The holiday season is fast approaching, and Newsweek has compiled a map showing who in United States is most excited about the arrival of Santa?
We have already plotted each state's favorite holiday cocktail, and ranked each one's most popular Christmas songs … but which state is the most excited to put up their tree, and who is on the grinch-y side?
BetMGM Casino has the answers. In a new study, they have revealed which states are the most excited about the holiday season, using Google search trends data, related to 30 Christmas-themed key words.
See where your state sits in the Christmas spirit rankings.
The Top Five States
According to the study, Kansas takes the top spot as the most excited state for Christmas, scoring an impressive 77.74.
Alaska follows with a score of 73.67, while Idaho (72.96), California (70.77), and Kentucky (69.12) round out the top five.
These states exhibited the highest levels of online engagement with Christmas-related searches, from tracking Santa Claus to exploring the best holiday movies.
In contrast, Pennsylvania ranked as the least excited state, with a score of 30.09, placing it at the very bottom of the list.
Christmas Attractions
Christmas attractions across the United States highlight the diverse ways Americans celebrate the festive season, offering experiences that range from dazzling light displays to unique regional traditions.
In New York City, the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree and ice-skating rink are iconic holiday staples, drawing millions of visitors annually. In the Midwest, Chicago's Christkindlmarket brings European-inspired charm with handcrafted goods, holiday treats, and festive performances.
The West Coast offers its own twist with attractions such as Los Angeles' Enchanted Forest of Light and San Francisco's Union Square, home to a towering Christmas tree and seasonal decor.
Southern states embrace their own charm, with events including Texas' Grapevine, known as the "Christmas Capital of Texas," boasting light shows and themed attractions.
On the East Coast, Colonial Williamsburg and its historic Grand Illumination showcase traditional holiday decor and fireworks. These attractions embody the season's magic, drawing locals and travelers alike to celebrate Christmas cheer.
Methodology
BetMGM Casino conducted its analysis by evaluating search interest scores for 30 Christmas-related key words across all 50 states using Google Trends.
Key words ranged from "Christmas decorations" and "Santa Tracker" to "Elf on the Shelf" and "Christmas cookies."
The data, collected between November 1 and November 20, 2024, was used to calculate an average score for each state.
This score reflected the intensity of online searches for Christmas-related topics, identifying which states demonstrated the greatest holiday excitement.
The methodology ensured a broad view of how Americans are preparing for and celebrating the season.
The Bigger Picture
The study also highlighted some key regional trends. States in colder climates, such as Alaska and Idaho, showed strong enthusiasm, potentially reflecting traditions like snowy Christmases and cozy indoor celebrations.
Meanwhile, California's inclusion in the top five underscores the widespread appeal of Christmas, even in sunnier locales.
BetMGM Casino's findings provide an entertaining glimpse into holiday habits across the nation.
Whether you're in Kansas, the most excited state, or Pennsylvania, the least, there's no wrong way to get into the festive spirit this Christmas season.
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