Chicago Joins New York City, Las Vegas, Aspen, Honolulu, Washington, D.C as Iconic US Cities Facing Massive Overtourism Nightmare in This Year End Holiday Travel Week, New Update is Here

Published on December 26, 2025

By: Tuhin Sarkar

Chicago has now joined New York City, Las Vegas, Aspen, Honolulu, and Washington, D.C. as some of the most overcrowded and overwhelmed U.S. cities this holiday season. These iconic cities are facing a massive overtourism nightmare, with overwhelming crowds and congestion affecting the holiday travel experience.

As we head into this year’s holiday travel week, the latest updates reveal that these destinations are at risk of losing their charm due to overcrowding. If you’re planning to visit any of these popular destinations, you need to know how the overcrowding crisis could ruin your trip. Keep reading for essential insights!

As we head into the holiday season, many travellers are planning their long-awaited trips to some of the United States’ most iconic destinations. But what if we told you that visiting these popular spots could actually ruin your holiday experience?

With overcrowding, increased wait times, and tourist strain reaching dangerous levels, it’s important to be aware of the cities you should avoid this year-end. Overtourism is spreading like wildfire, and many of the country’s top attractions are now facing significant challenges.

From overcrowded streets in New York City to jam-packed ski resorts in Aspen, it’s clear that not all destinations are worth the visit this holiday season. So, is your next holiday destination on the verge of a ban? Keep reading to find out which cities could cause you more stress than joy during your trip.

Chicago: Magnificent Mile is a Shopper’s Overcrowded Nightmare

Chicago’s Magnificent Mile is renowned for its holiday shopping atmosphere, but crowd density during the New Year holiday rush can become overwhelming. City transportation authorities issue frequent warnings about long waits in lines at stores, limited parking, and increased congestion on major thoroughfares. Pedestrian traffic on the Magnificent Mile escalates to dangerous levels, and waiting for public transport can become an arduous task. As Chicago’s population swells with holiday shoppers, the holiday travel experience can quickly turn into a stressful ordeal. Explore other areas or plan accordingly with timed entry tickets for certain attractions.

New York City: The Ultimate Holiday Overcrowding Nightmare

New York City is a holiday haven for tourists from around the world. However, Times Square, in particular, faces intense crowds that are nearly impossible to navigate during the New Year’s Eve celebrations. Every year, millions of visitors flood into the city for the famous ball drop event, causing major delays and overcrowding. Despite the excitement, New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) issues public alerts about traffic congestion, overcrowded subway stations, and street closures, highlighting how overcrowded and chaotic the city becomes during the festive period. Avoid the stress of cramped sidewalks and packed public transport and consider planning your visit outside the peak holiday rush. For more on crowd management strategies, check out the official MTA advisories.

Walt Disney World, Florida: Unbearable Wait Times and Overcrowding

Walt Disney World, Florida, is famous for its enchanting atmosphere, especially during the holidays. But with its increased popularity, the theme park sees overwhelming holiday crowds during December. The Florida Tourism Department regularly releases information about the growing number of visitors that flood the park during the New Year holidays. From extended ride waits to jam-packed shopping centres, you can expect long lines everywhere you go. While Disney has made efforts to manage crowds through reservation systems, it’s clear that this holiday season will be no exception when it comes to overcrowding. Avoid frustration by considering less crowded alternatives or checking Mickey Mouse’s official reservation tips.

Las Vegas: The Strip May Be More Crowded Than You Think

Known for its vibrant nightlife, Las Vegas is a hotspot for New Year’s Eve celebrations. However, the Las Vegas Strip is a traffic and pedestrian nightmare during this time of year. According to reports from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), hotel bookings, concert tickets, and restaurants are in high demand, leading to long waits and frustration for tourists. Expect increased traffic congestion and overcrowded walkways if you plan to visit, especially near major attractions and celebrations. If you’re not careful, your once-in-a-lifetime holiday could turn into a stressful experience of waiting in line and fighting for space. Learn more from official LVCVA travel alerts.

Aspen, Colorado: Ski Resorts Full to the Brim

For ski enthusiasts, Aspen is one of the best winter destinations in the U.S. But the holiday season can quickly become a nightmare due to extreme visitation. Aspen’s ski resorts see some of the highest crowds of the year between Christmas and New Year’s, creating issues with crowded slopes, long lift lines, and full hotels. Local authorities and transport agencies issue regular warnings about road congestion and parking limitations, as well as tips for alternative routes to avoid the frustration of peak season. Consider visiting after the holiday rush or booking reservations well in advance to ensure you get the best experience.

Honolulu and Waikiki, Hawaii: Overrun by Tourists During the Holidays

Hawaii is a dream destination, but the influx of tourists to Waikiki and Honolulu during the year-end holidays is staggering. The Hawaii Tourism Authority reports that beaches and shopping districts are often packed to the brim, with long waits for dining and crowded rental services for beach gear. Local authorities also issue advisories for overcrowded roads and limited parking, particularly around popular resorts. As a result, visitors may struggle to enjoy the serene beaches and iconic landscapes without feeling overwhelmed by the crowds. For a more peaceful experience, explore less-visited islands or visit off-peak months. Check Hawaii’s official tourist travel advisory.

Lake Tahoe: Skiing Paradise Turns Into a Traffic Jam

Lake Tahoe, known for its picturesque slopes and winter wonderland atmosphere, becomes a massive bottleneck during the December holidays. Both California and Nevada officials often issue crowd warnings for areas near ski resorts, advising visitors to prepare for severe traffic jams, long lines at lifts, and hotel capacity overloads. While the area is beautiful, the overcrowding can seriously damage your ski getaway. Experts recommend looking into less popular resorts or scheduling a visit after the holidays to avoid the packed crowds. Check official traffic reports from Lake Tahoe’s Tourism Department.

Washington, D.C.: National Mall in Chaos Over Holidays

Washington, D.C.’s National Mall and its surrounding monuments attract thousands of visitors during the holiday season. From Christmas Day to New Year’s Eve, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of people visiting iconic spots like the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument. The National Park Service and local tourism authorities routinely advise crowd management strategies during peak visitation months. Consider visiting during weekdays and avoiding the most famous memorials. Official advisories from National Park Service show peak crowd times and recommended travel plans.

Yellowstone National Park: Overtourism Strains the Natural Wonder

Yellowstone is one of America’s most visited national parks, but crowding during the holidays has become an alarming issue. The National Park Service continuously addresses crowding impacts, including overloaded parking lots, busy visitor centres, and crowded trails. Despite efforts to manage these issues, Yellowstone’s winter attractions are now struggling to accommodate the holiday crowd. If you still want to visit, plan ahead for timed entry tickets or explore less popular areas within the park. Learn more about Yellowstone’s crowd management strategies from the official National Park Service website (source).

Great Smoky Mountains National Park: The Most Visited Park Faces Strain

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a major tourist draw, with more than 12 million visitors annually. During the year-end holidays, the park faces extreme congestion in popular areas, making it difficult to fully enjoy the park’s natural beauty. Official National Park Service advisories point out issues with overcrowded roads, limited parking spaces, and closed trails due to heavy snow. To avoid the frustration of peak season, consider early morning visits or explore less travelled routes. Official reports from the National Park Service (source).

As the year-end holiday travel season approaches, it’s crucial for tourists to rethink their holiday destination choices. Overcrowded cities, ski resorts, and national parks are becoming more difficult to navigate due to overtourism and holiday crowds. From the bright lights of New York City to the slopes of Aspen, it’s clear that some of the United States’ top travel spots may no longer offer the ideal vacation experience. By staying informed and planning ahead, you can avoid the stress of overcrowding and enjoy a more peaceful, enjoyable holiday. Don’t let overtourism ruin your plans—be sure to consider alternative destinations this year!