Snow is often associated with the Christmas season because it falls in the northern hemisphere regions every December when the earth tilts its axis away from the sun. Hence, the winter solstice, or the period with the fewest hours of sunlight, occurs.
Nowadays, many people get excited with the arrival of winter, aka “white Christmas,” when they can experience walking on snow-covered ground, watch falling snowflakes, and make snowmen.
In the Philippines, Christmas is widely celebrated, but since it is located near the Equator, there has never been any snowfall recorded in the country.
Who says we can't have a white Christmas in the Philippines? Make your dreams come true and spend the holiday season in one of these winter wonderland destinations.
Baguio Country Club Christmas Village
When we think about spending a cold Christmas in the Philippines, Baguio is top of mind because of its relatively low year-round temperatures compared to the rest of the country.
In the province, you can find the only five-star mountain resort in the Philippines, Baguio Country Club. It offers luxurious lodging, dining outlets, and function venues, as well as the ever-famous Christmas Village.
This year, the Baguio Country Club Christmas Village features white Christmas and oriental holidays through a nativity pageant, a snow show, cosplay busking, live musical performances, Santa, Japanese and Korean characters, and a wishing wall.
The village is open daily from 10 AM to 10 PM. Entrance fees may vary depending on your time of visit. Adults should pay P90 from 10 AM to 4:59 PM; P30 for kids; and P50 for senior citizens.
Those who will come from 5 PM to 10 PM shall pay P125 for adults, P50 for kids, and P90 for senior citizens. Persons with disabilities and children under three enter for free.
Location: Baguio Country Club Christmas Village, Country Club Rd, Camp John Hay, Baguio, Benguet
Snow World Manila
Experience winter forever at Snow World Manila located in Star City. It is home to the biggest icy and snowy slide in the country. There are various areas inside where you can snap IG-worthy photos like the North Pole, the candy house, a telephone booth with a snowman, and more. There is also a café inside to keep you warm and buy hot chocolate and coffee.
It is recommended to bring your own jacket, gloves, scarf, or any other thermal clothing to enjoy exploring Snow World. Ticket price costs P190 per person and might change without prior notice.
Location: Snow World Manila, Star City, Roxas Blvd, CCP, Pasay, Metro Manila
Trails to Antarctica
Another popular destination in the Philippines for a white Christmas is Manila Ocean Park's Trails to Antarctica. This amusement and theme park houses the first penguin park facility in the country.
Visitors may have a walk-through exhibit where they can learn about Antarctica and meet and greet live Humboldt penguins in the Penguin Exhibit and a Christmas Village. As of May 2017, there have been 13 baby penguins hatched inside Manila Ocean Park’s Trails to Antarctica.
It is open every Tuesday to Sunday (including public holidays) from 10 AM-6 PM.
Location: Trails to Antarctica, Manila Ocean Park, Quirino Grandstand, 666 Behind, Ermita, Manila
SM Skating
Spice up your white Christmas experience in the Philippines at this huge ice-skating rink facility located in SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, and SM Seaside Cebu. Aside from fun and leisure on ice, SM Skating also offers training programs in ice sports like figure skating, speed skating, and ice hockey.
The ice-skating rink is open every Monday to Wednesday from 12 PM-4:30 PM and Thursday to Sunday from 12 PM-7:15 PM. The rates vary from P330 (2-hour pass) to P499 (afternoon pass). Passes for a companion cost P100 each and polar bear skate aids cost P100 per hour to rent. Rent for the locker is priced at P50.
For proper skating attire, you may bring your own hand gloves, pants or leg warmers, protective helmets, socks, and pair of skates (only if you have).
Snow World Cebu
Snow World Cebu is located inside the first world-class theme park in Minglanilla, Cebu – Anjo World. The 2,000-square-meter outdoor theme park features 12 fun rides and attractions, including the tallest Ferris wheel in the Visayas, a spinning roller coaster, Golden Carousel, London Taxi bumper cars, the Space shuttle, and more. Snow World will complete your icy adventure with different larger-than-life ice sculptures in an indoor facility with a negative 10 degree-temperature.
The theme park is open every Wednesday to Friday from 12 PM-8 PM, and Saturday to Sunday from 10 AM-9 PM. Ticket prices range from P700-P800 per person inclusive of entrance to Anjo World, unlimited access to all rides, as well as to Snow World.
Location: Snow World, Belmont One, Anjo World Theme Park, South Road Upper Calajoan Minglanilla, Cebu
