Christmas is the biggest shopping event of the year, and Americans take it seriously. From gifts for family and friends to decorations, food, and travel, holiday spending reaches staggering levels each December.
But how much does the average American actually spend on Christmas? How does family spending compare to singles? And is holiday spending increasing or decreasing? These statistics reveal everything you need to know about Christmas spending in 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Americans will spend an average of $890 per person in 2025 (2nd highest ever)
- NRF forecasts $1.01-$1.02 trillion in 2025 — first time exceeding $1T
- Total US holiday retail sales hit $994.1 billion in 2024 — a record
- A family of 4 spends approximately $3,500-$4,000+ on Christmas
- 36% of Americans went into debt for holiday shopping, averaging $1,181
- 65% of spending goes to gifts, 23% to food and decorations
- Ages 45-54 spend the most at $1,162 per person
How Much Does the Average American Spend on Christmas?
1. Americans spend an average of $902 on Christmas per person
According to the National Retail Federation, US consumers spent an average of $902 on Christmas gifts and seasonal items in 2024. This was about $25 more per person than 2023 and $16 higher than the previous record set in 2019.
2. Gallup projects Americans will spend $1,007 on gifts in 2025
According to Gallup's 2025 holiday spending survey, consumers expect to spend an average of $1,007 on gifts this season — similar to the $1,014 predicted in 2024, but up significantly from $923 in 2023.
3. Including travel and entertainment, Americans spend $1,638 on the holidays
When factoring in travel, entertainment, and all holiday-related expenses — not just gifts — Christmas spending for 2024-2025 jumps to an average of $1,638 per person, representing a 7% increase from 2023.
Fun Fact: Americans spend $22,000 every second during the holiday shopping season, according to NRF data.
What Are the 2025 Christmas Spending Forecasts?
4. NRF forecasts holiday sales between $1.01-$1.02 trillion in 2025
According to the National Retail Federation, retail sales in November and December 2025 will grow between 3.7% and 4.2% over 2024, translating to $1.01-$1.02 trillion — the first time in history exceeding $1 trillion.
5. Consumers plan to spend $890.49 per person in 2025
NRF's holiday survey found consumers plan to spend an average of $890.49 per person on gifts, food, decorations, and other seasonal items — the second-highest in the survey's 23-year history, just below 2024's $902 record.
6. Forrester projects $1.05 trillion with 4.4% growth
Forrester forecasts total US holiday retail sales will grow 4.4% year-over-year, reaching $1.05 trillion in 2025. Online sales specifically are expected to grow 6.7% to reach $270 billion.
7. Visa forecasts 4.6% year-over-year increase
According to Visa Business and Economic Insights, US retail sales from November 1 to December 31, 2025 will increase 4.6% YoY. Consumers plan to spend $736 on gifts — up 10% from $669 in 2024.
8. Mobile will account for 56.1% of online spending — first time over 50%
According to Adobe, 2025 is poised to be the first full year mobile makes up more than 50% of online holiday spending, with mobile revenue share forecasted to hit a record 56.1%.
Note: These are 2025 forecasts. Actual spending data will be updated once final figures are released in early 2026.
What Is the Total US Holiday Spending?
9. US holiday retail sales reached a record $994.1 billion in 2024
Core retail sales during the 2024 holiday season grew an unexpectedly high 4% over 2023, exceeding the NRF's forecast of 2.5-3.5% growth. This topped the previous record of $955.6 billion spent in 2023.
10. Online holiday sales reached $296.7 billion in 2024
Online and non-store sales grew 8.6% year-over-year, with e-commerce accounting for nearly 30% of all holiday retail sales. Over 58% of Christmas purchases in the US are now made online — up from just 32% in 2015.
How Much Does the Average Family Spend on Christmas?
11. A family of 4 spends approximately $3,500-$4,000+ on Christmas
Based on individual spending averages and gift multipliers, a US family of 4 typically spends at least $3,500 on Christmas. However, the actual average is likely higher — potentially over $4,000 — depending on gift-giving traditions and whether extended family is included.
12. Families with young children spend 2.5-3x more than single adults
According to budget planning data, families with young children typically have gift lists of 30-40 people and spend 2.5-3 times more than a single person. This includes buying for their kids ($200-400 each), plus gifts on behalf of kids for extended family.
13. Having kids increases Christmas spending by 30-50%
The biggest spending increase is concentrated in the ages 3-12 window when kids believe in Santa and expect multiple gifts. Families with three or more children can have budget multipliers of 3-4x a single person's spending.
How Much Do Parents Spend on Gifts Per Child?
14. Parents spend an average of $173 per child on Christmas gifts
According to recent surveys, parents spend an average of $173 per child during the holiday season. However, spending varies widely based on family size — single-child households spend about $202 per child, while families with multiple children spend around $170 each.
15. Children receive an average of 6-15 Christmas gifts
While there's no definitive standard, most surveys suggest children receive between 6-15 presents on Christmas morning. Experts recommend following the "4-gift rule" — something you want, something you need, something to wear, something to read.
16. Parents spend the most on children at $117 per gift recipient
When looking at gift spending by relationship, parents spend the most on their children at an average of $117 per child. Romantic partners come second at $92, followed by other family members and friends.
What Do People Spend Christmas Money On?
17. 65% of Christmas spending goes to gifts
Of the $902 average spending, approximately $641 (71%) goes to gifts for family, friends, and coworkers — an increase from $620 the previous year. The remaining 29% covers food, decorations, greeting cards, and other seasonal items.
| Category | Average Spending | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Gifts (family, friends, coworkers) | $641 | 71% |
| Food & Candy | $100-$150 | 11-17% |
| Decorations | $80-$150 | 9-17% |
| Greeting Cards & Flowers | $30-$50 | 3-6% |
18. Americans spend $846 on average for holiday travel
64% of people travel over the holidays, spending an average of $846 to visit family and friends. This adds significantly to the total holiday budget beyond gifts and decorations.
19. 37% of Americans spend over $150 on Christmas decorations
Americans spend more than $6.1 billion on Christmas trees alone each year. When combined with lights, ornaments, and outdoor displays, decoration spending represents a significant portion of holiday budgets.
20. 75% of Christmas celebrators plan to purchase gifts, 70% buy food
While gift-giving remains the primary expense, 79% of Americans also look forward to spending on food for holiday gatherings, and 48% plan to cook or bake at home for Christmas.
How Does Christmas Spending Vary by Age and Income?
21. Ages 45-54 spend the most on Christmas at $1,162
Middle-aged Americans in their peak earning years spend the most on Christmas. Those aged 35-44 come second at $1,083, while young adults under 25 spend the least at $650.
| Age Group | Average Spending | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| Under 25 | $650 | Lowest |
| 25-34 | $920 | Growing |
| 35-44 | $1,083 | High (young kids) |
| 45-54 | $1,162 | Highest |
| 55+ | $850 | Declining |
22. High-income households ($100K+) spend $1,479 on Christmas gifts
Income dramatically affects Christmas spending. Americans earning over $100,000 predict spending $1,479 on gifts, while those earning under $50,000 plan to spend $651 — less than half.
How Much Do Other Countries Spend on Christmas?
23. Canadians are the highest Christmas spenders at $2,100 per person
When it comes to per-person Christmas spending, Canada leads the world at $2,100. Lebanon follows at $2,058, then Germany at $1,453, and the US at $1,236 (including all holiday expenses).
| Country | Spending Per Person | Total Retail Sales |
|---|---|---|
| Canada | $2,100 | — |
| Germany | $1,453 | £73B |
| United States | $1,236 | $994B |
| United Kingdom | $1,075 | £88B |
24. The UK leads European Christmas spending at £88 billion
In 2024, total retail sales during Christmas season reached £88 billion in the UK, making it the largest Christmas spender in Europe. Germany came second at £73 billion, followed by France.
25. 69% of UK consumers start Christmas shopping by August
British shoppers are notably early planners — 69% begin shopping by August, 77% by September, and 85% by October. This trend is growing in the US as well, with 45% of American shoppers starting before November.
Cultural Difference: In Spain, 73% of Christmas spending goes to food rather than gifts. In Germany, over 70% goes to gifts — similar to the US pattern.
Is Christmas Spending Increasing or Decreasing?
26. Holiday retail sales have grown 13% over the past 5 years
Despite economic uncertainty, US holiday retail sales have consistently grown, reaching $994 billion in 2024. That's a 13% increase from five years ago, though much of this growth is offset by inflation.
27. Consumer prices have risen 21.4% since February 2020
While spending numbers look higher, inflation has significantly eroded buying power. Since February 2020, consumer prices have increased 21.4% — well above the historic average, meaning today's dollars buy less than before.
28. 41% of Americans plan to spend less in 2025
According to recent surveys, 41% of Americans plan to cut holiday spending this year, with 42% spending the same and only 16% spending more. This represents a 6-point increase in those cutting back compared to 2024.
29. Gen Z is cutting Christmas budgets by 23% in 2025
Generation Z is pulling back the most of any age group, planning to slash holiday budgets by 23%. This marks a sharp reversal from 2024, when Gen Z's holiday budgets surged 37% year-over-year.
How Many Americans Go Into Debt for Christmas?
30. 36% of Americans took on debt for holiday shopping, averaging $1,181
According to LendingTree, over a third of Americans went into debt for holiday shopping in 2024, with an average debt of $1,181 per shopper — 15% higher than the $1,028 average in 2023.
31. Buy Now, Pay Later holiday spending hit a record $18.5 billion
Americans tapped BNPL financing for a record $18.5 billion in holiday spending in 2024, up 11% from 2023. BNPL spending from Nov. 1 to Dec. 1 alone reached $10.1 billion — the highest ever recorded for that period.
32. 31% of holiday shoppers still haven't paid off their 2024 credit card balances
According to NerdWallet, nearly one-third of 2024 holiday shoppers who used credit cards are still carrying balances. With average credit card APRs at 21.39% — and store cards exceeding 30% — this debt is expensive to maintain.
33. 25% of BNPL users regret their purchases
A Motley Fool study found that over 25% of Americans regret using Buy Now, Pay Later due to unexpected costs. Nearly 24% of BNPL users have missed payments, and 71% of frequent BNPL users carry revolving credit card debt.
How Has Online Christmas Shopping Changed?
34. 58% of Christmas purchases are now made online
E-commerce dominance continues to grow. In 2024, over 58% of Christmas purchases were made online — up from just 32% in 2015. Online holiday sales reached $296.7 billion, growing 8.6% year-over-year.
35. 45% of shoppers start Christmas shopping before November
Early shopping is becoming the norm. Nearly half of holiday shoppers begin browsing and buying before November, consistent with recent years and up from 40% a decade ago.
36. 50% of shoppers say discounts are the top purchase influencer
Half of all shoppers rate discounts as the #1 factor driving their holiday purchases. Additionally, 61% of consumers regularly use coupons, and deal-hunting has become central to holiday shopping behavior.
What Factors Are Affecting Christmas Spending?
37. 2024 had 5 fewer shopping days between Thanksgiving and Christmas
The 2024 holiday shopping calendar was compressed, with only 26 days between Thanksgiving and Christmas — 5 fewer than typical. This drove more online shopping and early buying behavior.
38. Lower inflation in 2024 boosted holiday spending
The 4% growth in 2024 holiday sales was driven partly by lower inflation compared to 2023, particularly for goods. Consumers felt more confident spending when prices stabilized.
39. 92% of US adults celebrate winter holidays
Nearly all American adults (92%) celebrate winter holidays including Christmas, Hanukkah, or Kwanzaa. This near-universal participation drives the massive scale of holiday retail spending.
40. Shoppers are prioritizing experiences over traditional gifts
A growing trend shows consumers shifting preferences from material gifts to experiences like travel, dining, and entertainment — especially among younger generations seeking memorable moments over possessions.
Summary
Christmas remains America's biggest shopping season, with record-breaking spending despite economic pressures. While total retail sales approach $1 trillion, individual families face real budget constraints, with over a third going into debt for holiday purchases. The shift to online shopping, early buying, and deal-hunting reflects a more price-conscious consumer mindset.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Spending Per Person | $902 |
| Total US Holiday Retail Sales (2024) | $994.1 billion |
| Average Family of 4 Spending | $3,500-$4,000+ |
| Average Gift Spending Per Child | $173 |
| Online Holiday Sales | $296.7 billion |
| Americans Going Into Debt | 36% |
| Average Holiday Debt | $1,181 |
| BNPL Holiday Spending | $18.5 billion |
| Highest Spenders by Age | 45-54 ($1,162) |
Sources
- National Retail Federation - 2024 Holiday Season Results
- Gallup - Holiday Spending Survey 2025
- Statista - US Holiday Spending Data
- DemandSage - Christmas Spending Statistics
- LendingTree - Holiday Spending Statistics
- Bankrate - Average Cost of Christmas
- The Conference Board - Holiday Spending Survey
- PwC - Holiday Outlook 2025