Filipino Christmas is made exciting with the showcase of lights. Every year, we anticipate works of art portrayed in the bright and colorful lights along the streets and in at every corner. Most are chosen to distinguish themes, and some to ornament Christmas trees. But all serve a purpose—to bring glowing holidays ahead.
With December just around the corner, people are becoming more interested to the best attractions in Manila where you can best enjoy the lights. In this article, we listed five (5) places you can visit to experience the holidays ahead.
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Ortigas East Christmas Street Musical Light Tunnel and Display
This attraction is famous to literally lit the night with its more than 2,000 colorful lightbulbs. Colors resemble the hues of a rainbow when viewed on top, and feels like walking in space when on the ground. It is a perfect place for taking selfies and group shots because of the perfect lighting effects it creates. The light display runs every 30 minutes from 6PM to 10PM.
People also visit the tunnel because of its music. The light show features well-chosen songs, which is perfect for a jolly mood. Because of this, families, couples, and anyone who loves music are drawn to a magnificent place.
Kids and kids at heart will also love the Santa Meet-and-Greet as part of their activities for Christmas. The said events are available from 2PM to 5PM on all Saturdays of December. Aside from that, they also have fireworks display every 7PM on all Saturdays of December, and the Simbang Gabi on December 15 to 23 at 6PM.
The Christmas Musical Light and Tunnel can be exactly found at Ortigas Avenue Corner E., Rodriguez Avenue, Pasig City.
- Tiendesitas Gift of Wonders
Feel the real spirit of Christmas in Tiendesitas’ Gift of Wonders. The theme of this attraction is on how the holidays bring love. They feature activities such as the House of Stars which portray the traditional Filipino Christmas, and the Pets Unleashed, an animal installation highlighting the peculiar view of animals to the world.
Tiendesitas is open to public until January 5 and show and installation can be enjoyed at 6PM to 10PM every night. The Gift of Wonders is located at Food and Pet Village, Tiendesitas.
2. Greenhills Laser Lights
A more futuristic way to enjoy Christmas lights is through Greenhills Shopping Center’s new attraction—laser lights. This is the first ever laser light show introduced in Manila for Christmas and it is already making some noise. Aside from the luminous spectacles, Greenhills also features the lively beat of song remixes. On top of that, they showcase laser dancers that will electrocute the crowd’s hearts with its moves and routines.
The show started November 15 and will last until January 5. There will be performances every 30 minutes from 6PM to 10PM, so shopping can be resumed, if visiting to buy gifts, or spend time with the family. Admission is free, so bringing a family or friend is not an issue.
3. Ayala Triangle
Have more of a visual treat when you go to the Ayala Triangle Gardens. The Ayala Land highlights a spectacular display called Carol of Lights which is showing at 6PM to 10PM every day until January 12. The said display is a 3D video mapping of the famous local and international churches such as the Sant’Andrea della Valle and the Sistine Chapel of Vatican Rome.
Aside from the display, the whole venue is adorned with a canopy of lights moving in synchronization. This is called Gallery of Lights. It highlights laser lights and smoke effects from trees while three Pinoy Christmas medleys are played.
4. BGC Aglow Fairytale
Experience happy ending in the shows of Aglow Christmas Fairytale by the Bonifacio Global City (BGC). The theme is on giving a magical Christmas to people, thus, portraying dancing fairies, pixie-like fireworks, and enchanted 55-foot Christmas tree.
In addition, they have several Christmas activities for you to love it more. On December 1-2, they will be having the BGC Passionfest 2019: Passion playground, which highlights the festive mood of arts and music through a free concert by Coke Studio featuring Sarah G, The Juans, and St. Wolf. On December 7-8, the attention would be the iconic Star Wars in their Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Anticipate a solidified Filipino tradition of simbang gabi in their Community Simbang Gabi on December 15-23.
Meanwhile, they feature the BGC Fireworks display every Fridays of December at exactly 8 o’clock in the evening. The best place to watch the aglow skies is at the Bonifacio High Street Central. On the other hand, they also have Santa Meet-and-Greet in all Sundays of December at 4-7PM at the Ground Floor, One Bonifacio High Street.
Ultimately, to welcome 2020 with family or friends, you participate in the New Year’s 2019 Countdown at the Fifth Avenue, BGC.
5. Meralco Liwanag Park
As the source of light to Manileños, Meralco jive on to the trend as they introduce their Liwanag Park. It features a lot of attractions with various themes. One is a show called Smart City highlighting the bright façade of the building covered with colorful LED lights. It plays every 30 minutes. You should also anticipate Filipino-inspired themes such as the sculpture of workers, a bahay kubo made of recycled copper wire, a miniature church, and Christmas icons.
Activities you can do at the park includes riding a Meralco-inspired train, walking through a maze, and taking selfies at spots installed for that purpose. They also have food and bazaar during weekends.
To experience the fun, you may visit the park from 7PM to 10PM Monday to Friday, and 6PM to 11 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. The park and its features will still be available for free until January 6.
