Dazzling Christmas Lights Displays in Metro Manila to See With Your Family

There's no question that Christmas is a big deal in the Philippines. The country is known for having one of the longest Christmas celebrations in the world, often beginning its countdown of sorts for Noche Buena (Christmas Eve) and Christmas day as early as the Ber months.

With a little over a month left before Christmas, some establishments and cities have put up their own grand lights and decorations on display in anticipation of the Yuletide. Whether you're with family, friends, or just by yourself, these Christmas lights displays in Metro Manila that were much-missed at the onset of the pandemic are must-sees to reinvigorate your spirit for Christmas!

SM Mall of Asia Lights Show

The festivities came early for the SM Mall of Asia, with its Sparkle of Light show and holiday fireworks kicking off the merrymaking ahead of Christmas! The mall, considered one of the biggest in Asia, unveiled its light show last Oct. 23 for the public to get into the Christmas spirit! If you love dazzling lights and joyful music, then this show featuring the mall's twinkling giant indoor Christmas tree is for you. You can catch it daily every hour from 10 AM to 10 PM until the end of December at the Central Atrium of the mall, right in front of retail giant H&M.

Location: SM Mall of Asia, Seaside Boulevard, 123, Pasay City

'Festival of Lights: Lights and Sound' Show at Ayala Triangle Gardens

Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City has long been known for its elaborate, striking Christmas lights installations year in and year out, and anyone driving along Makati Avenue, Ayala Avenue, and Paseo De Roxas will likely agree. This 2022, Ayala Triangle Gardens brought back the Christmas cheer with its Festival of Lights: Lights and Sound Show, which was unveiled to the public on Nov. 10 and graced by the Manila Symphony Orchestra. This year's show is a live 360-degree experience, a brainchild of director Ohm David and lighting designer Sueyen Austero. You can catch the Festival of Lights until Jan. 8, 2023, nightly from 6 PM to 10 PM.

Location: Ayala Triangle Gardens, Paseo De Roxas Street corner Makati Avenue, corner Ayala Avenue, Makati City

Lights Display and 'ChristmasSaya' at Riverbanks Center, Marikina City

If you want an impressive lights display and a fun experience, head on over to Riverbanks Center in Marikina City, which just screams Christmas. You'll enjoy the mall's Christmas decorations and sculptures lit up in brilliant colors that are dotted around the vicinity, which serve as the perfect backdrop for those shots and stories for the 'Gram! Moreover, Riverbanks opened its "ChristmasSaya" Carnival in early October, where the public can enjoy a slew of rides and game booths that also boast their own dazzling light decorations. Don't miss out on taking pictures in front of the gleaming Ferris wheel and riding it! The carnival is open every day from 3 PM to 12 midnight!

Location: Riverbanks Center, 1800 Riverbanks Avenue, Marikina City

'Christmas Like No Other' at Araneta City

Araneta City (previously Araneta Center) in Quezon City opened the festive season with the lighting of its giant Christmas tree on Oct. 28 at Times Square Park, which was graced by comedian Vice Ganda, actress Alexa Ilacad, actor KD Estrada, Season 2 winners of Idol Philippines, and Binibining Pilipinas beauty queens and hosted by Samantha Bernardo and Robi Domingo. The 100-foot Christmas tree, as reported by CNN Philippines on Oct. 26, is festooned by an eight-foot star topper, 3,000 LED bulbs, 2,000 Christmas balls, 100 pieces of hot air balloon ornaments, a thousand pieces of nine-foot pine garlands, among other Christmas baubles.

Araneta City has commenced the lighting of more beautiful Christmas trees in its other establishments, including Cyberpark Tower 2, Farmers Plaza, Ali Mall, and Gateway Mall, thus far. Araneta City also continued its tradition of Belen Lighting, which took place at 5 PM on Nov. 11 on General Macarthur Avenue, Farmers Market.

Location: Araneta City, 0810 Quezon City