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Christmas decoration statistics 2026.

What Americans spend on decorations, when they put them up, real vs. artificial trees, how many people get hurt, and where a white Christmas is likely. Every number links to the group that collected it.

Updated · 158 statistics · every number checked on the original source

Stats you can quote.

Writing about the holidays? These are ready to paste. Each one links to the organization that collected the data, so you can cite them directly.

Citing this page? Link to it so readers can find the sources:

<a href="https://amazingsnowman.com/christmas-decoration-statistics">Christmas decoration statistics</a>

What Americans spend on decorations.

No national survey breaks out decoration spending on its own. NRF and Deloitte group decorations with food, cards and other seasonal items. The clearest decoration-only numbers come from an October 2025 Ipsos poll for Rocket Mortgage and Redfin.

Planned spending on holiday decorations, 2025
Nothing36%
$1 to $10037%
Over $100, under $50022%

Chart by The Amazing Snowman from Rocket Mortgage and Redfin (survey by Ipsos), Americans are spending less on holiday decor, gifts as economic uncertainty ramps up.

  1. U.S. consumers planned to spend $890.49 per person on average on holiday gifts, food, decorations and other seasonal items in 2025, the second-highest amount in the survey's 23-year history.

    Source: National Retail Federation (survey by Prosper Insights & Analytics), Consumers to Spend Second-Highest Amount on Record, According to NRF Holiday Survey · Data: 2025

  2. Of the $890.49 Americans planned to spend per person on the 2025 holidays, $262.56 was earmarked for seasonal items like food or candy, decorations and greeting cards.

    Source: National Retail Federation (survey by Prosper Insights & Analytics), Consumers to Spend Second-Highest Amount on Record, According to NRF Holiday Survey · Data: 2025

  3. Shoppers over Thanksgiving weekend 2025 who made a holiday purchase spent $337.86 on average on items like gifts, holiday apparel, decorations and other seasonal purchases, the highest figure since 2019.

    Source: National Retail Federation (survey by Prosper Insights & Analytics), Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend Draws a Record 203 Million Shoppers · Data: 2025

  4. U.S. shoppers expect to spend $1,654 per household on average for the 2026 holiday season, up 4% from $1,595 in 2025.

    Source: Deloitte, 2026 Deloitte Holiday Retail Survey · Data: 2026

  5. Holiday spenders expect to spend $2,525 on average in 2026, including gifts, travel and other holiday purchases such as hosting a party or buying decorations.

    Source: NerdWallet (survey by The Harris Poll), 2026 Holiday Spending Report · Data: 2026

  6. 36% of Americans said they were spending nothing on holiday decorations in the 2025 season.

    Source: Rocket Mortgage and Redfin (survey by Ipsos), Americans are spending less on holiday decor, gifts as economic uncertainty ramps up · Data: 2025

  7. 37% of Americans planned to spend between $1 and $100 on holiday decorations in 2025.

    Source: Rocket Mortgage and Redfin (survey by Ipsos), Americans are spending less on holiday decor, gifts as economic uncertainty ramps up · Data: 2025

  8. 22% of Americans planned to spend more than $100 but less than $500 on holiday decorations in 2025.

    Source: Rocket Mortgage and Redfin (survey by Ipsos), Americans are spending less on holiday decor, gifts as economic uncertainty ramps up · Data: 2025

  9. 28% of Americans said they were spending less on holiday decorations in 2025 than the year before, while 16% were spending more.

    Source: Rocket Mortgage and Redfin (survey by Ipsos), Americans are spending less on holiday decor, gifts as economic uncertainty ramps up · Data: 2025

  10. Among Americans cutting their 2025 decoration spending, 56% said they were trying to save money and 42% said they already had enough decorations.

    Source: Rocket Mortgage and Redfin (survey by Ipsos), Americans are spending less on holiday decor, gifts as economic uncertainty ramps up · Data: 2025

  11. 15% of Americans said that after paying their housing costs they had no money left over to buy holiday decorations, and 34% had just a little left.

    Source: Rocket Mortgage and Redfin (survey by Ipsos), Americans are spending less on holiday decor, gifts as economic uncertainty ramps up · Data: 2025

Who decorates.

Most Americans decorate a tree, and a little over half put up lights. Most reuse what they already own. Parents of young kids are about three times as likely as other adults to build a snowman.

Plans for the 2025 holiday season (YouGov)
Look at holiday lights70%
Decorate a Christmas tree66%
Put up holiday lights56%
Build a snowman (parents of kids under 18)45%
Build a snowman (other adults)14%

Chart by The Amazing Snowman from YouGov, All I want for Christmas is data on Americans’ holiday traditions, trees, and travel plans.

  1. 66% of Americans planned to decorate a Christmas tree during the 2025 holiday season.

    Source: YouGov, All I want for Christmas is data on Americans’ holiday traditions, trees, and travel plans · Data: 2025

  2. 56% of Americans planned to put up holiday lights during the 2025 holiday season.

    Source: YouGov, All I want for Christmas is data on Americans’ holiday traditions, trees, and travel plans · Data: 2025

  3. In the 2025 season, 70% of Americans planned to look at holiday lights and 56% planned to put up holiday lights.

    Source: YouGov, All I want for Christmas is data on Americans' holiday traditions, trees, and travel plans · Data: 2025

  4. 50% of Americans had hung or planned to hang a wreath on their door during the 2025 holiday season.

    Source: YouGov, YouGov Survey: Winter Holiday Plans & Traditions (December 3 - 5, 2025) poll results · Data: 2025

  5. By Dec. 3-5, 2025, 54% of Americans celebrating the holidays had already put up decorations, 32% planned to, and 13% did not plan to decorate.

    Source: YouGov, YouGov Survey: Winter Holiday Plans & Traditions (December 3 - 5, 2025) poll results · Data: 2025

  6. 45% of parents with children under 18 planned to build a snowman in the 2025 holiday season, compared with 14% of Americans without children under 18.

    Source: YouGov, All I want for Christmas is data on Americans' holiday traditions, trees, and travel plans · Data: 2025

  7. 73% of Americans reuse the same holiday decorations year after year.

    Source: Rocket Mortgage and Redfin (survey by Ipsos), Americans are spending less on holiday decor, gifts as economic uncertainty ramps up · Data: 2025

  8. 22% of Americans choose a new holiday decor theme each year, including 36% of millennials and Gen Zers.

    Source: Rocket Mortgage and Redfin (survey by Ipsos), Americans are spending less on holiday decor, gifts as economic uncertainty ramps up · Data: 2025

  9. 27% of Americans make their own holiday decorations, rising to 41% of Gen Zers.

    Source: Rocket Mortgage and Redfin (survey by Ipsos), Americans are spending less on holiday decor, gifts as economic uncertainty ramps up · Data: 2025

  10. 31% of Gen Zers bought holiday decorations on impulse in 2025 because they saw them in a store or online, versus 10% of millennials, 9% of Gen Xers and 5% of baby boomers.

    Source: Rocket Mortgage and Redfin (survey by Ipsos), Americans are spending less on holiday decor, gifts as economic uncertainty ramps up · Data: 2025

  11. 17% of Americans buying holiday decorations in 2025 did so because the price was right or the items were on sale.

    Source: Rocket Mortgage and Redfin (survey by Ipsos), Americans are spending less on holiday decor, gifts as economic uncertainty ramps up · Data: 2025

  12. 26% of Americans say putting up and taking down decorations causes them stress or anxiety during the holidays.

    Source: YouGov, YouGov Survey: Holiday Feelings and Stressors (December 10 - 13, 2024) poll results · Data: 2024

Real and artificial trees.

Both tree industries publish surveys, and both have a side. The American Christmas Tree Association represents artificial-tree makers; its number comes from Ipsos. YouGov's independent poll lands close to it. The farm counts come from the USDA.

Where real Christmas trees were bought, 2023
Choose-and-cut farm25%
Chain store21%
Nursery16%
Retail lot15%

Chart by The Amazing Snowman from National Christmas Tree Association, What NCTA Wants Everyone To Know About the Farm-Grown Christmas Tree Supply for 2024.

  1. 83% of U.S. households planning to display a Christmas tree in 2026 will display an artificial one (78% artificial only, 5% both artificial and real).

    Source: American Christmas Tree Association (survey by Ipsos), Artificial Christmas Trees Continue to be Preferred Tree to Display · Data: 2026

  2. 83% of U.S. households planning to display a Christmas tree in the 2025 season said they would choose an artificial one.

    Source: American Christmas Tree Association (survey by Ipsos), Survey Finds Artificial Christmas Trees Continue to Dominate U.S. Holiday Décor · Data: 2025

  3. 71% of Americans planned to have a Christmas tree in their home in 2025.

    Source: YouGov, All I want for Christmas is data on Americans' holiday traditions, trees, and travel plans · Data: 2025

  4. Among Americans planning to have a Christmas tree in 2025, 81% planned an artificial tree and 20% a real one (3% both).

    Source: YouGov, All I want for Christmas is data on Americans' holiday traditions, trees, and travel plans · Data: 2025

  5. 79% of Americans say a real Christmas tree smells better than an artificial one, but 62% say an artificial tree is more affordable.

    Source: YouGov, All I want for Christmas is data on Americans' holiday traditions, trees, and travel plans · Data: 2025

  6. Of Americans planning a Christmas tree in 2025, 57% said they would put colored lights on it and 36% white lights.

    Source: YouGov, All I want for Christmas is data on Americans' holiday traditions, trees, and travel plans · Data: 2025

  7. 40% of Americans planning a tree in 2025 expected it to be six to eight feet tall, 39% four to six feet, and 13% under four feet.

    Source: YouGov, All I want for Christmas is data on Americans' holiday traditions, trees, and travel plans · Data: 2025

  8. An estimated 21.58 million real Christmas trees were purchased in the U.S. in 2023.

    Source: National Christmas Tree Association, What NCTA Wants Everyone To Know About the Farm-Grown Christmas Tree Supply for 2024 · Data: 2023

  9. Real Christmas tree buyers reported paying a median price of $75 for their tree in 2023; 14% of consumers surveyed bought a real tree.

    Source: National Christmas Tree Association, What NCTA Wants Everyone To Know About the Farm-Grown Christmas Tree Supply for 2024 · Data: 2023

  10. In 2023, 25% of real Christmas trees were bought at choose-and-cut farms, 21% at chain stores, 16% at nurseries and 15% at retail lots.

    Source: National Christmas Tree Association, What NCTA Wants Everyone To Know About the Farm-Grown Christmas Tree Supply for 2024 · Data: 2023

  11. In 2022, 16,612 U.S. farms had 292,050 acres in Christmas tree production.

    Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, 2022 Census of Agriculture, Table 35. Cultivated Christmas Trees: 2022 and 2017 · Data: 2022

  12. U.S. farms cut 14,548,694 Christmas trees in 2022, down from 15,094,678 in 2017.

    Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, 2022 Census of Agriculture, Table 35. Cultivated Christmas Trees: 2022 and 2017 · Data: 2022

  13. Oregon farms cut 4,823,877 Christmas trees and North Carolina farms 3,208,419 in 2022, the two largest totals of any state.

    Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, 2022 Census of Agriculture, Table 35. Cultivated Christmas Trees: 2022 and 2017 · Data: 2022

  14. U.S. Christmas tree growers sold $553 million in cut Christmas trees in 2022, up from $377 million in 2017.

    Source: USDA Economic Research Service (from NASS 2022 Census of Agriculture), 2022 Census of Agriculture: U.S. tree farms cut more than 14.5 million Christmas trees in 2022 · Data: 2022

  15. 91% of wholesale Christmas tree growers surveyed said they don't plan to raise wholesale prices for the 2026 season, up from 84% in 2025.

    Source: Real Christmas Tree Board, Survey: Real Christmas Tree Growers Forecast Strong Supply and Steady Wholesale Prices for 2026 Holiday Season · Data: 2026

  16. 91% of real Christmas tree buyers in the 2025 season said the price they paid was worth it, and 56% said it was less than they expected.

    Source: Real Christmas Tree Board (survey by TRUE Global Intelligence / FleishmanHillard), Survey: Real Christmas Tree Growers Forecast Strong Supply and Steady Wholesale Prices for 2026 Holiday Season · Data: 2025

Lights, yards and inflatables.

The newest outdoor-decorating survey we could verify is This Old House's from September 2024. The often-repeated holiday-lights electricity figure dates from 2007, when LEDs were about 5% of the market, so read it as history.

Planned to decorate the yard with inflatables, 2023
Millennials53%
Baby boomers16%
Men36%
Women21%

Chart by The Amazing Snowman from Today's Homeowner, When Do Americans Hang Their Holiday Lights?.

  1. 64% of Americans planned to hang outdoor holiday lights in 2024.

    Source: This Old House, Holiday Lights Survey: When Do Americans Start Decorating? · Data: 2024

  2. Americans shopping for exterior holiday lights and decorations expected to spend $175 on average in 2024.

    Source: This Old House, Holiday Lights Survey: When Do Americans Start Decorating? · Data: 2024

  3. About 60% of Americans who planned to hang holiday lights in 2024 worried the lights would raise their electric bills.

    Source: This Old House, Holiday Lights Survey: When Do Americans Start Decorating? · Data: 2024

  4. 72% of Americans hanging holiday lights in 2024 planned to do the work themselves.

    Source: This Old House, Holiday Lights Survey: When Do Americans Start Decorating? · Data: 2024

  5. 36% of Americans did not plan to decorate their home's exterior for the 2024 holidays; 21% of respondents said buying lights is too costly.

    Source: This Old House, Holiday Lights Survey: When Do Americans Start Decorating? · Data: 2024

  6. 26% of Americans planned to spend more on exterior holiday lights in 2024 than the year before, rising to 39% of Gen Z.

    Source: This Old House, Holiday Lights Survey: When Do Americans Start Decorating? · Data: 2024

  7. An ENERGY STAR certified decorative light string uses about 92% less energy than an incandescent light string and can last up to 10 times longer.

    Source: ENERGY STAR (U.S. EPA / DOE), Decorative Light Strings | ENERGY STAR · Data: current page

  8. Decorative holiday lights used an estimated 6.63 terawatt-hours (billion kWh) of electricity in the U.S. in 2007, according to a DOE-commissioned study.

    Source: U.S. Department of Energy (report prepared by Navigant Consulting), Energy Savings Estimates of Light Emitting Diodes in Niche Lighting Applications (September 2008) · Data: 2007

  9. LEDs held an estimated 5.2% of the U.S. decorative holiday light market in 2007; DOE estimated a full switch to LED would save 5.97 TWh a year.

    Source: U.S. Department of Energy (report prepared by Navigant Consulting), Energy Savings Estimates of Light Emitting Diodes in Niche Lighting Applications (September 2008) · Data: 2007

  10. In a 2023 survey, 53% of millennials planned to decorate their yard with inflatables, compared with 16% of baby boomers; 36% of men vs 21% of women decorated with them.

    Source: Today's Homeowner, When Do Americans Hang Their Holiday Lights? · Data: 2023

  11. 22% of Americans said they don't like holiday inflatables at all, while 77% said they like them (2023).

    Source: Today's Homeowner, When Do Americans Hang Their Holiday Lights? · Data: 2023

When it goes up, and when it comes down.

The weekend after Thanksgiving is the most common time to decorate. The most common time to take them down is January 2 to 10.

When Americans put up holiday decorations, 2025
Before Thanksgiving15%
Weekend after Thanksgiving34%
December 1 to 1017%

Chart by The Amazing Snowman from Rocket Mortgage and Redfin (survey by Ipsos), Americans are spending less on holiday decor, gifts as economic uncertainty ramps up.

  1. 34% of Americans put up their holiday decorations the weekend after Thanksgiving, the most common time; 15% decorate before Thanksgiving.

    Source: Rocket Mortgage and Redfin (survey by Ipsos), Americans are spending less on holiday decor, gifts as economic uncertainty ramps up · Data: 2025

  2. Among Americans planning a Christmas tree in 2025, 18% put it up before Thanksgiving, 28% between Thanksgiving and Dec. 1, and 30% during the first week of December.

    Source: YouGov, All I want for Christmas is data on Americans’ holiday traditions, trees, and travel plans · Data: 2025

  3. 42% of Americans set up their Christmas tree on or before Thanksgiving weekend (2026 survey).

    Source: American Christmas Tree Association (survey by Ipsos), Artificial Christmas Trees Continue to be Preferred Tree to Display · Data: 2026

  4. 70% of Americans planning to hang holiday lights in 2024 had them up before December, and 51% had them up before Thanksgiving.

    Source: This Old House, Holiday Lights Survey: When Do Americans Start Decorating? · Data: 2024

  5. 34% of Americans take down their holiday decorations between Jan. 2 and Jan. 10, the most common window; 14% take them down on Jan. 1 and 14% after Jan. 10.

    Source: Rocket Mortgage and Redfin (survey by Ipsos), Americans are spending less on holiday decor, gifts as economic uncertainty ramps up · Data: 2025

  6. 47% of Americans with a Christmas tree in 2025 planned to take it down during the first week of January; 20% between Christmas and Jan. 1 and 24% later in January.

    Source: YouGov, All I want for Christmas is data on Americans’ holiday traditions, trees, and travel plans · Data: 2025

  7. 53% of Americans who hang holiday lights still had them up on Jan. 4 in the 2024 season; Jan. 1 was the most common single day to take them down (14%).

    Source: This Old House, Holiday Lights Survey: When Do Americans Start Decorating? · Data: 2024

  8. 55% of Americans say it is acceptable to put up holiday decorations before Thanksgiving; 33% say it is unacceptable.

    Source: YouGov, YouGov Survey: Holiday Etiquette (December 11 - 13, 2024) poll results · Data: 2024

  9. 59% of Americans say it is acceptable to leave holiday decorations up in mid-January; 29% say it is unacceptable.

    Source: YouGov, YouGov Survey: Holiday Etiquette (December 11 - 13, 2024) poll results · Data: 2024

Where decorations come from.

China supplied 86.8% of the Christmas decorations the U.S. imported in 2024. Holiday shoppers also expect to do a smaller share of their shopping online this year.

U.S. imports of Christmas decorations from China
2023$2.82B
2024$2.97B

Chart by The Amazing Snowman from U.S. Census Bureau, The 2024 Winter Holiday Season (Facts for Features); U.S. Census Bureau, The 2025 Winter Holiday Season (Facts for Features).

  1. The U.S. imported $2.97 billion of Christmas decorations from China in 2024; China supplied 86.8% of all U.S. Christmas decoration imports.

    Source: U.S. Census Bureau, The 2025 Winter Holiday Season (Facts for Features) · Data: 2024

  2. China supplied 86.8% of U.S. Christmas decoration imports in 2024, down from 88.0% in 2023.

    Source: U.S. Census Bureau, The 2025 Winter Holiday Season (Facts for Features) · Data: 2024

  3. The U.S. imported $2.82 billion of Christmas decorations from China in 2023.

    Source: U.S. Census Bureau, The 2024 Winter Holiday Season (Facts for Features) · Data: 2023

  4. The U.S. imported $301.3 million of LED Christmas tree lights in 2024, and Cambodia supplied 66.6% of them.

    Source: U.S. Census Bureau, The 2025 Winter Holiday Season (Facts for Features) · Data: 2024

  5. NRF forecasts U.S. retail sales in November and December 2026 will grow 4.2% over 2025 to $1.013 trillion.

    Source: National Retail Federation, NRF Forecasts 2026 Holiday Sales Growth as Consumers Remain Resilient · Data: 2026

  6. 43% of U.S. holiday shoppers planned to start browsing and buying for the 2026 holiday season before November.

    Source: National Retail Federation (survey by Prosper Insights & Analytics), Affordability Shapes Winter Holiday Shopping, According to NRF Holiday Survey · Data: 2026

  7. 64% of consumers say they are likely to wait until Thanksgiving weekend to do most of their 2026 holiday shopping, up from 51% five years ago.

    Source: National Retail Federation (survey by Prosper Insights & Analytics), 2026 holiday shopping trends: What consumers are planning · Data: 2026

  8. 53% of holiday shoppers plan to buy gifts and other holiday items online in 2026, the lowest share since 2015; shoppers expect to do 52% of their holiday shopping online, down from 56% last year.

    Source: National Retail Federation (survey by Prosper Insights & Analytics), 2026 holiday shopping trends: What consumers are planning · Data: 2026

  9. U.S. shoppers plan to spend 55% of their 2026 retail holiday budgets online and 45% in-store.

    Source: Deloitte, 2026 Deloitte Holiday Retail Survey (full findings PDF) · Data: 2026

Decorating injuries and fires.

The CPSC counts emergency-room visits. The NFPA counts home fires reported to fire departments. Their time windows differ, so each stat keeps its source's own dates. The ladder figures come from the only federal study that breaks them out, which used 2000 to 2003 data.

ER visits for holiday decorating injuries, by CPSC holiday season
2018 season17,500
2019 season14,800
2022 season14,800
2023 season14,900

Chart by The Amazing Snowman from U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Tis the Season to Be Safe: Top Tips for Your Family During COVID-19; U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Making a List, Checking it Twice: Tips for Celebrating Safely this Holiday Season; U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Make it a 'Home Safe Home' for the Holidays; U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Happy Holidays Start with Safety: CPSC Urges Families to Cook, Decorate and Select Toys with Care This Season.

  1. About 14,900 people were treated in U.S. emergency rooms for holiday decorating-related injuries in CPSC's 2023 holiday season (Nov. 1, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023).

    Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Happy Holidays Start with Safety: CPSC Urges Families to Cook, Decorate and Select Toys with Care This Season · Data: 2023 holiday season (Nov. 1, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023)

  2. CPSC says there are about 160 Christmas decorating-related injuries each day during the holiday season, and nearly half involve falls.

    Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Happy Holidays Start with Safety: CPSC Urges Families to Cook, Decorate and Select Toys with Care This Season · Data: 2023 holiday season (Nov. 1, 2022 – Jan. 31, 2023)

  3. About 14,800 people were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments for holiday decorating-related injuries in CPSC's 2022 holiday season (Nov. 1, 2021 – Jan. 31, 2022).

    Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Make it a 'Home Safe Home' for the Holidays · Data: 2022 holiday season (Nov 1, 2021 - Jan 31, 2022)

  4. CPSC's November 2023 release put the average at about 160 Christmas decorating-related injuries per day during the holiday season, with over 40% involving falls.

    Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Make it a 'Home Safe Home' for the Holidays · Data: 2022 holiday season (Nov 1, 2021 - Jan 31, 2022)

  5. About 14,800 people were treated in U.S. emergency rooms for holiday decorating-related injuries in the 2019 holiday season, according to CPSC.

    Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Making a List, Checking it Twice: Tips for Celebrating Safely this Holiday Season · Data: 2019 holiday season

  6. About 17,500 people were treated in U.S. emergency rooms for holiday decorating-related injuries in the 2018 holiday season, according to CPSC.

    Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Tis the Season to Be Safe: Top Tips for Your Family During COVID-19 · Data: 2018 holiday season

  7. About 5,800 people a year were treated in U.S. emergency departments for falls tied to holiday decorating, 2000-2003.

    Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), MMWR, Fall-Related Injuries During the Holiday Season --- United States, 2000--2003 (MMWR, December 10, 2004) · Data: 2000-2003

  8. About 43% of holiday-decorating fall injuries treated in U.S. emergency departments were caused by falls from ladders (2000-2003).

    Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), MMWR, Fall-Related Injuries During the Holiday Season --- United States, 2000--2003 (MMWR, December 10, 2004) · Data: 2000-2003

  9. Nearly half (47%) of people who fell from ladders while holiday decorating were hospitalized (2000-2003).

    Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), MMWR, Fall-Related Injuries During the Holiday Season --- United States, 2000--2003 (MMWR, December 10, 2004) · Data: 2000-2003

  10. U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 143 home structure fires that began with Christmas trees per year on average, 2020-2024.

    Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), More than one-third of Christmas tree home fires occur in January · Data: 2020-2024 (annual average)

  11. Home fires that began with Christmas trees caused seven civilian deaths, 13 civilian injuries and $15 million in direct property damage (annual average, 2020-2024).

    Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), More than one-third of Christmas tree home fires occur in January · Data: 2020-2024 (annual average)

  12. More than one-third (35%) of U.S. home fires involving Christmas trees occur in January.

    Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), More than one-third of Christmas tree home fires occur in January · Data: year not stated on the source page

  13. Nearly one in four (24%) home Christmas tree fires were started by lamps or bulbs.

    Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), December is a leading month for U.S. home fires · Data: 2020-2024 (annual averages)

  14. Electrical distribution or lighting equipment was involved in 40% of home Christmas tree fires.

    Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), December is a leading month for U.S. home fires · Data: 2020-2024 (annual averages)

  15. Eleven percent of home Christmas tree fires were started by candles.

    Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), December is a leading month for U.S. home fires · Data: 2020-2024 (annual averages)

  16. Almost half (48%) of home Christmas tree fires started in the living room.

    Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Holiday Fire Safety Tips (NFPA - Winter holidays) · Data: year not stated on the source page

  17. U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated 835 home structure fires per year that began with decorations, not counting Christmas trees (annual average, 2020-2024).

    Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), December is a leading month for U.S. home fires · Data: 2020-2024 (annual averages)

  18. Home decoration fires (excluding Christmas trees) caused three civilian deaths, 29 civilian injuries and $18 million in direct property damage per year on average, 2020-2024.

    Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Holiday Fire Safety Tips (NFPA - Winter holidays) · Data: 2020-2024 (annual averages)

  19. Nearly half (47%) of home decoration fires happened because the decorations were too close to a heat source such as a candle.

    Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), December is a leading month for U.S. home fires · Data: 2020-2024 (annual averages)

  20. Candles started one-third (33%) of home decoration fires year-round, rising to 49% in December.

    Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Holiday Fire Safety Tips (NFPA - Winter holidays) · Data: year not stated on the source page

  21. Candle fires peak in December and January: 12% of home candle fires happen in December and 10% in January.

    Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), December is a leading month for U.S. home fires · Data: 2020-2024 (annual averages)

  22. U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 5,894 home structure fires started by candles, 2020-2024.

    Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Candle Safety (Safety with candles | NFPA) · Data: 2020-2024 (annual average)

  23. Home candle fires caused an annual average of 63 civilian deaths, 532 civilian injuries and $286 million in property damage, 2020-2024.

    Source: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Candle Safety (Safety with candles | NFPA) · Data: 2020-2024 (annual average)

  24. In December 2024, about 44,600 Mr. Christmas wireless tree light controllers were recalled because the plug-in receiver can overheat; the firm had 10 overheating reports, including one fire.

    Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Mr. Christmas Recalls Wireless Decorative Tree Light Controllers Due to Fire Hazard · Data: 2024 (recall date December 12, 2024)

  25. About 34,600 Bunkhouse and Lotsa LITES! mini string lights (including a Christmas package) were recalled in December 2023 because the bulbs can overheat, a burn and fire hazard.

    Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Bunkhouse and Lotsa LITES! Mini String Lights Recalled Due to Burn and Fire Hazards; Imported by DM Merchandising (Recall Alert) · Data: 2023 (recall date December 07, 2023)

  26. About 2,460 Member's Mark 7-foot pre-lit twinkling buck lawn decorations sold at Sam's Club were recalled in April 2026 after five reports of smoke and a burning smell.

    Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Seasonal Specialties Recalls Members Mark 7’ Pre-Lit Twinkling Bucks Due to Burn Hazard · Data: 2026 (recall date April 09, 2026)

White Christmas odds by city.

NOAA counts a white Christmas as at least 1 inch of snow on the ground on December 25. These are the historical odds at each city's weather station under the 1991 to 2020 normals. Where a city's main station had no value, the station used is named.

Historical chance of a white Christmas, 1991 to 2020
Miami0%
Houston0%
Atlanta1.4%
Seattle3.7%
Washington, D.C.4.4%
New York (Central Park)13.2%
Chicago (O'Hare)33.5%
Boston area (Blue Hill)35%
Salt Lake City47.9%
Buffalo52.7%
Minneapolis-St. Paul73.6%
Duluth92.2%
Fairbanks100%

Chart by The Amazing Snowman from NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Downloadable Spreadsheet of Snowfall Probabilities by Weather Station from 1991-2020 Climate Normals.

  1. NOAA defines the historical white Christmas odds as the probability of at least 1 inch of snow on the ground on December 25, based on the 1991-2020 U.S. Climate Normals.

    Source: NOAA Climate.gov / NOAA NCEI, Interactive map: Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? · Data: 1991-2020

  2. On NOAA's 1991-2020 map, much of the West Coast, Gulf Coast and Deep South has less than a 10% chance of a white Christmas, while the snowiest areas top 90%.

    Source: NOAA Climate.gov / NOAA NCEI, Interactive map: Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? · Data: 1991-2020

  3. Crested Butte, Colorado, is one of about a handful of U.S. weather stations with a nearly 100% historical chance of a white Christmas.

    Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Are You Dreaming of a White Christmas? · Data: 1991-2020

  4. Miami has a 0% historical chance of a white Christmas (1+ inch of snow on the ground Dec. 25), per NOAA's 1991-2020 normals (station: MIAMI INTL AP).

    Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Downloadable Spreadsheet of Snowfall Probabilities by Weather Station from 1991-2020 Climate Normals · Data: 1991-2020

  5. Orlando has a 0% historical chance of a white Christmas (1+ inch of snow on the ground Dec. 25), per NOAA's 1991-2020 normals (station: ORLANDO INTL AP).

    Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Downloadable Spreadsheet of Snowfall Probabilities by Weather Station from 1991-2020 Climate Normals · Data: 1991-2020

  6. Tampa has a 0% historical chance of a white Christmas (1+ inch of snow on the ground Dec. 25), per NOAA's 1991-2020 normals (station: TAMPA INTL AP).

    Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Downloadable Spreadsheet of Snowfall Probabilities by Weather Station from 1991-2020 Climate Normals · Data: 1991-2020

  7. New Orleans has a 0% historical chance of a white Christmas (1+ inch of snow on the ground Dec. 25), per NOAA's 1991-2020 normals (station: NEW ORLEANS INTL AP).

    Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Downloadable Spreadsheet of Snowfall Probabilities by Weather Station from 1991-2020 Climate Normals · Data: 1991-2020

  8. Houston has a 0% historical chance of a white Christmas (1+ inch of snow on the ground Dec. 25), per NOAA's 1991-2020 normals (station: HOUSTON INTERCONT AP).

    Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Downloadable Spreadsheet of Snowfall Probabilities by Weather Station from 1991-2020 Climate Normals · Data: 1991-2020

  9. San Antonio has a 0.1% historical chance of a white Christmas (1+ inch of snow on the ground Dec. 25), per NOAA's 1991-2020 normals (station: SAN ANTONIO INTL AP).

    Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Downloadable Spreadsheet of Snowfall Probabilities by Weather Station from 1991-2020 Climate Normals · Data: 1991-2020

  10. Dallas-Fort Worth has a 0.5% historical chance of a white Christmas (1+ inch of snow on the ground Dec. 25), per NOAA's 1991-2020 normals (station: DALLAS FT WORTH AP).

    Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Downloadable Spreadsheet of Snowfall Probabilities by Weather Station from 1991-2020 Climate Normals · Data: 1991-2020

  11. Phoenix has a 0% historical chance of a white Christmas (1+ inch of snow on the ground Dec. 25), per NOAA's 1991-2020 normals (station: SOUTH PHOENIX).

    Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Downloadable Spreadsheet of Snowfall Probabilities by Weather Station from 1991-2020 Climate Normals · Data: 1991-2020

  12. Tucson has a 0% historical chance of a white Christmas (1+ inch of snow on the ground Dec. 25), per NOAA's 1991-2020 normals (station: TUCSON INTL AP).

    Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Downloadable Spreadsheet of Snowfall Probabilities by Weather Station from 1991-2020 Climate Normals · Data: 1991-2020

  13. Las Vegas has a 0.3% historical chance of a white Christmas (1+ inch of snow on the ground Dec. 25), per NOAA's 1991-2020 normals (station: LAS VEGAS MCCARRAN AP).

    Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Downloadable Spreadsheet of Snowfall Probabilities by Weather Station from 1991-2020 Climate Normals · Data: 1991-2020

  14. Pasadena, California has a 0% historical chance of a white Christmas (1+ inch of snow on the ground Dec. 25), per NOAA's 1991-2020 normals (station: PASADENA).

    Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Downloadable Spreadsheet of Snowfall Probabilities by Weather Station from 1991-2020 Climate Normals · Data: 1991-2020

  15. Atlanta has a 1.4% historical chance of a white Christmas (1+ inch of snow on the ground Dec. 25), per NOAA's 1991-2020 normals (station: ATLANTA HARTSFIELD INTL AP).

    Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Downloadable Spreadsheet of Snowfall Probabilities by Weather Station from 1991-2020 Climate Normals · Data: 1991-2020

  16. Birmingham, Alabama has a 0.1% historical chance of a white Christmas (1+ inch of snow on the ground Dec. 25), per NOAA's 1991-2020 normals (station: BIRMINGHAM AP).

    Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Downloadable Spreadsheet of Snowfall Probabilities by Weather Station from 1991-2020 Climate Normals · Data: 1991-2020

  17. Mobile, Alabama has a 0% historical chance of a white Christmas (1+ inch of snow on the ground Dec. 25), per NOAA's 1991-2020 normals (station: MOBILE).

    Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Downloadable Spreadsheet of Snowfall Probabilities by Weather Station from 1991-2020 Climate Normals · Data: 1991-2020

  18. Seattle has a 3.7% historical chance of a white Christmas (1+ inch of snow on the ground Dec. 25), per NOAA's 1991-2020 normals (station: SEATTLE TACOMA INTL AP).

    Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Downloadable Spreadsheet of Snowfall Probabilities by Weather Station from 1991-2020 Climate Normals · Data: 1991-2020

  19. Washington, D.C. has a 4.4% historical chance of a white Christmas (1+ inch of snow on the ground Dec. 25), per NOAA's 1991-2020 normals (station: WASHINGTON REAGAN AP).

    Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Downloadable Spreadsheet of Snowfall Probabilities by Weather Station from 1991-2020 Climate Normals · Data: 1991-2020

  20. Philadelphia has a 9.3% historical chance of a white Christmas (1+ inch of snow on the ground Dec. 25), per NOAA's 1991-2020 normals (station: PHILADELPHIA INTL AP).

    Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Downloadable Spreadsheet of Snowfall Probabilities by Weather Station from 1991-2020 Climate Normals · Data: 1991-2020

  21. New York City (Central Park) has a 13.2% historical chance of a white Christmas (1+ inch of snow on the ground Dec. 25), per NOAA's 1991-2020 normals (station: NEW YORK CNTRL PK TWR).

    Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Downloadable Spreadsheet of Snowfall Probabilities by Weather Station from 1991-2020 Climate Normals · Data: 1991-2020

  22. Boston area (Blue Hill) has a 35% historical chance of a white Christmas (1+ inch of snow on the ground Dec. 25), per NOAA's 1991-2020 normals (station: BLUE HILL).

    Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Downloadable Spreadsheet of Snowfall Probabilities by Weather Station from 1991-2020 Climate Normals · Data: 1991-2020

  23. Chicago (O'Hare) has a 33.5% historical chance of a white Christmas (1+ inch of snow on the ground Dec. 25), per NOAA's 1991-2020 normals (station: CHICAGO OHARE INTL AP).

    Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Downloadable Spreadsheet of Snowfall Probabilities by Weather Station from 1991-2020 Climate Normals · Data: 1991-2020

  24. Detroit has a 34.7% historical chance of a white Christmas (1+ inch of snow on the ground Dec. 25), per NOAA's 1991-2020 normals (station: DETROIT METRO AP).

    Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Downloadable Spreadsheet of Snowfall Probabilities by Weather Station from 1991-2020 Climate Normals · Data: 1991-2020

  25. Denver has a 34% historical chance of a white Christmas (1+ inch of snow on the ground Dec. 25), per NOAA's 1991-2020 normals (station: DENVER-STAPLETON).

    Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Downloadable Spreadsheet of Snowfall Probabilities by Weather Station from 1991-2020 Climate Normals · Data: 1991-2020

  26. Salt Lake City has a 47.9% historical chance of a white Christmas (1+ inch of snow on the ground Dec. 25), per NOAA's 1991-2020 normals (station: SALT LAKE CITY INTL AP).

    Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Downloadable Spreadsheet of Snowfall Probabilities by Weather Station from 1991-2020 Climate Normals · Data: 1991-2020

  27. Buffalo, New York has a 52.7% historical chance of a white Christmas (1+ inch of snow on the ground Dec. 25), per NOAA's 1991-2020 normals (station: BUFFALO).

    Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Downloadable Spreadsheet of Snowfall Probabilities by Weather Station from 1991-2020 Climate Normals · Data: 1991-2020

  28. Burlington, Vermont has a 62.3% historical chance of a white Christmas (1+ inch of snow on the ground Dec. 25), per NOAA's 1991-2020 normals (station: BURLINGTON INTL AP).

    Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Downloadable Spreadsheet of Snowfall Probabilities by Weather Station from 1991-2020 Climate Normals · Data: 1991-2020

  29. Minneapolis-St. Paul has a 73.6% historical chance of a white Christmas (1+ inch of snow on the ground Dec. 25), per NOAA's 1991-2020 normals (station: MINNEAPOLIS/ST PAUL AP).

    Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Downloadable Spreadsheet of Snowfall Probabilities by Weather Station from 1991-2020 Climate Normals · Data: 1991-2020

  30. Duluth, Minnesota has a 92.2% historical chance of a white Christmas (1+ inch of snow on the ground Dec. 25), per NOAA's 1991-2020 normals (station: DULUTH).

    Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Downloadable Spreadsheet of Snowfall Probabilities by Weather Station from 1991-2020 Climate Normals · Data: 1991-2020

  31. Marquette, Michigan has a 95.6% historical chance of a white Christmas (1+ inch of snow on the ground Dec. 25), per NOAA's 1991-2020 normals (station: MARQUETTE).

    Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Downloadable Spreadsheet of Snowfall Probabilities by Weather Station from 1991-2020 Climate Normals · Data: 1991-2020

  32. Anchorage, Alaska has a 93.7% historical chance of a white Christmas (1+ inch of snow on the ground Dec. 25), per NOAA's 1991-2020 normals (station: ANCHORAGE INTL AP).

    Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Downloadable Spreadsheet of Snowfall Probabilities by Weather Station from 1991-2020 Climate Normals · Data: 1991-2020

  33. Fairbanks, Alaska has a 100% historical chance of a white Christmas (1+ inch of snow on the ground Dec. 25), per NOAA's 1991-2020 normals (station: FAIRBANKS INTL AP).

    Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Downloadable Spreadsheet of Snowfall Probabilities by Weather Station from 1991-2020 Climate Normals · Data: 1991-2020

  34. Utqiagvik (Barrow), Alaska has a 100% historical chance of a white Christmas (1+ inch of snow on the ground Dec. 25), per NOAA's 1991-2020 normals (station: BARROW POST ROGERS AP).

    Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Downloadable Spreadsheet of Snowfall Probabilities by Weather Station from 1991-2020 Climate Normals · Data: 1991-2020

  35. Old Faithful in Yellowstone, Wyoming has a 100% historical chance of a white Christmas (1+ inch of snow on the ground Dec. 25), per NOAA's 1991-2020 normals (station: OLD FAITHFUL).

    Source: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), Downloadable Spreadsheet of Snowfall Probabilities by Weather Station from 1991-2020 Climate Normals · Data: 1991-2020

  36. Chicago has a 34% chance of a white Christmas under the 1991-2020 normals and 41% over its full 1884-2021 period of record.

    Source: National Weather Service Chicago (NWS LOT), Christmas Climate Data for Chicago and Rockford · Data: 1991-2020 normals; 1884-2021 period of record

  37. Denver has about a 37% chance of a white Christmas (1+ inch on the ground): 46 of 126 years since snow-depth records began in 1900.

    Source: National Weather Service Denver/Boulder (NWS BOU), Christmas Climatology and Weather · Data: 1900-2025

  38. The Twin Cities have had a white Christmas about 71% of the time in 124 years of snow-depth records.

    Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, State Climatology Office, Historical Chances of a "White Christmas" · Data: 1899-2024

  39. Of the 247 cities Climate Central covers, the best white Christmas odds are in Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska; Marquette, Mich.; Duluth, Minn.; Presque Isle, Maine; Bozeman, Mont.; Wausau, Wis.; and Minot, N.D.

    Source: Climate Central, Chances of a White Christmas · Data: 1991-2020 normals (published Dec 18, 2024)

Recent Christmases and the warming trend.

NOAA's snow analysis shows how much of its national map was snow-covered on each Christmas morning. Christmas 2022 stands out. The longer trend shows winters warming and snowfall falling at most stations.

Share of NOAA's national snow map covered on December 25
201824.6%
201928.1%
202026.5%
202126.6%
202253.0%
202317.6%
202426.4%
202518.9%

Chart by The Amazing Snowman from NOAA National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center (NOHRSC), National Snow Analyses - NOHRSC; NOAA National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center (NOHRSC), National Snow Analyses - NOHRSC.

  1. On December 25, 2025, 18.9% of the area in NOAA's National Snow Analysis was covered by snow.

    Source: NOAA National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center (NOHRSC), National Snow Analyses - NOHRSC · Data: 2025

  2. On December 25, 2024, 26.4% of the area in NOAA's National Snow Analysis was covered by snow.

    Source: NOAA National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center (NOHRSC), National Snow Analyses - NOHRSC · Data: 2024

  3. On December 25, 2023, 17.6% of the area in NOAA's National Snow Analysis was covered by snow.

    Source: NOAA National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center (NOHRSC), National Snow Analyses - NOHRSC · Data: 2023

  4. On December 25, 2022, 53.0% of the area in NOAA's National Snow Analysis was covered by snow.

    Source: NOAA National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center (NOHRSC), National Snow Analyses - NOHRSC · Data: 2022

  5. On December 25, 2021, 26.6% of the area in NOAA's National Snow Analysis was covered by snow.

    Source: NOAA National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center (NOHRSC), National Snow Analyses - NOHRSC · Data: 2021

  6. On December 25, 2020, 26.5% of the area in NOAA's National Snow Analysis was covered by snow.

    Source: NOAA National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center (NOHRSC), National Snow Analyses - NOHRSC · Data: 2020

  7. On December 25, 2019, 28.1% of the area in NOAA's National Snow Analysis was covered by snow.

    Source: NOAA National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center (NOHRSC), National Snow Analyses - NOHRSC · Data: 2019

  8. On December 25, 2018, 24.6% of the area in NOAA's National Snow Analysis was covered by snow.

    Source: NOAA National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center (NOHRSC), National Snow Analyses - NOHRSC · Data: 2018

  9. Chicago's last Christmas with at least 1 inch of snow on the ground was 2022.

    Source: National Weather Service Chicago (NWS LOT), Christmas Climate Data for Chicago and Rockford · Data: through 2024

  10. Christmas 2025 was Denver's warmest Christmas on record, with a high of 71°F (records since 1872).

    Source: National Weather Service Denver/Boulder (NWS BOU), Christmas Climatology and Weather · Data: 2025

  11. The Twin Cities had 37 "brown Christmases" (zero or trace snow depth on Dec. 25) from 1899 to 2024. The most recent was 2023.

    Source: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, State Climatology Office, Historical Chances of a "White Christmas" · Data: 1899-2024

  12. New York's Central Park had 1 inch of snow on the ground at 7 a.m. on Christmas 2024, per the NWS New York office's Christmas log.

    Source: National Weather Service New York, NY (NWS OKX), Christmas Day Weather at Central Park · Data: 2024

  13. Comparing NOAA's 1981-2010 and 1991-2020 maps, more areas saw their white Christmas chances fall than rise. The under-10% zone moved noticeably north across the South.

    Source: NOAA Climate.gov, Interactive map: Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? · Data: 1981-2010 vs 1991-2020

  14. Winters warmed in 98% of 244 U.S. cities Climate Central analyzed from 1970 to 2025, by 3.9°F on average.

    Source: Climate Central, 2025 Winter Package · Data: 1970-2025

  15. Burlington, Vt., had the most winter warming of any city Climate Central analyzed: 8.1°F since 1970.

    Source: Climate Central, 2025 Winter Package · Data: 1970-2025

  16. 64% of 2,041 U.S. snowfall stations get less annual snow now than in the early 1970s.

    Source: Climate Central, Snowfall Trends · Data: 1970-2023

How ski resorts make snow.

These numbers come from the National Ski Areas Association, the industry's trade group, drawing on surveys of its own members.

  1. About 87% of NSAA's member ski resorts (260 resorts) use snowmaking.

    Source: National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), Fact Sheet: Climate Smart Snowmaking (2023) · Data: 2023

  2. Snowmaking covers 17% of total skiable acres in the U.S.

    Source: National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), Fact Sheet: Climate Smart Snowmaking (2023) · Data: 2023

  3. Snowmaking coverage varies widely by region: 84% of skiable acres in the Southeast but only 2% in the Pacific Northwest.

    Source: National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), Climate Smart Snowmaking Primer and FAQs (2023) · Data: 2023

  4. Most snowmaking water returns to the watershed in spring snowmelt: average return-flow rates run from 80% (Colorado, Wyoming) to 95% (Vermont).

    Source: National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), Fact Sheet: Climate Smart Snowmaking (2023) · Data: 2023

  5. In Colorado, snowmaking accounts for 0.05% of water use, compared with 85.3% for agriculture.

    Source: National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), Fact Sheet: Climate Smart Snowmaking (2023) · Data: 2023

  6. Where states or river basins track it, snowmaking accounts for an estimated 0.04%-1% of total annual water withdrawals.

    Source: National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), Climate Smart Snowmaking Primer and FAQs (2023) · Data: 2023

  7. In a case study of 10 Boyne Resorts ski areas, snowmaking used 14% of total energy on average (24% of electricity), ranging from 1% to 33% by resort.

    Source: National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), Climate Smart Snowmaking Primer and FAQs (2023) · Data: 2023

  8. Snowmaking systems typically use 15 to 75 kWh of energy per 1,000 gallons of water converted to snow.

    Source: National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), Climate Smart Snowmaking Primer and FAQs (2023) · Data: 2023

  9. 78% of ski areas reported investing in snowmaking energy-efficiency improvements since 2010, per NSAA's 2024-25 Kottke End-of-Season Report.

    Source: National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), NSAA Sustainability Mission, Programs & Resources (Sustainability and Climate 2025 fact sheet) · Data: 2024-25

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Good questions.

How much do Americans spend on Christmas decorations?

NRF's 2025 survey found Americans planned to spend $890.49 per person on the holidays, with $262.56 of that going to seasonal items such as food, candy, decorations and cards. NRF doesn't break out decorations on their own. In an October 2025 Ipsos poll for Rocket Mortgage and Redfin, 36% of Americans said they were spending nothing on decorations and 37% planned to spend $1 to $100.

What share of Americans have an artificial Christmas tree?

In an October 2026 Ipsos poll for the American Christmas Tree Association, which represents artificial-tree makers, 83% of households planning a tree said they would display an artificial one. In YouGov's December 2025 poll, 81% of Americans planning a tree planned an artificial one and 20% a real one.

When do most people put up Christmas decorations?

The weekend after Thanksgiving. In the 2025 Ipsos poll for Rocket Mortgage and Redfin, 34% of Americans put up decorations then, and 15% decorate before Thanksgiving. The most common time to take them down is January 2 to 10 (34%).

How many people are hurt putting up Christmas decorations?

The CPSC estimates about 14,900 people were treated in U.S. emergency rooms for holiday decorating injuries in its 2023 holiday season (November 1, 2022 to January 31, 2023). It puts the average at about 160 decorating injuries a day during the season, nearly half of them falls.

How many house fires do Christmas trees cause?

The NFPA estimates U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 143 home fires a year that began with Christmas trees from 2020 to 2024, causing 7 deaths, 13 injuries and $15 million in property damage a year. Decorations other than trees started another 835 home fires a year.

What are the odds of a white Christmas where I live?

It depends heavily on the city. Under NOAA's 1991 to 2020 normals, Miami, Houston and New Orleans have a 0% chance, New York's Central Park 13.2%, Chicago's O'Hare 33.5%, Minneapolis-St. Paul 73.6% and Fairbanks 100%. NOAA counts at least 1 inch of snow on the ground on December 25.

Can I use these statistics?

Yes. Please cite the original source linked under each number, and link to this page if it helped you find it.

How we built this page.

We collected these numbers on November 7, 2026. Each one links to the organization that ran the survey or collected the data, not to a roundup or a paid database. We opened every source page, copied the sentence containing the number, and checked it word for word. We don't round or combine figures, and each stat keeps its source's own population and dates. Where a source has a stake in the answer, such as the two Christmas tree industry groups or the ski industry's trade association, we say so. Where the latest available data is old, the year sits next to the source. The charts are ours, drawn only from the numbers on this page.