Holiday Travels in the Philippines: What to Watch Out For

Lorraine Villorejo
4 min readDec 27, 2022

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People spend the holidays in different ways. Some prefer to stay home or close to loved ones, while others want to jet off to far-flung destinations. Do you prefer the latter? I’ll give you a suggestion for your holiday travels: the Philippines!

The Pearl of the Orient is a great place to enjoy the holidays. Why? Read on and find out!

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like a Filipino Christmas

The yuletide season in the Philippines isn’t that different from how other countries celebrate the holidays. However, what makes Filipino Christmases stand out is that the season begins in September — yes, you read that right. The holidays kick off four months earlier than usual on this side of the world!

As soon as the calendar turns to September, people will start blasting Christmas music loudly with no shame. Most houses and commercial establishments have festive decor at the ready as well. Don’t be surprised to see colorful lights and lanterns on display on every street!

Due to being a predominantly Catholic country, the Philippines takes Christmas seriously because of its religious aspect. One tradition that’s lasted since Spanish rule is the Simbang Gabi (Night Mass), a nine-day series of Masses from December 16 to 24. Other cherished practices include Noche Buena (Good Night) dinners and house-to-house caroling.

Going off these paragraphs, you can paint a picture of a Filipino Christmas. If the image entices you, book a ticket now and hop on a plane!

Traveling to the Philippines during the Holidays

The holiday season in the Philippines may begin in September, but it kicks into higher gear when December rolls. The latter is part of what many consider the “peak” travel season because of the cool yet sunny weather.

After two years of travel lull, local and foreign tourists are itching to explore the Pearl of the Orient. According to the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), an estimated 16 million passengers traveled to their airports from January to October this year. The agency expects more visitors to arrive as the holiday rush continues.

Travel Tips

Make sure you’ve ticked all these off your travel checklist:

  • Book your accommodations and services in advance. Peak season sees an increased demand for services. Although crowds aren’t exaggeratedly huge, it’s better to err on the side of caution and secure your bookings.
  • Do your homework on your chosen destination. Google is free, so use its power to research your destination’s ins and outs.
  • When in doubt, ask around! Locals are generally pretty accommodating and will gladly answer your questions. Give their recommendations consideration since they know your destination best.
  • Prepare to pay up. Prices spike during the holiday season, so brace yourself — you may have to pay bigger bills.

Where to Go: Recommendations

Although you can feel the Christmas spirit everywhere, some spots are extra special. Here are some suggestions to make the most of your holiday trip:

Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati City

After a two-year hiatus, the Ayala Triangle Gardens is alight again with the Festival of Lights! This year, the show features three different medleys spanning five to seven minutes, along with colorful lights. Don’t miss out on this audio-visual treat, which will run until January 8!

Sky Ranch, Tagaytay

Tagaytay is popular because of its cooler temperatures, scenic views, and diverse culinary scene. One must-visit stop is the Sky Ranch amusement park. Kids and kids-at-heart will enjoy its rides and attractions, including the Sky Eye — one of the Philippines’ tallest Ferris wheels.

Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte

Want a beachy Christmas? Head down to Siargao for a summer-in-December setting. Many surfers and solo travelers from different parts of the world consider this teardrop-shaped island their personal heaven.

The island has rebounded pretty well a year after Typhoon Odette ravaged the island. The best way to explore its beauty is by renting bicycles or motorcycles.

These places (and more) make the Philippines a worthy addition to your “holiday travels” list. Want a warmer Christmas? Make your way down to the country and experience the yuletide season with fresh eyes!

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