Colorado Christmas Roundup: Travel, Safety, Restaurants Open

COLORADO — Many Coloradans are planning to gather again with friends and family for Christmas this year after last year's hiatus.

As more Americans get vaccinated against COVID-19 and U.S. borders reopen to fully vaccinated international travelers, more than 109 million people are expected to hit the road in our country this holiday season.

Best Times to Hit the Road

If you plan to travel to or from Colorado's largest cities and want to avoid the rush, be aware of the best and worst times to travel, according to AAA:

Dec. 25

• Minimal congestion expected.

Dec. 26

• Worst travel time: 1-7 p.m.
• Best travel time: Before noon.

Dec. 27

• Worst travel time: 5-6 p.m.
• Best travel time: Before 1 p.m.

Dec. 28

• Worst travel time: 1-7 p.m.
• Best travel time: Before noon.

Dec. 29

• Worst travel time: 1-7 p.m.
• Best travel time: Before 11 a.m.

Dec. 30

• Worst travel time: 1-7 p.m.
• Best travel time: Before noon.

Dec. 31

• Worst travel time: 2-4 p.m.
• Best travel time: Before 1 p.m.; after 5 p.m.

Jan. 1

• Minimal congestion expected

Jan. 2

• Worst travel time: 2-6 p.m.
• Best travel time: Before 1 p.m.

Holiday COVID-19 Safety

Coloradans should avoid crowded and poorly ventilated spaces, and it's safer to be outdoors, the CDC says.

For anyone who may be sick or has symptoms, the message is to stay home and away from others. They should also get tested for the virus as should anyone who may have been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19, the agency says.

The CDC has also issued some additional guidelines, including for anyone with a weakened immune system who the agency warns may not be fully protected even if they have been fully vaccinated and have gotten an additional vaccine dose. The CDC advises that they should continue taking precautions currently recommended for anyone who is unvaccinated until their health care provider says otherwise.

And regardless of transmission levels, if someone in your household is at increased risk, has a weakened immune system or hasn't been vaccinated, the CDC says people may choose to wear a mask in these situations.

Anyone traveling for the holidays should consult the CDC's travel page.

Colorado Restaurants Open On Christmas

Burned your turkey? Or simply don't feel like sweating over a hot stove? Here's a list of restaurants that will be open on Christmas Day in Colorado:

• Applebee's
• Arby's
• Boston Market
• Buca di Beppo
• Chart House
• Chili's
• Del Frisco's Grille
• Del Taco
• Denny's
• Domino's
• Dunkin'
• Fleming's Prime Steakhouse
• Fogo de Chão
• IHOP
• McCormick's & Schmicks
• McDonald's
• Morton's Steakhouse
• Outback Steakhouse
• Panda Express
• Romano's Macaroni Grill
• Ruth's Chris Steak House
• Starbucks
• Sonic
• Village Inn
• Waffle House

'Don't Get Blitzed' Campaign

Last December, Colorado state troopers charged more than 300 drivers with DUIs, Colorado State Patrol said. Already in 2021, there have been more than 220 deaths caused by impaired drivers in our state, according to the agency.

Under its 'Don't Get Blitzed' campaign, Colorado State Patrol listed the following ways that drivers can plan ahead before drinking over the holiday season:

• Use a rideshare.
• CDOT offering ride credits up to $15 with Uber, learn more.
• Spend the night, if the party is located at a safe place.
• Call a sober friend or family member for a ride home.
• Use public transportation.
• If you are at home, order food in.
• Make plans for your impaired guests to stay.
• Parents, plan with your kids, even the 20-year-olds.