It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and the best way to spend it is with family and friends in one of the most magical cities in the country– Baguio City. While the rest of the world celebrates Christmas in December, we Filipinos get the festive spirit as early as September. Luckily, the Summer Capital is just a few hours away from Manila where you can experience the even chillier weather, especially during the BER months!
Proof of the city’s preparations to become an ideal destination during the BER months are these holiday-themed spots in the highlands where everyone could experience the cheery, cozy atmosphere that Baguio City offers. Thinking of activities to do in Baguio during the BER months? Take this list with you!
5 Best Things to do in Baguio during the BER Months
Baguio might have made a name for itself as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, but tourists also flock to the city during the BER months for the even colder breeze and exciting festivities you won’t experience anywhere else in the Philippines. Here is our list of the five best things to do in Baguio City during the BER months! Pack your bags and bring extra jackets– you’re in for a special treat.
1. Spend a chilly afternoon at Chocolate de Batirol
An iconic name in Baguio, the Chocolate de Batirol is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. Located at a cozy nook among a sea of pine trees at Igorot Park, this Filipino cafe specializes in chocolate drinks made from local cacao beans sourced directly from the farm. With the rustic designs and wood furniture, sipping a cup of hot cocoa during the BER months here in Baguio will even make it worthwhile.
2. Surround yourself with nature at Camp Riverside 2600
Camp Riverside 2600 is offering one of the best places to escape during the BER months. It offers a lush, open space where loved ones can reconnect with nature and find inner peace. Toast marshmallows around the bonfire, or set up tents and camp beneath the pine trees that everyone will surely enjoy. Unleash your inner Tiger Woods and strike balls to the mini-golf putting area.
Photo via Camp Riverside Official FB page
3. Witness the Christmas Tree Lighting at Session Road
The streets will once again be illuminated with lights and the sounds of Christmas carols as Baguio celebrates the start of the holiday season. The celebration usually takes place on the second week of December which will mark the start of various activities they have in store for the yuletide season. Catch the iconic lighting of the Christmas Tree and feel the holiday spirit (and the cold breeze) around you! A few blocks down the street is Harrison Road where the iconic Night Market is located. Shop till you drop with a variety of merchandise for sale!
4. Catch the Christmas Wonderlights Light Show at The Manor
Every December, Baguio City is filled with the spirit of Christmas as locals and tourists alike take to the streets to witness a spectacular light show through a memorable yuletide event that only The Manor can pull off. The annual event opens with a dinner banquet, aimed to bring everyone together for a good cause. Celebrate the holiday season with a new light with The Manor’s Chrismas Wonderlights show!
Photo via Baguio Country Club Christmas Village Official FB Page
5. Welcome the Yuletide Season at the Baguio Country Club Christmas Village
Visiting Baguio City during the BER months would be incomplete without taking a trip to the Country Club. Baguio Country Club’s annual Christmas Village welcomes a fantastic display of lights, life-size comic and movie figures, tons of Santa inflatables, and of course – snow!
Visitors can also jam to live music performances, post their Yuletide wishes on the wishing wall, and snap a few photos with Santa himself. The Christmas Village inside the five-star mountain resort is normally open until the first week of December into the New Year.