Holiday Binge Drinking Statistics

The holidays are the season of giving and receiving, eggnogs, and mulled wines. It’s also the time for some people to dip into their holiday cheer a bit too far.

Binge drinking often makes its way into festive celebrations. But since its presence comes with a potential dark side, it’s vital to know holiday drinking statistics to enjoy responsibly during merry-making.

Do People Drink More Around the Holidays?

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) director George Koob says yes. Alcohol sales skyrocket during these seasons, often reaching a peak on Thanksgiving and the New Year.¹

The holidays may bring cheer to some, but for others, they can also elicit feelings of sadness or stress, which increases the number of people drinking alone and binge drinking in groups. Koob explains that this emotional turmoil is one of the primary triggers behind over-indulgence in alcohol.

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Thanksgiving Eve Drinking Statistics (Blackout Wednesday)

Many people prepare turkey-themed cocktails and festive desserts on this day. However, others tend to let loose and enjoy one too many drinks on this night, also known as Blackout Wednesday.

• 138 people suffered car crashes during this season while under the influence from 2016 to 2020. 44% of those were 21 to 24 years old.²
• One of the busiest nights of the year for bars in the United States is Thanksgiving Eve.³
• Americans love drinking wine on this night, followed by beer and whiskey.⁴
• Men enjoy an average of 3.1 drinks, while women consume an average of 2.4 on Thanksgiving Eve.⁴
• Three percent of males and 2% of females blacked out during this holiday.⁴

Fourth of July Drinking Statistics

The Fourth of July’s status as the nation’s most beloved holiday is well-earned. It’s not unusual to see cookouts with beer, poolside parties with fruity cocktails, and friends toasting champagne to fireworks.

• The average consumption on this day is 3.8 drinks per person.⁴
• Nearly one-third (33%) of men and almost a quarter (24%) of women report binge drinking on the Fourth of July.⁴
• One thousand three hundred ninety drivers died in car crashes between 2016 and 2020. 41% of those were under the influence of alcohol.⁵
• Americans spent $1.6 million on wine and beer on July 4th, 2019—almost matching what was paid on fireworks.⁶
• Americans buy about 68.3 million cases of beer during this time—more than 5% of all the beer people buy in a year.⁷

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Christmas and New Year’s Day Drinking Statistics

During this season, foods, drinks, get-togethers, and good times come together. Unfortunately, it’s also when self-control against alcohol often goes out the window.

• People drink the most alcohol around Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year’s Eve than at any other time.⁸
• Almost 7 out of 10 people are more likely to go out, socialize, eat, and drink between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve.¹⁰
• People usually spend $241 on social events monthly but will spend more than twice that amount ($537) during the holidays.¹⁰
• A survey of 2,000 Americans shows that the average U.S. adult consumes twice as much alcohol during these holidays than at any other time of year.¹⁰
• The same study found eggnog (40%), coffee with Baileys (34%), Christmas beer (28%), and cider (27%) as the participants’ drinks of choice.¹⁰

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St. Patrick’s Day Drinking Statistics

As the day for celebrating United Stated’s Irish heritage, St. Patrick’s Day is a time for parades and all things green. It’s also a day for soda bread, stew, and beverages that make you tipsy.

• About 13 million pints of Guinness are drunk around the world during this day, which is 819% more than the average day.¹¹
• Americans usually drink about 13 million pints of Guinness beer on this day.¹¹
• St. Patrick’s Day ranks fourth in the best days to drink alcohol in the U.S.¹¹
• Beer sales spike by 150% during this holiday weekend.¹¹
• 36 percent of people who died in car accidents had alcohol in their systems.¹²

Halloween Drinking Statistics

People partake in some ghostly good times during this festive season. But although Holloween is filled with enough tricks and treats, many people can’t celebrate it without the other spirits.

• The average 20 to 24-year-old American male consumes four alcoholic drinks on this night.¹³
• 19% of men and 12% of women binge drink on Halloween.¹³
• Men usually outdrink women with almost one drink and are likelier to pass out during this holiday.¹³
• The average person enjoys 3.5 beverages on this day.¹³
• Beer is the most famous drink during Halloween, but tequila and vodka are close runners-up.¹³

Cinco de Mayo Drinking Statistics

Cinco de Mayo is all about Mexico’s military victory. And just like the picture you get from Hollywood films, it’s also the day when margaritas flow like rivers and tequila pours like rain.

• The average American consumes 3.5 drinks to commemorate this occasion.¹³
• 22% of men and 13% of women binge-drink on Cinco de Mayo.¹³
• Beer sales in the U.S. usually soar to $658 million from Cinco de Mayo.¹³
• 14 million gallons of tequila are enjoyed around the world on this holiday.⁹
• Margaritas account for 47% of all drinks during this celebration.⁹

Alternative Ways to Celebrate Holidays (Without Drinking)

There’s no need to miss out on the fun of celebrating holidays if you choose not to drink alcohol. Try the following activities to have a good time: