The Christmas season in the Philippines is like no other. It’s the longest and brightest in the world – so colorful and full of music. If you’ve been away, now is the perfect time to rediscover the Filipino way of celebrating the holidays. Let these Christmas destinations in the Philippines fill your heart with warmth, joy, and delicious food!
Coming home for the holidays? Or maybe you’re a remote worker visiting the islands? The best place will make your day extra special. We all deserve a break, and learn to balance life and traveling.
Looking to live this lifestyle full-time? My eBook, The A-Z on Becoming a Digital Nomad, can help. It’s packed with tips to help you work remotely, travel smart, and stay connected while exploring the world, especially your own country.
So whether you want bright Christmas decorations and lights with visitors or simple traditions with family, there’s something here for you.
Cities That Sparkle With Lights
1. San Fernando, Pampanga – Giant Lantern Festival
San Fernando is the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines.” Its Giant Lantern Festival is famous around the world. Each barangay creates a huge, spinning lantern filled with color and light. This festival of lights and parols is a must-see. The festival happens in mid-December, so plan your trip to San Fernando City early.
Suggested stay: Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham San Fernando – Steps from the Giant Lantern Festival grounds
2. Makati City – Ayala Triangle Lights
Makati becomes a glowing city during December. The Ayala Triangle Garden Light Show is free and magical. Nearby malls play carols and show fun displays. Great for city lovers who want fast internet and easy access to cafés, co-working spaces, and hotels.
Suggested stay: Valero Grand Suites by Swiss-Belhotel Makati – Walking distance to Ayala Triangle
3. Quezon City – Araneta City’s Christmas on Display (COD)
This urban wonderland features light shows, rides, and the beloved COD, a long-running Filipino Christmas tradition. Perfect for families and kids.
Suggested stay: Novotel Manila Araneta Center – Close to COD festivities
4. Iloilo City – Festive Lights and Food
Iloilo is known for Dinagyang, but its Christmas scene is just as vibrant. Streets are lit up, and the food is unforgettable. You’ll find lechon, pancit molo, and other Ilonggo favorites in every corner.
Suggested stay: Richmonde Hotel Iloilo – Near major Christmas streets and food spots
5. Cebu City – Big City, Big Christmas Celebration
Parades, fireworks, and noche buena buffets make Cebu vibrant during Christmas. Perfect for travelers who love a mix of tradition and modern fun.
Suggested stay: Marco Polo Plaza Cebu – Central location for parades and noche buena buffets
Cool-Climate Retreats
6. Baguio City – The Christmas Village
Cold air, pine trees, and cozy sweaters. Baguio’s Christmas Village is like a holiday dream. With fake snow, lights, and live performances, kids and adults love it here. Plus, the city has strong Wi-Fi and great cafés for digital nomads.
Must-try: Warm up with bibingka or puto bumbong after joining Simbang Gabi at Baguio Cathedral.
Suggested stay: John Hay Hotels Garden Wing – Steps from Baguio’s Christmas Village
7. Sagada – Mountain Serenity
If you love cool weather and mountain views, Sagada is a great pick. It’s a quiet place to think, hike, and enjoy nature.
Celebrate Christmas with locals or fellow travelers at a small café or inn. Some offer Wi-Fi, but bring a backup, like Eskimo eSIM.
Suggested stay: Sagada Heritage Village – Cozy rooms near the town center and hiking trails
8. Tagaytay – Cold Breezes and Noche Buena
Tagaytay is close to Manila and cooler in December. You can enjoy Simbang Gabi at pink-walled churches and eat bulalo with friends after. Cafés here are laptop-friendly too.
Suggested stay: Taal Vista Hotel – Overlooking Taal Lake, close to Tagaytay’s churches
9. Bacolod City & Don Salvador Benedicto (Negros Occidental)
Bacolod City is known for its food and smiles, and during Christmas, the joy doubles. Nearby Don Salvador Benedicto offers mountain views, cool climate, and peaceful cabins. You can celebrate big in the city attractions or stay quiet in the hills.
Suggested tour: Bacolod, The RUINS, Silay Tour – Close to city attractions, quiet mountain inns in Don Salvador Benedicto
10. Antipolo City – Overlooking Manila Lights
Visit Antipolo Cathedral, enjoy local delicacies like kasuy and suman, and watch Metro Manila’s Christmas skyline from above.
Suggested stay: Date and Dine Resort – Free Candlelight Dinner Overlooking City Lights
Island and Beach Christmas Getaways
11. El Nido – Peaceful Island Christmas
Want a calm, beach-style Christmas? El Nido in Palawan is quiet, beautiful, and relaxing. You won’t see huge lights or crowds. But you will get white sand, clear water, and peace. Perfect for reflection or writing in your journal.
Suggested stay: El Nido Resorts Miniloc Island – Close to beaches and festive resorts
12. Boracay Island – Festive Beach Bliss
Boracay isn’t just for summer. During December, the island sparkles with lights and events. Spend Christmas morning on powdery sand and enjoy beachside noche buena at night.
Suggested stay: Henann Lagoon Resort – Beachfront, decorated for holidays
13. Samal Island (Davao del Norte)
Just minutes from Davao City, Samal offers clear waters and island resorts decorated for the holidays. Great for family bonding.
Suggested stay: Pearl Farm Beach Resort – Private beachfront stay, family-friendly
14. Puerto Princesa, Palawan – Lights by the Bay
The Puerto Princesa Baywalk shines with parols, seafood feasts, and nightly carols. Add a visit to the Underground River for a Christmas adventure.
Suggested stay: Princesa Garden Island Resort – Near Baywalk and Underground River tours
15. Bohol – Chocolate Hills and Holiday Lights
Tagbilaran and Panglao come alive with lanterns and caroling. Combine nature trips with festive markets and noche buena by the beach.
Suggested stay: South Palms Resort Panglao – Close to Chocolate Hills and Panglao Beach
16. Camiguin – Island of Fire’s Christmas Glow
Camiguin is known for its Lanzones Festival, but its December nights glow with parols and fireworks. Small-town warmth makes it extra special.
Suggested stay: Paras Beach Resort – Near main island attractions and holiday festivities
Historic Towns With Holiday Charm
17. Vigan, Ilocos Sur – Calle Crisologo by Lantern Light
Vigan’s cobbled streets and old houses glow during the season. They decorate Calle Crisologo with Christmas lights and lanterns. Horse carriages, Spanish-era music, and hot choco make it feel like a Christmas movie.
Suggested stay: Vigan Plaza Hotel – Steps from Calle Crisologo and local Simbang Gabi celebrations
18. Dumaguete City – Gentle Christmas by the Sea
Dumaguete is famous for its friendly locals and laid-back coastal charm. During Christmas, the Rizal Boulevard glows with lanterns, and carols fill the air.
Families gather in plazas, while students from Silliman University often host holiday concerts. It’s a mix of culture, history, and sea breeze.
Suggested stay: The Bricks Hotel – Overlooking Rizal Boulevard and local festivities
19. Legazpi City, Albay – Christmas With a View of Mayon
Imagine Simbang Gabi under the perfect cone of Mayon Volcano. Legazpi mixes stunning landscapes with festive city decorations.
Suggested stay: Misibis Bay Resort – Panoramic views of Mayon Volcano, decorated for Christmas
20. Naga City, Camarines Sur – Pilgrim’s Christmas
Known as the Pilgrim City, Naga combines spirituality and festivity. Its plazas and churches glow during Simbang Gabi.
Suggested stay: Villa Caceres Hotel – Close to Naga’s plazas and churches for Simbang Gabi
21. General Santos City – Southern Holiday Spirit
GenSan offers festive markets, lantern parades, and family-friendly parks. Great for OFWs visiting family in Mindanao.
Suggested stay: The Royal Mandaya Hotel – Near city markets, parks, and festive activities
Rediscover the Magic of Paskong Pinoy!
There’s really nothing like the holiday season in the Philippines. From bright Christmas trees to natural beauty, Puerto Princesa or Bohol, Christmas carols or local delicacies – it’s possible!
Make this the longest Christmas celebrations yet! Coming home or visiting for the first time, this is the season to reconnect.
Bring your digital life with you, but don’t forget to unplug sometimes. Laugh, eat, and make memories. Celebrate with the people who matter most.
So pack your bags and plan your trip. The Philippines is waiting to welcome you home this Christmas.
Travel Essentials & Travel Tips
As someone who has spent many Christmas seasons traveling around the Philippines, from the lanterns of Pampanga to the beaches of Palawan, I’ve seen how magical and meaningful the holidays can be. The key is planning ahead so you can enjoy every celebration without stress. Here’s my list of must-haves for OFWs, families, and travelers to make the most of your Christmas in the Philippines:
- Best Time to Visit – Early to mid-December avoids holiday rush; peak dates like Dec 23–25 and New Year’s Eve are crowded and expensive.
- Dress Smart – Pack light clothing, warm layers for cooler regions, church clothes, and comfortable shoes for city, mountain, or island exploration.
- Capture Memories – Bring a camera or smartphone to photograph parols, lights, and local festivities.
- Travel Protected – Secure travel health insurance before departure for peace of mind.
- Plan Your Route – Book transportation or island transfers ahead, as ferries and flights fill up fast in December.
- Carry Cash – Useful for local markets, taxis, and street food.
- Work & Plan – Bring a laptop to organize itineraries, coordinate with family, or manage remote work.
- Stay Focused – Use a wireless headset during calls or virtual celebrations.
- Power Up – Carry a travel adapter to charge devices anywhere.
- Stay Connected – Use an Eskimo eSIM for reliable mobile data.
- Learn Anywhere – Practice or refresh languages with Rosetta Stone while traveling.
Pro Tip: Prepare your digital tools, essential devices, and travel documents in advance to ensure your Christmas in the Philippines is stress-free and fully enjoyable.
FAQs
The best time is early to mid-December to avoid holiday rush. Peak dates like December 23–25 and New Year’s Eve are crowded and expensive.
Yes, it’s smart to have one, especially if you’re traveling to remote areas or island provinces. Emergencies can happen, and having travel health insurance saves you time and stress.
Don’t miss lechon, bibingka, puto bumbong, pancit, and hot tsokolate. Many are served after Simbang Gabi.
Yes! Many cities and towns have light shows, caroling, parades, and Christmas markets. Ask locals for schedules or visit town halls for info.
