The Christmas season in the Philippines is unlike any other. Known for the longest Christmas celebration globally, Filipino Christmas traditions reflect deep-rooted values of faith, family, and generosity.
From the enchanting colorful decorations around the noche buena spread to the heartfelt Christmas carols, celebrating Christmas in the Philippines is a festive season rich with Filipino Christmas traditions and cultural flair.
Celebrating With Filipino Christmas Traditions
In the Philippines, the holiday season is a mix of Christmas celebrations, Christmas parties, night mass, and other formal celebrations highlighting native Filipino traditions.
It makes Christmas in the Philippines one of the best times of the year.
Here’s how to embrace Filipino values during the holiday season while enjoying the unique joy and Christmas spirit that Filipinos celebrate Christmas with.
1. Embrace Faith: Attend Misa de Gallo and Midnight Mass
At the heart of the Filipino Christmas tradition is faith, with the Misa de Gallo (the Spanish word translates to “Rooster’s Mass”).
This midnight/night mass is a key component of Christmas in the Philippines.
Starting on December 16, early morning masses honor the Filipino devotion to Jesus Christ.
This nine-day novena, culminating in the night mass on Christmas Eve, is a reflection of gratitude and preparation for the birth of Baby Jesus.
For many Filipino families, it’s customary to grab a Christmas treat after Misa de Gallo, such as bibingka, rice cake, or puto bumbong.
Misa de Gallo is one of the oldest Christmas traditions in the Philippines and participating in these early morning masses fosters togetherness, making church visits a Christmas staple for families.
Attending these special Christmas traditions reminds Filipinos of the true meaning of the season, reinforcing their connection to faith and community.
2. Gather for Noche Buena: A Feast of Togetherness
Filipino families celebrate Christmas Eve with a grand feast known as Noche Buena.
This feast, which begins after the final Midnight Mass, showcases amazing food and reflects the Filipino value of sharing meals as a sign of unity and love during the Christmas season.
Some Christmas Eve staples on the table include:
Ham and Queso de Bola:
Traditional delicacies symbolizing prosperity.
Rice Cake:
Rice cake can come in many forms, including favorites like bibingka (rice cake cooked in a clay pot) and puto bumbong, served warm and sprinkled with brown sugar.
Lechon:
A festive centerpiece for the whole family to enjoy during Christmas Eve.
The Noche Buena tradition reinforces the importance of family bonds, emphasizing the holiday spirit of love and gratitude.
3. Adorn Filipino Homes with Christmas Decorations
One of the hallmarks of Christmas in the Philippines is the vibrant and unique Filipino Christmas decors.
Unlike the minimalist decor seen in Western countries, Filipino households embrace an explosion of colors and creativity.
Must-Have Filipino Christmas Decorations:
Christmas Parol:
A star-shaped Christmas lantern made from Japanese paper, bamboo sticks, or plastic. It symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem.
Nativity Scene (Belen):
Depicting the birth of Baby Jesus, a Nativity Scene can be found in homes and public spaces.
Christmas Tree:
A Christmas tree is typically decorated with Christmas balls, Christmas lights, and ribbons, often combined with a Filipino version of the holiday theme.
Christmas trees are iconic symbols of Christmas in the Philippines, so much so that establishments put up their own Christmas trees in the days leading up to Christmas day.
These colorful displays bring Christmas cheer to every Filipino household and reflect the cultural pride and creativity of the Filipino people.
Celebrate Through Christmas Carols and Christmas Songs
The joy of Christmas carols fills the air as children and adults alike sing timeless Christmas songs such as Ang Pasko Ay Sumapit and Jingle Bells.
This is one of the traditions in the Philippines that bring communities together, spreading happiness and warmth during the festive season.
In addition to traditional caroling, Filipino choirs and street performers bring life to malls and parks with lively renditions of holiday classics. This is a wonderful way to celebrate and share the Christmas cheer.
Filipino culture shines during the Christmas period with iconic holiday elements that are both local and universal.
Listening to Filipino Christmas songs like Pasko Na Naman adds a nostalgic touch to the season. These songs evoke childhood memories and deepen the connection to the holiday’s cultural significance.
5. Host Fun and Meaningful Christmas Parties
Christmas celebrations in the Philippines are incomplete without Christmas parties. Whether at school, work, or within the community, these gatherings highlight Filipino values of hospitality, camaraderie, and fun.
Popular Activities in Filipino Christmas Parties:
Secret Santa (Monito-Monita):
A gift exchange that emphasizes thoughtfulness in gift-giving, giving everyone a chance to become Santa Claus by bringing presents to their loved ones.
Exchanging Gifts:
A more communal activity where everyone brings and receives surprise Christmas presents.
When you exchange gifts on Christmas Day, however, remember that it’s not about the value of the gift but about the thought and intent. You don’t have to spend all your Christmas bonus on presents.
Games and Prizes:
Group activities that foster teamwork and laughter.
Christmas parties are a perfect opportunity to strengthen relationships, create memories, and enjoy the holiday spirit.
6. Visit the Giant Lantern Festival
For those looking to experience something truly unique, the Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando, Pampanga, is a must-see. The city is known for its Christmas lantern craftsmanship.
Known as the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines,” San Fernando City showcases large, intricately designed Christmas lanterns that illuminate the night sky with dazzling displays.
They’re used as Christmas decorations or to embellish Nativity Scenes.
The festival highlights Filipino craftsmanship, community pride, and creativity, symbolizing how Filipinos celebrate Christmas with vibrancy and unity.
7. Express Generosity: Share Christmas Gifts and Treats
Generosity is a defining Filipino value, especially during the holiday season. Many workplaces provide employees with a Christmas bonus, allowing them to buy Christmas gifts for loved ones and friends.
Exchanging gifts during Christmas Eve is a huge part of Filipino culture.
Filipinos also share their blessings with the less fortunate by distributing food for Noche Buena, clothing, and other essentials.
Street vendors often sell affordable Christmas treats, making gift-giving accessible to everyone.
Gift-giving reflects the value of sharing and ensures that the Christmas spirit reaches all corners of the community.
8. Go and See Santa Claus
Like Nativity Scenes and Christmas trees, Santa Claus is also a mainstay for many Filipino families.
Young children, in particular, celebrate Christmas with a visit to Santa’s workshop.
While the North Pole may be a distant destination, many malls and establishments set up a Santa station where kids can take photos with Father Christmas and even ask for presents.
Take the opportunity to wish Santa a merry Christmas this season and help keep the magic of Christmas alive. After all, a Filipino Christmas isn’t complete without wonder and magic.
9. Prepare for New Year’s Eve with Filipino Traditions
As the Christmas season transitions to New Year’s Eve, the celebrations continue. Filipino homes welcome the new year with fireworks, fruit baskets, and food traditions that symbolize good fortune during Noche Buena.
This seamless extension of the festive season into the new year demonstrates how deeply ingrained the longest Christmas season is in Filipinos’ lives.
Family is at the Heart of the Filipino Christmas
Christmas in the Philippines is a spectacular display of Filipino traditions that celebrate faith, family, and community.
From the spiritual significance of Misa de Gallo to the creative brilliance of Christmas parols and sumptuous Noche Buena, every aspect of this longest Christmas celebration reflects the Filipino values that make Christmas so special.
As you prepare to spend Christmas in the Philippines or simply adopt these traditions wherever you are, remember that the essence of the season lies in spreading joy, practicing generosity, and strengthening bonds with loved ones.
With heartfelt Christmas wishes, Camella wishes you a merry Christmas—filled with faith, love, and the timeless message of Jesus Christ.
Merry Christmas and Pasko na naman!
