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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Daniel • traveled in March, 2025
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) - C
Carole • traveled in November, 2024
This itinerary was excellent it provided a good variety of tours covering culture, sightseeing, wildlife and adventure and provided an excellent insight into Filipino life. The standard of accomodation was comfortable, our rooms were all clean and air conditioned. We did have a slight hiccup with cyclone kristine passing through, but our tour agent Chloe managed to reschedule all of our tours so that we didn't miss out on anything ! I would highly recommend this tour.
12 Days Ultimate Manila and Cebu - Philippines Island Hopping (Independent Tour) - J
janelle • traveled in March, 2026
The tour was amazing such a lovely group bonded very well with other girls and great activities ,shout out to the best tour guide sheena always there not only as an amazing tour guide but as a friend for support including when getting sick on the trip,she went above and beyond to make our trip memorable
West Philippines Classic 10 Day - One Life Adventures
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10 best Christmas & New Year Philippines tour packages
Compiled by
SteffPhilippines travel expert at TourRadar
- East Philippines Classic 10 Day - One Life Adventures
- Philippines Palawan Island Getaway
- Bohol & Panglao - The Full Experience: 5-Day Package
- The Beauty of the Philippines 10 Days
- The Iconic Visayas: Peaks to Beaches
- Philippines : First Time Traveller
- 12 Days Ultimate Manila and Cebu - Philippines Island Hopping (Independent Tour)
- 8 Days Cebu & Siargao: Ultimate Island Getaway
- A 7 Days Tropical Fun storm: Boracay - Cebu - Palawan
- Discover Cebu & Siargao In 8 Epic Days
East Philippines Classic 10 Day - One Life Adventures
66 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Best time ever, will remember for the rest of my life!”
Nikolo, traveled in December
The tropical paradise of the Philippines sparkles during the holidays. Sunset cruises to Virgin Island, festive dinners on Boracay's White Beach, and seasonal activities at Motag Living Museum showcase Christmas traditions against pristine beaches.
Duration 10 days Destinations Cebu City, Moalboal, Osmena Peak, Bohol, Panglao Island, Loboc, Boracay, Caticlan Age Range Ages 18-59 Operator One Life Adventures From $1,575
10% Off- US$1,418You save $158
Philippines Palawan Island Getaway
15 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Numerous Intrepud trips. Never disappointed.”
Leigh, traveled in January
Duration 8 days Destinations Manila, Intramuros, Puerto Princesa, Sabang, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, Port Barton, El Nido Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,395
15% Off- US$2,036You save $359
Bohol & Panglao - The Full Experience: 5-Day Package
3 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“well organized and relaxing tours that avoided some of the business otherwise often found in the Philippines.”
Bernhard, traveled in January
Bohol's treasures shine during the holidays for approx. $40/day. The historic Baclayon Church, dolphin watching near Pamilacan Island, and the majestic Chocolate Hills await. Festive meals at Abraham Bohol lead to starlit evenings at Virgin Island's pristine sandbar.
Duration 5 days Destinations Bohol, Panglao Island, Loboc Age Range Ages 18+ Operator Abraham Tours Philippines From
15% Off- US$188
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 $2,183
5% Off- US$2,074You save $109
Spend 3 nights at Feliz Hotel Boracay catching beachfront fireworks over White Beach and joining festive island parties for Christmas and New Year. Check out Bohol's famous Chocolate Hills and have holiday dinners with fresh seafood and Filipino dishes at Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort.
Duration 10 days Destinations Manila, Bohol, Cebu City, Boracay Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel From $1,414
5% Off- US$1,343You save $71
Ring in the New Year with 3 nights at Feliz Hotel Boracay, where festive beach parties and tropical cocktails await under swaying palms. Head to Bohol to see the Chocolate Hills and spend 3 nights at Panglao Bluewater Beach Resort on Alona Beach before finishing at hotels in Manila.
Duration 10 days Destinations Manila, Boracay, Cebu City, Bohol, Tagbilaran City, Panglao Island, Loboc Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Vio Travel From $1,187
5% Off- US$1,128You save $59
12 Days Ultimate Manila and Cebu - Philippines Island Hopping (Independent Tour)
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The trip was amazing and recommended, but for future travelers, we recommend the following changes to the itinerary.”
Nahman, traveled in February
Christmas comes alive at Bohol's Chocolate Hills while New Year brings whale shark encounters in Oslob. This special December itinerary features festive activities at Cebu's Basilica Minore del Santo Niño and Fort San Pedro. Includes 46 holiday departure slots with seasonal celebrations.
Duration 12 days Destinations Manila, Cebu City, Bohol, Dumaguete, Siquijor, Moalboal Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Do You Travel From
5% Off- US$3,319
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."