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This surprising state is the most excited for Christmas, new study finds

Google search trends reveal which states are filled with holiday cheer and which ones are feeling a little more like the Grinch this season

By Amanda Teague Published December 7, 2025

West Virginia House — Barry Blackburn / Shutterstock

A new holiday-themed analysis from BetMGM Casino has revealed which U.S. states are bursting with Christmas spirit and which ones might be saying “bah humbug” this year. By examining Google search data from November 1 to 28, the study tracked 30 festive search terms across all 50 states, including phrases like “Christmas movies,” “holiday lights,” “best Christmas gifts,” and “Santa tracker.” The result is a state-by-state ranking that shows where holiday enthusiasm is truly strongest.

To the surprise of many, West Virginia takes the top spot as the most Christmas-obsessed state, scoring 82 out of 100. From small-town tree lightings to cozy mountain cabins decorated with twinkle lights, West Virginians seem to be fully leaning into the season. Rounding out the top five are Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana and Tennessee, all places known for charming downtown holiday markets, festive parades, and plenty of family-friendly light displays.

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In the most festive states, Christmas celebrations are already in full swing. In West Virginia, destinations like Lewisburg and White Sulphur Springs light up with holiday parades, Victorian-style decorations, and the famous Greenbrier Resort’s massive Christmas displays.

Kentucky embraces the season with events like the Southern Lights Holiday Festival at the Kentucky Horse Park, and the Newport Festival of Lights along the riverfront. Ohio’s enthusiasm shines through attractions such as the Christmas Ranch in Morrow, the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Lights, and the ever-popular Castle Noel in Medina.

The states least excited for Christmas

At the other end of the list, Hawaii ranks as the least excited state with a score of 37 out of 100, followed by Alaska, Wyoming, California, and Nevada. While these states certainly celebrate the holiday season, they appear to be doing a bit less online searching for classic Christmas traditions.

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Amanda, an accomplished freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio, is a dedicated explorer of both the world and the written word…

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