Christmas in the Philippines

In the Philippines, Christmas (Filipino: Pasko; [pɐsˈkɔ] ⓘ) is a major annual celebration, as in most countries of the Christian world. It is observed as a public holiday on December 25, concurrent with celebrations in many other countries.

As one of the two predominantly Catholic countries in Asia (the other being Timor-Leste), the Philippines is often described as having the world's longest Christmas season (Filipino: Kapaskuhan), spanning what are colloquially referred to as the "ber months". With Christmas music played and decorations displayed as early as August, the holiday season gradually begins in September, reaches its peak in December during Christmastide, and concludes within the week after New Year's Day. Festivities may also extend until the third Sunday of January with the feast of the Santo Niño. For some Catholics, the season extends even further, ending only on February 2 with the feast of the Candelaria, marked by cultural observances, religious services, and the traditional removal of decorations. Liturgically, the Christmas season is observed by the Catholic Church from the first day of Advent (the fourth Sunday before Christmas) to Three Kings' Day, which falls on the Sunday between January 2 and 8.


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