Warm Smiles, Tropical Sunshine, Delectable Cuisine And Celebrating An Extended Christmas—Only In The Philippines!

’Tis the season to be jolly and what could be merrier than spending the holidays in a country that celebrates the longest Christmas season—from September until January! Every Filipino is in on the season whether by going to simbang gabi (evening or dawn masses), eating puto bumbong or putting up a parol (Christmas lanterns) at home, and let’s face it: singing the ABS-CBN Christmas station ID songs.

While the whole country goes crazy happy over Christmas, there are certain Philippine destinations worth checking out and being immersed in to make the season extra merry and bright—and even after when the festivities have ended.

BAGUIO

Feel the crisp, cold air and celebrate the season of giving in The City of Pines surrounded by the mountains, and well, pine trees. Imagine sipping a hot cup of choco or coffee while enjoying the view. Don’t miss the annual Baguio Country Club Christmas Village which attracts both locals and tourists alike, and check out the Christmas Fair, Lights and Sounds Show and other festive activities.

Book your Baguio stay at DOT (Department of Tourism)-accredited hotels such as: Baguio Crown Legacy Hotel, Baguio Palace Hotel, Grand Sierra Pines Baguio and more.

PAMPANGA

Pampanga’s capital city of San Fernando takes pride in being the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines” as it is the home of the giant parol. Apart from being a visual delight during the holidays, the year-round culinary capital boasts of delectable Kapampangan dishes and treats such as sisig, bulanglang (guava sour soup), Razon’s halo halo, turrones de casuy (cashew nuts) and more.

Book your Pampanga stay at DOT-accredited hotels MIDORI Clark Hotel & Casino, Widus Hotel, Park Inn by Radisson Clark, Hotel Gracelane and more.

MANILA

Fancy spending Christmas in the city? Glam it up and get dressed in your best holiday garb to match the magnificent lobby of The Peninsula Manila Hotel that’s all decked in bedazzling holiday decors. Check out also the mesmerizing Christmas Animated Display and the giant Christmas tree in Cubao, Quezon City as well as the enchanting Ayala Triangle Festival of Lights in Makati City for more yuletide feels.

Book your Metro Manila stay at DOT-accredited hotels Novotel Manila Araneta Center, New World Makati Hotel, Jinjiang Inn Makati, Manila Peninsula Hotel, The Henry Hotel and more.

CEBU

What better way to celebrate Christmas than to attend Simbang Gabi close to the Child Jesus at the Basilica del Sto. Niño to make your Cebu visit more meaningful. Cebu is a total holiday feast for the senses—from the Fuente Osmeña Circle giant Christmas tree to exciting night markets and food bazaars. Once the festivities have died down, go on a food crawl or make a quick beach escape in nearby resorts? Drop by Movenpick Resort & Spa Cebu for some fun under the sun! 

Book your Cebu stay at DOT-accredited hotels such as Plantation Bay Cebu, Movenpick Resort & Spa Cebu, The Maxwell Hotel, Montebello Villa Hotel and more.

DAVAO

Davao shines bright during the holiday season with its impressive Davao City Pasko Fiesta featuring stunning Christmas lights and display at Rizal Park. Listen to choirs and watch dance groups perform every night alongside a 3D-mapping light show held at the façade of the Davao City Hall. The Sta. Ana wharf also features an Instagrammable 30-meter light tunnel or check out Barangay Tamayong, 25 kilometers away from the city, where a Christmas Village is set up, brightened by over 600,000 Christmas and LED lights. Don’t miss out on Davao’s culinary delights such as the durian and sweet pomelo. It’s a joyful balance of city life and nature in Davao, coupled with shopping at friendly, affordable prices that will make your visit merry—Christmas or otherwise.

Book your Davao stay at DOT-accredited hotels such as Park Inn by Radisson Davao, Seda Abreeza, Microtel by Wyndham-Davao, Regency Inn and more.

To make your Christmas holiday vacation pleasurable, safe, hassle-free and convenient, make sure that you are booking your stay at DOT-accredited establishments. For more information about the holiday destinations in PH and bookings, visit www.philippines.travel.

Main photo courtesy of Metro Channel's "Beached."