Christmas is the ultimate family holiday, where most Filipinos travel home to the province or somewhere new as a way to spend time with their relatives and friends. Many Christmas destinations in the Philippines, such as amusement parks, festivals, night markets, and villages pop up as early as September to November, offering an early start to the festivities. These destinations offer different activities like photo taking, rides, gift shopping, local delicacies, light displays, and live performances.
Whether you are celebrating the holidays in the province or the city, you can find one-of-a-kind getaways to light up the season. Here is a list of the best Christmas destinations in the Philippines you must check out.
8 Best Christmas Destinations in the Philippines for Your Holiday Getaway
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Panay Christmas Village (Capiz)
If you’re visiting Capiz for the holidays, witness a unique blend of traditional and modern paskong Pinoy at Panay Christmas Village. From November to December, the municipality of Panay comes alive with a spectacular fireworks and lights display, handcrafted parol, a giant Christmas tree, and lively street competitions and performances.
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Snow World in Anjo World Theme Park (Cebu)
Experience a white Christmas at Snow World, one of the main attractions at Anjo World Theme Park in Minglanilla, Cebu. This winter wonderland boasts giant ice sculptures, a snow-covered village, and icy slides that both kids and adults can enjoy. Fees start at Php 400 for Snow World only, and Php 800-1000 as part of their unli-rides day pass.
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Iwag Festival (Iloilo)
Derived from the Kinaray word for ‘light’, the Iwag Festival is the annual Festival of Lights at Pototan, Iloilo. It runs from mid-December to January 1st, illuminating the streets and town square of Pototan with a spectacular light display, creating the perfect holiday vibe that families, children, and adults will surely enjoy. This year, the LGU announced the Iwag Half Marathon 2025, one of the highlighted events of the festival. The various events to look forward to every year make Iloilo one of the best Christmas destinations in the Philippines.
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Yoyo Land (Bacolod)
Spending your Christmas vacation in Bacolod? You must check out Yoyo Land, an ordinary home that transforms into a majestic spectacle of lights, lanterns, statues, amusement rides, games, and food stalls! Every December, the ordinary scene in 18th Street, Bacolod City morphs into a vibrant night market and holiday attraction to delight residents and tourists. Entry is completely free for this colorful paradise.
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Basilica Minore del Santo Niño (Cebu)
Celebrate Christmas mass or simbang gabi at the famous Sto. Niño Basilica in Cebu. Walk amongst a beautiful array of lights, parol, a giant Christmas tree, and various holiday decorations that adorn the church complex. The festive crowd of devotees flocking to this 16th-century church is a testament to the importance of Catholic Christmas traditions, making the basilica one of the most meaningful Christmas destinations in the Philippines.
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Mandaue Christmas Village (Cebu)
One of the most anticipated Christmas destinations in the Philippines is Mandaue City’s Christmas Village. Each year, the Mandaue City Garden is decorated with vibrant lights, stunning holiday decorations, Santa Claus figurines, and the awaited giant tree lighting. This family-friendly venue is great for picture-taking and spending time with your loved ones.
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Odiongan Christmas Park and Night Market (Romblon)
The municipality of Odiongan in Romblon celebrates Christmas at the children’s park through their annual Night Market and Tree Lighting. Take photos with sparkling paths, lit-up villages, colorful parol, and various statues, or go on a food trip at the night market. This festive event not only offers a magical holiday experience for residents and tourists, but also lets people support local vendors, artisans, and businesses.
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Glorious Fantasyland (Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte)
Glorious Fantasyland is a top-rated theme park and tourist destination in Dapitan City. It is jam-packed with thrilling rides, event spaces, wellness services, and even their own hotel. They also have their very own Snow World, where you can also experience an icy, winter wonderland with family! After walking in white snow, grab a bite or a holiday dinner at one of their many restaurants, cafes, and snack bars.
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How to Book Your Christmas Getaway in the Philippines with Starlite Ferries
Starlite Ferries offers the safest and most scenic travel experience in time for the Christmas season. Travel by ferry to top Christmas destinations in the Philippines, such as Aklan, Batangas, Bacolod, Capiz, Cebu, Iloilo, Romblon, and more.
- Visit the Chelsea Travel website, choose “Ferries”.
- Input your Origin, Destination, Travel Date, and number of Passengers. Click ‘Search’.
TIP: If you are traveling with a vehicle, toggle ‘With Vehicle’ to get RoRo ferry rates. - Select your desired travel time and accommodation type.
- Input all required passenger details.
- Proceed to the payment portal and process your online payment. You will receive a booking confirmation or e-ticket in your submitted email address.
- On the day of your trip, present your e-ticket at the port of origin. Board the ferry and enjoy your holiday trip!
Going home or traveling to a new place for the holidays exposes you to all the unique ways different provinces celebrate the Christmas season. Embark on a dazzling yuletide experience and make meaningful memories with your loved ones.
ALSO READ: 8 Smart Sea Travel Tips for Group Travelers
Starlite Ferries ensures safe and secure journeys for every Filipino traveler, especially this holiday season. We provide family-friendly accommodation on board, such as our VIP Rooms and Cabin Rooms (2-5pax), making your group travel comfortable and hassle-free. View our passenger rates here and book with us today.
Get into the holiday spirit and visit unique Christmas destinations in the Philippines, such as Iloilo’s Festival of Lights, Snow World in Cebu and Dapitan, and more.