Research firm finds low holiday spirit in state with world-famous Christmas attractions
New York State has been ranked the second Grinchiest state in America for Christmas 2025, according to a study by Innerbody Research analyzing search trends and the popularity of holiday activities nationwide. The finding seems paradoxical given that New York hosts some of the world’s most iconic holiday attractions, including the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, Radio City’s Christmas Spectacular, and the FAO Schwarz toy store.
The Grinchiest Rankings
Washington, DC, took the top position as America’s Grinchiest location, followed by New York, Hawaii, Nevada, and Maryland. Innerbody Research examined search trends throughout the year to determine which states residents were feeling the most holiday spirit and which were lacking in festive enthusiasm. The methodology analyzed popularity of various holiday trends and activities to calculate each state’s level of Christmas cheer.
The Holiday Spirit Paradox
New York’s ranking as second Grinchiest seems unlikely given the state’s outsized role in American Christmas culture. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, an iconic symbol of the holiday season, originates from New York, with the 2025 tree sourced from East Greenbush in Rensselaer County. Standing 75 feet tall and weighing 11 tons, the tree is displayed annually at Rockefeller Center, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors who come specifically to experience this holiday tradition.
Why Does New York Rank So Low?
Innerbody Research suggests that despite New York’s determination to increase festive spirit throughout the year, the collective enthusiasm has not been sufficient to overcome the state’s Grinchy ranking. The research points to lower rates of participation in traditional holiday activities like building snowmen, searching for holiday content, and engaging in festive searches compared to other states.
The Explanation Beyond the Data
New York’s paradoxical status as simultaneously one of America’s premier holiday destinations while ranking among the least festive states may reflect the difference between tourist experiences and resident experiences. The influx of visitors arriving to experience NYC’s holiday attractions may create a sense of crowding and commercialization that diminishes the holiday experience for residents. The sheer volume of holiday shoppers, tourists visiting holiday displays, and crowds at holiday markets and attractions might contribute to a sense of holiday stress rather than holiday joy for those living in the city year-round.
Regional Patterns in Holiday Spirit
The research indicates that inland parts of the United States tend to express more holiday spirit than coastal regions. Among the top five Grinchiest states, four have significant coastlines or are coastal urban centers. West Virginia has been named the Most Festive state for the fourth consecutive year.
A Different Perspective
Some observers argue that New York’s ranking reflects methodology limitations rather than actual resident sentiment. The state is home to millions of people from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds, not all of whom celebrate Christmas. This diversity might genuinely reduce aggregate interest in Christmas-specific activities while simultaneously reflecting the city’s multicultural character as a strength rather than a Grinchiness weakness. Learn about holiday trends at Innerbody Research. Explore NYC attractions at NYC Tourism and Convention Bureau. Understand consumer behavior through Pew Research Center. Read about holiday economics at National Retail Federation.
