Filipino Christmas Longest Holiday Season Survive Philipp...
Exploring filipino christmas longest holiday season survive philipp... in the Philippines. Practical tips, personal insights, and expert advice for expats.
Community article, editorially reviewed. Opinions are the author's, not ArchipelagoExpat's.
The timeline
- September 1: Christmas decorations go up (yes, September)
- October-November: Christmas parties, Simbang Gabi preparations
- December 16-24: Simbang Gabi (nine dawn masses)
- December 24: Noche Buena (Christmas Eve feast)
- December 25: Christmas Day
- December 30: Rizal Day
- January 1: New Year
- January 6: Three Kings / Barián
Filipino Christmas traditions
Parol: The Christmas lantern. Every home, every street has one. Made of bamboo and paper (traditional) or LED (modern).
Simbang Gabi: Nine dawn masses from Dec 16-24. Many Filipinos attend all nine. After the last mass, you can make a wish (panata).
Noche Buena feast: Lechon, hamón, fruit salad, bibingka, puto bumbong. The food is the centerpiece.
Monito-Monita: Secret Santa with a twist — weekly gift exchanges starting in October.
How to survive
- Budget for gifts — Filipinos give gifts to extended family, coworkers, and neighbors. ₱5,000-10,000 is typical.
- Expect all businesses to close Dec 24 afternoon through Jan 2
- Book travel early — flights triple in price
- Embrace the noise — firecrackers from Dec 24 night through Jan 1 morning are constant
- Try the food — bibingka and puto bumbong are only available during Simbang Gabi season
Archipelago Team
TrustedThe Archipelago Expat editorial team.
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