No one celebrates Christmas better than the Filipinos. Christmas in Philippines is known worldwide for being the longest-running Christmas celebration. The country is famously renowned for starting their celebrations months before. The Philippines Christmas has become a wonderland, becoming one of the biggest tourist attractions worldwide to celebrate Christmas. One of the Christmas traditions in the Philippines is that they start their Christmas preparations in September. Called the ‘Ber Months’, Filipinos get their Christmas spirits on at the start of September, and the celebrations run till the first Sunday of January. With over three months of Christmas celebrations in the Philippines and some fantastic places to visit, you cannot have a better experience for the upcoming Christmas than here in the Philippines.
Top Things To Do In Christmas In Philippines
Since the Christmas tradition in the Philippines begins early, choosing when to visit and what to do can be challenging. We bring you a list of things you can do here, places to visit and traditions to follow during the merriest time of the year.
1. Make Your Parol
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Parols are one of the Philippines’ most significant and oldest Christmas traditions. These are lanterns whose frames are made from bamboo and decorating papers. The significance of these beautiful lanterns is that they guided many locals and villagers across the country to churches and chapels for praying. This made them a staple symbol for the spirit of Christmas around the country.
It’s a common tradition in the country to make one’s own Parols and put them in their homes and other places. You can make your own Parol here, acquaint yourself with the country’s culture and traditions and light up your place and yourself with the spirit of this festival. Whilst here, learn how to celebrate Christmas in Philippines!
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2. Attend Simbang Gabi
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This is also one of the longest-running traditions in the country. Any devoted Christian has this on their list of things to do here. Simbang Gabi is a nine-day running mass starting on 16th December to worship and pray. Completing this mass is one of the most cultural experiences you can get here. There are many unique Christmas party themes in the Philippines. While you are here, stay in the hotels in Philippines.
It is done to honour the Virgin Mary and the farmers who worked there during the Spanish colonization. The farmers worked very early in the morning to avoid the sun’s heat at noon. The masses respect that by starting early in the morning every nine days, and it is said that people who complete this get one wish granted to them.
3. Participate In The Carol
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Carolling in the Philippines begins in September. This is one of the most famous ways Merry Christmas in the Philippines is made so merry. Many groups spread throughout the country go out on the streets and markets and perform various famous holiday songs in both the native language and English.
The best thing about this is that it is very open to everyone, and you can join them in their performances if you like to sing your heart out. This is one of the most fun experiences tourists can have around the country, singing merry songs and mingling with the locals. Over the past few years, the Carolling has also become one of the most significant sources of donations to charities nationwide.
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4. Head To Pampanga
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Pampanga is perhaps the best place to be during Christmas in the Philippines. Christmas in the Philippines is not a complete experience without visiting this city. Pampanga hosts the famous Giant Lantern Festival and has been doing it for the past 80 years.
The festival is one of the most aesthetically pleasing things you can see worldwide. The whole city is covered in the lights of lanterns made by locals, many of them Parols, and the city shines brightly at night, giving you some of the most spectacular sceneries you will ever come across. The drive to the city is also breathtaking, making the trip here even better.
5. Be A Part Of Noche Buena
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One of the best Christmas food traditions in the Philippines is Noche Buena, a grand festival celebration with massive food. It is one of the best places to get food for Christmas in Philippines. While you are there, make sure to try Indian restaurants in Philippines.
Primarily a family tradition, families around the country prepare a lot of food on Christmas Eve, including some of the most famous local delicacies like queso de bola, hams, pancit, lechon, puto bumbong and many more. You can acquaint yourself with the families here and enjoy the delicious and fulfilling food served during this time of the year.
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6. Go To Baguio Country Club
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A very elaborate Christmas village built for celebrations, Baguio Country Club is the place for any tourist looking for a spectacular show. The country club opened recently but has become one of the biggest attractions in the country for Christmas because of its stunning light show and artificial snow.
Tourists can enjoy proper Christmas weather here, with artificial snow and cold weather. The club also houses many structures made from recycled materials by artists around this time. Whether you are travelling alone or with your family, enjoy traditional Christmas in the Philippines. When there, check out the resorts in Philippines for a comfortable staycation.
7. Visit Itbayat
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Many people visit Itbayat because of its cold weather. The northernmost town of the Philippines is situated far from the equator, hence the cold weather. This is the place for people looking to celebrate Christmas in cold weather.
From November to February, the Philippines becomes a winter wonderland for tourists, surrounded by mountains and temperatures as low as 5 degrees Celsius. Christmas food is also one of the city’s biggest attractions, with every place serving local delicacies to satiate tourists’ hunger. The Philippines’ weather in December can be harsh, so we recommend packing seasonal clothing accordingly.
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8. Visit Davao City To Relax
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Being part of all the Christmas traditions, celebrations, chores, and everything else is tiring. So, once you’re done with that, you can head to Davao City for some relaxing time to rejuvenate yourself and prepare for New Year’s. It’s a long-known Christmas in the Philippines facts.
It is a place where locals and tourists alike come to have a tranquillizing time. The city also has the highest peak in the country, which you can climb or drive up to, according to your liking. You can enjoy a magnificent Christmas breeze and a photogenic view of the city covered in mist. Moreover, while you are here, explore romantic places in Davao City for a great vacation.
9. Shop At Local Bazaars
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During the end of the year, all the malls and shopping places drop their prices, making it a merry occasion to buy Christmas gifts in the Philippines. Since this also happens to be the 13th month of pay for the local employees, the month of December is where most of the shopping in the country takes place, by locals and tourists alike.
All the bazaars became more like a celebration of items, where people bought many things and gave them to their relatives, friends, and the poor. The gift-giving is one of the city’s purest and most important traditions, and this month marks a perfect time to get involved.
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10. Enjoy At Snow World, Star City
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This is the perfect spot to hit for people looking for a more serene and relaxing time and who don’t want to travel far from the city of Manila. Snow World in Star City is an enclosed emporium offering visitors a chance to experience a snowy white Christmas in an otherwise warm country.
With many attractions inside, like igloos, snow sculptures, themed train rides for kids, long ice slides, and much more, Snow World is a must-visit place for families looking for a fun time with their kids. This also makes Star City one of the best places to visit in the Philippines.
11. Witness The Largest Christmas Tree
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Tagum city features the most giant Christmas tree in the country every year. It is a sight to behold, as it breaks its record yearly, with trees as high as a 20-storey building. The last year’s record was a staggering 180 feet. You’ll have to look at it from some distance to enjoy its beauty. Celebration of Christmas in the Philippines is one of the magical things to experience.
Over the years, it has become one of the biggest local and tourist attractions, to see the tree light up in all its magnificence. A detour to Tagum is also one of the best things to do in Philippines.
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With so much going on for three long months of non-stop celebrations, the Philippines certainly delivers when it comes to giving its visitors the best possible wholesome Christmas experience. With this list of the best things to do here during Christmas in the Philippines, you can surely take nothing but good memories to share with your friends and families for years to come. So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Philippines now!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Christmas In Philippines
What makes Christmas in the Philippines unique?
Noche Buena and the tasty Filipino food make Christmas in the Philippines unique.
What are the Christmas traditions in the Philippines?
The Christmas traditions in the Philippines are making Parols and caroling.
How do they celebrate Christmas in the Philippines?
To celebrate Christmas in the Philippines, there are early masses held that are known as ‘Misa de Gallo’ or ‘Simbang Gabi’. The last mass continues till the first Sunday of January and on this day the Feast of the Three Kings is celebrated.
How long does Christmas last in the Philippines?
The Philippines is that destination where the Christmas celebrations last for the longest. It’s not just a day but an entire Christmas season. Christmas in the Philippines lasts for a total of three months.
Where is Christmas celebrated in the Philippines?
There are many places where Christmas is celebrated in the Philippines with Bacolod City, Zambales, Palawan, Manila, Baguio City, and Cavite being the most popular.
What is the famous Christmas food in the Philippines?
The famous Christmas meal that Filipinos enjoy includes a fruit salad, buko pandan, fruitcake, leche flan, baboy, noodles, Lumpia, viands, and more.
What is the weather like during Christmas in the Philippines?
The weather in December in the Philippines is nothing less than comfortable and pleasant. The temperature hovers anywhere between 22 degrees Celsius and 32 degrees Celsius.
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As a Travel Content Writer, I live to conquer the world of globetrotting with words. With my unquenchable thirst for storytelling, I believe that my words will inspire you to travel around the world’s breathtaking landscapes. As for me, I am an unapologetic selenophile, who loves to wander around in a starry night!