This Museum in Antipolo, Rizal Lets You Enjoy Christmas All Year Round

Christmas in the Philippines is legendary for being the longest and most festive holiday season in the world. While the festivities officially kick off in September, there is one place in Antipolo where the holiday spirit never fades. The country also abounds with Christmas-themed events and establishments throughout the year, and this museum in Antipolo is one of them.

Located within the scenic Jardin de Miramar Events Venue, the Casa Santa Museum is a whimsical sanctuary dedicated to the magic of Christmas. Home to a massive collection of over 3,700 Santa Claus mementos and holiday memorabilia, this museum offers a nostalgic escape for families and Christmas lovers, regardless of the month on the calendar.

Also read: 13 Must-Visit Museums in the Philippines that Will Make You Love the Country Even More

Building the iconic Antipolo museum

Like the Christmas icon that it was named after, Casa Santa Museum has a long history that dates as far back as 1992 (1950s if you count the building of the structure itself). Edna Del Rosario, the owner of the original house that now stands as the museum, tapped Architect Rosario “Ning” Encarnacion Tan who’s known for her contribution to folk architecture in the Philippines.

Keeping the original layout of the Del Rosario’s house, Architect Ning Tan focused on giving the building spacious interiors while incorporating nature through wall paintings and lattices, among others. With ample windows, doors, and a balcony, visiting Casa Santa Museum promises a reinvigorating experience by itself.

Del Rosario then decided to transform the house into a place where she could display all her Santa Claus memorabilia that she has collected over time. For this, she sought the help of muralist Alfred Galvez. Following the ‘Santa Claus in the tropics’ theme, Galvez gave the house a brick-style finish. He also painted a Santa Claus mural on the ceiling which, to this day, remains as one of the museum’s visual centrepieces.

Also read: Antipolo Day Tour Itinerary: 6 Fun Things to Do on a Weekend Getaway

Top attractions, how to get to Casa Santa Museum

Just 30 minutes away from Metro Manila, Casa Santa Museum promises a nostalgic Christmas experience unlike any other. Among the top attractions here include the newly introduced Grinch’s Room (inspired from The Grinch movie) and Toy Factory featuring Santa’s elves in action. There’s also Balay Belen, which offers a unique tour of different nativity sets from across the globe.

Visiting Casa Santa is a budget-friendly way to spark some holiday joy. Entrance fees typically range from ₱325 to ₱400 per person, though prices may vary depending on the season and specific tour packages. Currently, the museum welcomes guests from 10am to 4pm on weekdays and 2pm to 4pm on weekends. While walk-ins are often accommodated, we highly recommend making a reservation online to secure your preferred slot, especially during the "Ber" months.

Casa Santa Museum is located at 276 San Jose Ext., San Isidro, Antipolo City. To know more about visiting, you can also check out the Antipolo museum’s website here.

All images credited to Casa Santa Museum.