11 Smart Moves: Cheapest Day to Fly for Christmas (And the Day to Avoid)

2. Consider Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) as a close second

Christmas Eve often balances convenience and cost. While it’s usually busier than Dec. 25, December 24 is still quieter than the peak pre-holiday crush that happens on the days right before Christmas. For travelers who want to arrive before celebrations without paying the highest fares, Dec. 24 can be a sensible compromise. Expect more flight choices than on Dec. 25, which helps when you need specific arrival windows. Pricing will vary by route and year, but many routes show Dec. 24 fares below those on Dec. 22–23 and significantly below immediate post-Christmas return dates. Keep in mind that evening travel on Dec. 24 can be popular as people aim to get home for the holiday, so early flights may offer better value. Also review airport services and public-transport timetables; some transit and rental-car counters reduce hours on holiday eves. If you prefer to have the full holiday day with family, book Dec. 25 outbound and plan for a later return—otherwise, Dec. 24 is a practical middle ground.