When Filipinos think of where to spend Christmas this year, Baguio City is always among the top choices. This charming city not only has the cool weather to go with the season but it’s also packed with holiday events for everyone to enjoy. From colorful lantern parades to themed Christmas villages, you’ll never run out of things to do during the holiday season in the City of Pines.
Best Way to Spend Christmas In Baguio
If you ask where is the best place to spend Christmas in the Philippines, Baguio City is always high on the list. During the holiday season, the city goes all out. From early November up until January, the city is lit up in sparkling lights and packed with various activities.
Check out these events while you’re in Baguio for the holidays:
“Christmas Around The World” At Baguio Botanical Garden
The Baguio Botanical Garden is one of the city’s most beloved attractions. This year, the garden follows the theme “Christmas Around The World.” Different areas of the park are decorated with ornaments unique to certain countries around the world. Here, you’ll be transported to various parts of the world and get the chance to experience different cultures without having to leave the city.
Walk through the lighted Japanese gardens or have your fortune read at the Chinese Friendship Park. Get entertained by buskers singing holiday music and check out the food stalls selling delicious holiday treats. You’ll discover a variety of activities suited for visitors of all ages.
Baguio City Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Saint Louis Lantern Parade
This year, SLU’s long-awaited Lantern Parade is making a comeback on December 1. The streets are lined up with hundreds of lanterns, delighting onlookers with spectacular lantern dances. The parade starts at Upper Session Road and ends at Melvin Jones Field, where students are set to present their final grand performances.
The main event of the evening is the city’s Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Session Road Rotunda. Each year, the tree showcases a unique design, where locals and tourists eagerly await the unveiling. The tree will be lit up in synchronization with live musical performances and a spectacular fireworks display from SM City Baguio, making the moment more magical.
And it doesn’t stop there—Session Road is also illuminated with thousands of sparkling, mandala-inspired parol lights from top to bottom. Every night, locals and visitors take a stroll here to take in the festive sights and sounds of the city.
Baguio Country Club’s Oriental-themed Christmas Village
The Baguio Country Club always holds a delightful surprise for visitors at their famous Christmas Village, which changes themes annually. This year features an Oriental Winter Wonderland-themed Christmas Village filled with colorful displays of traditional Chinese decorations and oriental-inspired food stalls.
There are also plenty of other fun activities, including a snow show, a nativity pageant, cosplay, live musical performances, picture-taking with Santa, meet-and-greets with Japanese and Korean personalities, and a wishing wall.
“Cool Christmas At The Rose Garden” At Burnham Park
The Rose Garden is also in full holiday bloom this year with the theme, “Cool Christmas at the Rose Garden,” which opens on December 3. The event features a food truck showcase, Christmas installations, open mic street busking, and performances. The night concludes with a spectacular firework display.
Tourists and locals can also head to the night market, which opens at 9 p.m., and browse the stalls selling delicious food, drinks, and handmade crafts. There are also plenty of thrifted and vintage clothing and shoes for everyone to pick from.
Christmas Lights Show at The Manor, Camp John Hay
Every holiday season, The Manor at Camp John Hay transforms its garden into a magical winter wonderland complete with stunning, colorful light displays, and light shows. Each year has a different theme, so you always have something new and exciting to look forward to.
Nutcracker Parade and Ballet Concert
On December 3, the Ballet Baguio dancers and the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) cadets are set to have a parade at Session Road wearing Nutcracker-themed costumes. They will also showcase their rendition of the classic Christmas tale. This event is the newest addition to Baguio’s festive events during the holidays.
Celebrate The Christmas Season At El Retiro For Your Next Staycation!
If you’re thinking of where to spend your Christmas vacation with your family or where is a nice place to spend Christmas with your special someone, Baguio City is one of the most special places to visit during the holiday season. From the chilly weather to the spectacular light shows and Christmas villages, Christmas in Baguio will certainly be an experience you’ll never forget.
Looking for the perfect place where to stay in Baguio City with the family or friends? El Retiro’s captivating heritage home offers a unique way to experience the Christmas season. You can relax in style while soaking up the holiday vibe in Baguio City, thanks to our cozy luxury accommodations and modern amenities. Just a few minutes drive from the city, El Retiro is all you need to make your holiday trip a unique and memorable one.