Is Christmas Driving Really Busier Than Usual? Let’s Break It Down

As the holiday season approaches, one familiar frustration begins to build: traffic. Whether it's bumper-to-bumper on the motorway or packed high streets in town centres, it feels like everyone’s on the move in December. But is driving over the Christmas period actually busier than normal — or is it just our festive stress talking?

The Great Migration: Why Roads Get Crowded

There’s a good reason roads feel more packed during the Christmas season. For many, the holidays are synonymous with travel. Families reunite, friends gather, and people often take extended time off work. According to data from transport authorities in the UK and elsewhere, the days leading up to Christmas (especially from the 22nd to 24th) tend to see a noticeable spike in road usage.

Add to that the last-minute shopping runs, festive markets, school holidays, and even those heading to the airport, and it’s easy to see how the roads start to fill up fast.

The “Rush Hour” Moves Around

Interestingly, traffic patterns shift during the Christmas season. Commuter traffic tends to ease off slightly in the week before Christmas as people take time off work, but this is quickly replaced by shopping traffic during the day and long-distance journeys between cities and towns.

That means while your usual morning commute might be a bit quieter, a trip to the shops at 2 p.m. could take far longer than expected.

Post-Christmas Lull — and the Return Surge

The days immediately after Christmas often bring a brief lull in traffic — until New Year’s Eve and the return-to-work rush in early January. Many people stay home during the “Twixmas” period (between Christmas and New Year), so roads can be surprisingly quiet — unless you're near a major shopping centre hosting Boxing Day sales.

How to Beat the Holiday Traffic

If you're planning to travel over the festive season, a few simple steps can help you dodge the worst of the traffic:

• Travel early or late in the day to avoid peak congestion times.

  
  

• Check traffic apps or local updates before you leave.

  
  

• Avoid major routes on peak travel days, especially the 23rd and 24th.

  
  

• Consider public transport for certain journeys — it can be less stressful and more predictable.

Final Thoughts

So, is driving over Christmas busier than normal? In short: yes — but it depends on when and where you're going. The lead-up to Christmas is a perfect storm of increased travel, shopping, and social events, all of which contribute to heavier traffic. But with a bit of planning and patience, you can navigate the season smoothly — and maybe even enjoy a few twinkling lights along the way.

Safe travels and happy holidays!