This holiday season, the Mega Millions jackpot has soared to an impressive $825 million. In the latest drawing, no tickets matched all six winning numbers—56, 66, 67, 68, 69, and 18—meaning the jackpot continues to grow. However, there were still several winners who matched five numbers, each taking home $1 million. Notably, two winning tickets were sold in California, with others sold in Louisiana and Oklahoma.
In North Carolina, one lucky ticket not only matched all five numbers but also included the megaplier, resulting in a $4 million prize. Additionally, some participants earned as much as $40,000 by matching four numbers plus the Mega Ball. Reports indicate that 38 tickets won $10,000 in the same drawing, including three sold in Illinois.
The excitement builds as the next Mega Millions drawing is set for Friday, December 20th. The cash option for the jackpot would amount to a staggering $382.2 million, should anyone claim the top prize. If won, this would mark the largest prize awarded in December and the seventh largest in the game’s history. Historically, 13 Mega Millions jackpots have been won in December since its inception in 2002, although there has never been a winner on Christmas Day itself, despite six drawings taking place on that date over the years.
This year has been particularly interesting for the game, with only three jackpots claimed so far, making it the lowest number of wins for a single year since Mega Millions began.
The Mega Millions drawing occurs at 10 p.m. CT on Friday, with tickets priced at $2—though that price is set to more than double in 2025.
This increase in the jackpot not only adds excitement to players but also serves as a reminder of the joy and hope that lotteries can bring during the festive season. Whether or not someone wins, it can be fun to dream about how a life-changing sum could be used to spread holiday cheer.
Overall, the growing jackpot highlights a moment of anticipation and communal excitement as players across the nation join in the chance to win big, making this season a little brighter for many.