For the holiday season, most of us find it to be the perfect time to go out with our families. After all, there are many festivities afoot for everyone to enjoy.

For many, the immediate go-to place would be the nearest mall. But for those who wish to go the extra mile this holiday season, here are a few recommendations on where you and the family can celebrate.

Riverbanks Center, Marikina City

Just along the Marikina River lies the Riverbanks Center. Each year, many look forward to its annual Christmas bazaar. Here, you’ll encounter the best deals given by vendors. There are also carnival rides for the kids to enjoy. After shopping around, you can even wind down by finding a comfy spot by the river to relax and take in the view.

Baguio Country Club Christmas Village, Baguio City

Baguio City has become a staple for many Filipinos to visit during the ’ber months due to how cool the temperature drops during the season. Many even joke that it’s cold enough to start snowing. Perhaps one of the best destinations to hit during the holiday season in Baguio would be the Baguio Country Club’s Christmas Village. Expect a plethora of Christmas trees and yuletide decor perfect for your Instagram feed. The snow show is the main highlight, which can make you truly believe it can snow in the Philippines.

Christmas Symbols Festival, Misamis Occidental

It all started with a simple request from the mayor’s bride asking for a lighted Christmas tree to be put up at the city plaza back in 1992. Pretty soon, families would come to the plaza in awe of the lit-up tree. Since then, it has become an annual tradition to light the area with festive lights during the holiday season. Expect to see beautifully lit buildings and lanterns adorning the area throughout the season.

Tagaytay Highlands Resort, Cavite

For those who don’t feel like driving all the way up to Baguio, there’s always Tagaytay! Tagaytay City offers just as much. It has similarly cold weather once the ’ber months hit. It’s also the best place to get your bulalo fix as many restaurants in Tagaytay offer their take on the iconic dish. Plus, it’s only a short drive away from Manila! For the best holiday getaway in Tagaytay, there’s always Tagaytay Highlands. It’s a nice sanctuary away from the urban jungle and it offers a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy. We highly recommend trying out the golf course as a way of winding down.

San Fernando, Pampanga

No Christmas destination list would be complete, unless the “Christmas capital of the Philippines,” San Fernando, is in it. San Fernando’s love for Christmas has even gained recognition globally after being included in an episode of Jeopardy last year. Its biggest celebration is the Giant Lantern Festival. Here, visitors can expect parades showing off large handmade lanterns. There’s usually a contest held for the best-designed lantern meaning each lantern is made to stand out from the others. It’s a grand spectacle everyone in the family will likely enjoy.

Paskuhan, UST, Manila City

Everyone who knows a Thomasian is aware that the Christmas season hits big for students and alumni of the University of Santo Tomas. To cap off the school year, UST throws a grand event referred to as Paskuhan. Enjoy a bite with friends from the many food stalls present as you listen to live performances from popular OPM artists. A pyro-musical set caps off the night of festivities leaving many awestruck from it all.

UP Lantern Parade, Quezon City

Another big Christmas celebration from the Big Four is the UP Lantern Parade. Here, participants from the school’s colleges and offices try their best to create grand floats that try to stand out from one another. This practice has been a university staple for over a century, having started in 1922. It is inspired by the practice of carrying lanterns of various shapes and sizes to light the way to the misa de gallo during the Spanish period.

Bailes de Luces Festival, Negros Occidental

As a way of showing thanks for all the blessings received throughout the year, residents of La Castellana in Negros Occidental celebrate the Bailes de Luces Festival. This celebration began in 2000, inspired by the way farmers celebrate after being paid for their labor, by sharing a drink around a campfire. Expect bright costumes and bright LED displays symbolizing hope for a prosperous new year. It’s a wonderful way to cap off the year and a joyous way to celebrate with the crowds.