Noah Vinter
Many holidays are associated with alcohol consumption, and people tend to drink more during the holidays. The night before Thanksgiving, known as Blackout Wednesday, Drinksgiving, or Whiskey Wednesday, is often regarded as the biggest drinking night of the year in the United States. It is characterized by binge drinking and has become a significant marketing opportunity for bars, clubs, and restaurants. Other notable drinking days include Mardi Gras, New Year's Eve, the Fourth of July, Halloween, and Christmas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | The night before Thanksgiving, also known as Blackout Wednesday or Drinksgiving |
| Alcohol Sales | Highest in liquor stores before New Year's Eve |
| Bars and Clubs | Busiest on the night before Thanksgiving, St-Jean-Baptiste, and New Year's Eve |
| Average Number of Drinks | 4.5 drinks on Mardi Gras, followed by 4.4 drinks on New Year's Eve |
| Binge Drinking | New Year's Eve, St. Patrick's Day, and Blackout Wednesday |
| Drunk Driving | New Year's Day has a 129% increase in drunk driving-related fatalities |
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What You'll Learn
New Year's Eve
It is also a time when binge drinking increases, with 47% of men and 40% of women admitting to binge drinking on this night. The mean drink consumption is significantly higher on New Year's Eve compared to most weekends, with men consuming 5.1 drinks on average and women 3.7. This is the highest number of drinks consumed on a non-weekend day. New Year's Eve is also the night with the highest percentage of both men and women reporting a previous blackout, with 27.3% of men and 16.7% of women struggling to recall their celebrations.
The period between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day sees a consistent increase in alcohol sales year after year, with alcohol consumption spiking on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year's Eve. This is a time when people attend more parties, have time off work, and catch up with friends and family. It is also a time when people are more inclined to overindulge, perhaps as a way of preparing to give something up for New Year.
Unfortunately, New Year's Day is the number one day for DUI's, with a 129% increase in drunk driving-related fatalities. This is a time to remind friends and family to carpool or use a ride-share app.
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Mardi Gras
While New Year's Eve and St. Patrick's Day are the holidays most associated with alcohol, the biggest alcohol consumption night of the year is Mardi Gras.
New Orleans has notoriously lax drinking laws, and it is legal to drink in public as long as the drink is in a plastic container. Bourbon Street bars are famous for their open-door policies, allowing drinkers to spill out into the streets. However, public drunkenness is a leading cause of arrest during the festivities, and it is important to maintain self-control and common sense. Markets, drug stores, and gas stations sell liquor at all hours, and some bars never close their doors, making it easy to overindulge.
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Thanksgiving Eve
There are several reasons why Thanksgiving Eve has become synonymous with high alcohol consumption. Firstly, it is a rare occasion when almost all Americans have the day off work, creating a four-day weekend for many. This extended break provides an opportunity for people to let loose and relax before the festivities of Thanksgiving Day. Hosting a big Thanksgiving meal requires significant preparation, time, and effort, so the night before is typically reserved for respite rather than entertaining guests at home. As a result, people tend to flock to local bars, clubs, and pubs, which become packed with revellers. These establishments often host special events, offering drink specials and entertainment like live music or a DJ, further encouraging alcohol consumption.
Another factor contributing to the high drinking rates on Thanksgiving Eve is the nature of the Thanksgiving meal itself. The traditional Thanksgiving dinner, with its abundance of starches and rich, fatty foods, is considered a perfect hangover cure. The tryptophan-laden turkey, in particular, is believed to induce sleepiness, providing a convenient remedy for any overindulgence the night before. This perception encourages a more carefree attitude towards drinking on Thanksgiving Eve, knowing that any potential hangover can be easily remedied.
While Thanksgiving Eve is a time for celebration and socialising, it is important to approach it with caution. The high alcohol consumption on this night has led to increased drunk driving incidents, with some sources even referring to it as the "worst drunk driving night of the year". To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, it is crucial to plan ahead by designating a sober driver or arranging alternative transportation, such as ride-sharing services.
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Halloween
While many holidays, such as New Year's Eve, St. Patrick's Day, and Mardi Gras, are associated with alcohol consumption, Halloween is also one of the biggest drinking nights of the year.
The alcohol industry has taken notice of this trend, with liquor companies introducing Halloween-themed beverages and marketing strategies. For example, brands like Captain Morgan, Kahlua, Bailey's Irish Cream, and Pinnacle have launched pumpkin-themed liqueurs and rum. Wine companies have also jumped on the bandwagon, with Black Box Wines offering limited-edition Halloween-themed packaging, resulting in a significant increase in sales.
The popularity of Halloween as a drinking holiday can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, as individuals grow older, the thrill of candy collecting may fade, and they may seek alternative ways to celebrate, such as drinking. Secondly, the festive nature of the holiday, with its emphasis on costumes and parties, lends itself to social gatherings where alcohol is often consumed. Additionally, the availability of themed alcoholic beverages and the desire to indulge in seasonal treats may contribute to the increased consumption of alcohol during this time.
However, it is important to note that excessive alcohol consumption can lead to negative consequences, such as an increased risk of car accidents, alcohol poisoning, injuries, and even death. Therefore, it is crucial to promote responsible drinking and provide resources for individuals struggling with alcohol misuse or relapse during this time. Embracing a sober Halloween doesn't necessarily mean sacrificing the fun and festivities of the holiday. Individuals can still enjoy the season by hosting their own alcohol-free parties, engaging in pumpkin carving, hayrides, and other creative ways to celebrate.
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Christmas
In the US, the period between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day sees the most consistent increase in alcohol sales year after year. This is a time when people attend more parties, have time off work, and get to see friends and family.
A survey of over 1,000 Americans found that 44% of women thought New Year's Eve was most associated with alcohol, while 36% of men chose St. Patrick's Day. However, on every holiday, men were more likely to binge drink than women by at least four percentage points. Interestingly, the day with the highest alcohol sales in bars and clubs is the day before Thanksgiving, known as "Blackout Wednesday", as people home for the holidays kick off a 4-day weekend.
Despite this, research shows that alcohol consumption is significantly higher on Christmas and New Year's Eve compared to most weekends. A study of drinking patterns in a large metropolitan area found that a much higher proportion of the population reported drinking during December and January, with consumption in the last 2 weeks of December about 70% higher than other weeks.
So, while other holidays like St. Patrick's Day, Mardi Gras, and the Super Bowl may be associated with heavy drinking, Christmas is a major contributor to the overall increase in alcohol consumption during the holiday season.
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Frequently asked questions
While there is no definitive answer, some sources suggest that the night before Thanksgiving, known as Blackout Wednesday, is the biggest drinking night of the year in the United States. Others claim that New Year's Eve holds the record for alcohol sales, with people stocking up for their parties.
Blackout Wednesday is when many people have a long weekend off work, so they may feel inclined to drink without worrying about the consequences at the office the next day. It is also a time when college students are home for the holidays, and they may view it as their last chance to party before exams.
Other nights with high alcohol consumption include St. Patrick's Day, Halloween, Christmas, and the Fourth of July.
Yes, cultural differences do exist. For example, in some Chicago suburbs, Blackout Wednesday is a more popular party night than New Year's Eve or St. Patrick's Day. In Europe, drinking culture may be more prevalent on a regular night when there is a soccer match.
Increased alcohol consumption can lead to binge drinking, drunk driving, and alcohol-related health risks. For example, New Year's Day sees a 129% increase in drunk driving-related fatalities, and the Thanksgiving holiday has also been associated with a high number of drunk driving crashes.
