Christmas & New Year Tours in Philippines
Think about visiting Puerto Princesa Underground River (a UNESCO heritage site), chilling by bonfires sleeping under stars in cabins or hammocks, getting up close to friendly whale sharks, scrambling down beautiful Kawasan Falls, and ending your adventure with four nights in a pool villa on super chill Siargao Island. Philippines during the holidays delivers paradise to light up the festive period.
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The 16 day Philippines Group Adventure Tour is a good way to experience many beautiful islands of the Philippines. Starting with the Pros: Many destinations are visited, and the company provides a tour leader to help coordinate all hotel rooms, transportation logistics (including flights within the country), and tend to miscellaneous concerns. The Tour Guide we had was a genuinely fun and interesting person who contributed to many good laughs and times on the tour. The itinerary had a LOT of fun stuff included with some highlights including surfing, kayaking, island hopping and snorkeling, swimming with whale sharks, canyoneering/ziplining, and access to optional activities (where you have to pay) that are “must do” in my opinion to try to maximize seeing the natural beauty of the country. At the end of the day, it felt very much like the checkbox was ticked in that it was Mission Complete with respect to seeing enough of the Islands of the Philippines. On the negative side: There’s a lot of long travel days, and some of the accommodation was below expectation. As an avid traveler, often to lesser developed countries, I don’t think my expectations are unfairly high; I basically ask for privacy (not share accommodation with strangers which makes me nervous in case of theft etc), and clean hot water to bathe and rinse off swim clothes etc. Unfortunately, it seemed like we fell below this standard not infrequently, including having women share dorms with men, and in addition, accommodation that was very cramped and/or quite loud outside, or extremely basic tents with next to no cushioning. Our group happened to be not particularly big, so perhaps this added cost pressure to this particular trip, but would suggest even upping the trip cost a touch to pass these hurdles would be worthwhile as nights with very poor sleep, or unclean water and not enough time for clothes/towels to dry winds up adding odors to our bags -- it just has a negative impact on our ability to enjoy our days. All that said, I had a really fun time (and was exceptionally blessed with lovely travel mates). As someone who tilts towards travelling to learn the destination’s history, experience culture shock, spending time with locals etc, this trip on paper really wasn’t for me (the Philippines island experience in general seems to be more about people enjoying the tropical weather and partying on the cheap), but I still ultimately enjoyed it, which says a lot.
16 Days Philippines Adventure with El Nido to Coron Island expedition (Independent Tour)The Philippines was a place that had always appeared overwhelming, with more than seven thousand islands to choose from, and far fewer ideas and directions for the average traveller. The 12 Days Best of Philippines itinerary did this so well, and narrowed down the search of what part of the country is better seen first to a bundle of years of searching. The events of those twelve days were truly unexpected, in a good way. Turquoise waters, digitally-finished, rice terraces that had been patiently dug into the hillside long before any machines were invented, and the feeling of unscripted welcome on the islands. There's a natural generosity of spirit in the Philippines that you can't build on a plan, but this one was clever enough to let us get into it and walk away. The 12 days did not feel like an end, but rather a continuation.
12 Days Best of Philippines Small Group TourGreat tour with a great trip CEO. Thanks Sharie!
Best of the Philippines
Our traveler's Moments
10 best Christmas & New Year Philippines tour packages
Compiled by
SteffPhilippines travel expert at TourRadar
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16 Days Philippines Adventure with El Nido to Coron Island expedition (Independent Tour)
“The Tour Guide we had was a genuinely fun and interesting person who contributed to many good laughs and times on the tour.”
Daniel, traveled in February
Philippine paradise spans from Manila's festivities to Siargao's peaceful shores this holiday season. Traditional celebrations mix with camping on pristine beaches, underground river exploration, and surfing Cloud 9 across multiple islands.
Duration 16 days Destinations Manila, Makati, Intramuros, Puerto Princesa, Port Barton, El Nido, Linapacan Island, Culion, Coron, Cebu CitySee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Do You Travel From
- US$3,635
12 Days Best of Philippines Small Group Tour
“It was a relaxed trip, and since our group was small, we didn't have to wait on each other much!”
Vanessa, traveled in October
Duration 12 days Destinations El Nido, Coron, Bohol, Siquijor, Dumaguete Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator UME Travel Co. Ltd From $2,648
5% Off- US$2,516
Island-hop from Manila through El Nido, Puerto Princesa, and Bohol with festive stays at Seda Bonifacio Global City and Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort. Snorkel Christmas morning in Bacuit Bay's hidden lagoons and kayak to secret beaches, then watch New Year's fireworks over Panglao's shores.
Duration 10 days Destinations Manila, El Nido, Puerto Princesa, Cebu City, Bohol Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel From
5% Off- US$1,748
Spectacular fireworks illuminate Boracay's White Beach for New Year's Eve. Christmas mass at Manila Cathedral, festive dinners at 5-star resorts, and holiday charm at Chocolate Hills viewing deck create memorable experiences.
Duration 10 days Destinations Manila, Intramuros, Bohol, Tagbilaran City, Anda, Panglao Island, Baclayon, Corella, Loboc, Balicasag IslandSee all destinations Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel From
5% Off- US$2,036
Manila's Intramuros comes alive as you cycle through on bamboo bikes before ascending Mt Pinatubo at sunrise. Marvel at UNESCO rice terraces, learn about Sagada's unique burial traditions, and savor festive cooking demonstrations in Baguio during the holiday period.
Duration 10 days Destinations Manila, Intramuros, Mount Pinatubo, Banaue, Batad, Sagada, Bontoc, Baguio Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,940
20% Off- US$2,352
Solo-ish Philippines
“great to see all the hidden gems philippines has to offer”
Brian, traveled in April
Magical evening firefly watching at Iwahig pairs with festive meals at Sibaltan Heritage House. Manila's Intramuros and El Nido's Secret Beach provide the backdrop for Christmas island-hopping adventures.
Duration 11 days Destinations Manila, Intramuros, Makati, Puerto Princesa, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Port Barton, El Nido Age Range Ages 18+ Operator G Adventures From $2,749
25% Off- US$2,062
Filipino holiday traditions unfold in Manila's decorated Intramuros and festive Binondo market. Seasonal celebrations await with Indigenous communities at Mount Purro Nature Reserve. El Nido's Secret Beach and Hidden Beach provide the perfect backdrop for New Year's festivities.
Duration 10 days Destinations Manila, Intramuros, Puerto Princesa, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Port Barton, El Nido Age Range Ages 12+ Operator G Adventures From $1,999
33% Off- US$1,339
What our customers ask about Christmas & New Year Tours in Philippines
What special activities are included in Philippines Christmas & New Year tours?
During the holiday season Filipino tours blend festive celebrations with signature experiences. Visitors join in Noche Buena feasts and attend midnight mass alongside activities like island hopping through El Nido's limestone formations swimming with whale sharks near Oslob and exploring Puerto Princesa's Underground River. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The holiday activities combined with natural wonders made it unforgettable - from Christmas Eve dinner on the beach to New Year's countdown in Boracay."
How much should I budget for a Christmas & New Year tour in the Philippines?
Daily tour costs during the holiday season range from $120-284. A standard 9-day itinerary covering Manila Boracay and Cebu starts at $1,080 while extended 12-day trips including stops in Bohol and Dumaguete run about $2,923. A TourRadar traveler shared: "While holiday season prices were higher, the experience of celebrating New Year on White Beach in Boracay was worth every penny."
What's the weather like during Christmas & New Year in the Philippines?
The Philippines enjoys pleasant conditions during December and January with temperatures between 26-30°C (79-86°F). Major hubs like Manila and Cebu see clear skies and minimal rain making it ideal for outdoor activities. Beach destinations such as Boracay and Panglao Island experience similar dry weather. As noted by a TourRadar traveler: "The weather during our Christmas tour was perfect - warm enough for beach activities in Boracay but comfortable for exploring the Chocolate Hills in Bohol."
How far in advance should I book a Christmas & New Year tour in Philippines?
Securing reservations 6-8 months ahead is essential for holiday season tours particularly for sought-after properties like Fairways & Bluewater Boracay and The Funny Lion El Nido. Most tours reach capacity by September while premium resorts like Bluewater Panglao often fill earlier. A TourRadar traveler advised: "We booked our Christmas tour 7 months ahead and were glad we did as many hotels were already full."
What are the must-visit destinations for Christmas & New Year in Philippines?
Key holiday destinations include Boracay for beachfront celebrations Manila for its holiday lights and festivities and El Nido for peaceful island settings. Popular stops feature the UNESCO Underground River in Puerto Princesa and Bohol's Chocolate Hills. According to TourRadar travelers "Christmas in Boracay at the Red Coconut Beach Resort was magical with perfect weather and festive atmosphere" while others praised New Year celebrations at Bluewater Panglao resort in Bohol.
What's the best accommodation option for Christmas & New Year in Philippines?
Leading holiday accommodations include Fairways & Bluewater Boracay Four Points by Sheraton Palawan and The Funny Lion El Nido. In Manila Seda Bonifacio Global City offers dedicated holiday packages. These properties typically include special dining events and festivities. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The Christmas celebration at Bluewater Panglao was exceptional with great decorations and holiday feast."