Planning a Holiday Road Trip? Discover the Best Days to Drive and Avoid Traffic This Christmas and New Year Season

Published on December 23, 2025

The festive season is one of the most exciting times to travel. Roads come alive with families, tourists, and adventure seekers heading toward holiday celebrations. This year, year-end travel is expected to reach record levels, with driving remaining the most preferred way to travel during Christmas and New Year.

For travelers planning road journeys, timing can make the difference between a peaceful drive and hours of congestion. Understanding when to travel allows tourists to enjoy smoother highways, better rest stops, and more time at destinations.

Why Holiday Road Travel Peaks Every Year

Government travel data consistently shows that year-end holidays encourage people to explore nearby destinations. Driving offers flexibility, cost savings, and access to scenic routes that flights cannot provide.

Families prefer road trips for comfort and convenience. International visitors often combine flights with regional drives to experience local culture. As a result, highways see their highest usage between late December and early January.

The Best Days to Drive During Holidays

Travel analysis from transport authorities highlights that not all holiday days are equally busy. Some dates naturally experience lighter traffic.

The calmest driving days typically include:

• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day
• New Year’s Eve
• New Year’s Day

On these days, many people remain at home celebrating, which reduces congestion on major highways. For travelers, this creates a rare opportunity to enjoy quieter roads and scenic winter landscapes.

Days Travelers Should Plan Carefully

Traffic builds up when people travel before and after celebrations. Roads are busiest during:

• The weekend before Christmas
• The days immediately following Christmas
• The final weekend before New Year

These periods often see slower travel speeds and crowded rest areas. Travelers should allow extra time or adjust departure hours to avoid peak congestion.

Best Time of Day for Holiday Driving

Experienced travelers often avoid mid-day driving during holidays. Early mornings and late evenings usually offer lighter traffic and calmer conditions.

Government road safety agencies encourage travelers to plan journeys during daylight hours when possible, especially in winter regions where weather conditions can change quickly.

Safety Advice for Holiday Road Travelers

Winter travel requires preparation. Official road safety guidance emphasizes the importance of readiness.

Travelers are advised to:

• Inspect vehicles before long journeys
• Carry emergency supplies such as water, food, and warm clothing
• Monitor weather updates frequently
• Follow speed limits and local traffic laws

Seat belts, rest breaks, and alert driving remain critical during long holiday trips.

A Global Perspective for Tourists

Holiday travel is not limited to one country. Tourists around the world plan road journeys during Christmas and New Year to explore festive markets, winter landscapes, and cultural events.

However, driving rules differ internationally. Speed regulations, road signage, and winter driving requirements vary. Travelers should always consult official transport authorities of their destination before renting or driving a vehicle.

Making the Journey Part of the Experience

A holiday road trip is more than transportation. It is an experience. Quiet roads allow travelers to stop at scenic viewpoints, discover small towns, and enjoy local cuisine.

Planning travel on less busy days turns the journey into a relaxing adventure rather than a stressful commute.

Final Travel Takeaway

The holiday season does not have to mean crowded roads and travel fatigue. With thoughtful planning, travelers can choose the best days to drive and enjoy smooth, memorable journeys.

Driving on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day may feel unconventional, but it often delivers the calmest travel conditions. For global tourists and local explorers alike, smart timing transforms holiday road trips into joyful experiences.

Travel well. Travel safe. And let the journey be part of the celebration.