When it comes to celebrating Christmas, few countries embrace the holiday season quite like the Philippines. In fact, the country is often known for having one of the world’s longest Christmas celebrations, with festive decorations, holiday music, and family gatherings beginning as early as September.
From dawn masses and colorful lanterns to midnight feasts and family reunions, Filipino Christmas traditions reflect the country’s strong emphasis on faith, community, and family. For millions of Filipinos at home and abroad, Christmas is not just a single day, it’s a season filled with meaningful customs that bring family and friends together.
Whether you’re discovering these traditions for the first time or celebrating with family in the Philippines, here’s a closer look at some of the customs that make Christmas so special.
What makes Christmas in the Philippines unique?
The Philippines is one of the world’s largest predominantly Christian countries, and Christmas is widely considered the most important holiday of the year.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Filipino Christmas traditions is the length of the celebration. The holiday season unofficially begins when the “-ber months” arrive in September and continues through December and into the New Year.
During this period, shopping centers, neighborhoods, churches, and homes are decorated with colorful lights and festive displays. Christmas songs fill the air, families begin preparing for reunions, and communities come together for holiday events and celebrations.
For many Filipinos, Christmas is a time to strengthen family bonds, express gratitude, and reconnect with relatives and friends near and far.
How the Christmas season begins
While Christmas preparations in many countries start in late November or December, Filipinos often begin celebrating months earlier.
The arrival of September marks the unofficial start of the Christmas season. Decorations appear in homes and public spaces, holiday music begins playing, and families start planning gatherings and gift exchanges.
This extended celebration reflects the importance of Christmas in Filipino culture. Rather than focusing on a single holiday event, families enjoy several months of anticipation leading up to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
The months-long celebration also gives communities more opportunities to participate in religious observances, festive gatherings, and charitable activities.
How Simbang Gabi prepares families for Christmas
One of the most important Filipino Christmas traditions is Simbang Gabi, a series of nine dawn masses held from December 16 through December 24.
Many Filipinos wake before sunrise to attend these special church services, which are deeply rooted in the country’s religious traditions. Simbang Gabi serves as a spiritual preparation for Christmas and provides an opportunity for reflection, prayer, and community participation.
For many families, attending Simbang Gabi is a cherished tradition passed down through generations.
The festive atmosphere extends beyond the church. After the services, people often gather to enjoy traditional holiday foods from local vendors, creating a unique blend of faith, community, and celebration.
How parol lanterns light up the season
A beloved symbol of Christmas in the Philippines is the parol, a colorful star-shaped lantern displayed in homes, churches, schools, and public spaces.
The parol is traditionally inspired by the Star of Bethlehem and symbolizes hope, guidance, and the joy of the Christmas season.
Modern parols range from simple handcrafted designs to elaborate illuminated displays that decorate entire neighborhoods. Their vibrant colors and intricate patterns help create the festive atmosphere that accompanies the holiday season throughout the country.
For many Filipinos, seeing parols displayed throughout December is one of the clearest signs that Christmas has arrived.
How families celebrate Noche Buena
The highlight of the Christmas season for many Filipino families is Noche Buena, the festive meal shared on Christmas Eve.
After attending church services and spending time with family, those who matter most gather around the table shortly before or after midnight to celebrate together.
Noche Buena is about more than food. It is a time for reconnecting with relatives, sharing stories, exchanging gifts, and strengthening family bonds.
Many families spend months planning these gatherings, especially when relatives travel long distances to celebrate together.
How traditional holiday foods bring families together
Food plays a central role in Filipino Christmas traditions, and Noche Buena tables are often filled with dishes that have become holiday favorites across generations.
Some of the most popular foods include:
Lechon: A roasted whole pig with crispy skin, is often considered the centerpiece of major holiday celebrations and family gatherings.
Hamon (holiday ham): Another staple dish that frequently appears during Noche Buena celebrations.
Queso de Bola: A ball-shaped cheese is a traditional holiday favorite that many families enjoy alongside bread, ham, and other festive foods.
Ensaymada: A sweet, buttery pastry often topped with cheese and enjoyed during holiday celebrations and family gatherings.
Together, these foods help create traditions that connect generations and bring families together year after year.
How OFWs stay in touch during the holidays
Millions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) live and work abroad, making Christmas one of the most important times of year for family connections.
For many Filipino families, holiday celebrations involve family and friends who may be working overseas. While distance can make reunions difficult, families often stay in touch through video calls, messages, virtual gatherings, and shared traditions.
Many OFWs continue to participate in Christmas customs regardless of where they live, helping preserve traditions while supporting family members back home.
Why remittances are important during Christmas
Christmas is one of the busiest times of year for money transfers to the Philippines.
Many Filipinos abroad send money home to help those who matter most prepare for:
- Noche Buena celebrations
- Family reunions
- Holiday meals
- Gifts for children and relatives
- Travel expenses
- Seasonal household costs
These remittances often play an important role in helping families celebrate together and maintain beloved holiday traditions.
Western Union offers multiple ways to send funds internationally:
- Begin a money transfer online
- Explore different ways to send money
- Use the international money transfer app for convenient transfers on the go
- Send funds through international mobile wallet transfers where available
If you’re supporting family and friends during the holiday season, you can also send money to the Philippines quickly and conveniently.
Celebrate Filipino Christmas traditions and stay close
From Simbang Gabi and parol lanterns to Noche Buena celebrations, Filipino Christmas traditions reflect the importance of faith, community, and maintaining connections across generations. While customs may vary from family to family, the season continues to be a meaningful time for celebration and connection.
Whether you’re gathering with family and friends in person or sending support from afar, Western Union can help you help family and friends throughout the holiday season.
Ready to send holiday support to those who matter most in the Philippines? Begin a money transfer today with Western Union.
FAQ
The Philippines is known for beginning Christmas celebrations as early as September. Decorations, music, religious observances, and holiday activities continue throughout the “ber months” and into the New Year.
Simbang Gabi is a traditional series of nine dawn masses held from December 16 through December 24. The services help prepare families spiritually for Christmas and are an important part of Filipino holiday culture.
Noche Buena is the Christmas Eve feast shared by families after evening celebrations and church services. It is one of the most important gatherings of the holiday season.
Western Union offers several convenient transfer options, including online services, the mobile app, and other digital transfer methods. You can send money to the Philippines using the option that best fits your needs.
