Places to See Christmas Lights/Decorations
Submitted by Ruthie Suarez
“Glowing Parols and Holiday Joy: My Magical Christmas Break in the Philippines”
The Philippines is known for its vibrant and festive Christmas celebrations, and one of the most prominent aspects is a dazzling display of lights everywhere, especially the iconic parols. A parol is a traditional Filipino Christmas lantern, typically star-shaped, symbolizing the Star of Bethlehem. They are made of bamboo and colorful paper and come in various sizes, from small and simple to big and intricate designs.
When I visited the Philippines over the winter break to celebrate Christmas and New Year with my family, the sight of parols glowing brightly along the streets, homes, and public spaces brought me joy and warmth. In my family’s hometown of Lucban, Quezon, the festive spirit was amazing, as the neighborhoods were adorned with lights, and people danced and children sang Christmas carols from house to house. It was truly a magical sight to remember.
What stood out to me was how the community came together to celebrate all under the sparkling lights and glowing parols. The streets felt alive, filled with laughter, music, and the delicious aroma of holiday treats like bibingka (a baked rice cake that’s traditionally cooked between banana leaves and eaten on Christmas) and puto bumbong (ube-steamed rice cakes).
Experiencing the Christmas decorations in the Philippines was nothing short of magical. The dazzling lights, vibrant parols, and joyful atmosphere brought the holiday spirit to life in a way I’d never seen before. Everywhere I looked, there was beauty, creativity, and a deep sense of community that made the celebration feel so warm and welcoming. I absolutely loved how the lights seemed to tell a story of hope and togetherness, making my winter break unforgettable.
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