Are you thinking of traveling to the Philippines at Christmas and not sure what you’re going to find? Don’t worry, below we’re going to tell you all about this celebration in our favorite Southeast Asian country, the one we’ve been exploring for more than 15 years. Discover what the traditions are like here, what the weather is like at this time of year and, most importantly, what it’s like to visit the Philippines at Christmas so you can plan your next holiday.
How is Christmas celebrated in the Philippines?
If you’ve done a bit of research for your next trip to the Philippines, you can probably already imagine why it’s the Asian country where Christmas is celebrated with the greatest intensity. In a country of more than 100 million people, of whom 92% identify as Christian, the Christmas spirit won’t be lacking if you’re spending Christmas in the Philippines.
Christmas in the Philippines, the longest in the world
August ends and Filipinos rush to bring out the Christmas decorations. Believe it or not, as soon as the months ending in –BER begin, with september being the first, it’s no longer strange to see a Christmas tree or hear carols in shopping malls — Christmas in the Philippines has officially begun. Usually it lasts until the first week of January, but don’t be surprised to see decorations well into the month (or much later) when they roll right into Valentine’s Day.
But why is it so long? Besides the fact that they love anything to do with a celebration, it stems from the values of their society. Filipinos are extremely family‑oriented, but many of them also live outside the country or their provinces, so they start preparing the “home for Christmas” trip well in advance.
Filipino Christmas traditions
Here are some of the most popular Christmas traditions in the Philippines:
- Misa del Gallo or Simbang Gabi: the dawn masses that begin on December 16 (between 3:00 and 5:00) and continue for 9 straight days (novenas) until the 24th.
- Panunulúyan: on the night of the 24th, the moment when Mary and Joseph are said to have wandered seeking shelter before the birth of baby Jesus is reenacted. After being turned away from many houses, they arrive at the church, where they stay and the Midnight Mass begins.
- Noche Buena: as in many other countries, the Philippines also celebrates Christmas Eve (in Tagalog Noche Buena) on the night of December 24. After a mass held at midnight, the family gathers for a feast. Many also exchange gifts at this time.
- Christmas Day: on December 25 it’s common for Filipinos to visit relatives, especially their elders. Something very traditional at any time of year is Págmamáno, a sign of respect in which the younger person places the back of the elder’s hand on their forehead while saying “mano po”. The elder usually gives a blessing and the difference at Christmas is that an aguinaldo, a sum of money, is often given. A special lunch and sometimes dinner are also common, followed by karaoke, chats and games.
- Christmas decorations in the Philippines: in many homes, shops and other buildings such as churches it’s common to see a paról (lantern). It’s a colorful representation of the Star of Bethlehem, usually lit at night. It’s also normal to find a nativity scene like the ones you can see in Europe.
- Carols: did you think you’d escape them this year? Christmas in the Philippines wouldn’t be complete without music and they also sing carols. Many children go house to house singing in hopes of receiving an aguinaldo. Here’s one of the most popular, by Jose Mari Chan, the Filipino singer‑songwriter best known for his Christmas songs:
Christmas foods in the Philippines
Since many Christmas traditions in the Philippines came from the Christianization begun by the Spanish, many of the dishes you’ll see on the tables at this time of year were inherited from them. For example, on Noche Buena a feast that includes hamon (Christmas ham), quezo de bola (yes, the typical ball cheese), lechon, pancit, chicken galantina or relleno (chicken stuffed with other meats and egg), turrones, castanas, fruit salad (fruit salad with condensed milk and cream), ensaimada and fruitcake is common.
However, there are also pre‑Christian rice‑based dishes. The most popular is bibingka, a rice and coconut‑milk cake cooked in clay pots and covered with banana leaves. It’s very common to find it sold outside churches, especially after the novenas we mentioned earlier. Christmas in the Philippines wouldn’t be the same without puto‑bumbong, another rice dessert steamed in bamboo tubes and notable for its curious purple color.
If you’re curious about the cuisine, don’t miss our article What to eat in the Philippines? 25 local dishes and drinks.
Unusual places in the Philippines at Christmas
For us, spending Christmas in the Philippines means doing it in the most tropical way possible: being on a beautiful island where we can enjoy the beach, sit down to dinner by the sea and, ultimately, make the most of what the country offers. However, if you’re looking for something quirkier that oozes that Christmas vibe you’re after, here are some ideas:
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- San Fernando, Pampanga: north of Manila lies what’s known as the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines”. This is where the most beautiful paról lanterns are made and where you’ll see the most impressive decorations. In fact, every year a giant lantern festival, the Ligligan Parul, is held. There are also lubenas processions, that is, lanterns in the shape of biblical figures before each novena.
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- Manila: the city becomes a little calmer and the Christmas decorations soften it. The most interesting corners are Policarpio St. in Mandaluyong, since all the neighbors decorate their homes beautifully, and the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati, which host a light show from 18:00 to 22:00 every 30 minutes. If you want to buy gifts or typical decorations, nothing beats Divisoria market.
Fireworks in Manila
New Year’s Eve in the Philippines: how is it celebrated?
Are you planning to spend New Year’s Eve in the Philippines? Then you might be curious to know how this night is celebrated here.
Media Noche also has many Spanish influences. That’s why a dinner similar to Noche Buena is usually held, but with ingredients that bring luck for the year to come. Thus, in some places you’ll see a plate with 12 round fruits (the circle has no end, implying infinite prosperity), noodles (because they lengthen life) and “sticky” desserts (so the family stays united).
Although they aren’t traditions as widely followed as the Christmas ones, many Filipinos also tend to wear polka‑dot clothing (for the same reason of circles), encourage children to jump at at midnight so they’ll grow taller, set off firecrackers and fireworks to scare away evil spirits and leave doors and windows (including wardrobes and drawers) open so good energy can enter.
In the vast majority of tourist spots such as El Nido, Port Barton, Bohol or Siargao, it’s not unusual to find a very festive atmosphere. Fireworks are common, as are special dinners in many restaurants and hotels, and parties that go on until the early hours.
Meanwhile, in Manila you’ll see the most spectacular fireworks and many restaurants or bars located at the top of skyscrapers offer dinners for the occasion and a place to enjoy them. At Okada Manila there’s an extravagant countdown with fountain shows, live music and, of course, fireworks.
Even so, our favorite spot to spend New Year’s Eve in the Philippines will always be Malapascua. This is where we have great friends and many memories, and we like its slightly more intimate vibe. We always look for a cool place for dinner and then we never miss the countdown on Bounty Beach, where fireworks are also often seen around Ocean Vida, which in recent years has put on a great bash with DJs. Afterwards, we end up at the “Disco Party” dancing with the whole town on the basketball court.
New Year’s Eve in Malapascua
Weather at Christmas in the Philippines
One of the things we like most about spending Christmas in the Philippines is the weather. We’re very tropical, so we love the idea of spending these dates in shorts and flip‑flops.
As we tell you in When to travel to the Philippines, December is the start of the dry season in much of the country and it’s also one of the “cooler” months. Average temperatures sit in a comfortable range between 22ºC and 32ºC, so it’s hot, but sleeping is easier. If you’re thinking of going to the Baguio and Cordillera area in Luzon, keep in mind that this is the coldest time of the year and the mercury can drop below 10ºC.
You already know that weather in the Philippines is unpredictable, but if you want to ensure a lower chance of rain, focus on any part of the country that isn’t the south. For example, in Siargao it’s rainy season at Christmas.
You’ll find much more information about all this here: Travel to the Philippines in December and Travel to the Philippines in January.
What is it like to visit the Philippines at Christmas?
As you’ve seen, Christmas in the Philippines is celebrated passionately and the weather usually plays along, so you have a great chance of enjoying your trip and spending a holiday different from what you’re used to.
Beyond the thrill of being in a foreign country with vastly different landscapes, you also get to experience unique seasonal traditions and stunning decorations. What’s more, Filipinos are even happier to welcome you and won’t hesitate to wish you a maligayang pasko or malipayong/maayong pasko, that is, a Merry Christmas in Tagalog and Bisaya, respectively.
Whether solo, as a couple, with friends or with family, you’ll always find something to do and a good atmosphere. It’s up to you what you feel like, because no trip to the Philippines is the same. You can opt for better‑known or more remote places, enjoy the beach, climb a volcano, a mountain, take a dip in a waterfall, delve into the history of the Philippines, go diving… In Things to do in the Philippines you can get a good idea of the variety the archipelago offers.
The key difference when traveling around the Philippines at Christmas is that there are more people on the move than usual. To international tourists you must add domestic travelers and, above all, Filipinos going home to visit their families. It’s high season, so accommodation and flight prices go up and, in many cases, seats on hotels, planes, boats and buses sell out. Therefore, if you plan to visit the Philippines at Christmas, we always recommend booking your accommodation and transport as far in advance as possible so you don’t miss out.
Of course, this doesn’t happen in areas less visited by tourism, and bear in mind that the Philippines has more than 7,000 islands, so there are always options for a much quieter trip.
Yap Sandiego Ancestral House in Cebu City
Where to go in the Philippines at Christmas
We’ve already given you a few hints above, but it all depends on what you feel like doing during your Christmas in the Philippines. We’re fans of relaxed places and we don’t like getting overwhelmed by mass tourism, so we always go for somewhere less well‑known or a middle‑ground choice like Malapascua.
If what you want is a big party, we’d choose Siargao, El Nido or Boracay. Places where you also won’t be short of atmosphere include Port Barton and Bohol.
If you want to avoid crowds and, above all, the higher prices for accommodation, nothing beats heading to less touristy places in the Philippines such as Romblon, Pagudpud or Caramoan, to name a few. Booking in advance also pays off in less touristy places that offer better value for money, like Siquijor or Camiguin. They won’t be empty, but they offer a more relaxed Christmas vibe.
As always, we encourage you to read a lot about the different places (there’s tons of information on our website!) and see whether they match what you’re looking for.
In terms of weather, conditions usually cooperate more in Luzon, the Visayas and Palawan and less in Mindanao (basically Siargao). However, you already know this isn’t an exact science.
Cresta de gallo
Tips for going to the Philippines at Christmas
Here is a list of tips we wish we’d known before our first Christmas trip to the Philippines:
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- The main one: book transport and accommodation well in advance. Really, not to sound alarmist, but we suggest doing it at least 6 weeks ahead. This is especially important if you’re thinking of celebrating the big days in places like Coron, El Nido, Boracay, Siargao or Bohol, which are very touristy. You can risk not booking, but don’t be surprised if you’re left with the worst and most expensive options. No complaints afterwards! Learn more about these aspects in Hotels in the Philippines and Domestic flights in the Philippines. If you’re the type who changes your mind easily, you already know that on Booking many hotels can be reserved with free cancellation.
- If you’re thinking of going to Coron and El Nido, book the boat between them as soon as possible. The price is the same online and you’ll save yourself the headache of missing out on a ticket. You can find more information in How to get from Coron to El Nido.
- Do private tours, especially the island‑hopping trips in El Nido and Coron. If we already recommend them at other times, this is when we’d advise them 100% because it’s much more crowded and you don’t want to feel like you’re being herded. It’s not essential, but if you can, arrange with the boatmen at least a month in advance (we can give you recommended contacts in all these places if you leave us a comment).
- Try to arrive at airports and ports a little earlier. With more travelers around, queues are usually longer.
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- Plan your Philippines itinerary a bit more loosely than you would at other times. We always tell you there can be unforeseen events, but at Christmas you may need more wiggle room, especially if you don’t want to have everything booked.
- And whether you’re spending Christmas in the Philippines or not, please don’t travel without good travel insurance. With this link you get a 5% discount on the one we always use and that has never let us down.
You’ll find much more information in Recommendations and tips for traveling to the Philippines and Philippines Guide.
We hope we’ve helped you understand what Christmas in the Philippines is like and to prepare your next adventure. You can leave us any questions in the comments and we’ll reply as soon as possible.
