Cheap Flights to the Philippines in December – A Smart Traveler’s Guide

Every December, millions of Filipinos abroad dream about heading home for the holidays. But when you start searching for tickets, reality hits - finding cheap flights to the Philippines in December feels almost impossible.

The truth? December is the busiest travel month for balikbayans. Airports are crowded, airlines are packed, and fares climb higher as the days go by. But with the right timing and a few smart moves, you can still save big - and enjoy one of the most festive months of the year back home.

December in the Philippines: More Than Just Christmas

While most people think of Christmas and New Year when they hear “Philippines in December,” there’s a whole calendar of events and celebrations you can experience.

• Feast of the Immaculate Conception (Dec 8) - A holy day with processions, music, and flowers in cities and towns nationwide.

• Simbang Gabi (Dec 16-24) - Nine early-morning Masses before Christmas Day. Locals believe attending all nine brings special blessings.

• Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando, Pampanga - Mid-month, the city becomes a sea of dazzling lights with lanterns taller than people.

• Kamundagan Festival in Naga City - Cultural performances and parades that run all December.

• Bikol Pastores in Legazpi - Young dancers and singers dressed as shepherds bring Christmas spirit to the streets.

• Maytinis Festival in Kawit, Cavite - A touching reenactment of the biblical search for a place to stay.

• And to close the year - the loud, colorful putukan on New Year’s Eve, with firecrackers and fireworks lighting up the night sky.

Why December Is a Popular Travel Month

• Best weather: Dry season means sunny days, cooler evenings, and fewer typhoons.

• Family reunions: The holidays are the only time many families can be together.

• Festive atmosphere: From malls to small towns, every corner is decorated.

The Best Time to Book a December Flight

The golden rule: book early.

If you’re serious about getting cheap flights to the Philippines in December, the best time to book a flight to Philippines is at least 6 to 9 months ahead. Airlines often release promo fares early in the year - and they sell out fast.

Booking tips:

• Watch for seat sales in March to May.

• Fly before December 15 to avoid peak fares.

• Compare airline tickets Toronto to Manila, Cebu, and even Clark - you might find better deals on alternate airports.

• Check with your Filipino travel agent regularly - Ask them to see what their Global Distribution System (GDS) shows at the moment you inquire. If the price fits your budget, buy the ticket right away. Waiting even a day or two can mean the fare is gone or replaced with a higher one.

Is December the Cheapest Month to Travel?

No. The cheapest month to travel to Philippines is usually in the first quarter of the year or during September’s off-season. But if December is the only time you can go, booking early and being flexible with your travel dates can still save you hundreds.

A travel agency for Filipinos - especially a trusted biyaheng Pinoy travel agent - can help you secure better rates by monitoring airline promos and advising you on less obvious routes.

Toronto to the Philippines: How to Cut Costs

Flying from Canada means you’re dealing with long-haul fares. Here’s how to keep your costs down:

• Check nearby airports - Flights from Hamilton or Buffalo can sometimes be cheaper.

• Use split-ticketing - Book Toronto to a major Asian hub, then a separate ticket to the Philippines.

• Be Very Flexible - Shifting your departure or return by one or two days can make a big difference.

• Mix and match airlines - Don’t limit yourself to one carrier; combinations can be cheaper.

Making the Most of Your December Trip

Since you’re paying peak season rates, extend your trip to enjoy more than just Christmas dinner. You could:

• Attend local fiestas.

• Take a short beach getaway.

• Visit cooler highland towns for a change of scenery.

• If you have extra time, consider flying to nearby ASEAN countries like Thailand, Vietnam, or Malaysia. Buying these packages while you’re already in the Philippines is often much cheaper than booking them from Canada - sometimes the savings are big enough to cover a few extra days of travel.

Whether you’re heading to Manila, Cebu, Davao, or the provinces, December offers a rare mix of perfect weather and festive energy. Just remember: the earlier you start planning, the more you’ll save - and the more time you’ll have to enjoy the celebrations.