Prepare yourself because I’m gonna drop a truth bomb: Christmas is only 34 days away. That’s just a little over a month! Let that sink in for a moment. I know what you’re thinking: It can’t possibly be that close. Well, for those who are surprised, I kind of understand. Considering it’s the -ber months, it’s still relatively hot. Plus, you’re probably buried in heavy workload, that the time kind of slipped past you. Well, it’s time to look around and start noticing the season’s festivities. Go out and get immersed in the holiday spirit. For starters, you can go visit some of these areas around the metro that’s on full Christmas celebration mode, you can’t help but feel the holiday spirit.
Ayala Triangle Festival of Lights
The much awaited Festival of Lights in Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati went big this year for its 10th Anniversary. This time around, it delivers a holiday to remember by partnering with The Walt Disney Company Philippines. With the theme “Reimagine The Magic: A Festival of Lights,” it features a larger than life Mickey-shaped structure at the heart of the park, and the light show is accompanied by beloved Disney soundtracks such as “When You Wish Upon a Star,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “Let It Go” in an orchestral rendition by composer and former musical director of Hong Kong Disneyland, Mr. Rony Fortich. The show starts at 6 pm and ends at 10 pm.
Sweet Illusions at Estancia
If you’re looking for something interactive, head on to Estancia to experience their holiday exhibit, featuring four installations around Capitol Commons: The Special Dark Light Room, the Candy Blast Shadow Light Room, the Sweet Rush Laser Room, and the Tutti Frutti Rainbow Prism Room—all in keeping with the candyland-Christmas themse, and all IG-worthy. Make sure to drop by during mall hours.
Musical Tunnel at Tiendesitas
The shoppers at Tiendesitas were given a treat last year when it first opened the Christmas Street Light Musical Tunnel. It looks like they want to continue the tradition this year with the same awe-inspiring show. The 1.4-kilometer tunnel—the length of 28 Olympic swimming pools—is lit up all the way by over 2000 pixels of lights programmed to dance in sync with the lively yuletide songs in the background; an immersive spectacle along a section of Tiendesitas Shopping Center. To make traversing this tunnel an even more magical experience, make sure to drop by from 6 pm to 10 pm on a Saturday, where you can catch an enchanting fireworks display along the Ortigas skyline.
Filinvest City’s Christmas Display
South peeps, don’t worry. Filinvest City in Alabang, Muntinlupa brings in the holiday cheer for you with the events and installations they have lined up. They promise to give you a Christmas wonderland experience with themed sections along the area, including a 40-foot Christmas tree, a Christmas train display for the kids and kids-at-heart, as well as an impressive hot air balloon installation you definitely would want in your IG feed.
SM Mall of Asia’s The Grand Festival of Lights
Another holiday spectacle people wait for is the annual Grand Festival of Lights. This year, you can catch what is arguably the biggest and brightest Holiday lights parade starting on Nov. 24, 5:30 pm at the SM Mall of Asia North and South Arcades. Expect Santa and his magical friends to bring in joy with over a hundred Christmas characters and floats moving along to yuletide music.
Art by Marian Hukom
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