In December, Houston’s airports (George Bush Intercontinental and William P. Hobby) handle a mix of business, leisure, and holiday travelers heading to the Washington area. Peak travel occurs around the week of Christmas and New Year’s; to find cheaper flights, target early-December travel dates or midweek departures. Flights into Washington (All Airports) (WASA) offer access to downtown D.C., Baltimore, Alexandria, and Annapolis—ideal for holiday sightseeing. Allow extra time for security, especially the evenings before major holidays, and check for weather advisories for the D.C. region. Use fare comparison tools, sign up for airline newsletters with Houston departure alerts, and consider red-eye or early-morning flights to avoid crowds.
December arrivals to the Washington area land at Reagan National (DCA), Dulles (IAD), or Baltimore-Washington (BWI), each offering distinct advantages: DCA for proximity to the National Mall, IAD for international and connection-heavy flights, and BWI for budget fares and rail access. Winter storms can affect arrivals, so monitor airline notifications and local weather. For faster downtown access from DCA, take the Metro; from IAD the Silver Line and airport shuttles connect you to D.C.; BWI has Amtrak and MARC trains into Baltimore and Washington. Holiday attractions like the National Christmas Tree, ZooLights, and seasonal markets increase ground transport demand—book rideshares or shuttles in advance.