Should not matter.

Monday is a holiday for many, so less traffic.

Jan 1 should be okay If they went to parties they will be home on Sunday. Finding. You may want to consider going to larger travel plaza for Food and gas. Good luck

I would do today https://www.wfla.com/community/holidays/the-worst-days-for-christmas-travel-in-2022-according-to-aaa/amp/

Yeah today will be better as many travel in the last day of holidays. Besides, it’s likely 14 hrs drive and breaks if you’re coming all the way across NJ. My daughter just did this drive to visit for the Xmas weekend. You also have the extra day to give you a some options if anything changes on the trip here.

Hey, a UIUC student / alumni? I also went to UIUC and live in NJ. The drive is like 13-14 hours if you’re doing it all in one go. Like others have said, today and Monday are both holidays for many. If you’re splitting the trip into two days, it would be best to leave today.

Thanks! My daughter is a PhD candidate at UI. I live in Clifton. 13-14 hours sounds doable in 1 go.