Christmas weekend travel times

Christmas weekend travel times vary by year. See how holiday traffic may affect your plans.

Christmas holiday weekend travel charts are provided only on years that the holiday creates a three-day weekend (when the holiday falls on a Monday, Saturday, Sunday or Friday). If the holiday falls on other days of the week there is not enough consistent holiday travel on any given day to generate accurate charts.

On weekend holidays, state highways across Washington will see higher than usual traffic, especially on Interstate 90, where lengthy delays are expected. Longer than typical wait times at ferry docks also are expected during a holiday that falls on a weekend.

WSDOT crews work hard to ensure travelers reach their destination safely and advise travelers to plan ahead to save time and frustration. Travelers also can use WSDOT’s online tools, the WSDOT app and social media accounts to track current travel conditions.

Travel charts are provided ONLY on holidays that create a three- or four-day weekend. If Christmas does create a three-day weekend, check back in mid-December for that year's charts. Charts from a previous Christmas holiday weekend are not a good indicator of a future holiday traffic because the heavy travel days will vary depending on which day of the week is the holiday.

Please note that severe weather or other emergencies can affect traffic levels beyond projected congested times.

Christmas weekend travel charts showing when I-5 Lacey to Tacoma is expected to be the most congested to help plan your travel.

Christmas weekend travel charts showing when I-90 North Bend to Cle Elum is expected to be the most congested to help plan your travel.

Christmas weekend travel charts showing when US 2 between Stevens Pass and Skykomish is expected to be the most congested to help plan your travel.

Christmas weekend travel charts showing when I-5 at the U.S.-Canada border is expected to be the most congested to help plan your travel.

Slow down on ice and snow.

It's easier to skid or lose control traveling at higher speeds. Give yourself more time to stop.

Carry chains, practice installing them.

Winter conditions could mean chains are required on your route. Practice putting them on your vehicle ahead of time.

Pack your winter car kit.

Carry extra supplies like warm clothing, ice scraper and brush, jumper cables and other emergency items.