Buzz
Credit: Onurdongel/Getty ImagesThe holiday season might as well be dubbed the season of endless tasks. During this time, there's always an extra trip to the supermarket, a visit to the post office, or another round of gift shopping—the to-do list never seems to end. Even with the festive spirit in full swing, navigating through massive crowds can quickly turn joy into frustration. To prevent a breakdown in the middle of the baking aisle, it's wise to steer clear of grocery stores and other bustling holiday destinations during their busiest hours.
While completely dodging crowds during the holidays is nearly impossible, Google has shared valuable insights to help you strategize your holiday tasks and travels more effectively. By analyzing peak time trends on Google Maps, the company pinpointed the most and least crowded periods for holiday shopping, travel, and more. Read on to navigate the season smoothly and avoid the chaos of packed stores and traffic snarls.
Peak and Off-Peak Hours for Visiting Popular Holiday Destinations
Airport
- Busiest: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays
- Least busy: 7 a.m. on Sundays
Bakery
- Busiest: 10-11 a.m. on Saturdays
- Least busy: 8 a.m. on Mondays
Gas Station
- Busiest: 4-5 p.m. on Fridays
- Least busy: 7-8 a.m. on Sundays
Grocery Store
- Busiest: 1 p.m. on Sundays
- Least busy: 8 a.m. on Sundays
Post Office
- Busiest: 2 p.m. on Fridays
- Least busy: 3 p.m. on Saturdays
Shopping Center
- Busiest: 1-2 p.m. on Saturdays
- Least busy: 10 a.m. on Mondays
Salon
- Busiest: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays
- Least busy: 6-7 p.m. on Sundays
Optimal Times for Thanksgiving and Christmas Travel
Your travel schedule for Thanksgiving and Christmas might not always be flexible, but if possible, steer clear of driving on the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving to dodge heavy traffic. Instead, consider starting your journey a few days earlier. Google suggests that roads are least congested on the Sunday or Monday before Thanksgiving, particularly around 8 p.m. If you must travel on Thanksgiving Day, aim to leave before 9 a.m. or after 3 p.m. to bypass the worst traffic.
For Christmas travel, Google advises avoiding the roads between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. in the days leading up to December 25th, as these are typically the most crowded times.
Best Times to Visit Stores on Black Friday
While many now prefer shopping for online Black Friday deals, if you choose to shop in-store, timing is key. Google reports that roads are most congested on Black Friday between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., so plan your shopping trips either earlier or later to avoid the rush.
