- Tree goes up
- 1 September, the start of the “Ber Months” (September-December)
- Tree comes down
- First Sunday after New Year (Feast of the Three Kings/Epiphany), sometimes extending decorations into mid-January
- Local superstition
- No prominent bad-luck belief documented; the emphasis is on maximising festive enjoyment across the long season rather than any removal taboo.
Why that date
The Philippines has the world’s longest Christmas season, rooted in Spanish Catholic colonial heritage; 1 September marks the informal but deeply embedded cultural start, reinforced by radio stations playing Christmas music and malls beginning decorations, with the season formally running through Simbang Gabi (dawn masses, 16-24 December) to the Feast of the Three Kings in early January.
What actually happens
One of the most distinctive traditions in this research: Filipinos begin decorating trees, playing Christmas carols, and hanging star-shaped “parol” lanterns as early as 1 September, some households and malls even starting in August; the season can span up to 100+ days.
Taking it down again
First Sunday after New Year (Feast of the Three Kings/Epiphany), sometimes extending decorations into mid-January. No prominent bad-luck belief documented; the emphasis is on maximising festive enjoyment across the long season rather than any removal taboo.
If you would rather not have this argument again next year, the calendar reminder on the home page will put both dates straight into your phone.
Sources
When the answer is finally yes
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