Business · Economy · 1 day ago
UK households expect Christmas to cost an average of £1,502
UK households surveyed expect to spend an average of £1,502 on Christmas this year.
That includes gifts, Christmas dinner, snacks and other festive costs.
The expected total is about £400, or 29%, higher than respondents said they spent last Christmas.
The increase comes as food, energy and housing bills have risen.
Four in five adults surveyed said they were worried about affording a decent festive period.
More than a third said they plan to use debt, such as credit cards or loans, or borrow money to pay for Christmas.
Just 22% said they had saved during the year for the holiday.
The figures come from a study of 2,000 people for Christmas savings club Park.
UK households expect Christmas to cost an average of £1,502 this year, according to research reported by the Mirror.
The expected spending includes £693.80 on presents, £185.80 on Christmas dinner and £158.20 on snacks, sweets and treats.
The total is about 29% higher than respondents estimated they spent last Christmas.
Four out of five adults surveyed said they were worried about affording a decent festive period.
More than a third said they planned to go into debt to pay for Christmas.
- Who
- UK households surveyed for research commissioned by Christmas savings club Park.
- What
- They expect to spend an average of £1,502 on Christmas.
- When
- This year, according to the article published on 10 October 2026.
- Where
- UK.
- Why
- The article says food, energy and housing bills have risen in the past year.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
With the cost of Christmas adding up, many families may be thinking carefully about how they can make the most of the festive season while staying within their budget.
Christmas is an important time for families and everyone deserves the opportunity to enjoy it without putting unnecessary pressure on their finances.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Expected average Christmas spending
- £1,502
- Presents
- £693.80
- Christmas dinner
- £185.80
- Snacks, sweets and treats
- £158.20
- Adults worried about affording Christmas
- Four out of five surveyed
Sources
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