Attending gatherings to celebrate events and holidays increases your risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. The safest way to celebrate is virtually, with people who live with you, or outside and at least 6 feet apart from others. For information on what fully vaccinated people can do, see the When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated page.
- Decorate your home with holiday themed items and banners.
- Host a video chat party with family and friends to share in the celebration.
- Plan a special meal with people who live with you inspired by the holiday or event.
- Have an outdoor celebration with everyone at least 6 feet apart and wearing masks.
- Watch virtual events and celebrations.
Holiday Travel
CDC recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated. If you are not fully vaccinated and must travel, follow CDC’s Domestic Travel or International Travel recommendations for unvaccinated people. If you will be traveling with unvaccinated people, such as children younger than 12 who are not eligible for vaccines, follow recommendations for unvaccinated people and choose the safer travel options. Everyone, even people who are fully vaccinated, will still be required to wear a mask on public transportation. If you are considering traveling for a holiday or event, visit CDC’s Travel page to help you decide what is best for you and your family.
Everyone Can Make Holiday Celebrations Safer
If you are attending a holiday celebration, you may want to think about what steps you need to take to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19.
- If you are not fully vaccinated and aged 2 or older, you should wear a mask in indoor public places.
- In general, you do not need to wear a mask in outdoor settings.
- In areas with high numbers of COVID-19 cases, consider wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings and for activities with close contact with others who are not fully vaccinated.
- If you are fully vaccinated, see When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated.
Safer Celebrations
Celebrating virtually or with the people you live with is the safest choice. If you do gather with people who don’t live with you, gatherings and activities held outdoors are safer than indoor gatherings.
- Host a virtual gathering with friends and family.
- Drive or walk around your community to wave to neighbors from a safe distance.
- Take a food or gift to family, friends, and neighbors in a way that does not involve contact with others, such as leaving them at the door.
- Throw a virtual dance party and collaborate with friends and family on a playlist.
- Celebrate outside with neighbors and friends.
- Volunteer to help others in need.
- Attend a virtual ceremony or celebration.
In addition to following the steps that everyone can take to make the holidays safer, take these additional steps if attending a gathering to make your celebration safer:
- Have conversations ahead of time to understand expectations for celebrating together.
- Know when to wear a mask.
- Do not attend or host a gathering if you are sick or have symptoms of COVID-19.
- If celebrating indoors, bring in fresh air by opening windows and doors, if possible. You can use a window fan in one of the open windows to blow air out of the window. This will pull fresh air in through the other open windows.