Are Canadians ready to give this holiday season?
Field Agent Canada asked over 1,900 Canadians how they plan to host, spend, and celebrate this coming holiday season and finds that even with tariffs and economic uncertainty, Canadians are in a festive mood that could mean opening up their wallets a bit more during the holidays.
More than three quarters (76%) of respondents said they’ll host at least one holiday gathering between December 1 and January 15 according to Field Agent Canada’s Holiday Entertaining 2025, with the average celebration expected to welcome around 17 guests.
When it comes to what to place on the festive table to entertain friends and family, Canadians are sticking with tradition:
- Turkey reigns supreme, chosen by 60% of hosts.
- Chicken (47%), ham (35%), and beef (32%) also make frequent appearances.
- A growing number are trying something different, with 11% choosing lamb and 6% opting for plant-based options.
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Chocolates, gingerbread, and fruitcake top the list of sweet indulgences, while wine and spirits are the most popular beverages for at-home celebrations.
Entertaining today means keeping everyone’s needs in mind. Nearly 1 in 3 hosts said they consider food allergies when shopping, and many are accommodating lactose intolerance (24%), gluten sensitivity (18%), and vegetarian preferences (17%).
While 54% of Canadians plan to spend about the same on entertaining as last year, one-third (33%) say they’ll spend more, which is likely due to larger guest lists and rising grocery prices.
And beyond the table, generosity is still part of the season: more than half of our agents plan to make charitable donations during December, showing that giving remains a central part of holiday traditions.
