Where to Go for Christmas in Iloilo: 6 Locations in the City of Love

Location: Central Philippine University, Lopez Jaena Street, Jaro, Iloilo City

Travel time: About 10 to 15 minutes from Iloilo City Proper

Recommended budget per person: PhP150

One of the most anticipated activities every December are the switching on of lights and fireworks display at the Central Philippine University (CPU), one of the biggest schools in Iloilo. This year, it is on December 6. This marks the start of the yearly event dubbed as the Festival of Lights and Music at Central. Each year, the school’s premises, especially its university church, are covered with different colored lights. Food kiosks and even some apparel stores are also lined up along the Halfmoon Drive of the school during the celebration.

Aside from students, outsiders and even families come together to CPU to watch the lights while eating in the big field. A singing competition or sometimes even a battle of the bands is also part of the activity that usually last until the school’s Christmas break.

Tip: Travel to CPU a little earlier to avoid the traffic in the area during the opening of lights.

How to get to Central Philippine University: From Iloilo City Proper, take a Jaro CPU jeepney and tell the driver to drop you off in front of CPU.

Location: Pototan, Iloilo

Travel time: About 30 to 40 minutes from Tagbak Terminal in Iloilo City

Recommended budget per person: PhP500

Pototan is not known as the Christmas Capital of Western Visayas for nothing. Every year, the town plaza is transformed into a little Christmas village covered with colorful lights during its yearly Iwag Festival of Lights. Even their streets are lined up with carefully designed lights. “Iwag” means to light in Karay-a dialect. This year’s festival will open on December 16.

Apart from the colorful display of characters in the plaza, visitors can also try their Ferris wheel and other carnival rides. Visitors will also enjoy the local delicacies and street foods of the town every night.

Tip: Visit Mapol’s Farm in Pototan in the afternoon before going to the lights display at the plaza in the evening.

How to get to Pototan, Iloilo: Take a jeepney from City Proper to Tagbak Terminal in Jaro. Then take a jeepney to the public plaza of Pototan.

Location: Guimbal, Iloilo

Travel time: About 50 to 60 minutes from Iloilo City Terminal Market

Recommended budget per person: PhP500

Now in its 44th year, it’s not hard to tell how successful the Disyembre sa Guimbal event of Guimbal, Iloilo is in showcasing the Christmas vibe to its residents and visitors. The activity which usually starts on the second week of December continues until the New Year. The festivity opens in a grandiose parade on the town’s major streets. Apart from the colorful decorations, visitors also check out the activity for the agro fair on during the daytime and the food festival at night.

Tip: While waiting for night time for the lights, visit other attractions in Guimbal during the day. You can rent a tricycle to visit the nearby Garin Farm, Guimbal Church, and Guimbal Moro Watchtower.

How to get to Guimbal, Iloilo: From the Iloilo City Terminal Market or “Super”, take the provincial jeep to the plaza of Guimbal, Iloilo.

Location: Iloilo Business Park, Enterprise Road, Mandurriao, Iloilo City

Travel time: About 10 to 15 minutes from Iloilo City Proper

Recommended budget per person: PhP500

With its 40-foot Christmas tree, it’s not a surprise why people flock to the Iloilo Business Park at night. The giant Christmas tree is set up in front of Festive Mall and is the centerpiece of the Enchanted Forest of Lights installation at the township. Also part of the installation are 38 giant animals scattered outside the mall as well as along Festive Walk. The installations include giant cats, marine animals, and other characters that capture the attention of the spectators. Following the picture-taking with the installations, the options for food, drinks, or shopping are many at Iloilo Business Park.

Tip: During daytime, you can visit a museum, have a food trip, or stroll around the mall while waiting for the lights to turn on.

How to get to Iloilo Business Park: From City Proper, take a Mandurriao jeepney and get off in front of Festive Mall.

Location: Iloilo Provincial Capitol, New Iloilo Provincial Capitol Building, Muelle Loney Street, Iloilo City Proper, Iloilo City

Travel time: About 5 from Iloilo City Proper

Recommended budget per person: PhP50

The main seat of the province also doesn’t miss the chance to show off every year. By the end of November to the New Year, the façade of the gigantic Iloilo Provincial Capitol is fully covered with lights. Also part of this year’s decoration of the Iloilo Capitol Lights, which was officially lit last December 2, are the murals at the gate of the capitol. It’s surely a sight to behold for every person passing the area. Aside from its exterior, the interior of the capitol is also Instagram-worthy.

Tip: You can also visit the newly rehabilitated Regional Museum of Iloilo just beside the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.

How to get to Iloilo Provincial Capitol: It’s hard to miss the capitol as it sits in the city center. You can take Jaro CPU, Jaro Liko, Jaro Tagbak, or La Paz jeepney and get off at the entrance of the capitol.

Spending the holidays in Iloilo this year? Yoorekka has all the best places to explore in the city!

Location: McArthur Drive in Tabuc Suba, Jaro, Iloilo City

Travel time: About 15 to 20 minutes from Iloilo City Proper

Recommended budget per person: PhP100

Another favorite attraction in Iloilo City during the Christmas season is the Lizares Mansion which houses the Angelicum School. The façade of this school in Tabuc Suba, Jaro is fully adorned with luminous lights. With its palace-like façade, the school doesn’t fail to invite visitors. Fortunately for visitors, they are allowed on the school to take snapshots of its beauty.

Tip: Traffic at the area near the school usually gets heavy during rush hours. Arrive at the school before 5:00 PM to avoid the heavy traffic.

How to get to Angelicum School: From City Proper, take a Jaro Liko-NFA or Jaro Liko Tagbak jeepney and get off in front of the school along the highway.

As Christmas nears, your wish to enjoy the city will surely happen by visiting any of these places to celebrate. With family and friends, you will surely feel the Christmas spirit on these activities and places both in Iloilo city and province.