5 Road Trip Destinations for the Holidays That Isn’t Baguio
Find the jolly spirit of the holidays on the road by taking a trip to these places away from the crowded streets and traffic of Baguio
Baguio, with its chilly weather and the warm presence of its people, feels like the optimal place to celebrate the holidays. But every year, more and more people make an effort to drive up to the region and you end up stuck in traffic and in crowded sightseeing places. The good news is Philippines celebrates Christmas early and all around the country, so there are more than enough cities to bring you holiday joy! So, if you and your loved ones are up for an adventure this time of the year, here are the places where you will surely have the most wonderful time this December.
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Pampanga
Dubbed the Christmas Capital of the Philippines, Pampanga is home to giant lanterns and the origin of the Christmas ornament called parol, so you can expect your visit to be bright and festive for the holiday season just by driving along the province. You can visit The Orchid Gardens Resort for the kids and the kids at heart to experience a magical Christmas, or stroll through Hilaga, a Christmas Village found in Barangay San Jose in San Fernando to witness the displayed giant lanterns and enjoy the local delicacies and interactive booths at the night market. As the country’s Christmas Capital, you’re bound to take in the holiday spirit in Pampanga, whether it’s the bright lights, the fireworks, or the joy of both locals and tourists.
La Union
Who said beaches are just for the summer? You can surf the waves in December, too! While summer is the ideal time to visit the sea, it’s still humid mixed with the chilly, salty air. Aside from surfing, island hopping, and scuba diving, a La Union food trip is another way to celebrate the holidays and taste the surfing capital’s culture.
For a different and magical time, visit the Pasko sa Kapitolyo Carnival at Mabanag Quadrangle, San Fernando City to experience fun and thrilling rides. If you’re looking for a jolly wonderland, walk along the Provincial Capitol Grounds also at San Fernando City for the brightly lit, larger-than-life Christmas decorations. You’re sure to feel the spirit of the holidays from the colorful flowers, mystical fairy displays, and dazzling lanterns.
Batangas
You can have the best of both worlds when celebrating the holidays in Batangas. If you’re the type to spend a quiet Christmas, you can plan a staycation in Tagaytay en route to the province, and enjoy the beautiful view of Taal Volcano while sipping your coffee. If you’re a bit more adventurous, you can always visit the beaches of Batangas and go diving or snorkeling in the open waters. Apart from sightseeing, immersing yourself in Batangas’ history and culture by visiting their churches and the heritage town of Taal will be a good holiday adventure, too!
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Perhaps, you may also by Batangas Lakelands on the weekends to witness the magical lights of the Christmas Night Park. For only PHP 100 from 5 to 8 PM, you can borrow bikes and ride around the park, or even take the kalesa and bask yourself in the holiday spirit! You can also walk around Batangas’ very own Christmas Village in Taal Park to celebrate the holidays with your friends and family.
Vigan
The City of Vigan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its well-preserved Spanish and Asian architecture. Walk through Calle Crisologo and immerse yourself in its history while you take a bite of its famous empanadas, maybe even ride a kalesa to really bring yourself into the past. Take a trip to the historical Bantay Bell Tower, which served as a watchtower for pirates during the Spanish colonial period.
At the heart of the city Plaza Salcedo, the hot spot of tourists. Here you can watch the beautiful fountain display. Not enough holiday spirit? Well, don’t fret because Vigan has its very own mini Christmas village with beautiful, brightly lit displays and a large Christmas tree—all the perfect elements of a magical holiday.
Zambales
One of the best ways to celebrate the holidays is by spending the day on the beach with the sun kissing your skin. While December is an unusual month to visit the sea, you can expect a lot fewer people since it’s not peak season. The shore and the seas of Zambales are all yours to explore—diving, swimming, island hopping, whatever it may be!
And if the sea isn’t enough, visit Iba, Zambales’ mini Christmas village for a bright and colorful atmosphere. Take pictures of the many trees and nutcrackers, take a bite at the various snack stalls, and just embrace the holiday spirit with both locals and tourists.
While there’s definitely no right way to celebrate Christmas—whether you’re the type to spend the holidays chilling by the beach or your family abode, partying until the sun comes up, or visiting holiday installations—there’s definitely no place to make it merry and bright than Philippines, our home.
Featured Image and Photos: THE ORCHID GARDENS RESORT COMPLEX, PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF LA UNION, VIGAN CITY PH, ZAMBALES FOR THE PEOPLE (via Facebook)
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