Christmas vacation in the Philippines is not just the most wonderful time of the year, but also an important occasion for families to gather and spend time together. What better way to spend the holidays than traveling to a new place? By exploring various local destinations, you can experience diverse activities with your loved ones, such as island hopping, cultural explorations, staycations, and most importantly, Filipino Christmas practices.
It’s a lot more fun to make memories during the holiday season if you spend it with your loved ones. Plan something extra special by browsing these noteworthy Christmas vacation ideas in the Philippines.
6 Ways to Plan a Special Christmas Vacation in the Philippines
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Organize an island hopping trip
December marks the start of the dry season, which makes it the perfect time to visit local island destinations. Go island hopping at the best beach destinations in the Philippines, such as:
- Batangas (Sombrero Island, Verde Island)
- Bohol (Panglao and Balicasag Island)
- Cebu (Bantayan, Malapascua, Sumilon, Lapu-Lapu, Camotes Islands)
- Leyte (Cuatro Islands)
Many domestic fast craft operators like SuperCat provide trips from Batangas to Calapan, as well as Cebu to Tagbilaran and Ormoc, which lets you travel the seas in style.
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Book an urban holiday staycation
It’s possible to spend Christmas vacation in the Philippines without traveling too far. If you live in Cebu City, you have endless options for a family or barkada staycation. This is also a convenient way to celebrate the season, because you’ll be staying near malls, tourist attractions, and various convenience facilities. Here a few ideas on where to stay for the holidays:
Family-Friendly Resorts
- JPark Island Resort and Waterpark
- Solea Mactan Resort
Nature Retreats in the City
- Serenity Farm and Resort
- Asmara Urban Resort & Lifestyle Village
All-in-One Resorts
- NUSTAR Resort and Casino
- The Mactan Newtown Beach
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Rediscover nature’s beauty at a mangrove ecopark
Visiting Ormoc for the holidays? Don’t skip out on Ormoc Mangrove Ecopark, a free, public sanctuary for mangrove plants. The walkway is well-lit and offers a stunning view of the Ormoc Bay, as well as a canopy of mangroves along the shoreline. Not only is this a family-friendly spot for a Christmas vacation in the Philippines, but it also teaches visitors the value of cultivating mangroves to protect the environment.
Alternatively, if you’re visiting Oriental Mindoro, stop by Silonay Mangrove Conservation Ecopark in Calapan City to experience the beauty of mangroves for yourself. Birdwatching fans will also enjoy Silonay, as the place is home to various species like the Philippine Duck, Yellow Vented Bulbul, and Black Naped Oriole.
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Attend simbang gabi or Christmas Eve mass at Basilica del Santo Niño
The historic Sto. Niño Basilica in Cebu City is a landmark of Christian tradition and modernity. In December, the church is decorated in dazzling lights, parol, mini Christmas trees, and solemn nativity scenes. It is also one of the popular venues for attending simbang gabi or midnight mass, as well as a starting point for Cebu heritage tours, as it is adjacent to Magellan’s Cross and within walking distance to Fort San Pedro. This makes it one of the meaningful Christmas vacation ideas in the Philippines.
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Watch a local film at the Metro Manila Film Festival 2025
Catch one (or all!) of the 8 feature-length films and short films that are part of this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival or MMFF. The event is hosted every December as a celebration of Filipino cinema, featuring films in diverse genres such as drama, romance, comedy, family movies, and even horror. Pick your favorite from the official entries to MMFF 2025 and catch a screening at cinemas nationwide.
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Celebrate Christmas by the seaside
The beach is the ultimate destination for a Christmas vacation in the Philippines. The fair weather from December to January balances the cool breeze with sunny shores, creating the perfect family beach getaway for the holidays.
Not sure where to go? Oslob, Cebu is famous for its whale shark watching activity, snorkeling, and diving. Panglao Island is just a ride away from Tagbilaran City, and offers various water parks and themed resorts for all ages. The province of Batangas is dotted with several coves and beach resorts accessible from the city.
Celebrating Christmas vacation in the Philippines through travel creates new opportunities for you to bond deeper with your family, friends, or partner. Whether you plan to relax at a resort, go on a heritage or nature walk, or get adventurous with island hopping, the best Christmas vacation is one where you truly enjoy the company of loved ones.
ALSO READ: Top 9 Philippine Destinations for Family Vacations on a Budget
Book a trip on one of SuperCat’s fastcrafts, which offer top-speed trips to Batangas, Calapan, Cebu, Ormoc, and Tagbilaran this holiday season. Travel home in time for the Christmas season with us today. View our passenger rates here and book your tickets now.
Plan a Christmas vacation in the Philippines to level up the holiday. Visit mangrove parks or beaches, catch a movie or attend simbang gabi in a historical church.