In the Philippines, Christmas is not just a holiday; it’s an extravaganza of lights, sounds, and vibrant colors. The country takes pride in having the longest and most festive holiday celebrations in the world. From colorful lantern festivals to amusement parks decked out in holiday themes, the Philippines offers a myriad of attractions that bring the Christmas spirit to life.
While most parks, carnivals, and events allow guests to experience the holidays with their decor and attractions, there are a few that really stand out. If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the festivities of the season, here are some of the parks and carnivals you should definitely put on your list of must-visit places this Christmas:
1. Enchanted Kingdom
Located in Santa Rosa, Laguna, Enchanted Kingdom offers a magical holiday experience for people of all ages. During the holiday season, the park transforms into a winter wonderland, with sparkling lights, festive decorations, and holiday parades that bring Christmas cheer to the theme park’s rides and attractions. This year, Enchanted Kingdom also lit up an enormous 22-foot parol as the park’s centerpiece. All of these, combined with thrilling rides, like the Space Shuttle and Anchors Away, make Enchanted Kingdom a must-visit for the holidays.
2. Star City
If you prefer to stay within Metro Manila, Star City is another fantastic amusement park to visit during the holiday season. Star City is home to Snow World, a snow-filled attraction that gives guests a chance to experience a White Christmas. The park is also filled with giant Christmas trees and dazzling lights, creating a truly magical Christmas experience for guests of all ages. Make sure you give the park’s other attractions, such as the Star Flyer and the Star Frisbee, a try as well.
3. Ayala Triangle Gardens
Every Christmas season, the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati transforms into a spectacular display during its annual Festival of Lights. The much-anticipated event features thousands of lights dancing to the rhythm of Christmas carols, making it a breathtaking sight for first-timers. For 2023, the organizers plan to surpass previous displays with even more intricate light formations and a wider selection of non-Christmas tunes. The 2023 Festival of Lights will be a nightly performance that runs from 6:00PM to 10:00PM until January 14, 2024.
4. Giant Lantern Festival
Planning to take a short road trip up north of the Metro for the holidays? Make sure you visit San Fernando, Pampanga for its annual Giant Lantern Festival. The festival first started as a tribute to former President Manuel L. Quezon. Today, it is a lively celebration that features gigantic parols that showcase the amazing skills of local craftsmen and encapsulate the festive spirit of Filipino Christmas. This year, the Giant Lantern Festival will be held from December 16, 2023 to January 1, 2024.
5. Baguio Christmas Village
Baguio City’s Christmas Village is a much-anticipated holiday attraction. The European-inspired Christmas Village features life-size nativity scenes, artificial snowfall, and houses decorated with Christmas lights and ornaments. Families and friends can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, take photos with Santa Claus, and indulge in traditional Filipino delicacies like bibingka and puto bumbong. The 2023 Baguio Christmas Village will run until January 7, 2023.
Each of these destinations offers a unique and joyful way to celebrate the holiday season in the Philippines. As you plan your holiday travels and adventures, make sure you’re connected every step of the way with Smart’s Power All 149 promo, with 12GB of shareable data for all sites and apps, unli TikTok, and unli Allnet Calls & Texts for seven days. With reliable connectivity from Smart, you can navigate your way to these festive destinations, share your joyful moments in real-time, and even stream your favorite Christmas tunes as you explore.
