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I know it’s only the beginning of November, and Christmas hasn’t fully arrived yet, but… Do you know, the Philippines has already started gearing up to celebrate? Christmas in the Philippines is BIG-like, really BIG! It’s a super long celebration that starts in September and goes all the way to January! If you’re a business looking to get in on the action, now’s your chance. Here are the guides on making the most of this Christmas Season in the Philippines!
Tips to Get Into the Philippines' Christmas Market
1. Start Early and Ride the Christmas Wave 🎄
Source: Esaeyou
In the Philippines, Christmas isn’t just a December thing. It kicks off in September and lasts all the way into January. That’s a 4-month-long festival! This means you have lots of time to get your Christmas deals out there. You can start with a “Christmas Season Sale” or a “Xmas Gift Package” to grab the attention of early shoppers who are already excited about the season.
2. Make It Personal: Localize Your Marketing
While Christmas is celebrated all over the world, Filipinos really value family time. It’s all about togetherness, big family meals, and giving gifts. So, when marketing your products, focus on how your brand can help create those special moments. Show how your product fits into family parties, gift exchanges, or festive gatherings. Share fun stories or create events on social media that highlight these family vibes.
3. Get Social: Team Up with Local Influencers 📱
Social media, especially Facebook, is huge in the Philippines, with around 80.3 million users (Spiralytics). Filipinos love local influencers, who are shaping trends in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. This love for influencers is a goldmine for brands, with influencer marketing set to grow at 11.45% annually, reaching USD186.90 million by 2029 (Statista, 2024). Thanks to the young, tech-savvy crowd—6.5 million new digital users join every year, spending an average of 3 hours and 34 minutes daily on social media (Meltwater, 2024)—brands have a prime opportunity to engage with a growing, influence-driven audience.
4. Offer Local Gifts and Custom Products 🎁
Filipinos love their Christmas decorations and gifts! Consider offering products that fit into their holiday traditions. Whether it’s a cute holiday-themed item, local treats, or something to help decorate their homes (eg: Parol – a lantern that is a traditional part of the Christmas season in the Philippines), tailor your offerings to what’s popular locally. Special gift bundles or limited-edition items are always a hit!
5. Keep the Party Going: Post-Christmas Sales 🎉
The Christmas fun doesn’t stop after December 25th in the Philippines. Many people continue celebrating until January, so don’t miss out on those post-Christmas sales! You can offer discounts on leftover holiday stock or focus on New Year’s gifts as the festivities continue.
6. Speak the Language✨
Even though a lot of people speak English in the Philippines, using Tagalog (the local language) can really make your brand feel more personal. Throw in some local phrases, fun sayings, or popular songs (the most popular Christmas song in the Philippines is not ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ but is ‘Christmas In Our Heart’) in your ads to connect with your audience. It’s all about making your brand feel like it belongs!
7. Fast and Friendly Delivery 🚚
In the Philippines, people want their gifts and goodies fast, especially during Christmas. Partnering with EasyParcel’s international delivery services can help you make sure your products arrive on time and in perfect condition. With real-time tracking systems (WhatsApp, Email and SMS), and insurance coverage (EasyCover) up to SGD5000 provided by EasyParcel, you can give you and your customers peace of mind.
Christmas in the Philippines is one of the longest and most exciting celebrations in the world. To succeed in this market, you need to understand the local culture, start early, and create campaigns that really speak to family values, social media trends, and local customs. With the right approach, your brand can become a part of the festive magic and make a lasting impression on Filipino consumers. So, get ready to spread some holiday cheer, and make your mark in the Philippine Christmas market! 🎅🎉
