Spending the holidays away from home is always an exciting idea. It’s fun to experience a different culture and celebrate Christmas some other way than what you’ve been used to. The Philippine Islands offers a one-of-a-kind holiday experience. If you’re planning to spend your Christmas vacation in the Philippines, you are in for a treat!
The Philippines celebrates the longest Christmas in the world. Because of this, you have a huge window to experience the holidays in the country. It’s a four-month window to be exact, starting from September and ending in early January. Wherever you decide to vacation in the country, I’m sure you’ll find friendly people and their festive Christmas spirit.
So what are the best places for a Christmas vacation in the Philippines? Let me take you all over the country and then you decide which destination fits your kind of holiday.
A provincial Christmas can be very charming. Imagine this — townspeople knowing everyone, sharing food, coming together for parties at the local covered court. On the other hand, spending Christmas in metropolitan cities ensure that you enjoy all the modern amenities.
So here are some of the best places for a Christmas vacation in the Philippines. Visit one or visit all of them. Share your travel stories in the comment section below. We’d love to hear from you.
Bacolod
Bacolod is a vibrant city in Negros Occidental. The locals’ happy dispositions earned it the title “City of Smiles”. Tourists usually visit for the annual Masskara Festival held in October — right when the Christmas festivities are beginning. Bacolod was named the Top Model Philippine City and the most livable urban center in 2019. On the other hand, the city’s old world charm remains in the suburbs and azucareras.
Things to Do:
- Visit the Ruins of Talisay
- Hear mass in the baroque San Sebastian Cathedral
- Spend a day or two in Lakawon Island
- Taste authentic chicken inasal in Manokan Country
- Buy treats for people back home from Bongbong’s
Where to Stay:
San Fernando City
There is no place better for soaking in the Filipino Christmas vibe than the Christmas Capital of the Philippines. CNN even named San Fernando City Asia’s Christmas Capital. The city holds the annual Giant Lantern Festival where enormous parols are displayed in competition. San Fernando is located in the Culinary Capital of the Philippines, too! Because of this, you will taste some of the best Filipino food in the area. I personally think you will not find tastier sisig than here!
Things to Do:
- Taste the local cuisine
- Buy a parol
- Enjoy the rides at Sky Ranch Pampanga
- Visit the historic San Fernando Train Station
- Spend a day swimming in Villa Alfredo’s
Where to Stay:
- Microtel Inn & Suites
- ABC Hotel
- Winds Boutique Hotel
- Rishan Village Residences
- Fields Walking Street Hotel
Davao City
The largest city in world in terms of land area offers plenty of adventures to both locals and visitors. As a result, Davao City is a great place to spend Christmas vacation in the Philippines. To tell you the truth, I have spent all my 32 Christmases in Davao City, save for 2010. I spent that one rebellious holiday in Cebu City. Davao’s ultra-modern metro and relatively untouched suburbs offer the best of both city and provincial experiences. Above all, its people are the most honest and disciplined you will ever meet.
Things To Do:
- Sample crocodile sisig and ostrich omelette at the Croc Park (I swear it’s yum!)
- Rent a cabin in BuDa and wake up to a sea of clouds
- Go island hopping around Samal Islands
- Binge on durian, marang, mangosteen and other local fruits
- Travel to Davao Oriental for the best untouched beaches
Where to Stay:
Baguio City
Chilly Baguio City is an amazing place for Christmas vacation in the Philippines. High up in the Cordilleras, Baguio offers pine-laced air, log cabins, fireplaces and fair weather. Filipinos consider Baguio the Summer Capital of the Philippines because people head up to the mountains when the heat becomes too much. The city is only a few hours scenic drive from Manila. In short, an accessible holiday destination. Similarly, nearby Sagada provides a quiet escape complete with a sea of clouds experience.
Things To Do:
- Taste strawberry taho in Burnham Park
- Try an Igorot costume in Mines View Park
- Pick strawberries in nearby La Trinidad
- Visit the Christmas Village in Camp John Hay
- Find excellent bargains at the Night Market
Where to Stay:
Tagaytay
Tagaytay is another chilly place to spend Christmas in the Philippines. Situated in the hills of Cavite, Tagaytay also offers fair weather year-round, not to mention excellent views of Taal Volcano. Food is excellent in these parts and their coffee is something you will not soon forget. Tagaytay is also home to a great number of wellness spas, making it a perfect destination for a relaxing Christmas holiday.
Things To Do:
- Take a hike on Taal Volcano or just marvel it from any vantage point
- Have coffee at Bag of Beans
- Hear mass at the Our Lady of Manaoag Church
- Spend an afternoon at Sonya’s Secret Garden
- Relax at the Nurture Wellness Village
Where to Stay
General Santos City
The Tuna Capital of the Philippines has a lot to offer as a destination for a Christmas vacation. That is to say, it provides a perfect blend of modernity and laid-back provincial vibe. General Santos City is located in the southernmost part of the Philippines, fronting Saranggani Bay. The city’s location makes it very abundant with seafood, particularly export-quality tuna. The best sashimi I have ever tasted was in General Santos City!
Things To Do:
- Visit the General Santos City Fish Port Complex
- Binge on seafood
- Go on a beach getaway in Glan
- Attend the Tuna Festival (September)
- Learn about Manny Pacquiao’s life through the Pacman tour
Where to Stay:
Cebu City
Cebu City is a charming mix of the old and new. It is a metropolis but it is also a historic city. Being the oldest city in the Philippines, Cebu offers history and nostalgia for the Spanish colonial era. The city is home to the Sto. Niño which is the oldest religious image in the Philippines. Consequently, Cebu holds the annual Sinulog festival at the end of the Christmas season in January. Cebuanos are fun-loving and hospitable people. They are also very religious. It’s quite an experience to feel their reverence.
Things to Do:
- Pray for a miracle at Simala Castle Church
- Visit the Taoist Temple
- Try the adrenaline rush at Sky Adventures
- Take a beach trip to Malapascua or Bantayan Island
- Take photos at the Temple of Leah
Where to Stay:
Metro Manila
There is no better place to experience the best of the Philippines than in the capital city. If you want to spend Christmas vacation in the Philippines and experience different Filipino cultures, Metro Manila is perfect. Great shopping, excellent entertainment and amazing hospitality also await in the Philippines’ capital city. As a result, you will never run out of fun stuff to see and explore!
Things to Do:
- Visit the Manila Ocean Park
- Take historic walk (guided or not) through Intramuros
- Hear Mass at the San Agustin Church and visit the museum after
- Get a crash course on Feng Shui in Binindo Chinatown and buy some lucky charms
- Eat as much seafood as you can at the Pasay Seafood Market
Where to Stay:
- Sofitel Philippine Plaza
- New Manila Suites
- The Henry Hotel
- Crossroads Hostel Manila
- City Garden Grand Hotel
Palawan
The Philippines last frontier is a beautiful destination for a Christmas vacation in the Philippines. Commerce has reached this part of the Philippines but nature has remained untouched for the most part. Puerto Princesa draws the most tourist arrivals. In addition, El Nido and Coron attract adventurers and divers. Each have their own allure and all offer breathtaking encounters with nature. Every visitor leaves Palawan wanting more — there is just so much to see and explore. As a result, the province welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
Things to Do:
- Scuba dive in El Nido
- Explore shipwrecks in Coron
- Explore the caves, including the Underground River
- Shop of authentic pearls
- Taste tamilok (wood worms)
Where to Stay:
- Casa Belina Tourist Inn
- Sheridan Beach Resort & Spa
- Spin Designer Hostel
- Matinloc Resort
- Vela Terraces Hotel
Bohol
Charming Bohol offers a unique destination for your holiday vacation. For one thing, it is home to the Chocolate Hills, the endangered tarsiers and breathtaking Panglao. An earthquake and typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) devastated Bohol in 2013, leaving its old churches and other buildings severely damaged. Bohol has since recovered and remain to be one of the most-loved tourist destinations in the Philippines.
Things to Do:
- Visit the Chocolate Hills (might be green this time of year)
- Eat lunch while on the Loboc River Cruise
- Walk or drive through the Bilar man-made forest
- Meet the cute, endangered tarsiers
- Work on your tan in Alona Beach, Panglao
Where to Stay:
- Henann Resort Alona Beach
- Loboc River Resort
- Ocean Suites Boutique Hotel
- Stefanie Grace Paradise Inn
- The Bellevue Resort
Iloilo
Iloilo also offers its visitors everything: history, culture, beach destinations, good food, and best of all, friendly people. Much like the gentle lilt of the Hiligaynon dialect, life in Iloilo is also laid-back and simple. Because of this, the province is a perfect for travelers who want to get away from the city for the holidays. Iloilo is also a gateway to one of the best islands in the world, Boracay, which is a few hours drive away.
Things to Do:
- Attend the Dinagyang Festival in January
- Hear mass at the historic Miag-ao Church
- Witness the Paraw Regatta
- Visit Isla de Gigantes
- Treat your taste buds with some La Paz Batchoy and Pancit Molo
Where to Stay:
Ilocos Norte
This province up north is an interesting year-round destination. Like most places in the Philippines, Ilocos Norte serves up a mix of history, great food and interesting attractions. The Ilocos Region is home to at least 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the charming preserved town of Vigan. Visit Ilocos for the food and unique experiences during your Christmas vacation in the Philippines.
Things to Do:
- Visit the Malacañang of the North
- Take breathtaking photos of the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
- Ride the sand dunes of Paoay
- Spend a sunny day in Pagudpud
- Hear mass or simply visit the historic Paoay Church
Where to Stay:
Note that Christmas does not happen during the summer months in the Philippines. And while it’s mostly sunny from November to May, there is a chance you will experience typhoons during your stay. Fret not, the Philippines has greatly improved disaster response since Haiyan in 2013. But it’s better to be prepared for these events so it will not completely dampen your experience, pun intended.
To sum up, the Philippines is a perfect vacation destination anytime of the year. But it is best experienced when Filipinos are at their most festive moods. Christmas in the Philippines is worth experiencing at least once. And who knows? You might even come back every year!
