01 · When to book
Aim for late October to mid-November
Google Flights' 2026 analysis says Christmas fares hit their lowest about 56 days before departure, with the best deals between late October and mid-November. That is five days earlier than last year (Google).
For a December 20 departure, 56 days out is about October 25. If you have not booked yet, now is a good time to start watching fares.
This data is from US departures, but holiday patterns from Pearson tend to follow the same shape. Use it as a guide, not a promise.
02 · Cheaper days
Which days to fly
KAYAK's 2026 holiday data found December 23 and 24 were the best-value international departure days, and December 18 the priciest. For coming back, December 31 international departures came in up to 40% below December 26 (KAYAK). These are US averages, so treat them as a rough guide.
Google also found that a connecting flight averaged about 20% cheaper than a nonstop, and flying midweek saved about 14% versus weekends (Google, US data).
03 · School dates
When Toronto schools are out
TDSB's winter break runs December 21, 2026 to January 1, 2027. The last day of school is Friday, December 18, and classes start again Monday, January 4 (TDSB). Other boards may differ, so check yours.
So expect Friday, December 18 and Saturday, December 19 to be busy for family departures, and January 2 and 3 to be busy for returns.
04 · Where to go
Home for the holidays or somewhere warm
Visiting family across Canada? Start with Toronto to Vancouver or Toronto to Montréal.
Want sun instead? See our winter sun guide for the new Pearson nonstops, or compare RedTag.ca holiday packages.
Early flight on the 19th? A hotel near Pearson the night before can save you a stressful drive.
Travelling outside Canada over the holidays? Check whether you need travel insurance.
Do I need travel insurance? Take the 1-minute quiz →The quiz is free. If you then get a quote, it's from our partner TuGo, and we may earn a commission.
FAQ
Traveller questions
When should I book Christmas flights from Toronto?+
Ideally between late October and mid-November. Google Flights data puts the lowest Christmas fares about 56 days before departure.
What is the cheapest day to fly at Christmas?+
KAYAK's 2026 data found December 23 and 24 were the best-value international departure days, and December 18 the most expensive.
When is the TDSB winter break in 2026?+
December 21, 2026 to January 1, 2027. School resumes January 4, 2027.
Is it too late to book in December?+
You can still find seats, but fares usually climb as the holidays get closer, so book as soon as your dates are set.
Sources
Where these facts come from
Last checked October 12, 2026. Schedules and rules change, so always confirm with the airline or the official source before you book or travel.
- Google, holiday travel trends and tips 2026 (Oct 5, 2026): https://blog.google/products-and-platforms/products/search/holiday-travel-trends-2026/
- KAYAK, 2026 holiday travel check-in (Sep 29, 2026): https://www.kayak.com/news/holiday-travel-check-in/
- TDSB, 2026–27 school year key dates: https://www.tdsb.on.ca/Portals/0/docs/2026-27%20TDSB%20School%20Year%20Calendar%20Key%20Dates.pdf