For your New Year revelries this year or in the years to follow, you might be thinking about traveling to New York City for the iconic New Year’s Eve ball in Times Square, or to Bangkok for the countdown with concert performances, or have an intimate New Year’s Eve dinner somewhere in Europe.
But, there’s no place like home. Immerse yourself into a unique New Year feast that’s truly Filipino and experience the warm hospitality with the locals. Here are the best ways and places to experience New Year in this country.
What Makes New Year Celebrations Unique In The Philippines
Christmas may be the star occasion in the Philippines as it is the longest year, but New Year celebrations are part of the weeks-long Christmas, which officially ends every January 6th. What makes New Year celebrations unique in the Philippines?
New Year celebrations in the Philippines are unique because of their vibrant mix of traditions rooted in culture, superstition, and community spirit. It is the time you forget about dining with friends for a while, but spend the night with families over grand feasts with food that attracts prosperity and unity.
It is also the night when, instead of sleeping early and keeping things silent around you, fireworks, trumpets, and loud noises dominate the scene, since Filipinos believe that the noisier it is in the New Year, the more misfortunes and evil spirits can be driven away.
Furthermore, street parties, music, games, and booze that add to the lively atmosphere are also being held, such as what you will get to know up next.
Best Ways To Revel Into New Beginnings In The Philippines
1. Joyful Celebrations In Binondo, The World’s Oldest Chinatown
Binondo may shine the brightest in Chinese New Year around February, but it also comes alive during the usual New Year’s Eve. You can take a tour the morning or afternoon before you feast at home for New Year’s Eve, enjoy authentic Chinese food, explore vibrant street markets, and simply enjoy the vibes. Don’t forget Ongpin Street, the heart of Chinatown. Perfect for kids, too.
2. Party On A Rooftop Bar
Nothing compares to being able to see fireworks displays all around town from a rooftop, and it’s not just any rooftop, but that with a bar to let you experience the booze with friends and loved ones.
Ayala Land and Resorts’ Seda Hotels are hosting several New Year’s Eve parties on its rooftop bars across its branches. There’s a rooftop party at Seda Bonifacio Global City, Seda Residences Makati, Seda Manila Bay, and Seda Vertis North.
3. Luxurious Dinner Cruise On Manila Bay
While there are dinner cruises hosted on Manila Bay throughout the year, nothing is as special as the luxurious dinner cruise held there every New Year. Once you have the admission ticket, you can set sail on a sophisticated boat, enjoy a delicious buffet, and mesmerize at the stunning views of the bay and sunset. There are fireworks around you, so the cruise will also offer you your front row seat watching the illuminating fireworks show in the skies. Get your tickets at the Manila Harbour Square.
4. Globe’s New Year’s Eve Countdown
Globe, one of the country’s leading telecom providers, isn’t satisfied about being a sponsor or partner of a separate New Year’s Eve party, but it’s hosting their own. Globe is sharing its blessings through a remarkable countdown at the 5th in Bonifacio Global City. What’s Ne-Yo when you can get to meet K-Pop artists like ITZY’s Yeji, Lia, Ryujin, Chaeryeong, and Yuna jamming with OPM sensations like Rico Blanco and juan karlos. There are also raffle prizes that await you. Admission is for free, but you will have to arrive early.
5. Bond With The Locals At Rizal Park
When spending too much on expensive admission tickets to New Year’s Eve countdowns across the metro and prefer to bond with the locals, the best way is to visit Rizal Park. This historic spot at the heart of Manila offers a family-friendly and relaxed atmosphere for welcoming 2025. Not only are there fireworks displays, but also musical performances and live entertainment. You are more than welcome to set up your picnic spot as you enjoy the festivities. Just hope that it won’t rain that night.
6. Celebrate New Year In Antipolo
Even if most people may probably be in their provinces for the New Year, the capital city may still get crowded, so for those seeking a peaceful respite to ring in the New Year, Antipolo is the place to be. It isn’t stressful to reach like Baguio, or too far away like Tagaytay, as Antipolo also offers a cool breeze with stunning views of the city below. It is home to several hilltop restaurants and resorts where you can enjoy a sumptuous dinner while watching fireworks being hoisted in the air.
7. Meet With International Celebrities
You can party with your family, but what if you can take it up a notch and party with your family with international celebrities like Ne-Yo? That’s right. Several luxurious hotels around the metro are hosting New Year’s Eve countdowns featuring the world’s biggest celebrities. If you wish to see Ne-Yo in person, then head over to the new Solaire Resort North, hosting their first-ever New Year’s Eve affair since its construction. Otherwise, if you want to see BINI, KZ Tandingan, Lea Salonga, or Yeng Constantino, you can head over to the Newport World Resorts, Eastwood City, Robinsons Bridgetowne, or Okada Manila.
Wrapping Up
New Year celebrations in the Philippines are unique, if not the happiest. Filipinos take this moment to catch up with the family, as they head to their home provinces to celebrate – maybe serve lechon – or enjoy the night in the cities.
Filipinos dig into the media noche dishes that usually consist of barbecues, fruit salads, and more, while taking photographs wearing polka dot attires or the Pantone color of the year. They also make sure to display round fruits as a way to ring in luck for the brand-new year. The adults also ask their kids to jump at the strike of midnight, or they won’t grow tall – but that’s a superstition – and give away coins for good luck, just like Christmas. It’s all about smiles for Filipinos in the New Year, and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t celebrate this night with them.