Giant Lanterns Festival 2025: A Stunning Yuletide Display Across San Fernando and Pampanga, Experience the Magic This Holiday Season in the Philippines

Published on December 14, 2025

As the holiday season approaches, the City of San Fernando in Pampanga prepares for the world-renowned Giant Lanterns Festival, one of the most anticipated events in the Philippines. While many people missed out on the breathtaking spectacle in 2025, there is good news for everyone: the grand lanterns will now be on display in a series of public exhibitions throughout the region. This annual holiday tradition will take centre stage once more, captivating both locals and visitors with its distinct charm and dazzling brilliance.

The San Fernando Tourism Office has announced that the giant lanterns that traditionally illuminate the city streets during the festival will be brought closer to the public through a series of exhibitions. The event, which runs from December 14, 2025, to January 1, 2026, promises to take the holiday spirit to new heights, with lanterns on display in various locations across Pampanga. Visitors can marvel at these handcrafted works of art, which represent hope, joy, and the Philippines’ community spirit.

A Dazzling Start: Robinsons Starmills Exhibition (Dec 14-23)

The festival’s series of exhibitions begins on December 14 at Robinsons Starmills in San Fernando, where the first wave of giant lanterns will be displayed. From December 14 to 23, visitors can enjoy the lanterns starting at 6 p.m. The Robinsons Starmills shopping centre, already a popular destination for locals, will be transformed into a glittering beacon of Christmas cheer. With the festive lights reflecting off the surrounding glass and steel, the lanterns will create a mesmerizing scene, drawing in both shoppers and passersby eager to witness the magic of the season.

This early exhibition at Robinsons Starmills is expected to attract significant foot traffic, offering both locals and tourists the opportunity to experience the Giant Lanterns Festival without the large crowds typically seen at the main event. For those looking for a quieter but equally stunning experience, this is the perfect time to explore the lanterns up close and take in their dazzling beauty.

Ligligan Parol at Capital Town Pampanga (Dec 19)

A special exhibition will take place on December 19, at 4 p.m., as part of the Ligligan Parol celebration at Capital Town Pampanga. This is a significant moment for the lantern festival, as it ties in with the province’s long-standing tradition of showcasing stunning parols (lanterns) during the Christmas season. The exhibition will be a beautiful fusion of the city’s local culture and the grandeur of the Giant Lanterns Festival, offering a dynamic and diverse celebration of the holiday season. Expect to see giant lanterns positioned around the venue, their lights flickering in harmony with the festive sounds and atmosphere of the event.

Special Exhibition on Christmas Eve (Dec 24)

On Christmas Eve, December 24, a special exhibition will be held at 9 p.m., right between the San Fernando City Hall and the Metropolitan Cathedral. This unique display will set the stage for a magical and memorable holiday celebration. The exhibition is designed to captivate attendees, with the brilliant lights of the giant lanterns illuminating the evening sky. The city’s historic landmarks, combined with the enchanting lanterns, will create a festive atmosphere like no other, blending tradition with modernity.

Post-Christmas Lantern Exhibitions (Dec 25-26)

The holiday excitement will continue through December 25 and 26, when the lanterns return to Robinsons Starmills Pampanga for post-Christmas displays. From 6 p.m. onwards, the shopping centre will again serve as the hub for the festival, allowing those who missed the Christmas Eve exhibition a chance to enjoy the spectacle. With the festive season still in full swing, these post-Christmas days offer a chance to experience the lanterns in a slightly quieter setting. Families and visitors can stroll through the area, basking in the glow of the magnificent lanterns while enjoying the cooler December air.

Marquee Mall and Robinsons Starmills Simultaneous Exhibitions (Dec 27-28)

In the last week of December, on December 27 and 28, the lanterns will be displayed simultaneously at Marquee Mall in Angeles City and Robinsons Starmills Pampanga. The exhibitions will take place at 6 p.m., bringing the magical displays to a wider audience. Marquee Mall, a popular shopping and dining destination, offers a perfect setting for the lanterns, adding an extra layer of excitement for shoppers and tourists. With two locations hosting the lanterns on the same day, visitors will have more flexibility in planning their visits while ensuring they don’t miss out on this iconic holiday experience.

Final Exhibition at Robinsons Starmills Pampanga (Dec 29-31)

From December 29 to 30, the lanterns will return to two locations: City Town Center in Barangay Calulut and Robinsons Starmills Pampanga. These will be the final exhibitions before the grand finale on January 1, 2026. The City Town Center offers a community-orientated setting, making it a wonderful location for families and visitors looking to experience the local charm of San Fernando. Meanwhile, Robinsons Starmills will host one final exhibition on January 1, capping off the lantern displays for the season. The final exhibition promises to be a fitting end to the Giant Lanterns Festival, offering a last chance to witness the magic before the lights dim.

Experience the Magic of the Giant Lanterns Festival

The Giant Lanterns Festival is not only a beautiful display of lights but also a celebration of the community spirit in Pampanga. Through the hard work and creativity of local artisans, each lantern is a masterpiece, and this year’s exhibitions bring them closer to the public. Visitors can explore the lanterns at various locations across San Fernando and Pampanga, experiencing a true Filipino tradition that has been celebrated for generations. Whether you’re visiting from abroad or exploring the city during the holiday season, the Giant Lanterns Festival is a must-see event that captures the heart of Christmas in the Philippines.

A Bright Future for San Fernando Tourism

The ongoing success of the Giant Lanterns Festival emphasises San Fernando’s status as a key tourism destination in the Philippines. This event not only attracts tourists from across the country but also from abroad, making it an important driver of local economic development. With this year’s expanded exhibition schedule, even more people will be able to witness the beauty of the lanterns, making San Fernando a must-see destination for vacationers. The festival’s growth and continued success bode well for Pampanga tourism, ensuring that this beloved holiday tradition remains a cornerstone of Filipino culture for many years to come.