On December 31, 2025, the Philippines observes the last day of the year as a special (non-working) holiday. This day allows Filipinos to prepare for New Year’s Eve festivities, spend time with loved ones, and reflect on the year that was.
It is a day of anticipation and reflection, allowing people to look back on the past year’s achievements, challenges, and memories while setting hopeful intentions for the future. As households begin decorating with lucky charms, filling their tables with Media Noche feasts, and stocking up on fireworks to light up the midnight sky, the sense of unity and joy becomes evident in every home.
December 31 has long been recognized as a day of anticipation, as families and friends prepare to welcome the coming year. The government designates it as a special non-working holiday to enable Filipinos to take part in celebrations, make travel arrangements, and ensure a smooth transition into the new year.
As a time of both preparation and celebration, this day allows people to engage in various traditions, such as setting up fireworks, preparing Media Noche feasts, and making New Year’s resolutions. The holiday also provides an opportunity for workers to take a well-deserved break before returning to their regular routines in January.
According to Proclamation No. 727, s. 2024, December 31, 2025, is declared a special (non-working) holiday in the Philippines. This proclamation underscores the importance of allowing Filipinos to fully participate in the rich traditions and festivities that mark the end of the year and the welcoming of a new one.
New Year’s Eve in the Philippines is filled with unique traditions believed to bring good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. Some popular customs include:
As the countdown reaches zero and fireworks light up the sky, children and even some adults jump repeatedly in hopes of growing taller in the coming year. This playful belief, passed down through generations, is especially popular among kids, who are often encouraged by parents and older relatives to make the most of their “growth spurt opportunity.”
A staple on every Filipino dining table on New Year’s Eve is a collection of 12 round fruits. The round shape resembles coins, symbolizing wealth and financial success, while the number 12 represents each month of the upcoming year. Common choices include grapes, oranges, apples, watermelons, and lychees. Some even go the extra mile, ensuring that their fruit selections have smooth, unblemished skins to avoid “rough patches” in the new year.
As midnight approaches, the Philippines erupts into a deafening symphony of fireworks, car horns, whistles, and clanging kitchenware. The belief stems from ancient Chinese traditions, where loud noises were thought to scare away evil spirits and misfortune. Those who don’t have firecrackers resort to banging pots and pans, blowing party horns, or revving motorcycle engines—anything to ensure that bad luck stays far away!
If you walk around on New Year’s Eve, you’ll notice many Filipinos dressed in polka-dot outfits. The circular patterns symbolize abundance and good fortune, similar to the round fruit tradition. Some even take it further by carrying coins in their pockets and jingling them at midnight to “shake in” financial blessings for the year ahead.
These traditions, combined with a feast-filled Media Noche, family gatherings, and heartfelt resolutions, make New Year’s Eve in the Philippines an exciting and meaningful celebration. Whether or not these customs truly bring luck, they certainly bring joy, laughter, and hope—the perfect way to welcome a brand-new year!
As the final day of the year, December 31 serves as both an ending and a new beginning. It is a time to reflect on personal achievements, challenges, and lessons learned while looking forward to fresh opportunities in the coming year. Whether spent in lively gatherings or quiet reflection, this day holds a special significance for Filipinos nationwide.
As we bid farewell to 2025 and welcome 2026, Light of Love Events Place takes this time to pause and celebrate the New Year with you in spirit. While we will be closed on December 31, we look forward to hosting your special events on other days leading up to and after the New Year!
Whether you’re planning a corporate gathering, family reunion, or intimate celebration, our beautifully landscaped gardens and elegant halls provide the perfect setting for memorable occasions. Our dedicated team is excited to assist you in creating unforgettable moments in the coming year. We can’t wait to celebrate with you soon!
For more details, reach out to us at:
Tel. Nos.: +63 2 8714 7989 or 8714 3871
Mobile No.: +63 9564197264
Email: sales@lightoflove.com.ph
Website: https://lightoflove.com.ph
Office Hours: Monday to Sunday & Holidays – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
