For many, Christmas is a holiday that starts with decorating the tree in early December and ends with ringing in the New Year. But in the Philippines, Christmas is not just a day or a week-long celebration — it’s a season that spans months. The country is famous for having the longest Christmas season in the world, starting as early as September and stretching well into January.
In a nation where more than 86% of the population is Roman Catholic, Christmas is celebrated with deep religious devotion, community gatherings, and festive traditions that fill the “-ber” months (September, October, November, December) with joy and excitement. From the moment the calendar flips to September 1st, Christmas songs start playing, decorations go up, and the festive spirit permeates the air.
Let’s dive into how the Philippines turns Christmas into a months-long celebration and explore the unique traditions that make this holiday season unlike any other.
The Start of the Christmas Season: The “-Ber” Months
In the Philippines, Christmas begins when the first day of September arrives, marking the start of the “-ber” months — September, October, November, and December. This extended holiday season is a time when Filipinos start to embrace the festive atmosphere, decorating homes and public spaces, playing Christmas music, and preparing for months of celebrations.
Christmas Music and Decorations
One of the most noticeable signs that Christmas has begun in the Philippines is the music. Starting in September, malls, radio stations, and homes begin playing classic Filipino and Western Christmas songs. Iconic tunes like Jose Mari Chan’s “Christmas in Our Hearts” and Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” can be heard everywhere, setting the festive tone for the months ahead.
At the same time, decorations start to go up. Filipino homes and streets are adorned with parols, colorful star-shaped lanterns that symbolize the Star of Bethlehem. Made from bamboo and paper, these lanterns light up the night and are an essential part of Filipino Christmas decor. In addition to parols, Christmas trees, nativity scenes (known as belen), and twinkling lights fill the public squares, malls, and homes, creating a magical atmosphere that lasts for months.
Simbang Gabi: A Nine-Day Religious Tradition
At the heart of the Filipino Christmas celebration is Simbang Gabi, a nine-day series of dawn masses that begins on December 16th and ends on Christmas Eve. Simbang Gabi is one of the most important religious traditions in the Philippines and reflects the deep Catholic faith of the nation.
Early Morning Masses
The Simbang Gabi masses are held early in the morning, usually around 4 or 5 AM, and are attended by devout Catholics who wake up before dawn to participate in the Eucharistic celebration. It is believed that completing all nine masses brings special blessings and favors. For many Filipinos, attending these masses is a spiritual way to prepare for the birth of Jesus Christ.
The last of the nine masses, held on Christmas Eve, is called Misa de Gallo (Mass of the Rooster), which marks the culmination of Simbang Gabi and ushers in Christmas Day. The masses are often held outdoors or in beautifully decorated churches, with the sound of bells ringing and carols being sung by choirs.
A Festive Atmosphere
While Simbang Gabi is a religious observance, it also has a festive and communal atmosphere. After each mass, local vendors set up food stalls outside the church, offering traditional Filipino snacks and delicacies such as bibingka (a type of rice cake), puto bumbong (purple rice cake steamed in bamboo tubes), and tsokolate (hot chocolate). These treats add a special warmth to the early morning gatherings and provide a sense of togetherness as families and friends share meals and conversation after the mass.
Noche Buena: A Christmas Eve Feast
In the Philippines, the highlight of the Christmas season is Noche Buena, the traditional feast held on Christmas Eve, right after the Misa de Gallo. Noche Buena is a time for families to come together to celebrate the birth of Christ with a lavish meal that is often shared well into the night.
Traditional Christmas Foods
The Noche Buena feast is a spread of both Filipino and Western dishes, reflecting the country’s rich culinary heritage. Popular dishes include:
- Lechón: A whole roasted pig, often the centerpiece of the Noche Buena table.
- Jamón: Sweet, glazed ham served with slices of queso de bola (ball of Edam cheese) — a favorite Christmas combination.
- Pancit: A noodle dish that symbolizes long life and good health.
- Fruit salad: A sweet and refreshing dessert made from canned fruits, cream, and condensed milk.
- Bibingka and puto bumbong: Rice cakes that are traditionally eaten during Simbang Gabi but also served during Noche Buena.
This meal is not just about the food but also about the gathering of loved ones. Families, extended families, and friends sit together at the table to enjoy the feast, exchange stories, and open gifts. The warmth and joy of Noche Buena reflect the strong emphasis on family that is central to the Filipino celebration of Christmas.
Christmas Day and Beyond: A Season of Giving and Joy
After the grand celebration of Noche Buena, Christmas Day is a time for more gatherings and festivities. It’s a day for families to attend mass together and then visit the homes of extended family members and godparents to exchange gifts and well-wishes. Children often receive gifts in the form of aguinaldo (money) from their elders.
Christmas Parties and Reunions
Throughout December and into January, Filipinos participate in a multitude of Christmas parties and reunions, including family reunions, school reunions, and office Christmas parties. These gatherings are lively events filled with food, games, and the exchange of gifts through a Monito-Monita (Secret Santa) gift exchange. Christmas parties are a key part of the Filipino holiday experience, bringing together friends, coworkers, and family in a joyful celebration of togetherness.
Three Kings Day (Día de los Reyes): The End of the Christmas Season
While many countries conclude their Christmas celebrations after New Year’s Day, the Philippines extends the season until January 6th, when Three Kings Day (or Día de los Reyes) is celebrated. Known as the Feast of the Epiphany, this day commemorates the arrival of the Magi who visited the baby Jesus in Bethlehem, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
In some Filipino households, the Christmas tree and decorations are not taken down until after Three Kings Day, officially marking the end of the Christmas season. However, in many places, the festive spirit lingers well into January, with holiday events and gatherings continuing.
Why Do Filipinos Celebrate Christmas So Early and for So Long?
The extended Christmas season in the Philippines can be attributed to several factors, including the country’s deep Catholic faith, its cultural emphasis on family and community, and the festive, joyful spirit that permeates Filipino society. For many Filipinos, Christmas is not just a holiday — it is a time of gratitude, hope, and celebration of faith and family.
The long celebration allows Filipinos to fully embrace the joyous message of Christmas, preparing spiritually and emotionally for the holiday through religious observances like Simbang Gabi, while also taking time to connect with loved ones, celebrate life, and express generosity and kindness to others.
Conclusion: The Longest and Most Joyful Christmas Season in the World
Christmas in the Philippines is more than just a holiday — it is a months-long celebration of faith, family, and festivity that begins in September and stretches well into January. From the early-morning masses of Simbang Gabi to the festive Noche Buena feast and the communal gatherings that continue throughout the “-ber” months, Christmas in the Philippines is a time of deep spiritual significance and joyous celebration.
For Filipinos, Christmas is a time to reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ, share meals with loved ones, and spread kindness and generosity throughout their communities. This unique and joyful approach to Christmas makes the Philippines stand out as the country with the longest and most vibrant Christmas season in the world.
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