While the Christmas season is often marked with all kinds of parties, some people opt to use the time to travel to different places. But if you plan to go that route, the next thing on your mind is where to go. Here are some great Christmas destinations to visit on your vacation.
Christmas destinations no. 1: San Fernando, Pampanga
Parols, or Christmas lanterns have always been a part of the holidays in the country. And the big decorated lanterns coming from San Fernando, Pampanga is a sight to behold when hung in front of houses. So, why not head to the town itself to marvel more at these beautiful creations?
The city is just a three-hour drive from Manila, so you can easily get there for a weekend getaway. Its main attraction during the holidays is the Giant Lantern Festival. This is typically held on the Saturday before Christmas. There is also a nightly exhibition leading to the main event.
Each barangay has an entry in the parade, with teams of artists working on them for a whole year. And the people aren’t kidding when they dubbed the event as the Giant Lantern Parade. The entries are typically around 20 feet in diameter but some go up to twice that size.
These would also not be parols without the lights. One lantern can have around 5000 bulbs lighting it from the inside. Aside from the traditional star patterns, artists also incorporate other Christmas elements like the Nativity scene. Some entries even go beyond regular lights show and incorporate moving elements.
Aside from the Giant Lantern Festival, San Fernando has many sights to see. The San Fernando Train Station, for instance, will make you feel like traveling back in time with its rustic architecture. On the other hand, you can visit the Sky Ranch if you want to treat your family to a day at the theme park.
Christmas destination no. 2. Tanay, Rizal
Many of those who go on a holiday vacation often do to get away from all the buzz in the city. If you are one of those folks, Tanay, Rizal is one of the best destinations to head to. The main draw of this quaint town is the various natural attractions found in and around it, which are perfect for a relaxing Christmas getaway.
One of the first things you want to see while in town is the famous sea of clouds seen atop the peaks of the Sierra Madre. There are four popular spots where you can get a glimpse of this wonder:
- Martessem Mountain Resort: Located in Sitio Mayagay, this resort is perfect for casual sightseers. It charges 50 pesos for the view, which is already inclusive of coffee.
- Cafe Katerina: While it doesn’t offer the best view of the clouds, it is still a great stopover point on your trip. It offers affordable food you can eat while waiting for the clouds.
- Ten Cents to Heaven Leisure Camp: This resort offers a wide range of outdoor activities like zip-lining and swimming. It also has an unobstructed view of the clouds.
- Treasure Mountain: This spot is a great option for those planning to camp out while waiting for the sea of clouds. It also has a day hike trail for that quick nature walk.
When planning to get a glimpse of the so-called effortless sea of clouds, be sure to check the weather forecast first. It would also be better to plan out a whole set of activities instead of just going for the view. This will help you get the most out of the time and effort to travel.
Christmas destinations no. 3: Kawit, Cavite
The town of Kawit in Cavite is already a popular travel spot all year round. But there is a good reason to make it one of your Christmas destinations. Every year, the town celebrates the Maytinis Festival during Christmas Eve. The festival harkens back to a Spanish-era tradition where priests used plays to teach locals about Christianity.
Maytinis’ highlight is the presentation recapping Joseph and Mary’s search for a place to stay in Bethlehem. The dramatization takes place on the main streets of Kawit, making it a must-see for visitors. A procession of floats depicting other biblical scenes also occurs.
There are a lot of other things you can do when joining the celebrations. You can feast on the various native delicacies sold on the streets of Kawit during the festivals. The townspeople also put up different stalls and booths where you can buy some souvenirs.
Experience a different Christmas vacation in these places
The places above are sure to offer a different Christmas vacation experience for you and your family. And there are more great Christmas destinations to visit. Plan your trip and be ready for one remarkable adventure.