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FEATURE l The 2024 Year-End Itinerary: Top 5 Destinations to Experience the Holiday Glow in the Metro

Lee Anne Domingo

Feel the magic of Christmas come alive! Explore the Metro's top festive spots and let the dazzling lights brighten your holidays.

 

The holidays would not be complete without the vibrant and festive displays of adornments around the Metro. As Filipinos, we deeply appreciate the warmth and cheer that holiday lights bring. To the eyes of an outsider, these lights may only serve to illuminate our streets, yet they also light up our hearts as we feel the fervor and glow of Christmas.  

Now that the holidays are fast approaching, magic begins to unfold as embellished decorations lit up the Christmas festivity. If you want a first-hand experience of seeing the sparkle among these displays, prepare yourselves to be mesmerized when you visit these top five places around the Metro to feel that holiday glow: 

1. Ayala Malls Manila Bay light show 

As part of the Ayala Malls campaign, “Christmas In My Home,” it highlights “Garden Lights, Holiday Nights” with breathtaking projections of mapping light show that transforms Ayala Malls Manila Bay’s 1-hectare garden into a magical Christmas wonderland. 

 

The celebration of spectacular 3D LED animation of Filipino Christmas traditions is accompanied by live performances from Lola Amour, Mandaluyong Children’s Choir, and a spotlight on World Vision’s “Pasko ng Pag-asa” campaign, which aims to spread hope and joy to children in need.  

Catch these enchanting light displays and 3D LED shows every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. Visitors can enjoy a new show at 6:30 PM every 30 minutes, featuring holiday favorites like “Kumukutikutitap” and “Joy to the World.” 

2. BGC High Street Holiday 

Bonifacio Global City (BGC) has embraced the essence of this magical season with a stunning holiday makeover. The city commenced its festivities by lighting up its quintessential 45-foot Christmas tree at Bonifacio High Street. Visitors can also explore a glowing igloo mirror room, where lights and reflections create an Instagram-worthy setting. This flashing centerpiece, garnished with lights, ornaments, and charming polar bears, marks the start of a truly immersive holiday experience.   

Over on 5th Avenue, the gay spirit continues with “Magic at the 5th,” a multimedia extravaganza featuring animated Christmas-themed displays on the area’s massive 3D screens. Every Saturday of the remaining year, the sky above BGC lights up with magnificent fireworks. You may also explore BGC High Street, decorated vividly along its one-kilometer stretch. The High Street Express Train offers a scenic ride through the holiday displays, allowing visitors to submerse in the sights with ease. 

 

3. Charriol display in Alabang Town Center  

Charriol unveils a larger-than-life holiday snow globe installation at the Town Plaza of Alabang Town Center. This holiday feature offers a magical setting for visitors to immerse themselves in the season’s merry spirit. Though primarily displayed at Bonifacio High Street and TriNoma, the whimsical creation aims to capture the brand signature—a luxurious and perky glamour. This display will run through January 9, 2025.  


With a brighter holiday twist, Charriol also offers a limited edition of the holiday snow globe for those who spend a minimum of P20,000 in a single receipt at any Charriol boutique nationwide. This exclusive gift is available until January 8, 2025. 

 

4. Eastwood Christmas Village  

Eastwood City elevates the Filipino holiday spirit with its astounding Christmas Village, a destination of promising festive cheer and delightful discoveries. This magical haven, located at the Central Plaza in Quezon City, is perfect for those who seek to immerse themselves in the wonder of this season.    

The outdoorsy plaza revamps into a Christmas wonderland with gleaming lights, sophisticated decors, and endearing shophouses and restaurants. These stalls house 20 merchants that offer collectibles, delicious treats, and even fine wine. You may indulge in the season’s magic whether you are looking for a perfect gift, for the village offers something for everyone. 

5. Meralco Liwanag Parks 

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) will not just light up your houses this holiday season because it also electrifies the festive spirit this 2024.  

  

In its home base in Ortigas, the iconic Liwanag Park returns with its signature “Paskong Pinoy” theme that unifies sustainability and tradition. Among the highlights are a 20-foot Christmas tree out of recycled meter covers, a giant Belen crafted from repurposed copper wires, and a flamboyant tunnel of lights. Visitors can enjoy the Higantes puppets, an enlivening Meralco Tranvia ride, and a holiday bazaar with Filipino Christmas favorites like bibingka and puto bumbong. Ortigas Liwanag Park accepts public visitors daily for free, from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM until December 31.  


Meralco has also brought its Liwanag Park to the historic Walled City of Intramuros for the first time. Plaza Roma has transformed into a glowing holiday haven with trees adorned with sparkling lights, shimmering parols, and lanterns. The core of the display stands the same stunning 20-foot Christmas tree from Ortigas. The park is open every night from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM, free of charge through January 6, 2025. 

 

 

 

REFERENCES:

ABS-CBN News. (2024, December 18). Christmas 2024: Feel the holiday spirit with these festive displays in Manila and beyond. https://www.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/showbiz/events/2024/12/18/christmas-2024-feel-the-holiday-spirit-with-these-festive-displays-in-manila-and-beyond-1805.

Lizan, L. (2024, November 22). Eastwood Transforms Plaza Into a Magical Christmas Village. Spot PH. https://www.spot.ph/shopping/the-latest-shopping/110537/eastwood-christmas-village-this-holiday-season-a5109-20241122.

Rank Magazine. (2024, December 6). See How Ayala Malls Manila Bay Transformed to be a Spectacular Holiday Destination in the Metro. https://rankthemag.ph/see-how-ayala-malls-manila-bay-transformed-to-be-a-spectacular-holiday-destination-in-the-metro/.

Vibal, L. (2024, November 14). Here Are the Christmas Lights + Events in BGC This Holiday Season. Spot PH. https://www.spot.ph/things-to-do/the-latest-things-to-do/110460/christmas-lights-and-events-in-bgc-this-holiday-season-a5138-20241114.

Vibal, L. (2024, November 22). Meralco’s Liwanag Park Opens in Intramuros. Spot PH. https://www.spot.ph/things-to-do/the-latest-things-to-do/110542/meralco-liwanag-park-opens-in-intramuros-a5138-20241122.

 

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