Best Cebu Holiday Spots
Well, would you look at that — it’s already December! Time flies fast, doesn’t it? Streets are all aglow with bright lights, and eye-catching lanterns are on display in most households.
Christmas is here, folks. Cue the carols!
The holidays are fantastic in every corner of the world. Filipino Christmases are especially magical because of cherished traditions that many still practice today.
That said, there’s something in the air that makes the yuletide season in Cebu extra special. Is it the influx of tourists? Maybe it’s festive music blasting loudly from malls’ speakers. Whatever it is, Christmas is something else in this corner of the country.
Want to get a taste of that feeling? Check out these holiday spots and do as the locals do!
Ayala Center Cebu
Address
Cebu Business Park, Arch. Reyes Ave., Cebu City
Business Hours
10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Sunday to Thursday)
10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Friday to Saturday)
Holiday Schedules
10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (December 14 to 22)
10:00 a.m. to 12:00 midnight (December 23)
10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (December 24 and 31)
12:00 noon to 9:00 p.m. (December 25 and January 1)
Contact Numbers
+63 2 7795 9595
+63 32 888 3777
Malls are (almost) always a good idea during the holiday season. Not only are they great for shopping, but for hanging out in general.
Ayala Center Cebu (pictured above) has been a crowd darling since its opening in 1994. One of its more recent traditions is the annual Symphony of Lights, which has returned after a two-year hiatus. The head-turning spectacle lives up to its name as it displays illuminating lights paired with jolly music.
Want to see this sight for yourself? Catch the show at the mall’s Terraces area from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. with 30-minute intervals in between until December 30. Don’t miss out on this experience!
Anjo World Theme Park
Address
Belmont One, Cebu South Road, Upper Calajo-an, Minglanilla, Cebu
Business Hours
12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m. (Monday to Friday)
10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Saturday to Sunday)
Contact Numbers
(032) 490 1000
0917 878 7000
0919 069 2101
Who doesn’t enjoy theme parks? Kids love them, and adults have a blast hanging out in them.
Filipinos are huge fans of them when they come to town for fiestas. Fortunately for everyone, there’s a place where they can experience that amusement all year round.
Say hello to Anjo World! It’s Cebu’s first theme park, with over 12 rides everyone can enjoy. Crowd favorites include the Golden Carousel, the Viking, and the Anjo Eye. Pro tip: avoid the weekend crowds by visiting on weekdays.
Snow World Cebu
Address
Belmont One, Cebu South Road, Upper Calajo-an, Minglanilla, Cebu
Business Hours
12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m. (Monday to Friday)
10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Saturday to Sunday)
Contact Number
(032) 490 1000
0917 878 7000
0919 069 2101
Cebuanos (and Filipinos in general) can’t experience winters because of the country’s tropical climate. Fortunately, there’s an establishment that lets people get a taste of snow.
Enter Snow World — an indoor winter wonderland. It’s inside Anjo World, so you don’t have to go far to get a dose of icy fun. Bring a jacket or warm outerwear to ward off the attraction’s chilly temperatures. Don’t leave without trying the ice slide out!
Basilica Minore del Santo Niño
Address
Osmeña Blvd., Cebu City
Contact Number
(032) 255 6697
A religious institution may not be on most people’s “holiday spots” lists, but hear me out. This one is definitely worth a visit.
The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño is one of Cebu City’s iconic sites. It’s right beside Magellan’s Cross — another historic spot. It’s also the Philippines’ oldest Roman Catholic church, established in 1565. Fun fact: before its current look, its original structure was made of nipa (mangrove palm) and wood.
Visitors flock to the church to see the original image of the Santo Niño de Cebu — Cebu City’s patron. The Basilica is busiest during January because of the annual Sinulog festival held in the image’s honor. Try hearing at least one Simbang Gabi (Night Mass) mass if you want to glimpse Christmas’s religious aspect.
Fuente Circle
Address
Capitol Site, Cebu City
Every person who’s set foot in Cebu has heard of this next stop, which lies at the heart of uptown Cebu City. Fuente Circle often gets plenty of foot and vehicular traffic because of its location.
Come Christmas time, the place is more packed than usual because of the 120-foot Christmas tree. This year, the site is extra special. Why? In a newspaper interview, Brendon Cabarubias, one of the tree’s artisans, revealed the reason:
This year, our theme, because the tree fell last year, is that it brings gifts. It means that even if we were hit by Super Typhoon Odette, we are still here. It’s a gift that we’re still here.
The best time to check out the tree is at night time. If you can, try to catch its lighting ceremony for an extra enjoyable experience!
Danao Christmas Village
Address
Durano-Macapagal Boardwalk, Poblacion, Danao City
Let’s switch gears and head north to Danao City, which is around two hours away from Cebu City.
Most (if not all) Cebu municipalities have their holiday gimmicks. For Danao City, it’s their Christmas Village. It never fails to bring the holiday spirit every year due to its bright and grand displays. And the best part? It’s free of charge!
Its convenient location makes it hard to miss, so feel free to entertain yourself there! If you’re coming by car, you don’t have to worry about finding parking spots because there’s enough space available.
Colon Night Market
Address
Colon Street, Cebu City
This last spot has made a triumphant return after two years of dormancy.
Are you looking for affordable Christmas gifts? This busy strip is a haven for great bargains. Put your haggling skills to the test as you explore its various stalls. Don’t be surprised if you walk away with a few purchases! Hungry? You can always grab a bite at one of its many street food stalls.
As of writing, the Colon Night Market is open daily from 6:00 p.m. to midnight. Don’t forget to be mindful of your belongings while engaging in retail therapy.
There’s no better place to spend Christmas than in Cebu. Give these holiday hangout spots a try as you celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!
