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There’s no snow but this could be the most festive place on Earth

Cath Botor Cath Botor
Ditch your romanticised view of a White Christmas and embrace the heat of an extra-long festive season in the Philippines.

Christmas or Paskong Pinoy starts early in the Philippines – it puts on one of the longest Christmas celebrations in the world. Filipinos start decorating their homes with colourful parols (lanterns) and Christmas lights as early as September and the festive fun continues to roll out until Christmas Day.

If you’re visiting over Christmas, here’s how to embrace the warmth of the holiday season in the Philippines with these top Filipino Christmas festivities and delicacies.

1. Witness the Giant Lantern Festival, Pampanga

Lighting up the streets of Pampanga, the Christmas Capital of the Philippines, are dazzling parols made from capiz shells. The time-honoured tradition started back in the 1900s when the townsfolk of Pampanga used to walk with a lantern in hand to light the electricity-deprived streets.

traditional star-shaped parols at night
Stargazing but make it merry and festive.

From the Spanish word farol or lantern, these star-like ornaments are quintessential elements of a typical Christmas in the Philippines. To celebrate the parol-making tradition and the remarkable craftsmanship of Pampangueños, the Giant Lantern Festival is held annually in mid-December, showcasing vibrant and spectacular lanterns as tall as 20 feet.

Giant Lantern Festival in Pampanga City, Philippines
Brightly coloured parols at the annual Giant Lantern Festival.

2. Gaze at The Festival of Lights, Makati City

Come November, the Ayala Triangle Gardens and the long stretch of Ayala Avenue in Metro Manila are festooned with twinkling lights jiving to a medley of Disney songs and popular holiday tunes.

the Ayala Triangle Light Show in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
A thousand lights illuminate the Ayala Triangle Gardens at night. (Image: David Kim)

The Festival of Lights has been an annual tradition for more than 15 years now and was once named one of the world’s best Christmas lights by international travel magazine Condé Nast.

the Liter of Light installation at Ayala Land Festival of Lights in Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
The Liter of Light installation is made of solar-powered recycled bottles. (Image: Ayala Land)

3. Visit Christmas Symbols Festival, Tangub City

What started as a simple request for a Christmas tree to be placed in the city’s plaza in 1992 has grown to become one of the longest-running Christmas events in the Philippines.

Now you can find mini replicas of 14 iconic landmarks from around the world – think Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, Temple of Athena Nike in Greece, and Ashikaga Flower Park in Japan – but all in one place at the Christmas Symbols Festival in Tangub City, province of Misamis Occidental, Northern Mindanao.

the Christmas Symbols Festival in Tangub City
Catch the iconic Christmas symbols from around the world in Tangub City.

4. Attend Misa De Gallo

One of the most embraced Paskong Pinoy traditions in the Philippines is Misa de Gallo or Simbang Gabi. If you’re visiting the Philippines in the third week of December, be sure to set your alarms early so you won’t miss out on attending the sacred gathering held in the wee hours of the morning.

Filipinos attending Misa De Gallo while seeking shade from the rain
Even the rain won’t stop Filipinos from attending the Simbang Gabi. (Image: George Calvelo)

As a predominantly Catholic country, Filipinos believe their Christmas wishes will come true by merely attending the Misa de Gallo for nine days from the 16th of December until right before dawn on Christmas Eve.

people buying food and Christmas delicacies outside the church after Simbang Gabi in the Philippines
Drop by the food stalls outside the church to buy kakanin (native rice cake).

5. Celebrate Noche Buena

When the clock strikes midnight on Christmas Eve, families gather around the dining table for Noche Buena. Every household has a signature Christmas recipe often shared with their neighbours.

a traditional Noche Buena feast on Christmas Eve in the Philippines
Paskong Pinoy is simple but meaningful.

Feast on savoury Paskong Pinoy dishes such as pancit (stir-fry noodles), Filipino sweet-style spaghetti, lechon (roasted pig), lumpia (spring rolls), jamón, queso de bola, tsokolate (hot chocolate), leche flan (caramel custard) and buko salad. Yum!

a bowl of buko salad on the table at Noche Buena
A typical Filipino fruit salad is served with freshly grated coconut.

6. Dine on Christmas delicacies

The smell of puto bumbong (purple rice cake) and bibingka (salted egg rice cake) fills the air as churchgoers drop by the stalls selling Filipino Christmas delicacies.

puto bumbong, a Christmas purple rice cake dish on top of a banana leaf
Puto Bumbong is made of pure ube with muscovado sugar and shredded coconut on the side.

You’ll find vendors cooking these special rice cakes in clay pots with fresh banana leaves and purple bamboo tubes.

the purple tubes used to cook puto bumbong in the Philippines
The beloved Christmas staple is steamed until it becomes deep purple.

7. Head to the Christmas Village, City of Pines

In a perpetually sunny country like the Philippines, experiencing a White Christmas remains a wishful thought. The closest you can get to a wintery feel is up north in Baguio, the City of Pines where the temperature can drop to 10 degrees Celsius. There’s no snow but the vegetable fields in the nearby towns get covered with frost.

the carnival theme at Baguio Christmas Village 2023
Part of the Baguio Country Club transforms into a festive carnival display. (Image: Baguio City Guide)

Head to Baguio Country Club and feel an enchanting holiday spirit at Baguio Christmas Village. This year, the Christmas Village takes on a carnival theme staging artificial snow installations.

snow installations at Baguio Christmas Village 2023
Winter wonderland feels at the Christmas Village. (Image: Baguio City Guide)

8. Visit Casa Santa Museum

There are no reindeer to ride or chimneys for Santa to crawl through in Manila but the guy in a big red suit certainly has a special place in the hearts of Filipinos. So much so that you can visit a Santa-themed museum all year round.

life-sized statue of Santa Claus and other Christmas memorabilia at Casa Santa Museum, Antipolo, Rizal, Philippines
Casa Santa Museum will ignite your childhood memories of Santa Claus.

The Casa Santa Museum in Antipolo (about an hour outside Manila) is home to over 3700 figurines and life-sized statues of Santa Claus and his elves, as well as various kinds of Christmas memorabilia.

the elf station at Casa Santa Museum, Antipolo, Rizal, Philippines
There’s even an elf station at which you can imagine Santa’s elves working behind the scenes.

Showcasing Christmas traditions and stories from around the world and housed within a 19th-century house in the Jardin de Miramar, this festive museum offers a nostalgic Christmas experience for all ages.

the Belen or nativity scene, a three-dimensional art depiction of the birth of Jesus Christ in a manger
The three-dimensional nativity scene is also known as Belen in the Philippines.

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9. See the Christmas-themed houses on Policarpio St

Amid the bustling streets of Manila lies the dazzling Christmas-themed Policarpio St, Mandaluyong City. The homes here are alight with Filipino festive spirit come ber months (September to December).

a house decorated with bright and colourful Christmas lights along Policarpio St in Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines
The city street gets dressed with flashy and twinkly lights.

Follow the glow as you drive down the street until you see the House of Light and House of Santa Claus and marvel at the spectacular Christmas light displays and life-sized nativity scenes.

a house decorated with Christmas lights and Santa Claus statues along Policarpio St in Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila, Philippines
The well-decorated houses along Policarpio St have no shortage of Christmas displays.

10. Shop at modern Christmas markets

The essence of a Paskong Pinoy is rooted in gift-giving. Filipino kids typically visit their godparents (ninang/ninong) to ask for their aguinaldos (gifts) on Christmas day. In the Philippines, you can shop at holiday bazaars as early as September, and the most anticipated of them all is the Noel Bazaar, the longest-running holiday bazaar in the country.

the home of wonder entrance at Noel Bazaar 2023, Okada Manila
Step into the home of wonder across different venues of Noel Bazaar. (Image: Cathlyn Botor)

This year’s bazaar will run for 48 days from the 10th of November and is held in different venues across the metro, including Okada Manila, World Trade Center and Filinvest Tent Alabang. Find stalls selling celebrity thrift clothes and all kinds of excellent gifts for loved ones. Organised by the GMA Kapuso Foundation, all the proceeds go towards children and families in need.

people browsing through the stalls in Noel Bazaar 2023 in Okada Manila
Find joy in shopping for Christmas gifts at Noel Bazaar. (Image: Cathlyn Botor)

Other Christmas markets to check out: Christmas ToyFAIR (December 15 to 17), World Bazaar Festival (December 13 to 22) and Greenhills Night Market (open until the first week of January).

the crowded Noel Bazaar 2023 in Okada Manila
A wondrous atmosphere of merriment screams at the Noel Bazaar this year.
For more ideas to spend the holidays this year, check out the best places to spend a White Christmas and the cutest German Christmas markets here.

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Cath Botor
Cathlyn Botor is International Traveller's Digital Content Producer with a degree in Speech Communication from the University of the Philippines. She’s also a Creative Storyteller for The Panoramic Soul, a Filipino travel blog. She had a short stint in digital lifestyle publications like When In Manila and Guide to the Philippines, the largest marketplace for Philippine travel. Cath was also a Senior Associate Copywriter at the US-based digital marketing agency AffinityX and a former Web Content Specialist at ADEC Innovations. Outside work, her friends deem her an island girl who loves chasing sunsets. Cath likes being spontaneous and prefers to wander aimlessly with a relaxed itinerary. If she’s nowhere to be found, she’s probably at the beach, lost in her thoughts. Part of her travel wish list is to set foot on the beaches of Bali and the Greek Islands.
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This is why cruising is the best way to see Asia

    Dilvin Yasa Dilvin Yasa
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    Iconic destinations, unforgettable adventures and thrilling onboard adventures; say hello to your next Asia holiday with Royal Caribbean.

    When you want to explore the gleaming skyscrapers of Shanghai and the bars of Singapore, but also embrace centuries-old traditions in Japan before traipsing through the lush jungles of Malaysia, a conundrum presents itself: how do you do it all seamlessly without the stress of flying (or repacking)? Enter, Royal Caribbean.

    With a brand designed around maximising your holiday time, sip cocktails by the pool or watch Broadway-style performances on board as the ship glides effortlessly from one atmospheric port to the next.

    Now that you have Asia at your fingertips with minimal effort, the big question is: which all-inclusive experience (and itinerary) is best for you?

    Japan

    The itinerary

    Spectras Cabaret royal caribbean
    Prepare for a show, on and off the ship.

    The Land of the Rising Sun has never been hotter, and Royal Caribbean has a vast array of unforgettable Japanese itineraries – these range from eight-night adventures to 14-night holidays circumnavigating the country’s islands.

    The eight-night Best of Japan sailing is memory-making perfection, kicking off in Shanghai (Baoshan) on 24 October 2026. Stop at fascinating ports to soak in the sweeping landscapes and seascapes of Saikaiminato, Kyoto, Niigata and Hakodate while enjoying incredible dining and adventurous activities onboard Spectrum of the Seas®. Complete your journey back in Shanghai, ‘the Paris of the East’.

    Port highlights

    mt fuji in japan
    See iconic vistas of Japan.

    Off the ship, hike the dramatic volcanic peaks of Sakaiminato’s Daisen-Oki National Park, explore the iconic temples of Kyoto, enjoy traditionally brewed sake made in Niigata (the birthplace of many quality sake brands), and taste local flavours at Kanemore Red Brick Warehouse, a premier dining and shopping district in Hakodate.

    Don’t miss Royal Caribbean’s Amanohashidate Highlights shore excursion in Kyoto, an exhilarating experience that features a cable car ride up to Kasamatsu Park and includes a visit to Nariaiji Temple, a hillside Buddhist site.

    The ship

    Spectrum Of The Seas in Singapore
    Step on board Spectrum of the Seas®.

    Aboard Spectrum of the Seas®, days at sea are just as action-packed as those on land. Here, 17 dining venues, along with eight bars and lounges, take guests on the ultimate global dining tour. Stop into Sichuan Red, designed specially for this ship, where you can savour a rich tapestry of authentic spices and Asian-influenced flavours. Start with the chef-recommended royal sea cucumber, then move on to a hot and savoury bowl of mapo tofu simmered in a traditional spicy sauce, or authentic pickled radish and duck soup.

    Fancy a little post-dinner entertainment? Talk salsa lessons, or book front row seats to Showgirl, a multisensory spectacular that pays homage to the ultimate siren of the stage. You can also take a visual journey into the exotic cultures of the Far East with The Silk Road at Two70®.

    Kids (and kidults), as always, are well-catered for, with aqua park Splashaway Bay℠ and the largest indoor active space at sea, SeaPlex®, which offers everything from laser tag to bumper cars. Those looking to relax can find peace in the adults-only solarium, as well as a wealth of treatments at Vitality℠ Spa.

    Thailand and Malaysia

    The itinerary

    Izumi Teppanyaki on ovation of the seas royal caribbean
    Sit down to hibachi at Izumi Teppanyaki℠.

    Royal Caribbean’s Southeast Asia sailings deliver the perfect fusion of culture, cuisine and coastlines, and the four-night Penang & Phuket cruise is proof that short escapes can still feel spectacularly rich.

    Kick off with Royal Caribbean’s iconic Sail Away Party as Ovation of the Seas® departs from Singapore on 27 February 2026. The itinerary then weaves through two of the region’s most mesmerising destinations: Malaysia’s melting pot of cultures in Penang and Thailand’s sun-soaked island of Phuket.

    Each port stop is layered with history, flavour and natural beauty, while each moment spent onboard Ovation of the Seas® is filled with fun and excitement.

    Port highlights

    iconic ‘James Bond Island’ made famous in The Man with the Golden Gun thailand
    Zoom around the ‘James Bond Island’.

    In Penang’s George Town, a maze of heritage architecture, vibrant murals and street stalls serving sizzling char kway teow and aromatic laksa come together, blending past and present. Visit the Taoist Goddess of Mercy Temple to soak up its peaceful energy, ride the century-old funicular to the forested summit of Penang Hill for panoramic views, and wander Batu Feringhi Beach, where the Andaman Sea laps gently against golden sand. Jet skis? Why not?

    Then it’s north to Phuket, where both adventure and relaxation beckon. Make the most of the local beach scene at Kata Noi and wander up Monkey Hill for sweeping vistas (and mischievous company). Be sure to book Royal Caribbean’s thrilling shore excursion here – you’ll zip along in a three-engine speedboat to the iconic ‘James Bond Island’ made famous in The Man with the Golden Gun. After a day of exploration, you’ll have enough time to enjoy a sunset cocktail on the waterfront before returning to your ship for another unforgettable evening.

    The ship

    Ovation of the Seas®, royal caribbean
    Experience thrills aboard Ovation of the Seas®.

    Of course, life on board Ovation of the Seas® is just as exhilarating as your adventures off it. Sit down to 16 flavoursome finds, from Jamie’s Italian by Jamie Oliver® to theatrical hibachi at Izumi Teppanyaki℠.

    Build up an appetite with Royal Caribbean’s iconic onboard activities, from the FlowRider® surf simulator to soaring sky-high on RipCord® by iFLY® and zipping around in bumper cars in SeaPlex®. You can really choose your own adventure.

    End the night with Spectra’s Cabaret at Two70®, a fascinating fusion of music, robotics and light that redefines entertainment at sea.

    The result? A holiday brimming with discovery, indulgence and Royal Caribbean’s signature magic: Asia, perfectly packaged.

    Start planning a cruise around Asia that you’ll never forget at royalcaribbean.com.