The holiday of all holidays in the Philippines is…Christmas, duh. The whole country from islands to highlands, plains and valleys, urban and rural swept up in that glow only the season brings.
A richer tapestry of the Christmas experience though comes unique to Pampanga, deservingly the country’s Christmas capital.
Get into the holiday spirit with some of Pampanga’s landmarks that celebrate Christmas season like no other with dazzling lights and ornate decorations. These spaces are known for their grand annual holiday decorations.
CAPITAL TOWN
Giant teddy bear and plenty of colorful attractions headline the start of the holiday season at Megaworld’s Capital Town in San Fernando, Pampanga
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A bright and festive holiday season kicks off at the 35.6-hectare Capital Town Pampanga as the township welcomes everyone to its merriest celebration of the year to date.
Carrying the theme “Hugs and Holidays,” Capital Town Pampanga is gifting Kapampangans and tourists from nearby cities and provinces with a larger-than-life surprise, headlined by a giant teddy bear installation at the McDonald’s Park in between the iconic Capital Town Clock Tower and McDonald’s Capital Town. Symbolizing nostalgia, warmth, and cherished memories during the holiday season, the massive installation serves as a perfect backdrop for those taking their Holiday photos inside the township.
“In the spirit of bringing something big to the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, Capital Town has prepared an even bigger and one-of-a-kind treat for all the Kapampangans this year. Our larger-than-life Christmas bear is a symbol of warmth and joy, and we want to share this feeling with our visitors. Our goal each year is to give a special experience in our township that encapsulates what Christmas is all about—creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones,” says Eugene Em Lozano, first vice president for sales and marketing, Megaworld Pampanga.
Visitors can enjoy holiday Kalesa Sleigh Rides from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., in partnership with the tourism office of the City of San Fernando. The kalesas, adorned with festive Christmas decorations, take visitors around the Capital Town grounds and serve as a way for Capital Town Pampanga to showcase a local tradition that harks back to the old days when the humble kalesa was used as one of the earliest modes of transportation in Pampanga.
Also, a variety of delectable food and items for holiday gift must-haves are for sale from various local entrepreneurs at the Christmas Market Fair happening every weekend from 4 p.m. until late in the evening.
Kids and Kapampangans of all ages can also look forward to more colorful weekends in Capital Town with a variety of attractions, including snow blasting at the open park every hour from 6:30 p.m. onwards, performances from McDonald’s mascots, as well as face painting and balloon twisting activities. There will also be a Christmas Tiktok Corner where visitors can have fun filming videos while enjoying the bright lights and colorful sights in the township.
What’s more, visitors can witness the captivating transformation of the Capital Town Clock Tower as the iconic building facade lights up with a special Christmas-themed projection display. This year, Capital Town is unveiling a brand-new animation accompanied by enchanting music that will heighten the Christmas spirit. The continues the tradition of 3D shows pioneered by Capital Town in Pampanga, which have become one of the most anticipated Holiday centerpieces in the City of San Fernando every year.
THE ORCHID GARDENS
Nights of Lights: Wonders of Winter
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In the heart of City of San Fernando, The Orchid Garden transforms into a breathtaking wonderland during the Christmas season with its signature Nights of Lights. This year’s theme Wonders of Winter features a symphony of lights and music that captivates visitors. Families and friends in and around Pampanga are welcome to enjoy the one-of-a-kind artificial snow experience, take a photo with favorite Marvel superheroes and Disney princesses while watching jugglers and stilt walkers. Everyone gathers to watch the choreographed nightly Christmas show after a unique “North Pole” experience.
Aside from many activities for all ages, the 2.5-square meter outdoor attraction boasts of its colorful giant castle lantern and food park offering variety of Kapampangan and international cuisine.
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TOG vice president Maureen Castro noted that there is anything quite like it in the country, particularly its “Artificial Snow and North Pole” experience along with giant castle lantern, mini-Disney nightly Christmas show and more – all for an entrance fee of P 50 per head.
“We opened in November 2021 to bring joy to the people (at first only for the Fernandinos) to rise from the darkness brought about by the pandemic. Its success was unexpected, tourists coming to enjoy NOL from as far as Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, Tarlac and Metro Manila, so we decided to do it annually and this time our goal is to make it a Christmas tradition and reinforce Pampanga’s claim as the Christmas capital of the Philippines.”
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Open daily. 4 PM to 12 MN
THE LAKESHORE
Magical Holiday Park
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Iconic landmark in Pampanga – The Lakeshore located along the North Luzon Expressway in Mexico, Pampanga is a prime real estate development with a 12-hectare man-made lake that promotes lakeside residence, becomes an enchanting wonderland during the Christmas season. Their annual stunning decorations and attractions are definitely something to marvel at. Visitors from all over can explore the Christmas park, a scenic spot adorned with lights, various decorations, and holiday-themed attractions. Go-Kart, carnival rides, game booths and inflatable park make the experience more exciting and fun. Nightly live music and holiday cheer entertains the visitors while exploring ultimate gastronomic tour in the big food park offering international cuisine and traditional Filipino delicacies like bibingka and puto bumbong, street foods, barbeque and refreshments.
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Open daily. 8 AM to 10 PM Monday – Thursday, 8 AM – 12 MN Friday – Sunday
HEROES HALL
Parul San Fernando
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Pampanga is world-famous for its stunning Giant Lantern Festival. Held yearly in the City of San Fernando, it features immense, intricately designed lanterns that illuminate the night sky in a fascinating display. This festival showcases the creativity and craftsmanship of local artisans in Pampanga, and it’s a unique experience that promotes resiliency, hope, and brings the community together.
Heroes Hall in the city is best known for its annual Christmas lights and lanterns display. This year, the Parul Sampernandu, as it is locally known, returns to wow crowds with a kaleidoscopic display of dancing lights accompanied by festive music. Christmas lights wrap around the Heroes Hall main building with holiday cheer. Also, food stalls are available for best food choices that surely make you feel the Christmas spirit.
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Open daily. 5 PM onwards
These are just four of the many landmarks and destinations in Pampanga where you can find larger than life Christmas decorations. Some landmarks even boast of moving attractions and interactive displays that people of all ages will surely enjoy. Indeed, Pampanga is one of the best places to explore during the Christmas season.