Ho Ho Holiday Fun! Here’s Where Kids Can Meet Santa Claus in Manila
This Christmas season, Manila is buzzing with festive magic as malls, hotels, and other destinations transform into sparkling wonderlands. And for families with little ones, nothing feels more enchanting than meeting Santa Claus in person.
Whether your kids dream of whispering their wish lists to Kris Kringle or posing for a picture under twinkling lights, the city offers countless opportunities to make those moments truly unforgettable. From grand mall atriums with towering trees to department stores transformed into cozy workshops where Santa’s helpers bring extra cheer, Manila is filled with joyful spots designed to capture the holiday spirit.
And just as Santa travels the world with his nine reindeer, we’ve rounded up some of the magical spots in Manila where you can catch Santa Claus this 2025.
Ayala Malls Manila Bay
Ayala Malls is pulling all the stops this holiday season with a flurry of events and activities lasting until Jan. 7, 2026! This includes a chance to meet dear ‘ole St. Nick at Santa’s Nook, located in the Abueva Atrium. Meet and Greets are happening every Sunday — including Christmas Day — until Dec. 28, 2025, from 5 PM to 7 PM.
Other events that you can take part in At the Bay include Giftville: A Curated Christmas Wonderland market, where you can explore themed zones such as The Taste Commons, The Gift Lab, The Archive, Merry Lane, The Yuletide Atelier, and Bloom Room. Each space offers premium finds, photogenic setups, and unique holiday stories. This market will run until Jan. 18, 2026.
There’s even a lineup of live performers from Santa’s Elves to Christmas chorales and buskers, and an enchanting Garden Lights, Holiday Nights: A Spectacle of Light and Sound show every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6:30 PM to 10 PM, until Jan. 8, 2026.
Follow Ayala Malls Manila Bay on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.
SM Mall of Asia
SM Malls wishes you a MOA Christmas packed with magical holiday events and surprises until Jan. 9, 2026. Santa Claus makes his appearance at the Central Atrium every Saturday at 4 PM until Christmas Day.
Additionally, if your kiddos want to send their Christmas wish list to the jolly old man, the SM MOA Post Office can deliver their heartfelt Wishes to Santa. If you’ve been nice this year, then he just might make those wishes come true!
The mall also features Christmas carol performances on Dec. 14, 2025, a grand Christmas Market filled with unique gifts and delicious holiday treats, and a spectacular holiday fireworks display every Saturday at 7 PM right above SM By the Bay.
Follow SM Mall of Asia on Facebook and Instagram.
Rustans
The most wonderful time of the year calls for magical in-store shopping filled with treasures and thoughtful gifts that will make for unforgettable memories.
And to make this season even brighter, Rustans includes Santa Claus Meet and Greets into its “Christmas of Wonders” lineup. You can catch the jolly man in red every weekend afternoon until Dec. 21, 2025.
The department store has four branches in Manila, and meet and greet schedules vary per store location. See below to see when you can catch Santa at a Rustans near you:
Glorietta
- Dec. 6 (Saturday): 12 NN to 3 PM
- Dec. 14 (Sunday): 5 PM to 8 PM
- Dec. 20 (Saturday): 12 NN to 3 PM
- Dec. 21 (Sunday): 5 PM to 8 PM
Shangri-La Plaza
- Dec. 7 (Sunday): 12 NN to 3 PM
- Dec. 13 (Saturday): 5 PM to 8 PM
- Dec. 20 (Saturday): 5 PM to 8 PM
- Dec. 21 (Sunday): 12 NN to 3 PM
Gateway Mall
- Dec. 7 (Sunday): 5 PM to 7 PM
- Dec. 13 (Saturday): 1 PM to 3 PM
Alabang Town Center
- Dec. 6 (Saturday): 5 PM to 7 PM
- Dec. 14 (Sunday): 1 PM to 3 PM
Follow Rustans on Facebook and Instagram.
SM Megamall
Capture a moment with Santa at SM Megamall, where he’ll be meeting and posing with kids and the young-at-heart on some weekends at the Ground Level, Mega Fashion Hall.
You can come and tell Santa your heartfelt wishes on Dec. 7, 21, 28, and 30 (2 PM and 5 PM). He’ll also be making an appearance on Christmas Day, with Meet and Greet times at 11 AM, 1 PM, and 2 PM.
SM Megamall will also be holding holiday carol performances by their Christmas Chorale on Dec. 6, 13, 27, and 29 at 12 PM and 2 PM, as well as a Mega Holiday collective by the Artisan Manila where you can shop for curated holiday gifts. For Toy collectors and fans, there will also be a Christmas ToyCon from Dec. 12 to 14 and a massive Toy Kingdom Sale from Dec. 19 to 21 at the Megatrade Hall.
Follow SM Megamall on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.
Robinsons Galleria
Right next door to SM Megamall is Robinsons Galleria, which is also holding its own Santa Meet and Greets at the Main Atrium. You can catch Santa Claus every weekend at 2 PM until Dec. 25, 2025.
Other events you can look forward to are their Kidchella Holiday Parade on Dec. 14 and 21 and Christmas carol performances on Dec. 12 and 14.
Follow Robinsons Galleria on Facebook and Instagram.
The Podium
The Podium invites you to step into a season of wonder with their incredible lineup of seasonal events, from festive delights and exclusive holiday rewards.
As part of the wonderous celebrations, there will be heartwarming visits from Santa Claus at the Lumina Lobby on Dec. 7, 14, 21, 25, and 28 from 2 PM to 5 PM.
Follow The Podium on Facebook and Instagram.
Okada Manila
Okada Manila is going full-on carnival mode with thrilling rides, festive flavors, and shops packed with the perfect holiday gifts.
While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to meet Santa Claus! The big man with the iconic red suit will make an appearance from 5 PM to 6 PM and 7:20 PM to 8 PM on Dec. 5 to 7, 12 to 14, and 19 to 25, 2025.
Okada’s Christmas Carnival will also showcase exciting performances and pop-up acts from the Okada Manila Entertainment Group every Wednesday to Sunday — definitely something worth checking out!
Follow Okada Manila on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.
Makati Shangri-La Hotel
This grand hotel in Makati City offers a holiday of wonders with its wide selection of festive goodies, holiday activities, and cheery room offers.
Santa Claus will make a pit stop at the Hotel Lobby to hear all your Christmas Wishes on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Here’s when you can catch him:
Dec. 24, 2025
- 6 PM to 6:30 PM
- 7:30 PM to 8 PM
Dec. 25, 2025
- 11:30 AM to 12 NN
- 1:30 PM to 2 PM
- 6 PM to 6:30 PM
- 7:30 PM to 8 PM
Makati Shangri-La is also having some enchanting holiday workshops for kids! Learn to make your own Holiday Cookie Tree (P1,500 per person) or Santa’s Chocolate Wands (P1,500 per person) at the Circles Event Café Private Dining Room. These activities are available on Dec. 7, 14, and 21, 2025.
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