Eve avg.

Statistic 84

47,000 holiday injuries from falls on ice annually.

Statistic 85

Carbon monoxide poisonings peak 400% in winter holidays.

Statistic 86

Toy-related injuries: 251,000 ER visits yearly U.S.

Statistic 87

Food poisoning cases double during holiday feasts.

Statistic 88

15,000 candle fires yearly, 40% during holidays.

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Heart attacks up 37% on Christmas Day averages.

Statistic 90

3,300 child injuries from holiday decorations annually.

Statistic 91

Shoplifting incidents rise 30% during holiday season.

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1 in 3 holiday drivers distracted by passengers.

Statistic 93

Flu cases peak 50% higher during December holidays.

Statistic 94

Ladder falls from lights: 5,000 injuries yearly.

Statistic 95

Battery ingestion by kids: 2,500 cases holidays.

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76% of holiday fires from cooking unattended.

Statistic 97

Alcohol-related ER visits up 55% New Year's.

Statistic 98

Electrocutions from lights: 12 deaths annually.

Statistic 99

Depression rates 10% higher post-holidays.

Statistic 100

400 mall injuries from crowds yearly averages.

Statistic 101

Norovirus outbreaks 3x more in holiday gatherings.

Statistic 102

56 million Americans traveled by car for Thanksgiving 2023.

Statistic 103

Air travel for Christmas 2023 saw 3.3 million passengers screened TSA.

Statistic 104

U.S. holiday road trips averaged 300 miles per family in 2023.

Statistic 105

119 million Americans traveled 50+ miles during 2023 holidays.

Statistic 106

Hotel bookings rose 12% for holiday periods in 2023 U.S.

Statistic 107

International holiday flights from U.S. up 18% in December 2023.

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Average holiday flight delay: 45 minutes during peak 2023.

Statistic 109

Cruise holiday bookings hit 2 million passengers in 2023 season.

Statistic 110

RV holiday travel increased 9% to 500,000 units in 2023.

Statistic 111

Rail holiday passengers: 1.2 million in U.S. December 2023.

Statistic 112

Gas stations saw 15% traffic spike on holiday eves 2023.

Statistic 113

Airport parking lots 95% full during Christmas week 2023.

Statistic 114

Domestic holiday airfares averaged $350 round-trip in 2023.

Statistic 115

27% increase in Uber rides on New Year's Eve 2023.

Statistic 116

Rental car demand up 22% for holidays costing $120/day avg 2023.

Statistic 117

Train delays averaged 20 minutes during holiday rush 2023.

Statistic 118

4.5 million flew domestically on busiest holiday day 2023.

Statistic 119

Vacation rentals booked 1.8 million nights in Dec 2023.

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Highway congestion up 30% on I-95 during Thanksgiving 2023.

Statistic 121

72% of holiday travelers used ride-sharing apps in 2023.

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Get ready to be stunned: last year's holiday season wasn't just about festive cheer, but a staggering $957.3 billion in U.S. retail sales that reveals how we shop, travel, eat, and even the surprising risks we take during the most wonderful time of the year.

Key Takeaways

In 2023, U.S. holiday retail sales reached $957.3 billion, a 3.7% increase from 2022.
Global holiday spending on decorations exceeded $12 billion in 2023.
Holiday e-commerce sales in the U.S. grew by 8.2% to $230 billion during November-December 2023.
52% of U.S. consumers started holiday shopping before November in 2023.
41% of shoppers used buy-now-pay-later options for holidays 2023.
Mobile shopping accounted for 55% of holiday e-commerce traffic in 2023.
56 million Americans traveled by car for Thanksgiving 2023.
Air travel for Christmas 2023 saw 3.3 million passengers screened TSA.
U.S. holiday road trips averaged 300 miles per family in 2023.
Holiday turkey consumption reached 46 million birds in U.S. 2023.
Average U.S. household ate 15 holiday meals in December 2023.
Christmas cookie baking: 90% of U.S. households participated 2023.
Holiday plastic waste from packaging hit 1 million tons U.S. 2023.
Christmas tree carbon footprint: 16kg CO2 per tree in 2023 avg.
Holiday lights energy use: 6 billion kWh annually U.S.

The 2023 holiday season saw massive spending increases across retail, travel, and consumer goods.

Consumer Behavior

52% of U.S. consumers started holiday shopping before November in 2023.
41% of shoppers used buy-now-pay-later options for holidays 2023.
Mobile shopping accounted for 55% of holiday e-commerce traffic in 2023.
68% of U.S. adults planned to give gifts to 10+ people in 2023 holidays.
Impulse buys made up 28% of holiday purchases in 2023 surveys.
73% of shoppers researched gifts online before buying in 2023.
Women spent 25% more on holiday gifts than men on average in 2023.
Millennials allocated 40% of holiday budget to experiences in 2023.
62% of consumers returned holiday gifts within 30 days in 2023.
Social media influenced 47% of holiday gift choices in 2023.
35% of shoppers bought sustainable gifts during 2023 holidays.
Average holiday shopping trips per U.S. consumer: 15 in 2023.
29% of purchases were made via curbside pickup in 2023 holidays.
Gen Z prioritized personalized gifts 55% more than boomers in 2023.
51% used loyalty programs for holiday discounts in 2023.
Budget-conscious shoppers grew to 64% in 2023 holiday polls.
44% bought gifts for pets over extended family in 2023.
Online price comparisons done by 77% before holiday buys 2023.
39% delayed purchases waiting for sales in 2023 holidays.

Consumer Behavior Interpretation

America’s holiday spirit is now a year-round, digitally savvy, and financially precarious marathon of well-researched generosity, where we shop early, buy impulsively, return promptly, and prioritize pets and experiences—all while glued to our phones and desperately waiting for a sale.

Economic Impact

In 2023, U.S. holiday retail sales reached $957.3 billion, a 3.7% increase from 2022.
Global holiday spending on decorations exceeded $12 billion in 2023.
Holiday e-commerce sales in the U.S. grew by 8.2% to $230 billion during November-December 2023.
Small businesses captured 30% of U.S. holiday spending in 2023, amounting to over $140 billion.
The holiday season accounted for 20% of annual retail sales in the UK in 2023.
U.S. holiday gift card sales hit $28 billion in 2023, up 10% from prior year.
Black Friday 2023 generated $9.8 billion in U.S. online sales alone.
Cyber Monday 2023 U.S. online sales reached $12.4 billion, a record high.
Holiday apparel sales in the U.S. surged 15% to $85 billion in 2023.
Toy industry holiday sales topped $25 billion globally in 2023.
Jewelry holiday purchases in the U.S. averaged $250 per shopper in 2023.
Electronics accounted for 38% of holiday wish lists in 2023 surveys.
U.S. holiday beauty product sales increased 12% to $14.5 billion in 2023.
Home goods holiday spending reached $70 billion in the U.S. for 2023.
Books and media holiday sales grew 5% to $3.2 billion in 2023 U.S.
Sports equipment holiday sales hit $4.1 billion in 2023 U.S. market.
Pet holiday gifts spending reached $12.5 billion in the U.S. 2023.
Grocery holiday sales spiked 11% to $120 billion in U.S. 2023.
Alcohol beverage holiday sales increased 7% to $8.9 billion U.S. 2023.
Candy and confectionery holiday revenue was $4.6 billion in U.S. 2023.

Economic Impact Interpretation

The holiday spirit appears to be a potent economic engine, one that manifests not only in $957.3 billion of U.S. retail cheer but also in $12.5 billion spent on pet gifts, proving we're equally dedicated to decking our halls and spoiling our furry companions.

Environmental Effects

Holiday plastic waste from packaging hit 1 million tons U.S. 2023.
Christmas tree carbon footprint: 16kg CO2 per tree in 2023 avg.
Holiday lights energy use: 6 billion kWh annually U.S.
Wrapping paper waste: 2.3 billion rolls discarded yearly.
Food waste during holidays: 25% of purchases thrown out 2023.
Shipping emissions from holiday packages: 1.5 billion tons CO2.
Real vs fake trees: real trees recycle 90% in 2023 programs.
Battery waste from holiday toys: 100 million units yearly.
Cardboard box recycling rate: 75% during holidays 2023.
Water use for holiday plants: 50 million gallons U.S. 2023.
Fireworks pollution: 7 tons particulate matter New Year's 2023.
Plastic ornaments production: 500 million new ones yearly.
Turkey farm emissions: 10 million tons methane holidays.
E-card adoption reduced paper use by 20% in 2023.
Holiday travel fuel consumption: 12 billion gallons U.S. yearly.
Recycling participation dropped 15% during holidays 2023.
LED lights saved 1.8 billion kWh vs incandescent 2023.
Gift bag reuse rate: only 30% in consumer surveys 2023.
Carbon offset programs joined by 12% travelers 2023.
Compostable wrapping used by 18% eco-shoppers 2023.
Holiday bonfires released 500,000 tons CO2 in U.S. 2023.

Environmental Effects Interpretation

It seems our holiday cheer is expertly wrapped in a single-use package of staggering excess, where each festive triumph—from the glittering lights to the overstuffed turkey—is quietly shadowed by a carbon footprint large enough for Santa's entire sleigh team.

Food and Dining

Holiday turkey consumption reached 46 million birds in U.S. 2023.
Average U.S. household ate 15 holiday meals in December 2023.
Christmas cookie baking: 90% of U.S. households participated 2023.
Eggnog sales spiked 400% in November-December 2023 U.S.
88% of Americans gained 5+ lbs during holiday season 2023.
Pumpkin pie slices consumed: 50 million on Thanksgiving 2023.
Home-cooked holiday dinners: 85% preference in 2023 surveys.
Candy cane production: 1.2 billion sticks for 2023 holidays.
Ham holiday sales: 8 million units in U.S. 2023.
Gingerbread houses built by 58% of families in 2023.
Leftover turkey eaten over 4 days average in 2023 households.
Hot chocolate servings: 500 million during U.S. holidays 2023.
Fruitcake sales steady at 30 million lbs annually in 2023.
Dining out for holidays: 40% of consumers in 2023.
Stuffing consumption: 362 million lbs for Thanksgiving 2023.
Wine pairings for holiday meals up 14% in 2023 sales.
Cranberry sauce: 5,062 tons sold for Thanksgiving 2023.
Appetizer platters prepared by 70% of hosts in 2023.
Dessert calories per holiday meal: 800 average in 2023.
Buffet-style holiday dinners preferred by 62% in 2023.

Food and Dining Interpretation

The data paints a picture of a nation that, in a festive and deeply communal act of caloric defiance, collectively decided that December was less a month and more a delicious, overstuffed, and crumb-covered endurance sport.

Safety and Health

Home fires from holiday cooking: 49% increase December.
880 home Christmas tree fires yearly, causing $18M damage.
Drunk driving arrests up 20% on New Year's Eve avg.
47,000 holiday injuries from falls on ice annually.
Carbon monoxide poisonings peak 400% in winter holidays.
Toy-related injuries: 251,000 ER visits yearly U.S.
Food poisoning cases double during holiday feasts.
15,000 candle fires yearly, 40% during holidays.
Heart attacks up 37% on Christmas Day averages.
3,300 child injuries from holiday decorations annually.
Shoplifting incidents rise 30% during holiday season.
1 in 3 holiday drivers distracted by passengers.
Flu cases peak 50% higher during December holidays.
Ladder falls from lights: 5,000 injuries yearly.
Battery ingestion by kids: 2,500 cases holidays.
76% of holiday fires from cooking unattended.
Alcohol-related ER visits up 55% New Year's.
Electrocutions from lights: 12 deaths annually.
Depression rates 10% higher post-holidays.
400 mall injuries from crowds yearly averages.
Norovirus outbreaks 3x more in holiday gatherings.

Safety and Health Interpretation

The holiday season is a veritable buffet of festive perils, where the spirit of giving generously includes cooking fires, distracted drivers, and a side of seasonal depression.

Travel Statistics

56 million Americans traveled by car for Thanksgiving 2023.
Air travel for Christmas 2023 saw 3.3 million passengers screened TSA.
U.S. holiday road trips averaged 300 miles per family in 2023.
119 million Americans traveled 50+ miles during 2023 holidays.
Hotel bookings rose 12% for holiday periods in 2023 U.S.
International holiday flights from U.S. up 18% in December 2023.
Average holiday flight delay: 45 minutes during peak 2023.
Cruise holiday bookings hit 2 million passengers in 2023 season.
RV holiday travel increased 9% to 500,000 units in 2023.
Rail holiday passengers: 1.2 million in U.S. December 2023.
Gas stations saw 15% traffic spike on holiday eves 2023.
Airport parking lots 95% full during Christmas week 2023.
Domestic holiday airfares averaged $350 round-trip in 2023.
27% increase in Uber rides on New Year's Eve 2023.
Rental car demand up 22% for holidays costing $120/day avg 2023.
Train delays averaged 20 minutes during holiday rush 2023.
4.5 million flew domestically on busiest holiday day 2023.
Vacation rentals booked 1.8 million nights in Dec 2023.
Highway congestion up 30% on I-95 during Thanksgiving 2023.
72% of holiday travelers used ride-sharing apps in 2023.

Travel Statistics Interpretation

Clearly, in 2023, Americans collectively decided "home for the holidays" was more of a suggestion, embarking on a determined, gridlocked, and slightly delayed national pilgrimage to prove that no amount of traffic, packed parking lots, or 45-minute flight delays could dampen our festive resolve to get there.

Sources & References

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