49 Captivating Christmas Facts and Statistics for 2026

How much do Brits spend on Christmas presents? When do we start decorating? And are our festive traditions changing?

Using the latest research and data, we’ve brought together some of the most interesting Christmas statistics and facts for 2026. From Christmas trees and shopping habits to festive food, presents and entertainment, discover what the numbers tell us about Christmas in Britain today.

Top 10 Christmas facts and statistics

  1. 76% of Brits choose an artificial Christmas tree over a real tree → read more

  2. Christmas presents cost the average Brit £374 → read more

  3. 59% admit eating Christmas food early → read more

  4. Shoppers spend £476 at supermarkets over Christmas → read more

  5. Brits will spend Christmas dinner with 7 other people → read more

  6. More than 37 million festive road trips are planned → read more

  7. Die Hard is not a Christmas film, say 44% of Brits → read more

  8. Nearly 7 million watch the King’s Christmas message → read more

  9. 46% buy second-hand Christmas gifts → read more

  10. 230,000 tonnes of festive food go to waste → read more

Christmas tree and decoration facts

In 2025, 76% of Brits planned to have an artificial Christmas tree, while just 18% wanted a real one (the rest? No tree at all). So, while the Christmas tree itself remains a festive staple – and often the centrepiece decoration – it seems most Britons are happy to embrace an artificial take on the tradition.

2. 11% of Brits have had their artificial Christmas tree for 10+ years

Old or new, more than a quarter of people (26%) said putting up the tree signalled the arrival of the Christmas season for them in 2025. And one in six (15%) planned to decorate three or more trees.

3. 14% of Britons are happy to ‘deck the halls’ before December

However, a similar number of people (15%) planned to wait until at least 10 days before Christmas to put up their Christmas decorations in 2025. This was particularly true among those over 65, with 26% waiting until at least 15 December to make a start. The same can be said for just 8% of 18- to 34-year-olds.

4. Fairy lights are the most popular Christmas tree decoration

Seven in 10 Brits (72%) said they’d wrap light strings around their tree to add a festive glow in 2025, creating a bright white, warm white, or multicoloured spectacle. Baubles, ornaments, tinsel, angels and ribbon were also among the most popular Christmas tree decorations. For those wanting lights without the hassle this year, pre-lit Christmas trees come with the lights already attached, taking one job off the decorating list.

5. Around 1 in 3 decorated households put up outdoor lights

Last year, almost one in three (31%) decorated homes were also twinkling with outdoor lights. In other research, more than one million households chose to add snow machines, inflatables and high-wattage signs to their outdoor Christmas displays in 2025.

6. 21% extend the Christmas spirit past the ‘Twelfth Night’

A 2025 study revealed when Brits think it’s acceptable to put away the Christmas decorations. While one in five Brits (22%) said before New Year, a further 21% are happy to leave them up past the ‘Twelfth Night’ (5 January), traditionally marking the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas.

Christmas shopping and spending statistics

1. 61.5% of online Christmas spending now comes from mobile devices

Mobile shopping dominated online Christmas spending in 2025, accounting for 61.5% of online revenue over the festive season. In total, shoppers spent £16.5 billion through mobile devices, highlighting the increasingly important role of smartphones and tablets in Christmas shopping.

2. Only 4% of Brits think it’s acceptable to see Christmas in shops before November

Many retailers start rolling out their seasonal range as soon as September arrives, but according to one 2025 study, the majority of the British public thinks this is way too early. And only 2% say Christmas advertising on TV, radio and online is acceptable before November.

3. Two-thirds start Christmas shopping before December

Research from 2025 reveals that Christmas shopping gets underway early for most, with 67% of present buyers typically making a start by the end of November. Almost a quarter (24%) begin before November even arrives, while 29% wait until December to start ticking presents off their list. A separate study reveals 22% of Brits will spend up to half of their overall Christmas shopping budget during Black Friday 2026, up from 16% in 2025.

4. 45% expect to feel more financially anxious this Christmas

Despite these concerns, 49% say they won’t cut back on anything in 2026, while 47% agree Christmas is a time to indulge, even if it means spending more than they should.

5. 14% plan to use Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) options for Christmas

Credit is set to play a part in festive spending in 2026, with 15% of consumers planning to use a credit card, up from 13% in 2024. Meanwhile, 14% intend to use Buy Now, Pay Later, rising to 20% of Gen Z and 22% of Millennials.

6. 37% say free delivery is most likely to influence where they shop this year

Consumers are looking for ways to make their Christmas budgets stretch further, with 37% naming free delivery as an important factor when choosing a retailer. Discounts and coupons influence 24%, while price matching and free returns are important to 20%. A trusted retailer also matters to 33%.

7. Nearly half of Brits split their Christmas shopping between online and in-store

Christmas shopping is increasingly a mix of clicks and trips to the shops, with 47% of Brits splitting their festive shopping between online and physical stores in 2025. The strength of ecommerce is clear, with almost a third (31%) doing most or all of their Christmas shopping online.

Christmas present facts and statistics

1. Christmas presents cost the average Brit £374

Christmas gift spending remained steady in 2025, with the average rising from £357 to £374. Separate research suggests gifting habits are changing too. Last year, 39% planned to embrace the ‘micro gifting’ trend – giving multiple smaller presents rather than one big-ticket gift. This was particularly popular among Gen Z buyers (36%). 

2. 35% of people buy gifts from Christmas markets

In a 2025 study of people planning to give Christmas gifts, 35% said they would buy a present for someone else at a Christmas market. Arts and crafts markets (12%) and flea markets (10%) were also on shoppers’ lists.

3. 44% hope to receive practical or essential gifts this Christmas

Socks and shower gel might not be such a disappointing present after all, particularly among younger adults, where the preference for practical gifts is even stronger.

4. 41% of Gen Z want to receive clothing for Christmas

Meanwhile, money or gift cards were the most wanted gift among all other generations last year. Other desired presents include chocolate and sweets (27%), and alcohol and jewellery (both at 19%).

5. Half of pet owners buy their pet presents, spending an average of £37

But dog owners were slightly more generous than cat lovers in 2025, being more likely to buy a present (52% vs 45%) and spend more money (£42 vs £28). Half of pets also received their own stockings, filled with treats, toys and more.

6. 1 in 5 receives an unwanted Christmas gift

A 2025 study revealed that not every Christmas present hit the mark, with 21% receiving an unwanted or unsuitable gift the year prior. Of those who got rid of theirs, 12% passed it on to friends or family, 11% donated it to a charity shop and 8% sold it through an online marketplace.

7. 35% have accidentally discovered their own Christmas present

Keeping presents a surprise isn’t always easy, 2025 research revealing 35% of adults have unintentionally discovered their own Christmas gift after taking in a delivery. Branded packaging is the biggest giveaway (58%), followed by the shape of the parcel (48%) and the sound it makes when shaken (37%).

Christmas food and drink facts

1. 52% of Christmas Day hosts will serve turkey

For 2025, the statistics were then roughly split between chicken (23%), beef (20%) and plant-based options (21%). However, 17% of 25- to 34-year-olds planned to mix things up, serving the likes of curry, pasta, pizza or frittata on Christmas Day.

2. 59% admit dipping into the Christmas food early

The majority of hosts start preparing their Christmas Day food 12 days before the big day, according to a 2025 study, but not everything stays untouched. Some 59% admit that they or someone in their household has eaten food bought for Christmas early, with chocolate (52%), biscuits (35%) and mince pies (34%) the most likely to disappear.

3. Christmas pudding remains a favourite for four in ten

Rounding out the top five Christmas desserts for 2025 were mince pies (31%), a cheeseboard (24%), Yule log (19%) and trifle (18%). Meanwhile, one in seven (14%) do not have dessert after their main meal on Christmas Day.

4. Shoppers spend £476 on average at supermarkets over Christmas

The 2025 total is £15 higher than the previous year, while take-home grocery sales across the four weeks to 28 December reached a record £13.8 billion, up 3.8% year on year.

5. 29% of UK households shop for Christmas groceries online

Online grocery shopping surged over Christmas 2025, with 29% of UK households buying groceries online. Ecommerce was the fastest-growing grocery channel, with sales up 9.9%, while Ocado was the fastest-growing retailer at 12.8%, followed by store-based leader Lidl at 9.4%.

6. Christmas dinner costs around £32.46 for a family of four

The total cost of Christmas dinner for a family of four was around £32.46 in 2025, marginally cheaper than the year before, with only a few pence difference. Another study reveals the most common trimmings and sides on Brits’ Christmas dinners, including roast potatoes (81%), gravy (79%), carrots (76%), stuffing (70%), pigs in blankets (69%) and Brussels sprouts (68%).

7. 22 December is the busiest day for festive grocery sales

In 2025, Monday 22 December saw the highest grocery sales in the run-up to Christmas. However, shoppers made the most supermarket trips on Tuesday 23 December, making smaller purchases as they picked up those last-minute festive essentials.

8. Low and no-alcohol spending rises 14% over Christmas

While three-quarters of British shoppers bought alcoholic drinks for festive occasions in December 2025, spending on low and no-alcohol alternatives rose by 14%, with 2.7 million households buying them. However, the proportion of households choosing these alternatives dipped slightly, from 9.6% to 9.5%.

Stats on how Britons celebrate Christmas

1. Pulling Christmas crackers remains a tradition for two-thirds

When it comes to the activities we typically do at Christmas, the nation’s most popular traditions last year involved watching Christmas films, pulling crackers, listening to Christmas music, eating mince pies and sending cards. Sounds perfect to us!

2. 7 in 10 Brits buy at least one advent calendar

Chocolate advent calendars were the go-to choice among shoppers in 2025, with over half (55%) of consumers spending £10 or less on one for themselves, their partner, or their children. However, the popularity of beauty advent calendars is continuing to rise. This trend is especially driven by those aged 18 to 34, with 40% of this age group saying they planned to purchase a beauty calendar in 2025.

3. Brits will spend Christmas dinner with 7 other people on average

However, in Northern Ireland, it was a case of the more the merrier in 2025, with the average rising to 11 people around the dinner table. Separate research found that nearly three-quarters (74%) of British adults planned to spend Christmas Day with family that year, while 16% planned to celebrate with friends and 8% expected to spend it alone.

4. Opening presents together is the most meaningful Christmas moment

This was followed by playing games and settling down to watch a festive film together in 2025. But the big day isn’t without its stresses, with cooking the main meal and tackling the washing up afterwards named as the two most stressful parts of Christmas.

5. 7 in 10 open presents on Christmas Day morning

Among those who spent Christmas with family, 72% expected to open their presents on Christmas Day morning in 2025. Some 14% planned to wait until the afternoon, while 2% expected to open theirs on Christmas Day evening.

6. 28% of Britons have a unique family tradition that others might find ‘weird’

Ketchup topped the list of Britain’s weird and wonderful Christmas food traditions in 2025, with 20% adding it to their festive dinner. Coleslaw and pickled onions were next at 11% each, while chilli sauce and mushy peas were enjoyed by 9%.

Christmas travel statistics

1. The nation plans more than 37 million festive road trips

Britain’s roads were set for their busiest Christmas getaway since RAC records began in 2013, with 37.5 million trips planned to see friends and family in the week before Christmas Day 2025. That's eight million more than in 2024, with Christmas Eve alone accounting for 4.2 million journeys.

2. More than 11 million Brits plan overnight stays during the Christmas break

Christmas travel isn’t always a day trip, with 11.6 million Brits planning an overnight holiday in the UK over the 2025 festive period – up almost a third (32%) on the year before. These trips were expected to give the UK economy a £3.3 billion boost.

3. Christmas travellers may include more than a million Christmas Day workers

An estimated 1.2 million employees (3.4%) worked on Christmas Day in 2025. Many were keeping essential services running, with care workers, nurses and nursing assistants among those working on the big day, alongside members of the clergy.

4. Over 5 million travel further afield for Christmas and New Year

While millions enjoy a festive break closer to home, more than five million people were expected to travel overseas between 19 December 2025 and 4 January 2026. Winter sun proved popular, with Spain, the Canary Islands, Portugal and Turkey among the top choices, while others headed for the ski resorts of France, Austria, Switzerland and Scandinavia.

Christmas entertainment and digital facts

1. 57% make Christmas films and TV part of the festivities

In a 2025 study, almost all of these viewers consider it important to their family traditions, while around one in five people have even adopted a new tradition inspired by something they’ve watched, with 25- to 34-year-olds the most likely to do so.

2. Die Hard is not a Christmas film, say 44% of Brits

It’s the age-old debate: is Die Hard really a Christmas film? While 44% said no to this question last year, 38% defended its festive credentials. Another 17% were undecided, while 5% named it their favourite Christmas film.

3. Home Alone is the nation’s favourite Christmas film

There can be no contention that Home Alone is a Christmas film – and it was Britain’s favourite in 2025, chosen by one in five. Love Actually (9%), It’s a Wonderful Life (8%), Elf (7%), and The Muppets Christmas Carol (7%) rounded out the top five, showing how it’s the classic films that still warm our hearts.

4. Nearly 7 million are expected to tune in for the King’s Christmas message

The King’s address was the most-watched programme on UK television on Christmas Day 2025, with 7 million viewers. Meanwhile, The Scarecrows’ Wedding – an animated adaptation of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s picture book – was the most popular show on a single channel, drawing in 4.3 million viewers.

5. Kylie Minogue currently holds the UK Christmas number one crown

While we eagerly await to see who this year’s Christmas number one will go to, Kylie Minogue currently holds the title. Her festive single XMAS claimed the top spot in 2025, making her the first female artist to score UK number-one singles across four different decades.

6. All I Want for Christmas is both Britain’s favourite and most overplayed Christmas song

It seems Brits have a love-hate relationship with Mariah Carey. Almost four in ten (38%) named All I Want for Christmas Is You among their favourite festive songs in 2025, while separate research shows 36% consider it the most overplayed Christmas song – and would rather hear Fairytale of New York more (19%).

7. 42% turn to social media for Christmas decoration inspiration

Stores also act as a source of inspiration for 36%, followed by online shops (32%), TV (26%) and friends and acquaintances (24%). Only 18% said they don’t look for inspiration on what to buy or for decoration trends.

8. 47% intend to reduce screen time over Christmas

While UK adults now spend an average of four and a half hours online each day – 10 minutes more than the year before – many are conscious of switching off at Christmas. Almost half (47%) planned to reduce their screen time over the 2025 festive period, rising to 64% of Gen Z and 57% of Millennials. A further 37% intended to take a break from social media.

Christmas sustainability and waste statistics

1. 46% buy second-hand gifts as Christmas presents

Shoppers also prioritised purpose last year, with 76% expected to buy gifts that people needed, rather than just wanted. Almost two-thirds (62%) also planned to buy experiences or activities, rather than physical presents.

2. Britons produce around 230,000 tonnes of festive food waste

This waste included 4.5 million Christmas dinners, 263,000 turkeys and 114,000 tonnes of plastic packaging in 2025.

3. 227,000 miles of wrapping paper are used at Christmas

To put this into context, that’s enough to wrap around the planet nine times. The advice from waste management company Sortera is that if you scrunch the wrapping paper and it stays in a ball, it’s recyclable. If it springs back, it belongs in the general waste.

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