Every December, San Fernando, Pampanga, transforms into a dazzling hub of lights, color, and festive energy for the world-famous Giant Lantern Festival, cementing its reputation as the Christmas Capital of the Philippines. In 2025, Kapampangans are once again ready to showcase their bright, creative masterpieces.
From Humble Beginnings to World-Famous Lanterns
The festival began as a simple tradition tied to Simbang Gabi, with small, candle-lit lanterns carried during Christmas novena processions. By the 1930s, electricity allowed artisans to innovate, adding light bulbs and mechanical rotors. Lanterns could now “dance” to music, transforming the humble parol into the giant, moving light artworks we admire today.
This year, the main lantern competition takes place on December 13, 2025, at Robinsons Starmills, Pampanga. Ten barangays will present massive, multi-layered lanterns with hundreds of bulbs and intricate motor systems.
Even after the competition, the lanterns remain on display until January 1, 2026, giving visitors plenty of time to enjoy the spectacle.
More Than Just A Show
The Giant Lantern Festival is more than a show — it’s a celebration of Filipino creativity, resilience, and community. Each lantern reflects months of teamwork and generations of craftsmanship, keeping Kapampangan culture alive.
Visitors experience the warmth and joy of Filipino Christmas, where artistry and tradition shine brightest. It’s a spectacle, a pilgrimage, and a heartfelt reminder that the spirit of the holidays lives in Pampanga.
