Yes. Airlines operate on Christmas Day, and flying on 25 December is usually one of the cheapest and least stressful days of the entire holiday period.
Schedules are reduced compared with a normal day, so there’s less choice of departure times. But the flights that do run are typically half empty, airports are calm, and fares drop noticeably compared with the days either side.
Do airlines fly on Christmas Day?
Almost all of them do. Major carriers run reduced but functional schedules on 25 December, covering their main routes and hubs.
Some low-cost airlines suspend operations entirely for the day, and a handful of smaller regional carriers do the same. If you’re flying a budget airline, check their schedule directly before assuming a flight exists.
Airports themselves stay open, though some shops, lounges and restaurants inside the terminal will be closed or on limited hours. Plan on eating before you travel rather than counting on the food court.
Are flights cheaper on Christmas Day?
Usually, yes, often substantially.
Demand collapses on 25 December because most people want to already be where they’re going. Airlines respond by pricing the day well below the surrounding dates.
The pattern across a typical holiday week looks roughly like this:
- 20–23 December: the most expensive outbound days of the year
- 24 December morning: still busy and expensive
- 24 December afternoon and evening: noticeably cheaper
- 25 December: the cheapest day of the period
- 26 December onward: prices climb again as people return
If your plans allow you to travel on the day itself, it’s the single biggest saving available on holiday flights.
How busy are airports on Christmas Day?
Quiet. Genuinely quiet.
Security lines are short, boarding is fast, and overhead bin space is usually plentiful because so few people are flying. For anyone who finds crowded terminals stressful, it’s the best day of the year to be in an airport.
The trade-off is fewer staff on duty and fewer amenities open, so anything that goes wrong may take longer to resolve.
What to know before booking a Christmas Day flight
Check the schedule carefully. Fewer flights means fewer alternatives if yours is cancelled or delayed. On a normal day you might be rebooked within hours; on 25 December the next available seat could be the following morning.
Ground transport is limited. Trains, buses and airport shuttles often run reduced holiday timetables, and some don’t run at all. Confirm how you’re getting to and from the airport before you book, not after.
Parking and rental desks may have shorter hours. If you’re picking up a hire car, check the branch is actually open when you land.
Bring your own food. Terminal catering is unreliable on the day, and onboard service is often reduced too.
Is Christmas Eve a good alternative?
The afternoon and evening are, yes. Morning departures on 24 December are among the busiest flights of the year — that’s when everyone is trying to arrive in time for the evening.
Shifting to a late-afternoon or evening departure on Christmas Eve gets you a quieter airport and a lower fare while still landing on the 24th.
Frequently asked questions
Are there flights on Christmas Day?
Yes. Most major airlines operate reduced schedules on 25 December, and airports remain open. Some low-cost carriers suspend flights for the day, so check directly if you’re flying budget.
Are flights cheaper on Christmas Day?
Generally yes, and often by a wide margin. Demand is at its lowest for the whole holiday period, and fares reflect that.
How busy are flights on Christmas Day?
Unusually quiet. Planes are frequently half empty, and security lines are short. It’s one of the most comfortable days of the year to fly.
Do airports close on Christmas Day?
No, airports stay open. However, many shops, restaurants and lounges inside the terminal close or run limited hours, so don’t rely on buying food there.
What about Christmas Eve and Boxing Day?
Christmas Eve mornings are busy and expensive; afternoons are much cheaper. Boxing Day and the days after are expensive again as people start heading home.
Compare Christmas Day fares
Search flights across hundreds of airlines and compare 25 December against the days either side — the difference is usually obvious immediately.
For the wider picture on holiday pricing, see our guide on when to book Christmas flights.
