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Christmas Eve travel - Las Vegas -> Wickenburg

Hi all,

Is there usually travel congestion on this route on Dec 24th? I am scheduled to drive from Las Vegas to Wickenburg to check in there mid-afternoon. Just wondering if I should change plans and go a day earlier.

Advice appreciated!

Driving from Las Vegas to Wickenburg on Christmas Eve is generally manageable, but there are a few factors to keep in mind. This route is around 300 miles and takes approximately 5–6 hours depending on traffic and weather conditions. While it’s not as heavily traveled as routes to major cities like Phoenix or Los Angeles during the holidays, there can still be congestion, particularly as you approach major junctions or the Phoenix metro area.

Traffic considerations:

  • Traffic is usually light through the Nevada portion of US-93 and western Arizona, but midday and early afternoon can see more holiday travelers heading south or toward family destinations.
  • Areas around Kingman, the junction with I-40, and approaching the Phoenix area can see slower traffic, especially if there is any holiday event or local shopping activity.
  • Weather is generally mild in December, but always check for rain or fog along the highway, as it can slightly slow travel.

Planning tips:

  • If your check-in is mid-afternoon, leaving early morning (around 7–8 AM) will help you avoid most of the potential holiday traffic and give you flexibility for stops along the route.
  • Filling up on gas and having snacks or water is recommended, as services can be sparse in certain stretches.
  • Keep navigation apps handy to monitor traffic conditions in real time; sometimes a small detour can save time if there’s unexpected congestion.

Alternative planning:

  • Going a day earlier is the safest option if you want to avoid any risk of running late due to holiday traffic, especially since Christmas Eve can have variable travel patterns.
  • Alternatively, allow extra travel time in your schedule to accommodate any slowdowns without impacting your check-in plans.

Overall, most travelers make the trip successfully on Christmas Eve without major delays, but planning for early departure or an extra day can provide peace of mind.

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