The Philippines is known for having the longest holiday seasons globally. By September, Filipinos start celebrating Christmas, and the Holidays will last until January. It’s the time when we take a break from work, cherish moments with friends and family, and embark on enjoyable vacations. When planning your next trip, consider exploring some of these fantastic holiday travel spots in the Philippines!
2023 Holiday travel spots you must visit
Holiday travel 2023: Pasay City
Your kids will surely enjoy a white Christmas in Pasay City! Visit Snow World at Star City Amusement Park in Pasay City for a taste of a real White Christmas in the tropics. Visits are accessible Thursday through Friday from 3 PM to 10 PM and Saturday through Sunday from 1 PM to 10 PM. Tickets can be purchased online at www.starcity.com.ph or at the Star City Gate. Snowfall, icy slides, snowflake light displays, and more can be found at this indoor attraction. Take part in this cold, wintry event to get into the festive spirit!
Image from Snow World Star City
Holiday travel destinations: Baguio City
We all know there’s no snow in the Philippines. But in Baguio, our very own “Summer Capital,” you get a taste of something close to winter with its cool weather. Although you can get there by plane, driving is always preferable; the journey along Kennon Road is well worth it. There are specialist stores selling jams, clothing, and even fresh food, or you may go shopping on Session Road, another route, for souvenirs. Furthermore, you can go to La Trinidad and pick and eat strawberries. It’s the ideal approach to celebrate the occasion. Isn’t it?
Christmas travel destination: San Fernando, Pampanga
Recognized as the Christmas Lantern (Parol) Capital of the Philippines, San Fernando becomes a festive haven for tourists during the holiday season. The city streets light up with an array of lanterns in various shapes, sizes, designs, and materials, creating a lively atmosphere that captivates both locals and visitors, especially as the night falls. The Ligligan Parul stands out as the country’s largest lantern festival, showcasing colossal lanterns and making it a distinctive local holiday celebration. Travelers from diverse locations, including other countries, gather to witness and admire the meticulously crafted lanterns skillfully made by the local Kapampangan artisans. While immersing yourself in this vibrant scene, take the opportunity to indulge in the rich flavors of local Kapampangan delicacies as you leisurely explore the city adorned with radiant lanterns and twinkling Christmas lights.
Image by jcomp on Freepik
Holiday travel destinations: Policario Street, Mandaluyong City
Mandaluyong City’s Policario Street is one of the busiest tourist destinations in Metro Manila during the holidays. You may find what’s known as the Christmas Village on that particular street. Bring your family and enjoy a free visit to this location. As you stroll around the streets, you will be in awe of the intricately designed homes. This location is ideal for spending Christmas with your family because of the amazing decorations and sparkling lights.
Holiday destinations: Antipolo City
You will be astounded by the Casa Santa in the Jardin de Marimar in Antipolo City. 3,700 Christmas and Santa Claus-themed items and decorations may be found in this museum. As per pinoyadventurista.com, the Christmas decorations came from many places across the globe. What’s more exciting is that this place is open all year round, giving it the ideal spot to teach your kids about different cultures and holiday customs.
Image by gpointstudio on Freepik
Holiday travel: Kawit Cavite
Every year, Kawit Cavite hosts the Maytinis Festival. Drawing crowds of people from neighboring towns, cities, and provinces to see a dramatic retelling of the story of St. Joseph and the Virgin Mary’s search for a lodging in Bethlehem. Ancient biblical scenes from the old and new testaments are also shown at the Maytinis Festival. Those are portrayed by Kawitenos as characters on floats. Each year, the Maytinis Festival is observed on Christmas Eve, December 24.
Tangub City, Misamis Occidental
The month-long celebration in the quiet city in Mindanao is comparable to Ligligan Parul in San Fernando. But this isn’t just about lanterns. As part of a celebration called the Christmas Symbol celebration, duplicates of well-known sites and tourist destinations from around the world are on display. Tangub City was named the Philippines’ Christmas Symbol Capital in 2007 by the Department of Tourism. Because it is a well-liked tourist destination there during the Holidays.