If you need just a little more holly and jolly this Christmas, these attractions might give you the boost you need.
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It’s no secret that Filipinos love celebrating Christmas as early as September. But December in the Philippines is on another level. Nearly everywhere you go, streets and public places are decked out in Christmas decorations as holiday music blasts on mall speakers and radios. It’s a lot TBH, but you can’t deny these holiday sights help you get in the Christmas mood.
And speaking of sights, the season brings its fair share of attractions you’ll only experience during this time of the year. So, if you’re looking for something to do over your holiday break or need a little pick-me-up in the holiday vibes department, check out these attractions that would make Santa Claus proud.
MERALCO’S LIWANAG PARK
Meralco brings back its Liwanag Park this Christmas, and this time, it has two locations. The first is in the OG Meralco Park located inside the Meralco compound in Ortigas. Open from 6-11 PM and until December 31, Liwanag Park has the theme of Paskong Pinoy but with a sustainable twist. Expect to see Christmas staples such as a giant Belen made out of repurposed copper wires and a Christmas tree made from recycled meter covers, not to mention the dazzling Christmas illuminations around the area.
The bright lights continue at Intramuros, as Meralco transformed the Walled City’s Plaza Roma into a holiday haven filled with lights, parols, lanterns, and more. Even the nearby Manila Cathedral got a holiday facelift with its exterior. The attraction is open from 6-11 PM and until January 6.
EASTWOOD CITY’S CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
Eastwood doesn’t play when it comes to the Christmas festivities. Aside from a snow show and a fireworks show every Saturday, Eastwood also rolled out the holiday carpet for their Christmas Village. Located at the Central Plaza and open until January 5, the Eastwood City Christmas Village is a festive open-air covered area filled with a diverse selection of merchants, shops, and sellers. Whether you’re looking to complete the holiday shopping list or want to splurge on something nice for yourself, the Christmas Village has you covered.
AYALA MALLS VERMOSA’S HOLIDAY AT PLAY
Back for its second year, Holiday at Play is your free winter wonderland in the South as Ayala Malls Vermosa in Cavite treats guests to a holiday escape unlike any other. Composed of six attractions, namely; Candy Cane Lane, Jingle Bell Swings, Dazzling Delights, Shades of Fantasy, Whimsical Wonder, and Barkyard, Holiday at Play has something for everybody with its interactive installations and IG-feed friendly displays. Oh, and there’s also a lights show that happens at night.
MOA’S NIGHT OF LIGHTS
Mall of Asia becomes busier than usual over the holidays, and for good reason. But aside from attracting crowds for shopping, dining, and hanging out, the large complex also houses an illuminated wonderland that lights up the night sky, literally. Located at MOA SKY on the North Entertainment Mall, MOA Night of Lights is an immersive space dotted with attractions and installations so colorfully lit that it lowkey makes the rainbow jealous.
With six interactive zones; Majestic Metallic Orbs of Enchantment, Crystal Light Odyssey, Mystical Butterflies, Cosmic Labrinth, Cosmic Eggs Next, and Colossal Titans, prepare to get lost under the neon-lit night sky. MOA Night of Light is open until January 12. All you have to do to enter is have a minimum purchase of 2000 pesos at Mall of Asia to get a pass with each pass admitting two people.
BOTANICAL GARDENS IN BAGUIO
Baguio is known as the summer capital of the Philippines. But during Christmas, it turns into a holiday hideaway with how the city transforms for the season. Among the must-visit destinations in Baguio is the Botanical Gardens. A favorite of many, the Gardens becomes festive for Christmas with light installations, displays, and vibrant colors. Given that it’s open from 6 PM -12 AM until January 6, it makes for a good spot for a night’s stroll or walk while enjoying the cool weather.
NUVALI FOUNTAIN OF LIGHTS
If you ever head to Nuvali over the holidays, you might want to stay for the magical lights show. Their annual display of lights by the fountain combines music and storytelling for a performance to remember. This year, the show is divided into two main performances. The first is called Dragons of Prosperity which centers on life and rebirth through mystical dragons. The second, Journey to Toy Island, is a paper boat ride that’s made for all toy lovers, no matter their age.
As a cherry on top, there are also on-the-ground holiday-themed attractions scattered around Nuvali. The lights show runs every Friday to Sunday, 6-10 PM, until January 5.
AYALA TRIANGLE GARDENS
The traffic in BGC and the Makati CBD area during this time of the year is honestly enough to ruin Christmas. But between the hustle and bustle is the quiet holiday serenity of the Ayala Triangle Gardens. While their famous lights show is on hiatus this year, the area is still a nice place to take a breather from the holiday rush and enjoy the neon glow and bright lights of the festive decorations.
BONUS: MALL CHRISTMAS TREES
These aren’t technically attractions, but you can’t deny the effort that went into these giant Christmas trees. From SM Megamall, Opus Mall, Power Plant Mall, BGC, Eastwood, and more, these gigantic trees make for a pretty sight and a reminder that if you think a Christmas tree can’t get any grander, it can.
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