Planning to visit Christmas villages in South Luzon? Can’t blame you! You see, the holiday spirit is truly alive in the Philippines, where small, picture-perfect Christmas villages (also called “nayon” in Tagalog) sprout up across the islands each December. But the very best spots? They can be found dotted across the dazzling South Luzon countryside, featuring twinkling lights, festive parol stars overhead, and charming holiday markets that look straight out of a postcard.
These merry villages offer nonstop festive fun from dawn until the wee hours of the night. Visitors can ride a Ferris wheel, sample sticky rice cakes hot off bamboo tubes, and stroll among intricate biblical displays depicting the nativity story. When the last Christmas lights fade for the night, retreat to a cozy resort nestled amongst tall palms strung up for the holidays.
Intrigued? Keep reading to discover the most magical Christmas villages hidden in South Luzon. Here, you’ll find out where to soak up the festive atmosphere, what to see and do, plus get all the travel tips you need to plan a holly jolly getaway.
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Christmas Villages In South Luzon
The Philippines is renowned for going all out with Christmas celebrations, but nowhere more so than in the charming villages of South Luzon. When the calendar hits the -ber months, as Filipinos call the countdown to Christmas, these idyllic rural towns transform into dazzling Yuletide wonderlands that attract visitors from near and far. Let’s get to know these rural wonderlands that’ll put Hallmark Christmas movies to shame!
Crosswinds Christmas Village – The Switzerland Of The Philippines
Operating Hours: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
Nestled in the chilly mountain region of Tagaytay lies Crosswinds – a sprawling 100-hectare village modeled after the idyllic Alpine towns of Switzerland. This unique neighborhood boasts over 35,000 soaring pine trees scattered harmoniously across the rolling landscape. Combined with the fresh, crisp mountain air, you’ll feel transported straight to a European winter paradise without needing your passport!
Each holiday season, Crosswinds sparkle even brighter as garlands, wreaths, and twinkling lights adorn the Pine Cone Trail, Throne Giant Chair, Faire Gardens, and Alpine Greens. Interested in taking lots of Insta shots? If that’s the case, then you’d definitely want to pose at Deux Pointe, Crosswinds Express, Santa’s House, Trone Giant Chair, and Windmill.
Feeling a little peckish? When all that Christmas magic works up an appetite, Crosswinds offers no shortage of tantalizing dining options to refuel the whole family. Café Voi La dishes up Chicken Satay and Haw Mok, while Coffee Project and Ruined Project serve up warm mugs of fresh java and sweet afternoon snacks.
For heartier pub grub, pull up a bar stool at Joe’s Tavern, or opt for the mouthwatering Filipino fusion flavors of Napa. If Swiss cuisine is what you crave after wandering the Alpine-style streets, mosey over to Windmill Lausanne for fondue and schnitzel with a side of magnificent views. Wherever your cravings lead, you’ll find the flavors of the holidays ready and waiting to delight your tastebuds at Crosswinds!
How To Get To Crosswinds Christmas Village
Exact Location: Brgy. Iruhin Central, Calamba Road in Tagaytay City
For a scenic route from Manila, hop on a Nasugbu-bound bus at the Buendia terminal and enjoy the countryside views on your way to Olivarez Plaza. From there, jeepneys headed to People’s Park conveniently pass right by the Crosswinds entrance, just let the driver know that’s your stop. T
For those coming by private car from Manila or surrounding provinces is also smooth sailing. Simply take SLEX and exit towards Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road or thru Eton City. Follow the road straight until you reach the main Tagaytay rotunda area. At the roundabout, turn left onto Tagaytay-Calamba Road and drive approximately 3 kilometers until you see the Crosswinds Drive turnoff on your left. From there, just follow the road straight into the festive village!
Entrance Fee
The good news is the entrance into the Crosswinds village wonderland is completely free for all visitors – talk about holiday savings! However, those arriving by private vehicle will need to take a parking voucher from the village entrance gate.
This voucher states a 100 PHP parking fee, but here’s a little local secret to keep more shillings in your pockets. Simply present your voucher at any Crosswinds establishment such as the restaurants, shops, or activity booths during your visit and the fee will be waived.
The Gingerbread House – The Fairytale Candyland Of Cavite
In the Gingerbread House, visitors are greeted by the manor’s massive facade resembling a classic gingerbread house, tipping you off to the confectionary delights that await inside. The ground floor houses the Snack Place, a sweet tooth’s paradise serving freshly baked treats from rainbow-hued cupcakes to just-out-of-the-oven chocolate chip cookies.
But the real magic lies upstairs – a vibrant indoor play space where kids can roam free amid candy-themed spots and larger-than-life Christmas characters poised for the perfect hugging photo. When playtime winds down, wander over to the on-site Sweet Spa for a fish pedicure treatment sure to tickle the toes.
How To Get To The Gingerbread House
Exact Location: Matagbak-Palumlum Road, Alfonso, Cavite
From Manila, hop aboard a Nasugbu-bound bus at Buendia Terminal for the stunning seaside route to Cavite. After approximately 2 hours, disembark at Barangay Upli and hail a tricycle to zip you straight over to the Gingerbread House gates.
For private cars, driving down from Manila takes just under 2 hours as well. Simply take SLEX and exit onto Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Road. Continue past Tagaytay heading towards Nasugbu until hitting the junction with Tagaytay-Calamba Road. Turn right, drive through the rotunda, and continue onwards on Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway passing the Palico area.
Entrance Fee
Planning that confectionery-filled family adventure need not take a bite out of your wallet when visiting the Gingerbread House. Entry rates are reasonably priced at just 150 Philippine Pesos per person (about $3 USD). Kids under 3 years can explore for free – now that’s a treat for the whole gang!
Torres Farm – The Happiest Place In Cavite
Craving a European Christmas market getaway but can’t escape your tropical homeland? Then set your sleigh’s GPS for Torres Farm and Resort – a sprawling 14-hectare Christmas village in Naic, Cavite offering world travel without the jet lag! Strolling down the palm tree-lined lanes, you’ll spot over 20 global icons like the Eiffel Tower, Egyptian Pyramids, and Statue of Liberty all decked out in festive finery. It’s a miniature world holiday tour complete with photo ops at every turn!
But the Christmas magic doesn’t end with the mini-monuments. The resort also boasts themed pools perfect for taking a dip alongside a snow-flocked Taj Mahal, acoustic bands that regularly fuel the festivities, and venues ideal for weddings and holiday parties – talk about event planning made easy!
How To Get To The Torres Farm
Exact Location: Governor’s Dr, Naic, Philippines
Fancy a seaside route through Cavite? Hop aboard a Ternate-bound bus at Buendia Terminal for stunning views on your 2-hour journey. Disembark at Naic Poblacion and grab a quick trike over to Torres Farm’s front gates.
By private car, you’ll also spend about 2 hours as well. Take SLEX and continue onto Aguinaldo Highway past Tagaytay heading towards Nasugbu. Exit onto the Naic-Ternate Highway and follow signs for Brgy. Sabang in Naic and Torres Farm Resort.
Entrance Fee
Great news – embarking on a Christmas journey across the globe at Torres Farm won’t break your holiday budget! Entrance rates start at just 180 Pesos (approx $3.50 USD) for access to all the picture-perfect displays and free-roaming fun. Kids 3 feet and under enter for free when joining parents or guardians. For larger groups of 30 or more guests, discounted packages apply – perfect for barkada meetups and family reunions!
Contact Torres Farm directly through their Facebook page for reservations to inquire about custom group rates and availability. Lock in your winter trip across this wonderland well in advance and save those dollars for Christmas shopping in their charming village boutiques instead!
Where Are You Heading Next?
As you can see, the Christmas spirit shines brightly across the festive villages of South Luzon. From the twinkling lights of Crosswinds Switzerland to the global icons of Torres Farm, these rural wonderlands offer holiday magic around every corner.
If reading about these Philippine Christmas havens has you itching to book a winter getaway, don’t just pack your bags – pack some handy Tagalog phrases too! Learning a few keywords and expressions in the native language will make for an even more immersive cultural experience.
The best part? Mastering basics like “Maligayang Pasko!” (Merry Christmas) or “Salamat po” (Thank you) is now easier than ever thanks to language apps like Ling. Ling provides interactive audio lessons and quizzes so you’ll be greeting locals and singing along to Christmas carols in no time!
So fuel that holiday wanderlust and get those Philippine getaway plans underway. And wherever your travels take you this season, bring the gift of language to forge new connections abroad. It’s truly the most wonderful way to capture the Christmas spirit around the world!
