PinnedPH
Christmas is almost upon us, and what better way to celebrate it than to head to Christmas villages? With Christmas being the biggest event in the Philippines, you’ll never run out of options to explore.
Here are some noteworthy ones to get you started.
San Fernando, Pampanga
Pampanga’s capital is famous for its Giant Lantern Festival, held annually during December. Every barangay crafts its own mammoth lanterns – some up to 20-feet tall – which are later decked across the city.
Fee: free
The Essentials
- Business name: San Fernando, Pampanga
- Address: San Fernando, Pampanga
- Contact/ phone: +63 (45) 435 3966 (Provincial Government of Pampanga)
- Operating hours: 24 hours
- Map link: https://goo.gl/maps/eczRkygoBVatTm236
Crosswinds Christmas Village, Tagaytay, Cavite
If Christmas is your favorite holiday, you’ll be glad to know that in Tagaytay, a resort has made it a year-round affair. Swiss-inspired resort Crosswinds houses a Christmas village, complete with a Santa house, a Christmas-themed train, and gingerbread houses amid tall pine trees – open daily, including summer!
Fee: The village can easily be visited by guests staying overnight, but do contact the resort in advance if you wish to do a day tour.
The Essentials
- Business name: Crosswinds Tagaytay
- Address: Tagaytay, Iruhin, Tagaytay, Philippines 4120
- Contact/ phone: (02) 856 9601
- Operating hours: Please contact resort for schedules.
- Map link: https://goo.gl/maps/ypnmoTJdcropeoqB7
San Fernando City Hall, La Union
Every year, LU’s capitol transforms into a hub of merriment as Christmas approaches. More than 1 million LED lights arch overhead at the city hall, and colorful lamps adorn the pathways leading to it. Kids and kids at heart can take a Christmas train ride around the city hall or have their photos taken with Disney mascots, including Elsa and Moana. Concerts and magic shows are also featured daily.
The capitol is also a great spot for last-minute Christmas shopping, with an assortment of stalls selling toys and gift items for as low as P10.
Fee: Free
The Essentials
- Business name: La Union Provincial Capitol
- Address: Aguila Road, San Fernando, La Union
- Contact/ phone: (072) 242 5550
- Operating hours: 6 pm until midnight
- Map link: https://goo.gl/maps/dTGSkPcDStEEknE49
Christmas Symbols Festival
One of the longest-running Christmas villages in the country, Christmas Symbols Festivals opened in Tangub City, Misamis Occidental more than two decades ago. The event is renowned for its gigantic replicas of popular tourist attractions around the world, including the Great Wall of China, Eiffel Tower, the Taj Mahal, Italy’s Colosseum, and The Great Pyramids of Egypt. Hundreds of artificial rose buds light up your path as you make your way to each attraction.
Fee: Free
The Essentials
- Business name: Christmas Symbols Village
- Address: 3rd S St, Tangub City, Misamis Occidental
- Contact/ phone: n/a
- Operating hours: 24 hours, but lights open at night
- Map link: https://goo.gl/maps/adFjyEKa1iQ7PxPw5
Casa Santa Museum
Can’t get enough of Santa Claus? Casa Santa Museum has over 3,000 Santas in store for you!
A fan of the beloved bearded icon, the Cruz Family transformed their Rizal home into a massive museum housing Santa figurines and sculptures, from minute to life-size.
Fee: P180
Tip: Drop by as early as possible, since only 100 guests are allowed per day.
The Essentials
- Business name: Casa Santa Museum
- Address: 276 San Jose Extension., Brgy. San Isidro, Antipolo, Rizal 1870
- Contact/ phone: 0917 891 2208
- Operating hours: Weekdays from 8:30 am – 4 pm (minimum of 10 pax); weekends (for 5 pax and below, open 2 pm to 4 pm only
- Map link: https://goo.gl/maps/qqtc6HeMnrzf3Jhe7
