We will be passing through Chicago on December 26th on our way to relatives. Does anyone know what traffic is like in Chicago the day after Christmas, and what the best time to drive through is?

I believe in my own experience that the day after Christmas (being a Monday this year) might have "normal" workday especially heavy traffic periods.

You'll get a much better answer if you post what roads/interstates you'll be traveling on and in what directions and for what possible times of day.

Traffic may be slightly less than a normal week in the mornings coming into the city, but I doubt that it will be much less. It's the after Xmas return and sales days. I live far Southwest and unless I'm going to Iowa, the traffic is always heavy to me now in all the other directions.

Traffic directly downtown will probably be lite as most businesses are observing Monday the 26th as the holiday. The law firm where I work is closed, and so are all the courts.

Thank you so much for the information so far! It's very helpful. We will be passing directly through downtown, so hopefully it will work out?

I agree that traffic through the city will be light-most businesses are closed. It might be bad on local streets though with everyone off.

I think both the 23rd and the 26th will be lighter than usual, with some taking off Friday, some taking off Monday, and those very lucky enough to take off both!

my workplace is observing monday as well, so you won't see me crowding the streets, and I am pretty certain that in the morning the traffic will be light, but in the afternoon it could be heavy as people return home to go to work the next day.

Since the stock market is closed on Monday, the CME, CBOT and CBOE are all closed. Traffic will be light.

Thanks, everyone, the traffic was great!