Christmas in Philippines

Christmas in Philippines falls on December 25 (festive season runs from September through early January). For many families the celebration stretches across several days, with quieter moments at home alongside the busier public events.

Simbang Gabi is a series of nine early-morning Masses leading up to Christmas Day, deeply rooted in Filipino tradition. Homes and streets are decorated with parol, star-shaped lanterns that symbolise the Star of Bethlehem. Families often gather on Christmas Eve for Noche Buena, a late-night feast after Midnight Mass.

Noche Buena commonly includes lechon (roast pig), hamon (sweet glazed Christmas ham), queso de bola (a ball of Edam cheese), pancit, lumpia, bibingka and puto bumbong. Hot chocolate, called tsokolate, is often served with the rice cakes.

Children traditionally visit their godparents during the season to receive small gifts or money in a custom called pamamasko. Gifts among family are commonly exchanged on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

The festive figure most associated with Christmas in Philippines is Santa Claus is widely known, alongside the local figure of the gift-bringing Three Kings on January 6. Names, costumes and gift giving dates can vary from family to family and from region to region.

The city of San Fernando in Pampanga is known as the Christmas Capital of the Philippines and hosts a Giant Lantern Festival each December.