Why Christmas in the Philippines Starts in September and Lasts for Months

Manila: In many countries, Christmas preparations begin sometime in November or December. In the Philippines, however, the festive mood arrives much earlier. Once September begins and the first of the “-Ber months” rolls in, Christmas songs start playing, decorations appear in homes and shopping centres, and Filipinos begin counting down to December 25.

The Philippines is widely known for having one of the longest Christmas celebrations in the world, with the popular cultural season beginning in September and continuing into January. The Philippine Information Agency notes that the country’s Christmas season is commonly associated with the period from September through the Feast of the Three Kings in January. 

How Long Is the Filipino Christmas Season?

If the popular celebration is counted from September 1 through January 6, traditionally associated with the Feast of the Epiphany or Three Kings, the period spans about 128 days.

However, there is no single official date on which every Filipino household ends its Christmas celebration. Some families remove decorations immediately after New Year, others wait until Epiphany, while some communities continue festive traditions further into January.

The important distinction is that the September start is a cultural tradition, rather than the formal beginning of the Catholic liturgical Christmas season.

Why Does Christmas Start in September?

September marks the beginning of the four months ending in “-ber” — September, October, November and December — and has become an unofficial signal that Christmas is approaching.

Filipino cultural anthropologist Dr. Nestor Castro has linked the modern September Christmas tradition partly to the growth of radio, shopping malls and popular Christmas music during the second half of the 20th century. Retail centres began decorating early, promotions appeared months before December, and Christmas music became increasingly common from September onward. 

The tradition has become so established that Philippine authorities and businesses routinely prepare for increased shopping and public activity as soon as the “Ber months” begin. 

Jose Mari Chan and the Unofficial Start of Christmas

Few people are as closely associated with the start of Filipino Christmas as singer-songwriter Jose Mari Chan.

His Christmas songs have become an unofficial soundtrack to the season, and every September social media fills with memes announcing his annual “return.”

Tracks such as Christmas in Our Hearts have helped reinforce the association between September and the beginning of Christmas preparations in the Philippines. Cultural experts also point to Christmas music on radio and in shopping centres as one factor behind the country’s unusually early festive atmosphere. 

Simbang Gabi Remains at the Heart of the Season

While commercial and popular celebrations may start in September, many of the Philippines’ most important Christmas traditions take place much closer to Christmas Day.

One of the best known is Simbang Gabi, a series of nine Masses traditionally held in the days leading up to Christmas.

Churches fill before sunrise, while stalls outside often sell traditional favourites such as bibingka and puto bumbong.

The religious tradition reflects the strong Catholic influence that has shaped Christmas celebrations in the Philippines for generations.

Parol: A Symbol of Filipino Christmas

Another unmistakable sign of Christmas is the parol, the traditional Filipino star-shaped lantern.

Parols begin appearing outside houses, schools, offices, churches and streets during the festive season. Their designs range from simple handmade lanterns to elaborate illuminated displays.

For many Filipinos, the parol represents hope and the Star of Bethlehem and has become one of the most recognisable symbols of Christmas in the country.

Noche Buena Brings Families Together

Christmas Eve is one of the biggest family occasions of the year.

After Christmas Eve Mass, many families gather for Noche Buena, a late-night feast that can include ham, queso de bola, pancit, spaghetti, lechon, desserts and regional dishes.

For millions of overseas Filipino workers, Christmas also carries particular emotional significance because it is traditionally a time for returning home and reuniting with loved ones. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has previously highlighted the importance of family reunions to Filipino Christmas celebrations. 

Christmas Continues After December 25

Unlike places where Christmas celebrations wind down immediately after December 25, Filipino festivities typically continue through New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Many families keep Christmas trees, lights and parols in place into January.

The Feast of the Three Kings has traditionally been regarded as one of the points marking the conclusion of the extended Filipino Christmas season. 

More Than Four Months of Celebration

From the first Christmas song heard in September to family reunions, Simbang Gabi, Noche Buena, New Year celebrations and January traditions, Christmas in the Philippines is far more than a single day.

It is an extended season centred on family, faith, food, generosity and community.

That is why, when September arrives and Filipinos say that Christmas has begun, they are not necessarily talking about the calendar.

They are talking about a feeling — one that can last for roughly 128 days, from the beginning of the “Ber months” through early January.

Note: Claims that the Filipino Christmas season always lasts 166 days are not supported by a standard national or religious calendar. Some families and communities do extend decorations or celebrations beyond Epiphany, but September-to-early-January is the more widely documented tradition.