Powerball Jackpot Hits $1.7 Billion Ahead of Christmas Eve Drawing

The Powerball jackpot is exploding just in time for Christmas Eve, climbing to a massive $1.7 billion—now the fourth-largest prize in Powerball history. One lucky ticket matching all five numbers plus the Powerball on Wednesday, December 24, could walk away with a one-time cash option of $781.3 million.

And the excitement may not stop there. If no one wins on Christmas Eve, the jackpot is on track to match the biggest prize of the year, nearly rivaling the $1.787 billion jackpot split by winners in Texas and Montana earlier this fall.

With billionaire dreams lighting up the holiday season, players nationwide are searching for every possible edge. A recent study reviewed lottery results from the past five holiday seasons, covering the stretch from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day, to see where luck seems to strike most often.

Luckiest States to Play During the Holidays

Big states are clearly dominating the winner’s circle:

• Michigan – $843,773,500

• Florida – $23,387,000

• New York – $12,446,865

• California – $11,468,861

• Texas – $8,261,500

Cities That Have Seen the Most Holiday Wins

Some cities stand out as true lottery hot spots:

• Grand Blanc, Michigan – $842,400,000

• Orlando, Florida – $10,091,000

• Fresh Meadows, New York – $10,008,500

• Tampa, Florida – $2,124,500

• Anaheim, California – $2,085,363

Where Winners Bought Their Tickets

It’s not just about location—store brands matter too:

• 7-Eleven – $11,794,476

• Publix – $5,142,000

• Save Mart – $2,329,255

• Racetrac – $2,213,000

• Winn-Dixie – $2,191,500

Individual Stores With Serious Holiday Luck

The biggest wins often came from stores in major states:

• Food Castle (Grand Blanc, Michigan) – $842,000,000

• 7-Eleven (Orlando, Florida) – $10,000,000

• Nor-Parsons Service Center (Fresh Meadows, New York) – $10,000,000

• Donut Storr (Anaheim, California) – $2,085,363

• Racetrac (Carrollton, Texas) – $2,000,000