The days around Christmas and New Year's predicted to have the least traffic are Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. If traveling on those days isn't feasible, try to head out early or in the evening following the after-work commute, Pishue advised.

Statistically, Christmas Day typically has much lighter traffic than Christmas Eve. In 2026, travel data shows that Christmas Eve remains one of the most congested days of the year, as people rush for last-minute shopping and travel to reach family destinations before the holiday officially begins. Most congestion on Christmas Eve peaks between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM. In contrast, Christmas Day is often the quietest day of the year on the roads, as the majority of travelers have already reached their destinations and commercial truck traffic is at an absolute minimum. However, there is a caveat: while there are fewer cars, "trip distances" on Christmas Day tend to be longer as families drive between different relatives' homes. Additionally, while the morning is usually empty, you might see a slight surge in traffic in the late afternoon and evening as people begin their return trips. If you want the smoothest, most stress-free drive possible, heading out on Christmas Day morning is your best bet, though you should be mindful that many gas stations and rest stops may have limited hours.