Christmas Day driving
We were headed to MA, which of course is north, but lots of congested traffic normally.We left around 6:30 A.M. and the traffic was very light on Christmas Day. Can't speak for heading south.
If "late in the day" on 25th means 3 or 4 pm, you might be ok, as most people are already at their destinations and are not out. If it means 8 pm or 9 pm, there might be traffic as people leave their holiday visits and head home.
One way to circumvent the Turnpike and GSP when there is traffic or accidents is: 78 West to 287 South to 206 South to Route 1 South (around Lawrence/Princeton), then 95 South to PA. You'll hit traffic lights and speed limit is slower than Tpk, but there aren't accident delays (or tolls). Adds about 10 minutes to the trip, if that.
Every year on Christmas we drive to South Jersey, Toms River and leave around 2 or 3 from Maplewood usually traffic is fine,
My Christmas driving has taken place on 78 West, which is typically tumbleweeds on Christmas day. If you leave then, you might want to plan ahead for dining, because most of the places you would want to stop will be closed.
Never had a problem with driving -- but make sure you fill up your tank at the gas stations on the highways - a lot of local gas stations do not open.
Thanks for all the advice and suggestions. Seems like it shouldn't be a bad drive.
We will be doing some Christmas travel heading south on the NJ Turnpike to Delaware. We could leave late in the day on Christmas Day, or in the morning on the 26th. Anyone have any experience driving on those days? I'm wondering which might possibly be a lighter traffic day.