See our shortlist of the best Christmas themed parks in the Philippines where you can bring your family this holiday season.
Giving material gifts, especially practical ones, are always welcome. But for those who want to surprise their family with new experiences this year, there are just the right places for such. This holiday season’s break may be short, but there are ways to make it meaningful.
Spending time together is also one way to keep the bond stronger within families. These shared experiences make memorable stories that will last longer than physical gifts. That said, here is a shortlist of the best Christmas themed parks in the Philippines where people can bring their families this holiday.
Baguio Christmas Village at the Baguio Country Club
Many people know Baguio as a famous summer destination because of its cool climate. But aside from offering a recluse from the Philippine tropical weather, it is also a famous Christmas destination.
In the Philippines, Baguio is the closest one can get to a white Christmas. Although there is no snow, the freezing temperature, and the fog almost come close. But there is more to look forward to in the city other than its year-round cool breeze.
Every year, the Christmas village at the Baguio Country Club lights up for the season. This year, the village features an Oriental Winter Wonderland. Visitors can expect a jam-packed day with a show of lights and various events, including a nativity pageant and a live musical performance.
This year’s Christmas village opened its doors to the public last October 10, 2022. This is in line with the Habagat or the cold, dry season when visitors can enjoy their stay with the least chance of rain. The village will continue to accept visitors until January 8, 2023.
Giant Lantern Festival in Pampanga
The holidays are colorful once again in the Christmas Capital of the Philippines as San Fernando, Pampanga, resumes the yearly Giant Lantern Festival. Coming back from a two-year pause due to the pandemic, the face-to-face festivities are brighter than ever.
Pampanga’s Giant Lantern Festival is famous locally and internationally for its lantern competition. During the event, participants from different barangays in San Fernando bring out their most innovative and artistic giant parol for the ‘Ligligan Parul,’ as the festival is known locally. The best parol gets the title of the “brightest star” of the night.
The Giant Lantern Festival celebrations start on December 17 until January 1, 2023. This gives the locals and tourists from other provinces time to see all the lantern displays and even explore the art behind the festivities.
Anjo World in Cebu
Theme parks are a constant destination for families during the holidays. But how about a theme park outside of Luzon? Cebu’s Anjo World Theme Park in Minglanilla is just the right place to visit this holiday season.
Just this November 30, 2022, the theme park unveiled a new attraction called the Funtastic Arena. Though not strictly a Christmas park, Anjo World unveiled over 20 new rides and attractions that will open just in time for the holiday season.
Anjo World is not just for kids. In fact, it offers a wide range of activities, rides, and games for all ages. This includes arcades, rides, and educational attractions for children and adults alike.
Alongside the tricks, Anjo World has also upgraded its treats with new additions to its food and beverages. Moving forward, the amusement park also announced its adoption of e-cards for a more convenient experience.
Anjo World is now open daily from 12:00 PM to 8:00 during weekdays and an earlier opening at 10:00 AM on weekends.
Christmas Symbols Festival in Misamis Occidental
If Pampanga has a Giant Lantern Festival, Misamis Occidental in Mindanao has a Christmas Symbols Festival. But unlike Pampanga’s festival, Tangub City’s celebration has a more humble but heartwarming origin.
According to accounts, the festival started in 1992 with a simple lighting request of a bride from her husband, who was the city mayor. Seeing that the city could use a little cheering up, the mayor obliged.
Once the Christmas tree was up in the city plaza, it gathered many families around. Since then, the display has only grown bigger until it became a yearly display extravaganza.
The event became a fixture in Tangub’s yearly Christmas celebration, earning the city its title as the ‘Christmas Symbols Capital of the Philippines.’ Perhaps the defining milestone for Tangub is its 2012 ‘Discover the World’ theme. It featured iconic landmarks from all over the world, including a replica of Notre Dame in Paris and the Garden Fountain of Isola Bella in Italy.
This year, the month-long Christmas Symbol celebration opened in early December with an energizing firework display. The celebration and its display will remain open for viewing until the first week of January, making it the longest Christmas festivity in the Philippines.
Best Christmas Themed Parks in the Philippines: Honorable Mentions
Aside from those mentioned above, there are several parks in the Philippines that offer Christmas-themed attractions and events. Some options include the following:
Enchanted Kingdom
Located in Santa Rosa, Laguna, Enchanted Kingdom is a popular theme park with various rides, shows, and attractions. The park is decorated with Christmas lights during the holiday season and features special Christmas-themed shows and events.
Star City
Located in Pasay City, Metro Manila, Star City is an amusement park
that offers rides, games, and attractions. The weather-proof park also transforms into a Christmas wonderland during the holiday season with ballet shows as parts of its yearly tradition.
Sky Ranch
Located in Tagaytay City, Cavite, Sky Ranch is an amusement park with various rides and games. Set against the foggy and breezy December weather, Sky Ranch Tagaytay is an ideal destination for families who want a winter-like holiday experience.
It is worth noting that the availability of these events may vary from year to year, and it is always a good idea to check with the park directly for the most up-to-date information.
A lasting holiday gift
These places are just some of the best Christmas themed parks in the Philippines where you can bring your family to celebrate the holidays and share a lasting experience.
Give your loved ones the lifestyle that they deserve, and take a step closer to your dream life in Camella. Browse your options for the ultimate holiday gift that will transcend decades here.
