Best Time To Buy Christmas Flights: Ultimate Guide To Save Big 2025

The holiday season is just around the corner, and the thoughts of twinkling lights, festive feasts, and cozy reunions with loved ones are filling the air. From decorating the Christmas tree to unwrapping gifts under the tree, Christmas celebrations bring joy and travel plans. But as the calendars flip closer to Christmas, the fare prices tend to climb, making booking flight tickets a last-minute scramble. So, when is the best time to buy flights for Christmas? Well, the answer does not fit the same size. The timing of booking the flight tickets depends on where you want to travel, internationally or domestically, and when you are planning to travel. 

But while this time of the year has its magic, it’s also one of the busiest times to travel. But don't worry. At ExperianAirfare, we are here to help you find affordable flight tickets during the Christmas holidays. In this guide, we will break down the best time to buy Christmas flights 2025, the best time to book for international and domestic flights, and much more. 

So, let’s unwrap the secrets of snagging the perfect holiday flight deal 2025. 

Why Timing Matters For Christmas Flight Booking 2025

When we talk about the best time to buy Christmas flights in 2025, timing matters a lot. According to the Washington Post, the best time to purchase the flight for your holiday is RIGHT NOW! Let’s see why timing is that important -

• Holiday Demand Increase: Christmas travel sees a massive spike, with airfare jumping from 200-300% during the peak times. 

• Best Time to Buy Christmas Flights 2025: The “Goldilocks Window” is 32-74 days before departure, which gives you immense savings on flights. 

• Sweet Spot Strategy: If you plan to travel around December 20, then try to book around October 31 for the lowest fares. You can call ExperianAirfare to book your flight tickets for Christmas at affordable rates. 

Best Domestic And International Destinations To Travel For Christmas 

1. Domestic Destinations: US Hotspots 

New York City: 

One of the most iconic Christmas destinations in the US is New York City. From the Rockefeller tree to ice skating in Central Park, NYC is full of holiday attractions. But don't wait too long to book your flight. Flights to New York can get pricey quickly, especially for those flying during the days leading up to Christmas. Then, when is the best time to buy flights for Christmas? We recommend that you aim for early October to get the best rates, even before the demand strikes. 

Insider Tip: Instead of flying directly into NYC, consider flying into Newark Liberty International Airport. It’s just 30 minutes away by train, and you might get cheaper fares and fewer crowds while booking the flights. JFK can get very busy during the holiday season. 

Leavenworth, Washington

Tucked away in the Cascade Mountains, this Bavarian-style village transforms into a fairy-tale Christmas market. Twinkling lights, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and carolers fill the town square. 

Insider Tip: We recommend that you fly into Seattle-Tacoma International (SEA) and book by mid-September to lock in the lowest fares. The 2-hour drive up Highway 2 is a scenic treat, but winter weather can slow you down. Aim to arrive before dusk and pack traction tires. Avoid arriving on December 23rd or 24th, as both the mountain road and the airport will be crowded with travelers. 

Savannah Georgia

Experience mild temperatures, historic old oak-lined squares lit with garlands, and riverboat cruises on the Savannah River. The city’s iconic squares and Spanish moss create a magical holiday atmosphere without overwhelming crowds at popular destinations. 

Insider Tips: Fly into Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport (SAV) for the easiest access. Flights tend to fill up, so book by early October is ideal to secure the best fares. Consider arriving in Savannah during the mid-week or on December 25 to avoid the peak holiday crowd. Try to fly in during early morning hours. 

2. International Destinations

If you are wondering what the best time is to buy international flights for Christmas? Then here’s where you can plan your holiday: 

London, England 

If you are also planning to tick off your Christmas bucket list by visiting London, then you need to know that flights from the US to Europe can be pricey. So book your tickets by early September. 

Insider tip: Fly into London Gatwick instead of Heathrow, as Gatwick is a less busy airport with a range of budget options to save your money and time. 

Lapland, Finland

For the bucket-list Santa encounter, head to Rovaniemi, where you can stay in glass igloo cabins. Enjoy the reindeer-sled safaris and toast to northern lights dancing across the sky. 

Insider tip: for you, the most convenient route is usually to fly into Helsinki first and then take a domestic flight to Rovaniemi. International flights from the US can get expensive during the Christmas season, so booking early by September is the best time for the best fares. Avoid flying on December 23 and 24 when the airports of Finland are busiest. Also, keep in mind that airports in Lapland are smaller, so booking flights that connect to major airports like Amsterdam or Frankfurt can offer potentially lower fares. 

Now that you’ve got the inside scoop on the best time to buy flights for Christmas and your ideal destinations, it’s time to get a booking! Head over to ExperianAirfare to explore flights to your dream Christmas destinations and lock in those deals. 

Calendar of Christmas Travel: Best & Worst Days to Fly 2025

We all know that planning for holidays can be stressful as the airports get crowded and flight prices skyrocket. That’s why here are the best and worst days to book your flight tickets during Christmas 2025. These days will help you to save money, travel stress-free, and enjoy your festival. 

The Worst Days To Fly -

• December 23: This day is the busiest and most expensive day of the season to travel. If you can, avoid traveling on this day and be flexible with your dates. 

• December 24: This day, aka Christmas Eve, is also a hectic one. Prices are still high, and flights fill up fast. While the last-minute deals exist, this date comes at a premium. If you still want to travel on December 24, then we recommend that you book as early as possible. 

• December 26: Right after the Christmas break, everyone is heading home or traveling to their next destination. 

• December 31 (New Year’s Eve): New Year’s travelers drive the prices high again. So, book early by mid-September or early October if you are planning to travel on this day. 

• January 1: There is high demand for flights on this day as everyone is returning home from their holiday break. 

The Best Days To Fly - 

December 25 (Christmas Day): flying on Christmas Day can actually save you money. Fewer people choose to travel on the holiday itself, so flights are less crowded and often cheaper.

For the best savings on Christmas flights 2025 then we recommend you book by late September to early October. This is the time when airlines offer competitive rates and discounts so that you can lock in the best fares before the holiday rush drives the prices higher. 

Also Read: Book Flights For Thanksgiving Day

Tips For Saving More On Christmas Flights 2025

• Consider Stopovers: Sometimes a direct flight is not as cheap as compared to a flight with stopovers. It may take longer to reach your destination but it saves you hundreds, especially during the holiday season. 

• Book Round-trip Vs One-way: booking a round-trip ticket is cheaper than two separate one-way flights. So, check both options before purchasing, and remember that timing matters: knowing the best time to buy Christmas flights can help you secure the lowest fares. 

• Be Flexible: If you can, then shift your travel date by 1 or 2 days to get a cheaper option. Fly mid-week instead of weekend and consider alternate airports to avoid the peak airport crowds during the holidays. 

• Use Points or Miles: If you have points or miles from any airline, then this is the best time to use them. This can maximize your savings and make your travel plan much more affordable. 

Wrapping Up

So, if you are still wondering, what is the best time to buy Christmas flights? Then, we will suggest that you book as early as possible before the holiday rush starts. As the holiday season comes around, the flight ticket prices get higher, leaving no sweet window. Do not wait for last-minute deals, and stay flexible with your travel dates while booking the flight tickets. 

So, don't wait, call ExperianAirfare now, and our expert team will help you plan your Christmas holiday smoothly. 

FAQs

How far in advance should I book Christmas flights?

For domestic flights, it is better to book 6 to 10 weeks before Christmas, and for international flights, it is better to book 4 to 6 months before. 

When is the best time to buy flights for Christmas 2025?

The best time to buy Christmas flights is from late September to early October. During this time, you can easily grab the economical flight tickets as compared to the peak holiday season. 

Do flights get cheaper closer to Christmas?

No, whereas flights closer to Christmas get 30-60% more expensive than the flights booked in advance. You can try for December 25 to fly, but it still will not be as affordable as you will find now. 

Should I wait for last-minute deals for Christmas 2025?

We suggest you not wait for last-minute flight deals to get an affordable price. As the holiday season approaches, the flight prices get expensive. 

Why is December 3 the cheapest day to book flight tickets for Christmas?

December 3 is Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so many airlines offer promotional discounts on flights around the world. So, you can keep track and book immediately when the discount comes.