Melissa Donovan
As Christmas approaches, households across the country are preparing for what is traditionally one of the most joyful — and costly — times of the year. Americans are projected to spend more than $1 trillion between November 1 and December 31, underscoring how inflation and rising travel, food and gift prices continue to shape holiday budgets nationwide.
A new national analysis by WalletHub examining the 100 largest U.S. cities offers some good news for Central Florida residents and visitors: Orlando has emerged as one of the top cities in the country for celebrating Christmas without overspending.
Orlando Named a Top 5 Christmas City in the U.S.
The study evaluated cities across 28 metrics related to Christmas traditions, shopping opportunities and overall affordability, identifying destinations that balance festive offerings with manageable costs. Orlando secured a spot in the Top 5 Best Cities for Christmas in 2025, joining:
Atlanta
San Francisco
Seattle
Orlando
Las Vegas
For Orlando, the ranking reflects a combination of year-round tourism infrastructure, abundant holiday activities and a strong concentration of retail and entertainment options that help keep prices competitive during peak season.
“With inflation making Christmas celebrations, gifts, food and travel more expensive, certain cities are much better for your wallet than others during the holiday,” Chip Lupo, WalletHub analyst said. “In addition to being affordable, the best cities have a large number of people celebrating, plenty of places for Christians to worship, populations who give generously to charity, and plenty of fun activities to enjoy with family and friends.”
Orlando Leads the Nation in Gift Shops Per Capita
One of Orlando’s standout metrics was its high number of gift shops per capita, where the city tied for first place nationally alongside Las Vegas, San Francisco, Honolulu and Seattle. The study found a 15-fold difference between the cities with the most gift shops per resident and those with the fewest.
This abundance of shopping options — ranging from theme park merchandise and outlet malls to locally owned boutiques — helps keep holiday shopping accessible and varied for both residents and visitors.
By contrast, cities ranking lowest for gift shops per capita included Garland, Texas; North Las Vegas, Nevada; and Hialeah, Florida.
Florida Cities Perform Strongly in Holiday Metrics
Florida cities also performed well in other holiday-related categories. Miami tied for the highest number of Christmas tree farms per capita, along with Portland, New York City, Phoenix and Tucson. The study noted a dramatic 23-times difference between cities with the most tree farms and those with the fewest, highlighting how access to traditional holiday experiences can vary widely by region.
A Christmas Destination That Balances Fun and Value
For Orlando, the results reinforce its reputation as a family-friendly holiday destination with broad appeal. Seasonal theme park events, community celebrations, faith-based services and an extensive retail scene combine to create a festive atmosphere without the premium price tag seen in many major metro areas.
As inflation continues to influence holiday spending decisions, Orlando’s strong showing suggests Central Florida remains a smart choice for those seeking Christmas cheer, variety and relative affordability — whether celebrating close to home or planning a holiday getaway.
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