When it comes to celebrating Christmas, the Philippines never comes short with its holiday decor, food, and pre-holiday traditions and celebrations. With the holiday season starting on September 1, various destinations in the Philippines offer all sorts of ways to celebrate Christmas.

Located in the north of Metro Manila, Bulacan has its unique ways to celebrate the holiday season. If you are thinking of visiting Bulacan, take note of these five things you can do at Christmas.

Various towns in Bulacan have earned a reputation for their bright and colorful lights adorning houses and streets every Christmas. Santa Maria and Bocaue are two municipalities known for being Christmas Villages that many tourists love to visit every year. 

Witness the Cotaco Residence in Bocaue light up their home with all sorts of lights, lanterns, and Santa Claus displays that families always add into their itinerary whenever they visit the fireworks capital. The house also has a carousel that children will surely love.

If you want a bigger Christmas town, go to Santa Maria and adore the illuminated houses, chicharon factory, and chapel. You’ll have a magical time here as the lighted structures’ theme is inspired by Disneyland’s castle and Saint Peter’s Basilica in Rome.

Since Christmas trees are an integral part of the holiday season across many cultures, feast your eyes on the gigantic Christmas tree displayed at SM City Marilao. This massive tree is perfect for picture taking as it is a symbol of hope for all during the holiday season.

This Christmas tree is so enormous the bright flickering lights can be faintly seen by the residents of Urban Deca Homes Marilao in Barangay Abangan Sur. 

A traditional Filipino Christmas won’t be complete without Simbang Gabi or the nightly attendance of mass starting December 16 up to December 24, Christmas Eve. After visiting the Christmas tree, experience Simbang Gabi at the National Shrine and Parish of The Divine Mercy at Marilao. 

This modern church is notable for its life-sized Stations of the Cross and its Shrine that holds the Little Poland Museum--a replica of the house and the basement where Saint John Paul II stayed--the Chapel where Faustina Kowalska saw an apparition of the Divine Mercy, and the prison cell where Saint Maximillian Kolbe was martyred.

Shop for local trinkets, delicacies, and souvenirs at the annual Malolos Christmas Bazaar. The expansive shopping hub offers at least 50 stalls where you can buy until you drop. You’ll also get to watch live performances of bands and musicians at the convention center after purchasing various items at the shops. 

What is Christmas without food? Bulacan has many iconic eateries that offer local delicacies and fusion dishes. Some notable restaurants you should try are Nina’s Fried Itik, Hapag Restaurant, and Events Place, Bistro Maloleño, and Lee Foo Panciteria. While these may not be the usual Christmas food, these restaurants will surely give you unique flavors that will have you coming back to Bulacan.

Bulacan is just one of the provinces that offer a unique Filipino Christmas experience. The next time you visit the Philippines for the holidays, consider Bulacan as one of your destinations and experience a Filipino Christmas with these five activities.