Not only is it the best time of the year, it's also the busiest.
The Chicago Department of Aviation is anticipating an estimated 2.7 million passengers to travel through Chicago's airports between Christmas weekend and Jan. 1, 2012.
O'Hare Airport expects its busiest travel day to be Thursday, Dec. 22, with an estimated 202,600 passengers. Midway Airport, expecting its busiest day on Friday, Dec. 23, will see an estimated 65,700 passengers, according to the CDA.
To make things a little easier, the agency hosts entertainment at both airports, including choir and musical performances. At O'Hare, performances will be held beyond the security checkpoints in each domestic terminal and in the Arrivals Level of International Terminal 5. Entertainment at Midway takes place in the Baggage Claim area.
Free gift-wrapping will also be available at both airports.
As always travelers are urged to arrive early and check their flight status on the way in.
