As festive lights begin to line streets and store fronts, and thoughts of buying gifts begin to occupy our minds, we’re reminded of how quickly the holiday season seems to roll around.
Between Thanksgiving and New Year, the holiday season is known for being one of the busiest times to travel. We surveyed Americans across the country to learn more about our festive journeys and travel habits in 2025.
From the most popular mode of travel to how much it costs to close the gap between loved ones, read on to explore key travel trends during the holidays. Plus, discover which states were voted the most festive in the country, and the nation’s favorite holiday movie.
In this guide:
- Thanksgiving travel
- Christmas travel
- New Year travel
- Festive travel methods
- Travel costs
- Best states for Christmas
- Favorite Christmas movie
- FAQs
Which holiday do Americans travel for the most?
We surveyed travelers across the U.S. to find out how many of us choose to get away during the holidays and why.
When asked about their holiday travel plans, our survey showed that more people have traveled for Christmas than any other festive holiday. In fact, only 24% of Americans have never traveled for Christmas before, making it the most popular holiday for hitting the road.
Breaking down the top travel habits over Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year, we asked residents from different states how they spend their time and money over the holidays.
Thanksgiving travel predictions and trends
Most Popular Thanksgiving Travel Plans: Top 3 States
| Planning a City Break for Thanksgiving | Staying Local for Thanksgiving | Plan to See Family for Thanksgiving | Plan to See Friends for Thanksgiving | Have Never Traveled for Thanksgiving | |
| 1 | Washington (56%) | Oregon (26%) | Virginia (26%) | Nevada (39%) | Pennsylvania (37%) |
| 2 | Illinois (20%) | Colorado (26%) | Arizona (26%) | Washington (33%) | Kentucky (35%) |
| 3 | Texas (13%) | North Carolina (21%) | Nevada (21%) | Missouri (32%) | Michigan (33%) |
Most Popular Travel Plans for Thanksgiving (All States)
- Family gathering: 56%
- Travel to see friends: 20%
- Planning to stay local: 13%
Thanksgiving in 2025 falls on Thursday, November 27, just under a month before Christmas.
Our survey shows that people are more willing to travel long distances to see family for Thanksgiving and Christmas than for holidays like New Year’s Eve. In fact, more than half of Americans (56%) say they will travel to visit family on November 28th.
To take a closer look at our data, almost three out of four people from Virginia (73%) plan to see their families for Thanksgiving. Arizona follows with 68%, and Nevada with 65%. In North Carolina and Tennessee, about two-thirds of people (62%) say they’ll also travel to visit relatives.
Our Thanksgiving travel forecast also found that:
- Following more modern traditions, one in five Americans (20%) said they’ll be traveling to see friends at Thanksgiving instead.
- Americans are more likely to travel for business over Thanksgiving (9%) than Christmas (7%) or New Year (6%).
- One in three respondents (32%) from Colorado said that have never traveled for Thanksgiving before, with more than a quarter (26%) planning to stay local this year.
- People from Washington are most likely to take a city break over Thanksgiving, with one in seven respondents (13%) planning a getaway.
Christmas travel forecast and trends
Most Popular Christmas Travel Plans: Top 3 States
| Planning a City Break for Christmas | Staying Local for Christmas | Plan to See Family For Christmas | Plan to See Friends for Christmas | Have Never Traveled for Christmas | |
| 1 | Tennessee (18%) | Michigan (20%) | Arizona (72%) | North Carolina (33%) | Kentucky (39%) |
| 2 | Illinois (10%) | North Carolina (19%) | Virginia (69%) | Missouri (32%) | Oregon (34%) |
| 3 | Texas (10%) | Virginia (19%) | South Carolina (67%) | Nevada (32%) | Pennsylvania (33%) |
Most Popular Travel Plans for Christmas (All States)
- Family gathering: 59%
- Travel to see friends: 20%
- Planning to stay local: 13%
Following similar trends to Thanksgiving, the festive season is one of the most family-oriented winter holidays. According to our latest Christmas travel statistics, when it comes to bringing good tidings to our kin, almost three in five Americans (59%) will travel to visit family for December 25th.
At the top spot, almost three-quarters of respondents (72%) from Arizona travel to meet relatives over the Christmas break. Meanwhile, over two-thirds (69%) of those from Virginia plan to see family, followed by South Carolina (67%), Texas (63%) and Tennessee (62%).
But that’s not all we found. According to our survey:
- Americans are more likely to take a beach vacation over Christmas (6%) than Thanksgiving (5%).
- Almost one in five people (18%) from Tennessee plan to take a city break at Christmas.
- Respondents from North Carolina are less likely to stay local at Christmas (19%) than at Thanksgiving (21%), with one-third (33%) planning to visit friends.
- People from Kentucky are the least likely to travel, with almost two in five (39%) saying they have never traveled over Christmas.
- In Michigan, three in 10 people (30%) have never had to travel for Christmas, with a fifth (20%) planning to stay local this year.
New Year travel trends
Most Popular New Year Travel Plans: Top 3 States
| Planning a City Break for New Year | Staying Local for New Year | Plan to See Family for New Year | Plan to See Friends for New Year | Have Never Traveled for New Year | |
| 1 | Colorado (16%) | Michigan (21%) | Virginia (44%) | Missouri (42%) | Pennsylvania (56%) |
| 2 | Indiana (12%) | Ohio (19%) | Washington (39%) | Nevada (39%) | Arizona (51%) |
| 3 | Washington (11%) | Tennessee (18%) | Nevada (39%) | North Carolina (34%) | Michigan (49%) |
Most Popular Travel Plans for New Year (All States)
- Family gathering: 27%
- Travel to see friends: 23%
- Planning to stay local: 13%
The 12 days of Christmas don’t end until the first week of January, so New Year’s Eve is very much part of the festive party season. We asked how people plan to start the countdown to midnight on one of the biggest nights of the year.
Across the country, Americans are less likely to travel for New Year than Christmas and Thanksgiving, with more than four in 10 (45%) having never traveled to ring in the New Year.
Our survey also found more of an even share between those traveling to visit family (27%) and friends (23%) on New Years, compared to Christmas and Thanksgiving.
One in seven Americans (13%) plan to stay local and watch the ball drop from their hometown. Nowhere followed this trend more than Michigan, where more than one in five respondents (21%) plan to stay put on December 31st.
We also found that:
- More than two-fifths of those surveyed from Virginia (44%) will travel to see family over New Year, followed by 39% of residents from Washington and Nevada.
- Respondents from Colorado are the most likely to leave town to celebrate the New Year, with over one in six (16%) planning to take a city break.
- Meanwhile, over half of people from Pennsylvania (56%) say they have never traveled for New Year, compared to Florida where only four in 10 (43%) have never traveled.
How do people travel over the festive season?
Whether you’ve taken a job in another state or left for college on the opposite coast, it’s common to have friends and family spread far and wide. When it comes to visiting loved ones over the holiday season, our survey asked how people prefer to travel.
Given the options of driving, taking a train, or flying, the following states said they prefer to fly:
- Almost two-thirds of people from Arizona (64%)
- Over half of people from California (52%) and Oregon (51%)
- 46% of people from Florida and Washington
- 41% of people from Georgia and Tennessee
- 40% of people from Maryland and North Carolina
- 39% of people from Colorado
To help you prepare for the crowds over the holidays, we’ve gathered a list of the five busiest airports in the country:
- Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Located in Atlanta, Georgia, ATL sees more than 108 million passengers annually.
- Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). In Dallas, Texas, DFW airport welcomes more than 88 million passengers a year.
- Denver International Airport (DEN). In Denver, Colorado, DEN sees more than 82 million passengers a year.
- Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD). More than 80 million passengers visit ORD airport in Chicago, Illinois, each year.
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). In Los Angeles, California, LAX experiences more than 76 million passengers a year.
The cost of festive travel
To gain insight into the costs of travel during the busiest time of the year, we asked people to share how much they spend to see their loved ones.
The average annual cost of festive travel expenses in the U.S. is $963.24, with over half of Americans (52%) paying for travel on their credit card. Meanwhile, almost one in four people (23%) use their savings to pay for festive journeys.
Across the country, we also found that:
- Most people (56%) use their debit card to pay for travel.
- One in six people (15%) use travel rewards or points.
- One in 12 people (8%) receive help from family or friends to cover the cost.
To see how people manage these costs, we also found that 21% of people plan their festive vacations one to two months in advance, while 21% prepare two to four months ahead. Almost one in five people (19%) prepare four to six months before traveling for the holidays, while 13% only plan their journeys the month before their trip.
The states with the highest holiday travel expenses (above the national average) include:
- Arizona: $1,377.50
- California: $1,216.41
- Nevada: $1,168.13
- Tennessee: $1,108.77
- Missouri: $1,097.95
- Oregon: $1,068.21
- Virginia: $1,064.38
- South Carolina: $1,054.26
- Washington: $1,053.63
- Wisconsin: $1,041.00
For many people, traveling during the holidays simply isn’t in their budget.
From those we surveyed, we discovered almost one in four people (23%) from Oregon can’t afford to travel during the festive period, followed by Kentucky (19%), Missouri (16%) and Nevada (16%).
Which are the best states for Christmas?
It’s no surprise that New York was voted the most festive state in America. According to our Christmas travel forecast, around 60 million tourists are expected to visit New York City during the holiday season, ranking it among the best cities for Christmas. Meanwhile, more than 698,000 passengers are estimated to fly in at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). That’s a lot of people to squeeze onto the Rockefeller ice rink!
Following New York, one in eight survey respondents (12%) voted California as the most festive state, proving that Christmas cheer is a lifestyle, not a location. There are plenty of places in California that embrace holiday charm during the festive period, from the bright lights of Disneyland’s Main Street U.S.A. to the winter wonderland of Lake Tahoe.
Florida took the bronze with 10% of the votes, followed by Louisiana (7%) and Texas (6%).
What is the nation’s favorite Christmas movie?
Whether you’re enjoying the in-flight entertainment or getting cozy with your family, watching holiday movies is one of the highlights of the festive season. To round out our survey, we thought we’d settle the debate and find out what America’s favorite holiday movie is.
Home Alone (1990) was voted the best holiday movie to watch on a festive trip, followed by National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) and Elf (2003).
And if you’re more of a TV buff, check out our blog on What’s the Best Holiday Television Special?
Conclusion
Were you surprised by any of the results? Our survey shows us that as a nation, we’re still holding on to family traditions over Thanksgiving and Christmas. Meanwhile, if you’re thinking of taking a festive city break and want to avoid the busiest crowds, beware that more people tend to travel at Thanksgiving and Christmas than at New Year!
Whether you’re visiting friends, family or taking a well-earned Christmas vacation, be prepared for the festive flurry as we begin to travel for the holiday season. Watch out for the busiest travel days of the year and reserve an airport parking spot in advance to save on money and stress.
Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Travel in the U.S.
Which holiday do Americans travel for the most?
According to our 2025 holiday travel survey, more Americans travel for Christmas than any other holiday. Only 24% of respondents said they’ve never traveled for Christmas, making it the most popular time of year to hit the road or fly home to see family and friends.
How much do Americans spend on Christmas travel?
The average annual festive travel cost in the U.S. is $963.24, though it can rise well above $1,000 in states like Arizona, California, and Nevada. Many travelers use credit cards or savings to cover holiday expenses, while some rely on travel rewards or family support.
When should I book flights for the best Christmas travel deals?
To save money, experts recommend booking flights two to four months in advance of the holidays. Our survey found that 21% of Americans plan festive trips within that window, while last-minute bookings in December often come with premium prices due to high demand.
Which are the most festive states to visit at Christmas?
New York tops the list as the most festive state, welcoming around 60 million tourists each holiday season. California follows with its blend of Disneyland magic and Lake Tahoe snow, while Florida, Louisiana, and Texas also rank among the most cheerful Christmas destinations.
What is the most popular holiday movie in the U.S.?
When it comes to festive entertainment, Home Alone (1990) is America’s favorite Christmas movie. It’s followed closely by National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989) and Elf (2003), all perfect picks for cozy family movie nights.
What percentage of Americans travel for New Year’s Eve?
Fewer Americans travel for New Year’s Eve compared to Christmas or Thanksgiving. Only 27% plan to visit family and 23% travel to see friends. Nearly half (45%) said they’ve never traveled for New Year’s, choosing to celebrate locally instead.
What’s the cheapest way to travel home for the holidays?
Using travel rewards, booking flights midweek, and reserving accommodations early can greatly reduce costs for those traveling long distances.
How far in advance should I plan my holiday travel itinerary?
Plan your holiday itinerary at least two to four months ahead. This timeframe allows for better flight prices, flexible accommodation options, and the chance to redeem travel points or discounts before they expire.
What are the top reasons Americans travel during the holidays?
Most Americans travel for family gatherings (56–59%), while others visit friends (20%) or take a city break or beach vacation. Despite rising travel costs, the tradition of reuniting with loved ones remains the strongest motivation behind holiday journeys.
How can I make holiday travel less stressful?
Start by booking your flights and hotels early to lock in better prices and availability. Make use of travel apps to get real-time updates on flights, weather and traffic. Aim to arrive at the airport at least three hours before your departure to avoid last-minute stress.
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