Christmas Events Around Metro Manila for Your Fun Yet Safe Holiday Celebration

Not even a pandemic can stop the Philippines from celebrating Christmas. Yes, the mood is still a bit somber compared with previous years’ festivities, but for a country that hops aboard the holiday train as early as September, Christmas will always be welcomed with merriment and excitement.

Thankfully, the local pandemic situation is gradually improving: cases are dwindling down, recreational establishments are reopening, and most importantly, face shields are no longer required (hooray!). Those who are still wary about going out may opt for safer but equally entertaining events like these online concerts. But for the brave souls, heading outdoors may be a great idea, too. Just make sure to comply with minimum public health standards when you’re out and about! To get you in the holiday spirit, here are Christmas-themed events around Metro Manila that you can attend for free!

Alabang Town Center’s ’Fire in the Sky’

Skies in the south will light up as Alabang Town Center brings back its annual holiday event all weekends of December 2021. Called “Fire in the Sky,” this event features a colorful fireworks show as live music serenades guests dining al fresco style.

Exchange Ayala Mall receipts worth P3,000 (single or accumulated) to get one entrance ticket to this event.

Ortigas East’s Bamboo Installation and Night Market

We may be missing Ortigas East’s lively Christmas lights tunnel this year, but they made sure that this holiday season won’t be bland and quiet. They set up a light installation using bamboo as an homage to Filipinos’ resilience during the pandemic and to promote sustainability. Once you’re done taking snaps, be sure to visit the night market where you can grab a bite or score last-minute holiday gifts. The night market is located in front of Tiendesitas and is open Fridays through Sundays from 4 PM to 12 midnight.

Resorts World Manila’s Grand Fiesta Manila 2021

It may be one of the hardest-hit by the COVID-19 crisis, but there’s no stopping Resorts World Manila (RWM) from celebrating its anniversary and the holiday season. The integrated resort prepared 12 events to commemorate its 12th year in the Philippines, including a seven-course Filipino-Spanish menu by Casa Buenas and the “Christmas Mall-seum” at the Newport Mall, where creations by homegrown artists are on offer. In true holiday spirit, RWM is also giving away special prizes and gaming promos to lucky guests. Check out RWM’s website to know more.

SM Mall of Asia’s ’Night of Lights’

Going out to see lights and baubles at the risk of getting COVID-19 is just not worth it and SM Mall of Asia knows your sentiment. If you’re hesitant to rub elbows with others, we recommend SM MOA’s audiovisual drive-thru that lets you feast your eyes on interactive installations and more than 1 million holiday lights right inside your moving car! A stretch along the MOA grounds was reserved for this show, so make sure to ready your cameras with you when you go.

“Nights of Lights” runs from Dec. 4, 2021, to Jan. 2, 2022, from 5:30 PM to 10 PM. It is free for every single-receipt purchase of P2,000 from any establishment at SM MOA, S Maison, SM by the BAY, or MOA Square from Dec. 3 to Jan. 2, 2022.