Oslob Whale Shark + Kawasan Falls Canyoneering Private Tour
From PHP 4,500/pax (based on 4 guests)
Christmas in Cebu
Christmas and New Year in Cebu, 2026 to 2027
The Philippines starts Christmas in September and ends it after Sinulog in January. Here is how to plan the peak of it.
Quick answer: Christmas in Cebu runs from the Simbang Gabi dawn Masses on December 16 to New Year's Day, January 1, 2027. Tours run every day except a few hours around Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve dinner. December is dry with cool evenings and calm to moderate seas. Book hotels and private tours 4 to 6 weeks ahead, since December 20 to January 2 is one of Cebu's busiest stretches.
Holiday dates and what is open
| Date | Holiday | What it means for your trip |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 16 to 24, 2026 | Simbang Gabi (nine dawn Masses) | Churches full before sunrise, night markets outside |
| Thu Dec 24, 2026 | Christmas Eve | Shops close early, families gather for Noche Buena |
| Fri Dec 25, 2026 | Christmas Day (regular holiday) | Malls open late, tours run as normal |
| Wed Dec 30, 2026 | Rizal Day (regular holiday) | Banks and offices closed |
| Thu Dec 31, 2026 | New Year's Eve | Fireworks at midnight across the city |
| Fri Jan 1, 2027 | New Year's Day (regular holiday) | Slow morning, long weekend to Jan 3 |
Sinulog follows two weeks later, on January 17, 2027. Staying for both? Read the Sinulog 2027 first-timer tips.
Simbang Gabi and church visits
Simbang Gabi is a run of nine Masses at dawn from December 16 to 24. Locals believe completing all nine grants a wish. The Basilica Minore del Santo Niño and the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral hold Masses from about 4 AM, and stalls outside sell bibingka and puto bumbong rice cakes.
Visitors are welcome. Dress modestly, arrive early, and try the rice cakes after Mass.
Where to watch New Year fireworks
- Cebu IT Park and Ayala Center Cebu: city crowd, restaurants and countdown events.
- SM Seaside City and the South Road Properties: wide open views of fireworks over the bay.
- Mactan beach resorts: private fireworks over the water, usually part of a gala dinner package.
- Temple of Leah and the uplands: fireworks across the whole city from above. Go early, the road jams.
Firecrackers go off all night in residential areas. Families with small children or pets do better at a resort.
December weather
December sits in the dry northeast monsoon season. Expect warm days around 30 degrees Celsius, cooler evenings and short showers. Seas are calm to moderate, so whale shark, canyoneering and island hopping tours run on most days.
Late-season storms still happen. Super Typhoon Odette (Rai) hit Cebu on December 16, 2021. Keep one flexible day and watch PAGASA forecasts in the week before you fly.
A 5-day Christmas week plan
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| Dec 23 | Arrive, Simbang Gabi at the Basilica the next dawn |
| Dec 24 | Cebu City and uplands tour, early Noche Buena dinner |
| Dec 25 | Oslob whale sharks and Kawasan canyoneering |
| Dec 26 | Mactan island hopping |
| Dec 27 | Bohol day trip: Chocolate Hills and tarsiers |
Private tours for this trip
Prices below come from the same live calculator as the booking page. Exact totals depend on your date, guest count and pickup area.
Related guides
Private tours · Hotel pickup · Pay after confirmation
Book your holiday tours early
December dates fill weeks ahead. Send your arrival date and group size and we hold the days you want.
Christmas in Cebu FAQ
Do tours run on Christmas Day in Cebu?
Yes. Our private tours run on December 25 and January 1. Book ahead, since guides and vehicles fill first on these dates.
What is Simbang Gabi?
Nine dawn Masses from December 16 to 24, a Filipino Christmas tradition. Visitors are welcome at any of them.
Is December a good time to visit Cebu?
Yes. It is dry season with calm to moderate seas. It is also peak season, so book hotels and tours early.
Where are the best New Year fireworks in Cebu?
Cebu IT Park, SM Seaside City, the Mactan resorts and the Temple of Leah area all have clear views at midnight.
