Christmas Lanterns Jose Abad Santos Avenue San Fernando City Pampanga (October 2025)

Along Jose Abad Santos Avenue in San Fernando City, Pampanga, Christmas lanterns light up the streets each holiday season, showcasing the province’s renowned artistry in parol-making. Known as the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines,” San Fernando transforms this major thoroughfare into a dazzling display of giant, intricately designed lanterns adorned with colorful lights and synchronized patterns. These lanterns, crafted by local artisans using steel frames, capiz, and LED bulbs, reflect Pampanga’s deep-rooted tradition of craftsmanship and festive spirit. The display serves as a preview of the city’s famed Giant Lantern Festival (Ligligan Parul), drawing visitors and motorists who marvel at the creativity and joy symbolized by these brilliant works of light.

Robinson Pampanga Christmas Tree and Lanterns (October 2025)

 

The Pampanga Christmas Lanterns, locally known as “Parol,” are iconic symbols of Filipino Christmas spirit and craftsmanship, originating from the province of Pampanga—particularly in the City of San Fernando, which is hailed as the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines.” These giant, colorful lanterns are intricately designed with lights and patterns that resemble stars, representing hope and the guiding light of the season. Each lantern is handcrafted using materials like capiz, fiberglass, or steel frames, and is often equipped with synchronized lighting systems that create dazzling light displays. The tradition is highlighted in the annual Giant Lantern Festival (Ligligan Parul), held every December, where different barangays compete to showcase their most elaborate and luminous lantern creations, attracting tourists from across the country and around the world.

Starbucks Card x Pampanga Christmas Lantern (October 2025)

 

In October 2025, Starbucks Philippines released a special edition Starbucks Card celebrating the iconic Pampanga parol (Christmas lanterns), tying into the region’s reputation as the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines.” Designed in collaboration with Kapampangan artist Gian Wong, the card features stylized illustrations of Pampanga’s giant lanterns as a visual homage to the local Ligligan Parul festival. As one of three city-exclusive cards (the others representing Metro Manila and Tagaytay), the Pampanga edition functions like a regular reloadable Starbucks Card but also serves as a collectible keepsake that embodies Filipino festive spirit and regional tradition.