Deck the Halls: Pennsylvania is the 12th Most Festive State

Decorating for the holidays is a great way to set a festive mood, and Pennsylvania ranks No. 12 for states that decorate the most, according to a study by Lombardo Homes.

The survey of 1,000 people and the Google search analysis found that ahead of the holidays, 83% of Americans planned on putting holiday decorations up this year. The majority (48%) typically start decorating the week after Thanksgiving, though 14% get a head start the week before Thanksgiving, 23% wait until the first week of December and 15% decorate the second week of December or later.

Of those who planned to decorate this year, 66% decided to spend the same amount they did in 2022, 27% planned to spend less and 7% planned to spend more. The average amount spent on decorations in 2023 was $140.

The most popular holiday decoration nationwide was the Christmas tree, with 79% planning on decorating one this year.

In fact, Christmas trees were the most popular holiday decoration in five states, including the most decorative state: Vermont. Of those who put up a Christmas tree, 67% choose an artificial one and 33% buy a real one (which 90% say is getting more expensive each year). When the Christmas season comes to an end, the majority of tree decorators (51%) take theirs down after the first week of January.

While trees may be most popular nationwide, many Pennsylvanians have a different preference. The study found that Pennsylvania’s most popular holiday decoration is the window candle. Whether real or battery-powered, Pennsylvanians (along with those from Delaware, Rhode Island and New Hampshire) especially favor the classic look of a flickering flame in their windows.

However, Philadelphia, the 26th most decorated populous city in the country, prefers snowmen as their favorite holiday decoration.

Following Vermont, the top three decorated states are Wyoming (most popular decoration: Santa), Delaware (window candle) and Rhode Island (window candle). The most festive large cities are Las Vegas (stocking), Baltimore (Christmas lights) and Denver (mistletoe).

After Christmas trees, Americans nationwide most like decking their halls with Christmas lights, mistletoe, gingerbread, snowmen, garland, stockings, wreaths, candy canes and nativities.