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The best places to spend Christmas in the Philippines are San Fernando, Pampanga, the “Christmas Capital” and home of the Giant Lantern Festival in mid-December; Metro Manila for light shows, Simbang Gabi at historic churches and holiday shopping; Baguio for cool mountain weather; Vigan for a heritage Christmas; Cebu, which flows straight into Sinulog in January; Davao for its city-wide Christmas celebration; and Boracay or Bohol for a warm beach holiday. December is peak season, so book flights and hotels early.
Planning a holiday trip? Lock in tours early, because December sells out fast.
Best Christmas destinations at a glance
| Destination | Best for | Christmas highlight | Weather |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Fernando, Pampanga | Lanterns and food | Giant Lantern Festival (Ligligan Parul), mid-December | Warm and dry |
| Metro Manila | Lights, churches, shopping | Light shows, Simbang Gabi, Divisoria bazaars | Warm and dry |
| Baguio | Cool-weather Christmas | Sweater weather, night markets, holiday lights | Cool, especially at night |
| Vigan, Ilocos Sur | Heritage and romance | Christmas lights on Spanish-era streets | Warm days, cool nights |
| Cebu | Faith and festivals | Simbang Gabi at the Basilica, then Sinulog in January | Warm, occasional rain |
| Davao City | City celebration | Pasko Fiesta lights and events | Warm, occasional rain |
| Boracay and Bohol | Beach holiday | Christmas on the beach, New Year by the sea | Warm; Boracay is in its best season |
Where to spend Christmas in the Philippines
- San Fernando, Pampanga: the Christmas Capital Home of the Giant Lantern Festival (Ligligan Parul), where barangays compete with lanterns about 20 feet wide, lit by thousands of bulbs dancing to music. The competition is held in mid-December at Robinsons Starmills, and the lanterns are then exhibited around the city until January 1. In 2025, displays ran from December 14 to January 1. Pair it with Kapampangan food; see our Pampanga delicacies guide.
- Metro Manila Makati’s light shows at Ayala Triangle Gardens, festive malls, Simbang Gabi at historic churches like those in Intramuros and Quiapo, and bargain shopping at Divisoria. Manila is also the easiest base for day trips to Pampanga.
Christmas lights at Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati. - Baguio The Philippines’ cool-weather Christmas, with chilly nights, warm drinks, the Session Road night market and holiday lights. It’s very popular during the holidays, so expect traffic. See our Baguio guide.
Session Road at Christmas, Baguio. - Vigan, Ilocos Sur Spanish-era streets glowing with Christmas lights and a slower, romantic holiday mood. See our Vigan guide.
Calle Crisologo in Vigan. - Cebu A deeply faithful Christmas, with Simbang Gabi at the Basilica del Santo Niño, family feasts with lechon, and the build-up to Sinulog in January. Add a beach day in Mactan. See things to do in Cebu.
The Basilica del Santo Niño, Cebu City. - Davao City Davao celebrates with its city-wide Pasko Fiesta, with Christmas lights, events and family-friendly displays in public parks. See our Davao guide.
Christmas lights during Davao’s Pasko Fiesta. - Boracay Prefer sand to snow? December falls in Boracay’s best season, with calm seas and sunsets, and the island is festive through New Year. Book early. See our Boracay guide.
Sunset on White Beach, Boracay. - Bohol A quieter beach-and-countryside Christmas, with Panglao’s beaches, the Chocolate Hills and Simbang Gabi in centuries-old churches.
A beach Christmas in the Philippines. Illustrative image.
Christmas season calendar
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| September 1 onward | The “ber months” begin; Christmas songs and decorations appear in malls |
| Mid-December | Giant Lantern Festival competition in San Fernando, Pampanga |
| December 16–24 | Simbang Gabi: nine dawn or evening Masses before Christmas |
| December 24 | Christmas Eve and Noche Buena, the midnight family feast |
| December 25 | Christmas Day; many businesses close or open late |
| December 30 | Rizal Day holiday |
| December 31 – January 1 | New Year’s Eve, Media Noche and fireworks |
| Third Sunday of January | Sinulog in Cebu, closing the long holiday season |
Learn more about the traditions in our Christmas in the Philippines guide, and what’s on the table in our traditional Filipino Christmas food guide.
Tips for traveling at Christmas
- Book early. December is peak season for flights, ferries and hotels, especially from about December 20 to January 2.
- Expect crowds and traffic, especially in Manila, Baguio and at airports and ports.
- Plan around December 24–25, when many shops and restaurants close early or open late.
- Check the weather. Late-season typhoons can still hit in December; leave buffer days. See our best time to visit guide.
- Get travel insurance for holiday trips. See our travel insurance guide.
- Flying abroad after the holidays? Sort out your Philippine travel tax and eTravel before you reach the airport.
- Carry cash and small bills for markets, tips and festive stalls. See money in the Philippines.
Peak-season prices add up fast. Add flights, hotels, food and tours in our free trip budget calculator.
Book your Christmas trip
Tours and day trips at the best Christmas destinations. Klook bookings often include free cancellation.
Christmas in the Philippines: travel FAQ
Where is the best place to spend Christmas in the Philippines?
San Fernando, Pampanga is the best place for a true Filipino Christmas, thanks to its Giant Lantern Festival. Baguio is best for cool weather, Metro Manila for lights and shopping, and Boracay for a beach Christmas.
Why is Pampanga called the Christmas Capital of the Philippines?
San Fernando, Pampanga is famous for its giant parol lanterns and its annual Giant Lantern Festival, where barangays compete with huge, music-synchronized lanterns every December.
When is the Giant Lantern Festival?
The Giant Lantern Festival is held every December in San Fernando, Pampanga. The competition usually takes place in mid-December at Robinsons Starmills, with lantern exhibitions around the city until January 1. Check the City of San Fernando’s announcements for the exact date each year.
Is December a good time to visit the Philippines?
Yes. December is part of the cool, dry season in much of the country and is full of festivities, but it’s also peak season, with higher prices and crowds. Book early and allow for late-season typhoons.
Where can I spend a cold Christmas in the Philippines?
Baguio is the classic cool-weather Christmas destination, with chilly nights in December. Tagaytay is a closer, milder option from Manila.
Can I spend Christmas on the beach in the Philippines?
Yes. Boracay, Bohol, Palawan and Cebu’s beaches are popular for a warm Christmas. December is a great time for Boracay, but book rooms well in advance.
What is Simbang Gabi?
Simbang Gabi is a series of nine dawn or evening Masses from December 16 to 24, one of the most important Filipino Christmas traditions.
Are shops and restaurants open on Christmas Day in the Philippines?
Many close early on December 24 and stay closed or open late on December 25, especially smaller businesses. Malls and hotels are more likely to be open, so plan meals ahead.
Make this Christmas one to remember. Plan your holiday trip early.
Cebu-born travel writer raised between Cebu and Dumaguete, now based in Zamboanga del Sur, Mindanao. Gio writes Best Philippines Travel Guide to help travelers enjoy the Philippines all year round.