As a country with the longest Christmas season, it’s no wonder that we start hearing Christmas songs as early as September. Each year, we wait for Christmas and New Year with much anticipation. There’s just so much to look forward to, from bonuses and 13th month pay, to Christmas parties, gifts from family and friends, and most of all, long holidays.
When it comes to holidays, Boracay is on top of most people’s list. If you’re one of the thousands of holiday-goers who choose to spend Christmas and New Year on the island, here are the things you’ll likely experience.
1. A different white Christmas
You can make your own sandcastle at White Beach. (Image: Writer)
Boracay is a favorite destination for foreign travelers who like to skip winter. While Asian travelers dominate the tourist arrivals in Boracay, a big chunk of Westerners also travel to the island, especially for Christmas and New Year. Those who want a “white Christmas” for the holidays can experience it in Boracay.
A white Christmas in the tropics isn’t impossible. Instead of snow, I enjoy Christmas with the white sand beach as playground. With family and friends, we can build Olaf, the famous snowman in the movie Frozen. Instead of ice, we create Olaf out of powder-like white sand, which Boracay is known for. Once you’ve seen a giant sandcastle, I bet you might want to build one too. You can’t ski on ice here, but you can go skim boarding along White Beach instead. While we don’t have pine trees, we have coconut trees along the beach, well decorated to make you feel the Christmas spirit.
2. Stunning December sunsets
You can experience a different sunset each day in Boracay. (Images: Writer)
You can never experience the same sunset in Boracay. Depending on the weather, the sky will be painted in orange, blue, or red hues as the sun goes down. For someone who has lived in the island for over four years now, December sunsets are the best for me. Why? It’s because it’s the start of amihan or the northwest monsoon on the island which means calm waters at White Beach. During this month, the golden sunset is always complemented by calm seas. It’s just perfect to float on the water while waiting for the sun to go down.
A more romantic way to enjoy the sunset is sailing on a paraw or a double outrigger sail boat. The sunset is a sight to behold while you’re sailing. Of course, it’s more romantic with your special someone. If you’re single, don’t fret. The golden hour is all yours to appreciate.
3. Fun New Year parties
Fireworks light up the beach at New Year (Image: Discovery Shores Boracay)
If you’re a partygoer, then you should experience the New Year’s Eve celebrations in Boracay. The White Beach is illuminated with the colorful fireworks display from Station 1 to 3. Off-beach locations have their own surprise as well. Over the years, people in Boracay have proven that rain or shine, nothing can dampen the celebrations here.
In Boracay, everybody are friends even though you’ve just meet. It feels like a worldwide get-together as people from all sides of the globe come to celebrate here. It's a favorite season of mine since family and friends come over to visit and party with me. If you prefer low-key, private celebrations with loved ones, resorts and hotels here won’t disappoint either.
As one place consistently included in the list of the best places in the world to spend the New Year, Boracay indeed is proving its worth year after year.
4. Scrumptious fiesta food
Lechon, the star of any Filipino holiday feast (Image: Arcade via Wikimedia Commons*)
When you’re in the Philippines, Christmas and New Year celebrations also mean that it’s a fiesta. Parties are held here and there. You can even join the holiday parties in your hotel. It’s the time of the year when I can totally forget my diet without feeling guilty. While a banquet of international and local cuisine is a normal scene on the island, expect a more exciting menu for the holidays. Most restaurants here bring out their newest specialties just for the season. The classic Filipino lechon or roasted suckling pig is always a star on every occasion.
5. The super peak season effect
Expect the beach to be a little crowded during super peak season. (Image: Writer)
With all the good things about the peak season, there are also downsides to consider.
Since the big bulk of tourists come to the island on yuletide season, it’s considered as the super peak season here. Thus, it can definitely get crowded on the island. The top visitors of the island are Korean and Chinese tourists, who you’ll see in groups along the beach, in restaurants, or on the streets. But still, you can skip the crowded areas by going to lesser-known tourist destinations in Aklan.
Super peak season also means an increase in the prices of accommodations and activities. Room rates can jack up by 30%, same with island activities such as water sports. If you plan to go to Boracay for the holidays, you might as well book early to save.
6. New Year, new friends
Jumping for joy with a new friend from South Korea (Image: Writer)
Celebrating Christmas and New Year away from home can also be lonely sometimes, especially if you’re alone. But in Boracay, everyone is family. Whether you go here alone or with your entire family, you’ll meet locals and foreigners who will greet you with a big smile. You’ll also meet new friends, and not just for the night. The next day, in case you forget due to having too much booze, you might be surprised that a stranger is calling your name. A new friend for the New Year is an amazing gift anyone can have.
The “ber” months may be cold, but the holiday season can feel like summer on December. What makes it warm is the love the season brings. In Boracay, you’ll surely experience this and more.
* Lechon photo by Arcade at en.wikipedia (Own work (Original caption: “self-made”)) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
