This festive season, or simply the holidays, is a time for celebrating, gift-giving, reflections and thanks. To commemorate this time of year, the U.S. Census Bureau presents the following holiday-related facts and figures from its collection of statistics.

The following facts are made possible by the invaluable responses to the Census Bureau’s surveys. We appreciate the public’s cooperation as we continuously measure America’s people, places and economy.

13.9%

The estimated percentage that December sales accounted for of total hobby, toy and game store sales in 2019. 

$85.2 billion

The estimated value of retail sales by electronic shopping and mail-order houses in December 2019, the highest estimated total for any month last year.

$30.8 billion

The fourth quarter 2019 seasonally adjusted after-tax profits for retail trade corporations with assets of $50 million and over, up $5.7 (±0.6) billion from the third quarter of 2019. 

$2.1 billion 

The value of U.S. imports of Christmas ornaments from China for 2019. China led the way with 92.4% of the U.S. total imports of Christmas ornaments.

Revised Dec. 16, 2020. Note: The value of U.S. imports of Christmas ornaments from China for 2019 was updated and noted in bold. Please disregard any previous versions.

$484.9 million

The value of U.S. imports of Christmas tree lights for 2019. Cambodia led the way with 47.3% of the total U.S. imports of Christmas tree lights.

532 establishments

The number of establishments nationwide that primarily produced dolls, toys and games in 2018, an increase of 23 establishments from 2017 (509 establishments); they employed 6,237 workers in the pay period including March 12, an increase of 117 employees from 2017 (6,120 employees). California led the nation with 93 establishments in 2018. 

$546.8 million

The value of U.S. imports of tapered candles in 2019. Most of these came from Vietnam, representing more than 46.8% of America’s imported tapered candles, followed by Canada with 16.7%. 

There are many holiday-sounding places in the United States. For example, more than a dozen places have Holly in their names, including Mount Holly, N.C. (population 16,257), and Holly Springs, Miss. (7,798). There’s also Snowflake, Ariz. (5,995); Santa Claus, Ind. (2,411); North Pole, Alaska (2,094); Noel, Mo. (1,807); and — if you know about reindeer — Dasher, Ga. (1,015), and Rudolph, Wis. (416). There is also Unity, Ore. (70).

More Stats

• 2017 Economic Census Planned Data Product Release Schedule
• 2017 North American Industry Classification System

Previous Facts for Features

• The 2019 Holiday Season
• The 2017 Holiday Season
• Thanksgiving Day: Nov. 23, 2017
• The 2016 Holiday Season
• Thanksgiving Day: Nov. 24, 2016

Previous Graphics

• Festive Names
• Family Gatherings
• Dinner is Served
• Toy Makers by State

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