Mel
Christmas, But Make It Filipino
In This Article
Christmas starts surprisingly early in the Philippines. As September ushers in the “Ber months,” Christmas songs and decorations begin appearing, building gradually toward December.
But the early start isn’t the only difference. There are glowing stars, church services before sunrise, special food afterward, and families staying up together to welcome Christmas Day.
Christmas Comes With Its Own Star
During Christmas, you’ll see the parol everywhere.
This star-shaped lantern represents the Star of Bethlehem and has become a symbol of Filipino Christmas. Traditional parols were made from bamboo and colorful paper, while modern versions can feature elaborate electric lights.
In San Fernando, Pampanga, the Giant Lantern Festival takes the tradition even further. Communities create enormous illuminated lanterns with changing patterns, turning parol-making into an impressive display of craftsmanship and competition.
Nine Church Services Before Christmas Day
From December 16 to 24, many Filipinos take part in Simbang Gabi, a series of nine Catholic church services, known as Masses, leading up to Christmas Day on December 25. Traditionally held before dawn, many churches now also offer evening services.
Afterward, vendors often serve bibingka, a warm baked rice cake, and puto bumbong, purple sticky rice traditionally steamed in bamboo.
Faith, food and community become part of the same Christmas tradition.
Christmas Eve Means Staying Up
Then comes Noche Buena, the Christmas Eve feast.
Families gather late at night, filling the table with food and spending time together as Christmas Day approaches. Instead of Christmas quietly arriving while everyone sleeps, many families are already celebrating when midnight comes.
And Yes, It Really Starts in September
The “Ber months” don’t mean everyone decorates their home on September 1. They’re more like the beginning of a long Christmas build-up.
Songs begin playing, decorations slowly appear and parols start glowing. The festive atmosphere simply gets stronger as December approaches.
Experience Christmas in the Philippines
If you’re visiting during the festive season, look for parols glowing after dark, try bibingka after Simbang Gabi and see Pampanga’s giant lanterns if you’re there at the right time.
Christmas may be celebrated around the world, but the Philippines has certainly made it its own.
Experience the Philippines With MASX
The Philippines goes far beyond tropical islands and beautiful beaches. MASX Philippines packages bring travelers closer to local culture, traditions and experiences that reveal another side of the country from day to night.
👉 https://masxworld.com/philippines/
—————————————————
Follow MASX for cinematic travel inspirations, hidden gems, cultural facts, and so much more!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masxworld
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1C5Ado1tV5/?mibextid=wwXIfr
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@masxworld
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@masxworldhttps://www.youtube.com/@masxworld
