Christmas and New Year road trip
Chicago to Denver for Christmas and New Year
- Distance
- 1000 mi
- Driving
- 15 hrs + traffic
- Halfway
- Omaha
The next Christmas and New Year lands on Friday, December 25, 2026. On I-80 and I-76, the heaviest traffic usually hits the weekend before Christmas and January 2. Check mountain pass and winter weather the night before every leg.
Plan this drive in XCRSNBook the halfway night early
Omaha sits about 470 miles from Chicago and 530 miles from Denver. Holiday weekends sell out the rooms near the highway first.
Total trip cost
Gas uses today's regional averages along this route. Add the nightly rate you find to see the full total.
- Gas, about 1,000 miles
- Checking prices
- Lodging, 1 night
- Add a rate
- Estimated total
- -
Along the way
- Great Platte River Road Archway
- Omaha's Old Market
- Sandhills views across Nebraska
Full drive guide for this route
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