GITNUX REPORT 2024

Christmas Reigns as Most Popular Holiday Among Americans, Survey Finds

Unveiling the Most Popular Holidays in America: A Deep Dive into Festive Celebrations and Traditions

Author: Jannik Lindner

First published: 7/17/2024

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Christmas is celebrated by 90% of Americans

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70% of Americans decorate their homes for Christmas

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Americans purchase 30 million real Christmas trees annually

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Americans exchange 1.6 billion Christmas cards annually

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$230 is the average amount spent on Christmas decorations per household

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95 million households in the US display Christmas trees

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Americans purchase 20 million turkeys for Christmas

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80% of Americans plan to celebrate Christmas

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Americans spend an average of $998 on Christmas gifts

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The average American spends $1,048 on winter holiday gifts

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Online holiday spending in the US reached $188.2 billion in 2020

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The average American plans to spend $650 on Christmas gifts

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Cyber Monday sales reached $10.8 billion in 2020

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Easter is celebrated by 80% of Americans

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Americans spend $21.6 billion on Easter

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88% of Americans celebrate Easter

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180 million eggs are purchased for Easter

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Americans consume 16 billion jelly beans at Easter

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Father's Day is celebrated by 75% of Americans

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Americans spend $16 billion on Father's Day

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20% of Father's Day gifts are electronic gadgets

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50% of Americans plan to celebrate Father's Day with a special outing

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77% of Americans celebrate Father's Day

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Halloween is the second most commercially successful holiday after Christmas

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Americans spend $9.1 billion on Halloween

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172 million Americans celebrate Halloween

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66% of Americans plan to hand out candy on Halloween

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Americans spend $9.1 billion on Halloween candy

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46% of Americans travel during the Christmas-New Year holiday period

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65% of Americans plan to travel during the Christmas-New Year holiday period

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The average Christmas-New Year holiday traveler goes 275 miles

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91% of holiday travelers use personal vehicles

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6.97 million people fly during the Christmas-New Year holiday period

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Independence Day is celebrated by 86% of Americans

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150 million hot dogs are consumed on Independence Day

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150 million hot dogs are consumed on Independence Day

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$1 billion is spent on fireworks for Independence Day celebrations

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64% of Americans attend a Fourth of July picnic or barbecue

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Mother's Day sees 122 million phone calls made in the US

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Americans spend $26.7 billion on Mother's Day

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Mother's Day is the busiest day of the year for restaurants

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25% of all flower purchases made for the year are for Mother's Day

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$5.2 billion is spent on jewelry for Mother's Day

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New Year's Eve is celebrated by 72% of Americans

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1 million people gather in Times Square for New Year's Eve

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1 billion people watch the New Year's Eve ball drop in Times Square on TV

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360 million glasses of sparkling wine are consumed in the US on New Year's Eve

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25% of champagne sales in the US occur during the last week of December

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St. Patrick's Day is celebrated by 54% of Americans

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13 million pints of Guinness are consumed worldwide on St. Patrick's Day

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13 million pints of Guinness are consumed worldwide on St. Patrick's Day

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278% more beer is sold on St. Patrick's Day compared to the average day

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33 million Americans claim Irish ancestry on St. Patrick's Day

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Thanksgiving is celebrated by 95% of Americans

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46 million turkeys are eaten on Thanksgiving in the US

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46 million turkeys are consumed on Thanksgiving in the US

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4,500 calories is the average amount consumed by an American on Thanksgiving

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50 million pumpkin pies are eaten on Thanksgiving

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Valentine's Day sees 145 million greeting cards exchanged

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Americans spend $27.4 billion on Valentine's Day

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20% of annual flower sales occur around Valentine's Day

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58 million pounds of chocolate are bought during Valentine's Day week

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1 in 6 couples get engaged on Valentine's Day

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Americans spend an average of $123.56 on Valentine's Day

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Summary

  • Christmas is celebrated by 90% of Americans
  • Americans spend an average of $998 on Christmas gifts
  • 46% of Americans travel during the Christmas-New Year holiday period
  • Halloween is the second most commercially successful holiday after Christmas
  • Americans spend $9.1 billion on Halloween
  • Thanksgiving is celebrated by 95% of Americans
  • 46 million turkeys are eaten on Thanksgiving in the US
  • Valentine's Day sees 145 million greeting cards exchanged
  • Americans spend $27.4 billion on Valentine's Day
  • Easter is celebrated by 80% of Americans
  • Americans spend $21.6 billion on Easter
  • New Year's Eve is celebrated by 72% of Americans
  • 1 million people gather in Times Square for New Year's Eve
  • Mother's Day sees 122 million phone calls made in the US
  • Americans spend $26.7 billion on Mother's Day

Tis the season for sleigh bells, mistletoe, and extravagantly decorated homes as 90% of Americans gear up for the jolliest time of the year. From spending nearly $1,000 on Christmas gifts to consuming 150 million hot dogs on Independence Day, Americans really know how to celebrate in style. Join us as we unwrap the surprising statistics behind the most popular holidays in the US, from extravagant Easter egg hunts to jaw-dropping New Years Eve festivities – because when it comes to holiday spirit, Americans spare no expense… or calories!

Christmas Celebrations

  • Christmas is celebrated by 90% of Americans
  • 70% of Americans decorate their homes for Christmas
  • Americans purchase 30 million real Christmas trees annually
  • Americans exchange 1.6 billion Christmas cards annually
  • $230 is the average amount spent on Christmas decorations per household
  • 95 million households in the US display Christmas trees
  • Americans purchase 20 million turkeys for Christmas
  • 80% of Americans plan to celebrate Christmas

Interpretation

It seems that Americans are truly committed to spreading holiday cheer, with Christmas reigning supreme as the undisputed ruler of festivities. From decking the halls with boughs of holly to sending enough Christmas cards to cover the North Pole, it's clear that the spirit of giving and decorating is alive and well in nearly every corner of the nation. With a turkey (or twenty million) in the oven and a tree (or 95 million) standing tall, it's no wonder that Christmas holds a special place in the hearts of 80% of Americans - after all, 'tis the season to be merry and financially prudent, with that average $230 spent on decorations per household certainly adding up to a jolly good time.

Christmas Spending

  • Americans spend an average of $998 on Christmas gifts
  • The average American spends $1,048 on winter holiday gifts
  • Online holiday spending in the US reached $188.2 billion in 2020
  • The average American plans to spend $650 on Christmas gifts
  • Cyber Monday sales reached $10.8 billion in 2020

Interpretation

'Tis the season to be spending, fa la la la la, la la la la! As Americans deck the halls with boughs of online shopping, the holiday spending extravaganza shows no signs of slowing down. From jingling all the way to Cyber Monday deals worth billions, 'tis clear that the spirit of giving is alive and well in the land of the free and the home of the brave — where wallets open wider than snowflakes falling on a winter's night. So, as we toast to the season of giving (and spending), may your bank account be merry and bright!

Easter

  • Easter is celebrated by 80% of Americans
  • Americans spend $21.6 billion on Easter
  • 88% of Americans celebrate Easter
  • 180 million eggs are purchased for Easter
  • Americans consume 16 billion jelly beans at Easter

Interpretation

This Easter, it seems Americans are not just hunting for eggs but also hunting for ways to spend their green. With 80% of the population hopping on the Easter bandwagon, the annual consumer extravaganza is no yolk, with a whopping $21.6 billion cracking open for festivities. It's a time when eggs are not just for breakfast, with a staggering 180 million making their way to dining tables nationwide, alongside an impressive 16 billion jelly beans disappearing faster than you can say "holiday sugar rush." This egg-citing statistic serves as a reminder that when it comes to celebrating, Americans truly know how to put all their eggs in one basket.

Father's Day

  • Father's Day is celebrated by 75% of Americans
  • Americans spend $16 billion on Father's Day
  • 20% of Father's Day gifts are electronic gadgets
  • 50% of Americans plan to celebrate Father's Day with a special outing
  • 77% of Americans celebrate Father's Day

Interpretation

Father's Day has become more than just a day of appreciation for dear old Dad—it's now a booming industry of gadget-filled celebrations and special outings. With 77% of Americans embracing the holiday, it's no wonder that $16 billion is spent annually to commemorate our paternal figures. From electronic gadgets making up a fifth of the gift choices to half of Americans planning a special outing, it's clear that our love for Dad knows no bounds—and no budget constraints either. So this Father's Day, remember to show your old man some extra love; it seems like everyone else will be too. Cheers to the dads, and may their special day be filled with joy and gadgets galore!

Halloween

  • Halloween is the second most commercially successful holiday after Christmas
  • Americans spend $9.1 billion on Halloween
  • 172 million Americans celebrate Halloween
  • 66% of Americans plan to hand out candy on Halloween
  • Americans spend $9.1 billion on Halloween candy

Interpretation

Halloween: the holiday that proves Americans will spare no expense when it comes to transforming into ghosts, goblins, or bedazzled unicorns for a night. With $9.1 billion burning a hole in their pockets, it seems that dressing up as someone (or something) else holds a special place in people's hearts - and wallets. From handing out candy like benevolent sugar dealers to participating in the nationwide costume extravaganza, it's clear that Halloween has become a celebration of creativity, community, and the enduring allure of all things spooky.

Holiday Travel

  • 46% of Americans travel during the Christmas-New Year holiday period
  • 65% of Americans plan to travel during the Christmas-New Year holiday period
  • The average Christmas-New Year holiday traveler goes 275 miles
  • 91% of holiday travelers use personal vehicles
  • 6.97 million people fly during the Christmas-New Year holiday period

Interpretation

'Tis the season for holiday travel madness! With almost half of Americans hitting the road, it's clear that the spirit of adventure is alive and well during the Christmas-New Year period. Whether you're part of the 91% cruising in your trusty personal vehicle or among the 6.97 million brave souls taking to the skies, one thing is certain: a journey of 275 miles is just another festive feat in the grand tapestry of holiday traditions. So buckle up, toss on your favorite holiday playlist, and embrace the chaos with a dash of merry mayhem this season!

Independence Day

  • Independence Day is celebrated by 86% of Americans
  • 150 million hot dogs are consumed on Independence Day
  • 150 million hot dogs are consumed on Independence Day
  • $1 billion is spent on fireworks for Independence Day celebrations
  • 64% of Americans attend a Fourth of July picnic or barbecue

Interpretation

Independence Day in America isn't just about fireworks and hot dogs; it's a grand showcase of patriotism and unity, where 86% of Americans come together with a bang. From the sizzle of 150 million hot dogs to the sparkle of a billion-dollar fireworks extravaganza, this holiday truly lights up the red, white, and blue spirit within us all. With 64% of us raising a fork at a Fourth of July picnic, it's clear that while we may have our differences, we can all agree on one thing: a love for freedom, food, and fireworks.

Mother's Day

  • Mother's Day sees 122 million phone calls made in the US
  • Americans spend $26.7 billion on Mother's Day
  • Mother's Day is the busiest day of the year for restaurants
  • 25% of all flower purchases made for the year are for Mother's Day
  • $5.2 billion is spent on jewelry for Mother's Day

Interpretation

It appears that on Mother's Day, Americans are willing to dial for love, swipe their cards for appreciation, and book a table for a special memory. With 122 million phone calls, $26.7 billion spent on gifts, restaurants bustling with patrons, flower shops blooming with orders, and jewelry stores sparkling with sales, it's clear that showing gratitude to the mothers in our lives is a national pastime - and one that comes with a price tag. So, this holiday season, let's raise a toast to all the mothers out there and their undeniable influence on the economy - after all, nothing says "I love you, Mom" quite like a good old-fashioned spending spree.

New Year's Eve

  • New Year's Eve is celebrated by 72% of Americans
  • 1 million people gather in Times Square for New Year's Eve
  • 1 billion people watch the New Year's Eve ball drop in Times Square on TV
  • 360 million glasses of sparkling wine are consumed in the US on New Year's Eve
  • 25% of champagne sales in the US occur during the last week of December

Interpretation

As the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve, it seems Americans collectively embrace the opportunity for a fresh start with fervor and fizz. From the dazzling lights of Times Square attracting 1 million revelers to the comfort of living rooms across the nation filled with 1 billion TV viewers, the celebration is truly a sparkling spectacle. With 360 million glasses of bubbly raised and 25% of champagne sales popping during the final week of December, it's clear that as the year ends, we choose to toast to new beginnings with effervescence and optimism. Cheers to a year that's sure to be filled with countless resolutions, reflections, and a whole lot of sparkling wine!

St. Patrick's Day

  • St. Patrick's Day is celebrated by 54% of Americans
  • 13 million pints of Guinness are consumed worldwide on St. Patrick's Day
  • 13 million pints of Guinness are consumed worldwide on St. Patrick's Day
  • 278% more beer is sold on St. Patrick's Day compared to the average day
  • 33 million Americans claim Irish ancestry on St. Patrick's Day

Interpretation

St. Patrick's Day: the one day of the year when everyone's a little bit Irish and a lot thirsty. With 54% of Americans donning their green and raising a pint of Guinness, it's no wonder that 13 million pints of the beloved stout are guzzled worldwide on this festive day. The staggering 278% increase in beer sales on St. Paddy's makes it clear that when it comes to celebrating, moderation takes a back seat to merriment. And with a whopping 33 million Americans claiming Irish ancestry, it seems that on March 17th, everyone's inner leprechaun comes out to play. Cheers to the luck of the Irish, and may the craic be mighty!

Thanksgiving

  • Thanksgiving is celebrated by 95% of Americans
  • 46 million turkeys are eaten on Thanksgiving in the US
  • 46 million turkeys are consumed on Thanksgiving in the US
  • 4,500 calories is the average amount consumed by an American on Thanksgiving
  • 50 million pumpkin pies are eaten on Thanksgiving

Interpretation

The Thanksgiving statistics paint a colorful and, quite literally, appetizing picture of the holiday season in America. With 95% of the population partaking in the festivities, it’s evident that gratitude and gluttony go hand in hand. The abundance of 46 million turkeys and pumpkin pies galore underscore the feast of plenty that defines Thanksgiving. And as Americans consume a whopping 4,500 calories on average during the day, it’s safe to say that this holiday is a crash course in both gratitude and gluttony. So, as we gather around the table with loved ones and prepare to indulge in this gastronomic extravaganza, let’s remember to give thanks for elastic waistbands and the gym memberships we’ll inevitably renew come January.

Valentine's Day

  • Valentine's Day sees 145 million greeting cards exchanged
  • Americans spend $27.4 billion on Valentine's Day
  • 20% of annual flower sales occur around Valentine's Day
  • 58 million pounds of chocolate are bought during Valentine's Day week
  • 1 in 6 couples get engaged on Valentine's Day
  • Americans spend an average of $123.56 on Valentine's Day

Interpretation

Valentine's Day: the one day a year where love and capitalism collide in a frenzy of flowers, chocolates, and greeting cards. With 145 million cards exchanged, $27.4 billion spent, and 58 million pounds of chocolate devoured, it's a celebration that keeps the economy blooming and waistlines expanding. And let's not forget the 20% spike in flower sales, because nothing says "I love you" like a bouquet that costs more than a week's groceries. As for the 1 in 6 couples getting engaged on this day, well, I guess diamonds truly are a girl's best friend. So, grab your credit card and brace yourself; love may be priceless, but Valentine's Day certainly isn't.

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