BASKING RIDGE, N.J. — Americans can expect to spend about $2,863 on holiday-related expenses this year, up 1.2% from 2025, according to an annual spending index released by Affinity Federal Credit Union and its Affinity Wellbeing Institute.
The third annual Holiday Spending Index estimates costs for hosting, travel, gifts, entertainment and decorations between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. The projected total of $2,862.81 compares with $2,828.29 last year, the credit union reported.
The Findings
Among the findings:
- Hosting a holiday meal for 12 is projected to cost $377.85, up about 4% from $362.80. Higher prices for beverages and some side dishes contributed to the increase.
- Holiday activities, including ice skating, light shows and crafts, are estimated at $479.91, nearly 6% above last year’s $454.38.
- Gifts are projected to average $491.08 for a family of four, about 17% of the overall holiday budget. Decorating expenses are estimated at $457.97, with lower outdoor decoration costs partly offsetting higher electricity prices.
- Train travel for a family of four is estimated at $1,056, unchanged from 2025. The index puts the national gasoline average at $4.37 a gallon as of Oct. 9, up 39.4% from $3.14 a year earlier.
‘Noticeably Higher’
“This year, some of the costs behind it, from the meal to the drive, are noticeably higher,” said Grant Gallagher, founder and executive director of the Affinity Wellbeing Institute. He encouraged families to anticipate expenses and make choices that fit their budgets.
Affinity President and CEO Kevin Brauer said planning ahead can help families manage seasonal expenses. The credit union recommends tracking spending, prioritizing needs and looking for savings opportunities.
The research was conducted in October and uses aggregated prices across holiday spending categories, according to Affinity. The index represents estimated costs for selected holiday purchases rather than a survey of what every household will spend.
Affinity Federal Credit Union, based in Basking Ridge, operates more than 20 branches in the New Jersey-New York-Pennsylvania region.
