In the most recent roster of Condé Nast Traveler Best Islands In The World 2023, Boracay ranked way up there with the global bests. We’re not surprised. Every time we visit for ourselves, we’re still floored by how beautiful the beach is and how much of a hip-happenin’ time we all have.
As expected, Boracay attracts its throng of tourists all year ’round. Still, the holiday peak welcomes a special niche of holiday-makers: They’re usually those who schedule out-of-town reunions with their clan, couples who want to spice up their long-awaited Christmas break, or cityphiles needing to escape the yuletide bustle of the city.
Boracay offers the Philippine version of a “White Christmas,” trading snow for powder-white sand and ski bonnets for skimpy bikinis. But, what is Boracay’s special Christmas draw for homecoming Pinoys, foreign visitors, and local tourists alike? We asked frequent holiday vacationists to Boracay to give us the merry season’s lowdown.
1. The beach remains glorious at this time of the year. While Boracay’s beauty is a dead shot given, Boracay in December “is perfect because the water is calm and so blue, and the shore is clean,” says Maan who has spent four Christmases in Boracay so far both pre- and post-pandemic. If the Philippines doesn’t get its occasional tropical storm systems at this time of the year, the pockets of sunshine make Boracay’s shores absolutely perfect for frolicking around.
2. December-January weather is crisp and cool. The weather in Boracay at this time of year hovers at around 28 degrees Celsius (82F) in the day, with a comfy low of 23 degrees Celsius (74F) at night. This is a far cry from the scorching summer months, but extremely comfy for those who are escaping wintry climes in other parts of the globe.
3. The resorts are holiday-ready. “We’re still ultimately Pinoy, so we’re still looking for that festive Christmas-y vibe even when we’re on vacation!” says Rico who fell in love with a Boracay Christmas when he visited Boracay all the way from Baltimore with his family last year. The resorts are still decked with lights, lobbies are spruced up with decor, island squares have the occasional tiangge, and the resorts are ready with holiday happenings during this stretch.
4. There are so many events on the island. Aside from resorts and hotels that are dressed to the nines for Christmas and New Year, expect other establishments to join in on the holiday fun as well. From special sunset parties and DJ sets, to New Year’s bashes and resto treats and specials—many Boracay establishments plot out holiday specials that make Boracay so extra during this time of year.
5. Buffets and feasts abound. You won’t run out of options for where to go and what to eat during a Yuletide break in Boracay. Aside from mistletoe makeovers that prettify the Christmas scene, the big resorts prepare luscious spreads for holiday visitors, too. They bring out the big guns with special seafood grills, carving stations, and even dessert nooks. Expect the local restos to have special platters or dishes for the season, too. KUBO tip: For the exact holidates, though, like Christmas and New Year’s Eve, make sure to reserve a table for you and your holiday crew to make sure you score a seat at coveted dining spots.
6. You can catch up with others who are on holiday, too. This can be both a boon and a bane. Because Boracay is a fave holiday destination for Christmastime travelers, you’re bound to spot a friend or three on the island as well. Make the most and gather for sunset happy hour and catch up on each other’s latest.
7. You can go on a Christmas shopping spree. We love how Boracay boutiques and even the corner tindahans are ready with wares for pasalubong shopping and even last-minute gift-buying. They’re prepared for the onslaught of holiday tourists, so bring along an eco bag when you trail the shores so you can pick up a thing or two to take home or give away.
8. It’s a good escape from the busy pre-Christmas chaos of the city. Days and weeks leading up to the holidays can be a blur of meetups, deadlines, city traffic, and packing for long hauls. So, welcome a slower island pace in Boracay. The island can get busy, sure, but it remains a fantabulous escape to breathe and lounge with the sunset in view and cocktail in hand.
9. The local government creates a well-coordinated New Year’s fireworks display. In the past years, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) approved the use of fireworks in Boracay during New Year’s Eve. Still, it limited the fireworks displays to specified locations. These fireworks stations dotted White Beach, with a few others in specific coves. This coming New Year’s specific locations are yet to be announced, but they’re sure to be spread out across the strip in strategic locations, ensuring that all visitors get a glorious vantage of a beautiful light show from any shore-bound spot.
10. You go home with a lot of memories and crazy-fun island stories. An old island adage says: “Whatever happens in Boracay stays in Boracay.” But spending the holidays in Boracay will have you posting, sharing, creating reels, and telling everyone at home about your time on this beautiful island. Plus, we bet it will have you booking a trip for your next holiday back.
