Christmas (best departure and return dates) Other things such as school and business closures affect the dates too. Christmas can fall on a weekend (as it will in 2022), which further complicates things. Generally, the worst day to fly for Christmas is December 23, but that is not a hard rule.

In 2026, December 23 falls on a Wednesday, and it is generally considered one of the busiest and most expensive days of the year to fly. Because Christmas Day (December 25) falls on a Friday, many travelers aim to reach their destinations by the 23rd to maximize the long holiday weekend. You can expect airports to be at peak capacity, with longer security lines, crowded lounges, and a high likelihood of flight delays due to the sheer volume of air traffic and potential winter weather in the Northern Hemisphere. Ticket prices typically peak between December 21 and December 24. If your schedule allows, flying on December 24 (Christmas Eve) or even on Christmas Day itself often results in significantly lower fares and a much calmer airport experience. For those who must fly on the 23rd, the "2026 Pro-Tip" is to book the earliest morning flight possible to avoid the "knock-on" delays that inevitably accumulate by late afternoon during this high-demand period.