As winter tightens its grip on Canada, The Bahamas is rolling out a warmer welcome than ever for sun-seeking travellers. The island nation is enhancing its air connectivity significantly, with a notable focus on Canadian gateways, just in time for its world-renowned and UNESCO-listed Junkanoo festival season.
Expanded Air Access from Canada and the U.S.
The 2025-2026 winter season marks a major leap in travel convenience from the Great White North. A total of 45 weekly flights will now connect Canadian cities directly to The Islands of The Bahamas. Leading the charge, Porter Airlines has announced new direct routes to Nassau from Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), Ottawa Macdonald–Cartier International Airport (YOW), and John C. Hamilton International Airport (YHM).
Furthermore, Air Canada is launching new nonstop services from Ottawa (YOW) and Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) to Nassau. These flights will operate from December 5, 2025, through April 10, 2026, offering Atlantic Canadians a straightforward path to tropical shores.
South of the border, U.S. carriers are also ramping up service. Key developments include:
- JetBlue adding a new daily flight from Boston (BOS) to Nassau starting December 18, 2025.
- Frontier Airlines resuming weekly nonstops to Nassau from multiple U.S. cities.
- American Airlines boosting holiday travel to the Out Islands with three daily flights from Miami to Marsh Harbour and North Eleuthera from December 18, 2025, to January 5, 2026.
- Delta Air Lines increasing service from New York, Atlanta, and Miami to Nassau, and expanding its Detroit and Minneapolis routes.
- New routes from Bahamasair and Tradewind Aviation improving access to Eleuthera and Abaco.
The Heartbeat of Bahamian December: Junkanoo and Festive Events
This increased airlift arrives perfectly for the archipelago's most vibrant cultural season. The centrepiece is Junkanoo, a spectacular street parade of music, dance, and art that is the national festival. Inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2023, its origins trace back to celebrations by enslaved West Africans during their brief Christmas holidays.
The main parades in Nassau are scheduled for Boxing Day (December 26) and New Year's Day (January 1). Thousands of participants in elaborate, hand-crafted costumes move to the thunderous rhythm of goatskin drums, brass horns, and cowbells, creating an unforgettable sensory experience. Similar celebrations occur on Grand Bahama, Bimini, Eleuthera, and Abaco.
Beyond Junkanoo, the December calendar is packed with events:
Christmas in Downtown Nassau transforms Bay Street into a festive wonderland, featuring a tree lighting ceremony on December 1 accompanied by a Junkanoo "rushout."
The Exuma Annual Christmas Lighting & Festivities on December 5 in George Town includes local performances, Santa's arrival by boat, and fireworks over Elizabeth Harbour.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, the Bahamas International Film Festival (BIFF) runs from December 7 to 14 across Nassau and Harbour Island. This year, it will honour actor Anthony Mackie with the Sir Sidney Poitier Tribute Award and recognize Sawyer Spielberg with the Shining Star Tribute.
The popular Tingsmas Market returns on December 7 at the National Art Gallery, showcasing over 30 Bahamian artisans, food vendors, and interactive cultural experiences.
Ring in 2026 with Island-Style Celebrations
New Year's Eve offers two of the Caribbean's most legendary parties. Atlantis Paradise Island transforms into a neon wonderland with international DJs, celebrity performers, and a massive fireworks display. Neighbouring Baha Mar hosts a black-tie optional gala, rooftop parties, and its own synchronized fireworks show over the ocean.
With temperatures in the low 80s (high 20s Celsius), crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a cultural heartbeat that pulses through the streets, The Bahamas presents a compelling alternative to a Canadian winter. The significant expansion of flight options, particularly from Canadian hubs, makes this vibrant December escape more accessible than ever.
