A personal photo journey from Metro Manila to Oriental Mindoro, featuring my Christmas travel memories from 2022 and 2025.
There’s something magical about Christmas in the Philippines. From enormous trees covered in sparkling lights to creative community decorations, the holidays bring an unmistakable festive atmosphere to cities and smaller towns alike. During vacations in 2022 and 2025, I captured these original photographs of the places I visited.
Table of Contents
Why Christmas in the Philippines Starts in September
Christmas carols start playing in the Philippines as early as September 1. September, October, November and December are known as the Ber months. Malls, stores and radio stations begin playing holiday music, including Jose Mari Chan’s familiar Christmas in Our Hearts. Growing up in the Philippines, I always associated Christmas with these months of music, anticipation, lanterns and celebrations.
Christmas Lights During My 2022 Vacation
During my 2022 vacation, Christmas in the Philippines came alive in dazzling trees and creative holiday installations that I photographed. Some were decorated with miniature hot-air balloons, bright ornaments and glowing stars; others featured flowers and unexpected colors. Each display offered a different photo opportunity.
I love how shopping malls and outdoor public spaces can become holiday attractions themselves. You can take photographs and enjoy the displays without necessarily buying anything. Themes and decorations change from year to year.
SM Mall of Asia Christmas 2025
In 2025, one of my favourite photos of Christmas in the Philippines came from a grand display at SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. Its giant tree featured red ornaments, a glowing star and a canopy of tiny ceiling lights. A festive red bow framed the message “We Wish You a MOA Christmas.”
For a solo traveler, a decorated shopping mall is an easy stop on a Metro Manila itinerary. Combine a visit with a meal or photo walk. Remember that this specific display is from 2025, not a promise of what future Christmas seasons will feature.
Christmas in Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro
My 2025 photographs show the hometown side of Christmas in the Philippines in Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro. The town’s illuminated welcome display shows how festive community spaces can be after dark.
These are the kinds of scenes that make me appreciate traveling beyond well-known tourist destinations. A town’s own decorations can create some of the most memorable moments.
For another personal travel stop in Oriental Mindoro, read about my visit to Remedios Cafe in Pinamalayan, where I explored local food and Filipino–Middle Eastern flavours.
Christmas in Bansud, Oriental Mindoro
Christmas in the Philippines isn’t only about big-city attractions. At Bansud Town Plaza in Bansud, Oriental Mindoro, I photographed community-themed Christmas installations in 2025. The displays included entries labeled Barangay Alcadesma and Proper Bansud, along with Fairytopia, an Enchanted Forest scene, an underwater-themed installation and an illuminated nativity backdrop. All of these Bansud photographs were taken at the town plaza.
Filipino Christmas Traditions
Parol lanterns
During my 2022 visit to Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro, I also photographed a seller displaying rows of illuminated parols. These colorful star lanterns are among the most recognizable sights of Christmas in the Philippines, and their different patterns and glowing colors are beautiful after dark.
The Filipino parol is a star-shaped Christmas lantern, traditionally made with simple framing and colorful materials. Modern illuminated versions are often much more elaborate. The Philippine Information Agency explains the parol’s importance as a Filipino Christmas tradition.
Simbang Gabi
For many families, Christmas in the Philippines includes Simbang Gabi, a Filipino Catholic tradition of nine Masses leading up to Christmas. Many communities hold early-morning services from December 16 to 24, and some have anticipated evening Masses.
Bibingka, puto bumbong and Noche Buena
Christmas food is another highlight. Bibingka and puto bumbong are traditional rice-based treats associated with the season. Families often come together for Noche Buena, the Christmas Eve meal.
Christmas caroling
Christmas in the Philippines also reaches neighbourhood streets, where groups of children and other community members may sing Christmas carols, extending the festive atmosphere beyond decorated malls and town plazas.
Budget-Friendly Christmas Activities
You don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy Christmas in the Philippines. Visit public mall decorations, take a photo walk in a decorated town plaza, try seasonal food from local vendors, and check announcements for community holiday events. Confirm any fees or opening hours before traveling.
Christmas Travel Tips
If you’re planning to experience Christmas in the Philippines, a little preparation can help, especially during the busy holiday weeks.
Plan for crowds: December, especially the days near Christmas and New Year, can be busy. Book transport early: flights, ferries and buses can fill up. Allow extra travel time: Metro Manila traffic near popular shopping centers may be heavy. Monitor weather: rain and tropical weather systems can affect island travel. Bring a camera: holiday installations are especially photogenic after dark, but stay aware of your surroundings.
Planning more trips around the country? Explore my Philippines destination guides for travel stories and places to visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Christmas start in the Philippines?
The Christmas countdown often starts September 1, with music, early decorations and the start of the Ber months.
Where can travelers see Christmas lights?
Look for decorated shopping malls, town plazas, local parks and community displays. Their themes and schedules change every year.
Is Christmas travel in the Philippines affordable?
It can be. Many decorations can be enjoyed from public areas without purchasing anything. Food and transportation costs will depend on your plans.
Final Thoughts
Looking back at my photographs from 2022 and 2025, I’m reminded that Christmas in the Philippines is more than enormous trees and glittering lights. From SM Mall of Asia to Pinamalayan and Bansud, each place had its own celebration, but that familiar sense of joy was everywhere.
And perhaps the most memorable part is that you don’t have to wait for December: the Christmas music begins in September. Maligayang Pasko, and happy travels!
All photographs: Wallet Roamer, 2022 and 2025.