If you’re feeling the holiday blues, these six places in Metro Manila will surely have you feeling the Christmas spirit!
1. Festival of Lights, Ayala Triangle Gardens
Ayala cor Paseo cor Makati Ave., Makati
Fast becoming a yearly treat, the Christmas lights at the Ayala Triangle Gardens have mesmerized Makati residents and office workers, as well as passersby and commuters for the past five years. This year’s presentation is the city’s best yet: It is inspired by the festive Rio de Janeiro Carnivale, with light design by Voltaire de Jesus and music by Watusi Manila. Suddenly, the miserable Makati rush hour traffic ain’t so miserable anymore. It will show every 30 minutes, starting 6pm-10pm every night until Jan 4. Please do yourselves a favor and not miss out on this one.
2. COD at Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan.
GSC Parking 1-B, San Juan
We are truly happy that this long-standing holiday tradition in Metro Manila has found a home in Greenhills Shopping Center. Located on the Ortigas avenue side of the shopping mecca, Christmas on Display, or COD tells the nativity story in full Christmas regalia—lights, sounds, mechanical motions, the works. It starts on Sat, Nov 15, and will show every 30 minutes from 6:30pm to 11pm every night until Jan 5.
3. The Giant Christmas Tree at Araneta Center, Quezon City
Gateway Mall Food Park, Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City
While COD has moved to Greenhills, Araneta Center has thankfully kept the 33-year-old tradition of having a giant Christmas tree, all 32.85 meters of it, in Cubao. Yup, they’ve been at it since 1981. As though that’s not enough, there’s also a lantern display near the Farmers Garden starting Nov 16, as well as a nightly fireworks display stating Nov 30. You can find the towering tree by the entrance of the Gateway Food Park until Jan 3.
4. Policarpio Street, Mandaluyong. The cheery residents of Policarpio Street in Mandaluyong have made a name for themselves, for lighting up and decorating the entire stretch of Policarpio. It’s best to just take a cab, and walk down the street so you also see and feel the warmth and cheer of the residents who lovingly decorated their hood.
5. Granada Street, Quezon City. Sure, you will find lanterns being sold on both sides of Granada Street all year round, but it truly lights up come the –Ber months. Through the years, the goods being sold here have evolved from the simple capiz parol to all sorts of lighting décor: snowman, reindeers, the nativity set, Santa Claus; we even spotted some coconuts trees, too. Vendors bring out their best and their brightest, not to mention their gaudiest and most colorful paninda to attract customers, effectively spreading the Christmas cheer.
6. Rockwell, Makati.
Rockwell Drive cor Estrella St., Rockwell Center, Makati
When Rockwell decided to trace its growing skyline with lights a few Christmases ago, it lent that part of Metro Manila a nice warm glow. It’s almost like an invitation to anyone who sees it to come closer. The reward for doing so is basking in the warm orange glow of giant Christmas tree, all dressed up in similar lights of the building, at the garden near Rockwell Tent along Rockwell Drive. There are benches around, allowing you to just sit and take it all in.
Did we miss anything? How’s it going in your hood? Let us know! Tag your social media photos #cocomnl. This story first appeared on Coconuts Manila.
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