The winter holiday season remains the most important sales period of the year for chocolate and candy, driven by strong consumer traditions around gifting, entertaining and everyday indulgence, according to new data and seasonal insights from the National Confectioners Association (NCA).
NCA research shows that 95 percent of Americans celebrate the winter holidays with chocolate and candy, reinforcing the category’s central role across celebrations ranging from Christmas and Hanukkah to New Year’s gatherings. Chocolate continues to dominate seasonal purchasing, making winter the top time of year for chocolate sales overall.
Stocking stuffers remain a key driver of candy sales, with foil-wrapped chocolates, small boxed chocolates, candy canes, chocolate pieces and peppermints ranking among the most popular items consumers purchase during the season. These products offer retailers strong opportunities for impulse purchases and value-added merchandising displays.
Mint flavors, a hallmark of winter confections, see their highest sales in December, reflecting strong demand for peppermint-based items such as candy canes and mint chocolates leading up to the holidays. Candy canes remain a seasonal staple, with consumers divided on how they eat them — from starting at the straight end to breaking them into pieces — underscoring their enduring novelty appeal.
The holidays also drive participation in candy-centered traditions beyond gifting. According to NCA data, 83 percent of Americans who purchase advent calendars follow the tradition of opening just one treat per day, signaling continued enthusiasm for countdown-style seasonal products. Gingerbread houses also remain popular, with classic candies like gumdrops continuing to play a role in holiday decorating.
NCA notes that winter holidays represent a period when consumers turn to candy not only for gifts, but also for shared moments of celebration, nostalgia and comfort. For retailers, the season offers opportunities to connect with shoppers through themed displays, limited-time assortments and messaging that emphasizes tradition and togetherness.
As inflation-sensitive consumers continue to seek affordable indulgences, chocolate and candy remain accessible ways to celebrate, making the winter holidays a critical moment for confectionery sales and category visibility.
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