Christmas in the Philippines
Christmas in the Philippines is a spectacle of lights and vibrant colors that convey a festive mood and jolly atmosphere. As a Christian country, the Philippines joins the rest of the world in celebrating the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. This makes Manila and other major cities in the Philippines a tourist draw during the Christmas season.
From lively interior decors inside homes to giant Christmas trees outdoor, the country comes alive with a kaleidescope of neon lights and beams on the nights of December to early January.
Metro Manila is particularly glowing with rainbow colors in December. Favorite destinations during this time of year include Cubao in Quezon City which has the tallest outdoor Christmas tree matching the size of Araneta Coliseum, the twin giant malls of SM City North EDSA and Trinoma also in Quezon City, Roxas Boulevard in Manila, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay, Greenhills in San Juan and the Ayala Center in Makati City.
Roxas Boulevard in Manila stretching from Rizal Park to the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) complex comes alive, with its unique street lights and modern lamp posts of different hues. At the CCP, the colorful lights of the Bangko Sentral (Central Bank) building portrays nationalistic sentiments through dazzling colors and lights. The nearby Philippine International Convention Center (PICC), Star City and the surrounding streets have also their own Christmas charms.
New delightful destinations have also emerged such as the Fort Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, Manila Ocean Park at Rizal Park, Intramuros in Manila and the Resorts World in Pasay City.
The enchanting street of Policarpio in Mandaluyong City has likewise become a site to behold during Christmas, with its homes lighted by thousands, if not millions of awesome Christmas lights.
Bonifacio High Street has the dancing Christmas lights while the Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati features a symphony of light and sounds. The mesmerizing beams flow magnificently to the tune of Christmas carols.
In the provinces, churches are also decorated with colorful lanterns while town plazas have trees wrapped with Christmas lights in golden and green colors. Truly, the Philippines is a sight worth a visit this time of year.
