Spend Christmas Near Manila

by Ronel Forbes

November 23, 2022

Pasko na naman! Do you understand what that implies? To celebrate the holidays and spend time with their relatives, the majority of Filipinos will return to their regions. No Province? No Problem!

Here, we’ve compiled a list of some of Metro Manila’s top attractions and things to do throughout the Christmas season. Come the holidays, there’s usually something amazing going on in the metro, from festivals and parades to concerts and more.

To get into the festive spirit, Filipinos start putting up their Christmas trees in September and adorning their homes and businesses with colorful parols (lanterns). The Philippines, known as the nation with the longest Christmas celebrations, has a large list of suggested locations to enjoy the most joyous season of the year.

Here is a list of new festive attractions that you and your family should visit throughout the holiday season, from eye-catching light installations to lantern festivals.

Continue reading to learn more!

Marvel at the fireworks display in SM Mall of Asia

In fact, the SM Mall of Asia (SM MoA) in Pasay City is the best site to see spectacular fireworks. It will restart its expected yearly fireworks spectacular after a two-year break. It provides the ideal scenery for watching due to its advantageous location just in front of Manila Bay. Along with its fireworks display, Central Park at SM by the Bay features a lovely light show that visitors can take in.

At the UP Lantern Parade, take in the enormous handcrafted floats and lanterns.

The University of the Philippines hosts a brilliant and colorful lantern parade each December to usher in the holiday season. This university custom began in 1922 as a straightforward tribute “inspired by the folk habit of carrying lanterns to light the way to the early morning masses or misa de gallo,” and it has since developed into the most well-known Christmas festivity across the country.

The UP Lantern Parade includes floats and lanterns of diverse colors, sizes, and (sometimes) contentious designs that honor Filipino culture.

Festival of the Giant Lantern.

The parol or star lantern is arguably the most important Filipino Christmas emblem since it is vibrant, lovingly made, and brimming with holiday cheer. It is impossible to separate the Christmas lantern, or Parul Sampernandu in Kapampangan, from the city that gave it birth, the City of San Fernando. San Fernando is renowned for it.

And it is what has made the city well-known throughout the nation and even the world.

The Spanish word farol, which means lantern or light, is whence the word parol originates. The star is revered in the primarily Christian nation of the Philippines as a source of light and a symbol of hope, and Filipinos attach great value to the symbolism of light. But such an invention would not have been possible without the Fernandinos’ tireless efforts, and even more so, without their inventiveness and ingenuity. San Fernando has acquired the moniker “Christmas Capital of the Philippines” thanks to the Parul Sampernandu.

Together with family and friends, attend the UST Paskuhan.

The University of Santo Tomas is known for going above and beyond during the holidays. Since 1991, it has held Paskuhan, a collection of thrilling Christmas events. It certainly understands how to elevate holiday celebrations with amazing light shows, fireworks, exciting music, and free food sharing.

This year, the university custom is returning after a two-year hiatus, and it will be off with a lighting ceremony on November 29, 2022, at 6 o’clock.

Visit Star City to quench your desire for thrills and excitement.

Are you up for a tense and chilling Christmas? Enter Pasay City’s Star City, a 35,000 square meter amusement park! The park has finally reopened to the public following its shutdown in 2020 and is prepared to deliver even more pleasure and excitement. Star City, where you and your family may enjoy more than 30 rides and attractions, is sure to put you and your loved ones in the festive spirit.

This season, Snow World, Grand Carousel, and Star Flyer are just a few of the attractions that deserve your attention.

Ayala Triangle Gardens’ Festival of Lights

The renowned Festival of Lights at the Ayala Triangle Gardens is a must-see event for everyone. After two years of virtual performances, the much anticipated show will return to Ayala Triangle Gardens in person on November 10.

The show this year will be a LIVE 360-degree event. The beloved light spectacle that the public has grown accustomed to will still be present. The familiar dancing string lights and enchanted laser lights with floating shapes will still be present in this concept by director Ohm David and lighting designer Sueyen Austero, but there will also be a massive 3D animated video projected on the canopy façade at the Ayala Triangle Gardens courtyard.

The 3D projection, which was produced in association with Acid House and Kroma, will open the show with a delightful and enchanted prelude to the Light Show.

Night markets and Christmas bazaars.

Of course, Christmas wouldn’t be the same without the spirit of giving. Go tiangge hopping as soon as possible to start your Christmas shopping early! When the holidays arrive, Metro Manila not only transforms into a brilliant wonderland but also offers some of the largest bazaars and night markets to explore. What’s best? If you apply your negotiating talents, you may get the best goods for a great price here!

In your favorite churches, complete the nine-day Simbang Gabi.

Simbang Gabi is a revered nine-day devotional practice observed during the Advent season in the Philippines in anticipation of Christmas. Since the time of Spanish control, many Roman Catholic Pinoys have continued this tradition.

Surprisingly, some of the Philippines’ most exquisite churches may be found in Metro Manila; they are well worth seeing over the holiday season. Some of these include the Quiapo Church in the center of Manila City and the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros.

Please read: TIPS ON CHRISTMAS FIRE SAFETY

Conclusion

For your Christmas celebration, there is a lot to choose from in the vicinity of Manila. There is no denying the similarity between Christmas and the provincial holiday.

A saving tip because you don’t have to travel far to give your family and friends a memorable Christmas.