Some links in this guide are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Christmas is one of the most expensive times of the year to travel, but it does not have to break the bank. With the right destination and a few smart booking moves, you can trade the holiday stress at home for city lights, a snowy market or a warm beach, and still keep the trip affordable.
When Christmas travel is cheapest (and most expensive)
Holiday prices follow school calendars. The most expensive days to fly are usually the weekend before Christmas and the days right after New Year's, when families and students all travel at once. A few patterns help:
- Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are often cheaper to fly than the days before them, because most people want to be at their destination already.
- The first two weeks of December are a quieter, cheaper window to see holiday lights and markets before the rush.
- Midweek flights (Tuesday and Wednesday) are usually cheaper than weekends, even in December. See our guide to the cheapest day to fly for more.
- Booking early matters more than usual. Holiday fares tend to rise as seats fill up, so start comparing in October or early November.
For more ways to save, read how to find cheap flights. If you are also traveling in November, our Thanksgiving travel tips cover the other big holiday rush.
Festive US cities for a cheap Christmas trip
These cities put on holiday events that cost nothing to enjoy, so you can spend your budget on the flight and hotel.
New York
New York at Christmas is a classic for a reason. The Rockefeller Center tree, the decorated store windows on Fifth Avenue, the holiday market at Bryant Park and the lights in neighborhoods like Dyker Heights in Brooklyn are all free to see. Ice skating, shows and fancy dinners cost more, so mix in free walks and parks. Our list of free things to do in New York has plenty of ideas, and New York hotels are often cheaper the week between Christmas and New Year's than in early December.
Popular routes: Chicago to New York, Atlanta to New York, Dallas to New York.
Chicago
Chicago's Christkindlmarket, a German-style holiday market, sets up downtown every year and is free to enter. Add the lights along the Magnificent Mile and the free Lincoln Park Zoo, which usually hosts a holiday lights event (check dates and ticket rules before you go). It will be cold, so pack layers. Browse things to do in Chicago for indoor ideas.
Washington, D.C.
Many of the capital's biggest attractions, including the Smithsonian museums, are free year-round, which makes D.C. one of the cheapest big cities to visit at any time. In December the National Christmas Tree goes up near the White House. Check holiday opening hours, since some museums close on Christmas Day. See Washington, D.C. hotels.
New Orleans
New Orleans celebrates the whole month of December, with lights in City Park, holiday decorations in the French Quarter and special holiday menus at many restaurants. The weather is mild compared to the North. Our guide to things to do in New Orleans covers the basics, and Atlanta to New Orleans and Chicago to New Orleans are popular routes.
San Antonio
The River Walk is lined with thousands of lights during the holiday season, and strolling it is free. San Antonio hotels are often cheaper than in bigger cities, and the winter weather is usually pleasant. Compare San Antonio hotels and things to do in San Antonio.
Nashville
Nashville goes all in on Christmas, with big light displays and holiday concerts. Some events are ticketed, but walking downtown and along Broadway costs nothing. Look at Nashville hotels outside downtown for better rates.
Warm-weather Christmas escapes
If you would rather skip the cold, these sunny places have lots of flights from the US, which helps keep fares competitive. Late December is peak season for beach destinations, so book early.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
San Juan is one of the easiest warm escapes for Americans: Puerto Rico is a US territory, so US citizens do not need a passport, and US dollars are the currency. Puerto Rico's holiday season is famously long, with music, lights and celebrations running into January. Walk the colorful streets of Old San Juan, visit the historic forts and spend afternoons on the beach. Compare San Juan hotels and things to do in San Juan.
Cancun
Cancun has a huge number of flights from US cities, so it can be cheaper to reach than you might expect, even in December. The weather is typically dry and warm at this time of year. To save, look at hotels in the downtown area instead of the Hotel Zone, and eat where locals do. Our guide to the best time to visit Cancun explains the seasons. Popular routes: New York to Cancun, Chicago to Cancun, Houston to Cancun.
Miami
Miami offers beach weather, no passport and plenty of flights from across the country. Miami Beach hotels peak around the holidays, so consider staying inland or in nearby Fort Lauderdale. See Miami hotels and New York to Miami.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas is not a beach destination, but it is usually dry and mild in December, and the weeks before Christmas can be one of the quieter times on the Strip, with hotel deals to match. Many casino resorts put up elaborate holiday displays that are free to walk through. Our post on things to do in Las Vegas besides gambling has more ideas. Prices jump for New Year's Eve, so leave before then if you are on a budget.
Other beach ideas
Punta Cana, Montego Bay, Nassau and Los Cabos are all popular winter escapes with direct flights from many US cities. Check the cheapest international destinations from the US for more options, and our list of the cheapest places to fly in January if you can push your trip into the new year.
Christmas in Europe on a budget
Europe in December can be surprisingly affordable if you go in the first half of the month, before the holiday rush. Christmas markets in Germany, Austria and France, plus London and Paris dressed up in lights, make it a magical time to visit. Read our guide to the best Christmas markets in Europe to choose where to go, and Paris on a budget for saving in one of the most popular cities.
Big US hubs usually have the most transatlantic competition, so compare routes like New York to London and Boston to Paris. Keep in mind that many attractions and shops in Europe close on December 25, and in some countries on December 26 too.
How to save on a Christmas vacation
Be flexible with your dates
Shifting your trip by even a day or two can make a real difference around the holidays. Use a flexible date search and compare flying out on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day with flying the weekend before.
Check nearby airports
Large metro areas often have more than one airport. Fort Lauderdale instead of Miami, or a secondary airport near New York or Chicago, may have cheaper holiday fares.
Pack light
Holiday flights are often full, and checked bag fees add up for a family. A carry-on only trip saves money and time, especially if you leave the gifts at home or ship them ahead.
Book attractions ahead
Holiday shows, light displays and tours can sell out. Booking ahead with Klook or Tiqets helps you lock in a spot and compare prices.
Rethink the rental car
In New York, Chicago, D.C. and San Juan's old town you can get around without a car. If you do need one in Florida or for a road trip, our guide on how to get a cheap car rental explains how to avoid the most common extra fees.
Plan your holiday trip
Pick a destination, set your dates and compare live fares before prices rise. Christmas week rewards travelers who book early and stay flexible.
Search cheap Christmas flights
Frequently asked questions
- Where is the cheapest place to go for Christmas?
- Cities with free holiday events, like Washington, D.C., Chicago, San Antonio and New Orleans, are often the cheapest, especially if you live within a short flight. For warm weather, San Juan, Cancun and Las Vegas usually have many flights, which helps keep fares competitive.
- Is it cheaper to fly on Christmas Day?
- Often, yes. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are usually less busy than the days just before them, so fares can be lower. Compare a few dates around the holiday to see what works for your route.
- When should I book flights for Christmas?
- Aim to book about 2 to 3 months ahead, in October or early November. Holiday fares tend to rise as seats fill up, so waiting until December usually costs more.
- Where can I go for Christmas without a passport?
- US citizens can visit Puerto Rico, including San Juan, without a passport because it is a US territory. Hawaii, Florida, Las Vegas and New Orleans are other warm or festive choices within the US.