As the year winds down, the holiday season brings with it a sense of magic, joy, and togetherness. Christmas lights, festive markets, and enchanting decorations transform cities into winter wonderlands, offering countless cherished memories with loved ones. The streets come alive with the aroma of seasonal treats and the sound of carols. The sight of twinkling lights adds to the most wonderful time of the year. For families, couples, and friends, this season is about spending quality time and reveling in shared experiences. These Christmas-themed destinations provide endless ways to soak in the festive spirit. This 2024, make your holidays unforgettable by visiting these must-see Christmas-themed destinations. Each place offers its own unique charm, ensuring that your festive season is filled with wonder, joy, and lasting memories. Here are five must-visit Christmas-themed destinations for an unforgettable holiday experience.
Rockwell Lights and Holiday Mercato
Rockwell Center sets the gold standard for holiday celebrations with its dazzling lights and festive ambiance. The season kicked off with a lively tree-lighting ceremony led by none other than Santa Claus himself. The ceremony’s joyful energy with the cheers of children, marked a beautiful beginning to the Christmas festivities. At the heart of Rockwell’s celebrations are its magnificent Christmas trees. Inside the mall, three elaborately decorated trees, including a 50-foot centerpiece adorned with 300 shimmering ornaments, capture the holiday spirit. Meanwhile, the Plaza Garden boasts a stunning 15-meter-high tree, surrounded by twinkling lights that enchant visitors.
With nearly 200 trees illuminated by over 105,000 meters of duralights, Rockwell Center is transformed into a radiant wonderland. Families can also look forward to weekend appearances by Santa Claus, creating the perfect opportunity for memorable photos. From November 16 to December 15, 2024, the Plaza Garden hosts the Holiday Mercato. This festive market features unique finds, seasonal treats, and perfect gift options for everyone on your list. Visitors can enjoy exclusive Christmas promotions and exciting raffles, adding an extra layer of fun to their holiday shopping.
Marikina Riverbanks Christmassaya
Marikina Riverbanks Center offers a dynamic holiday experience with its Christmassaya celebration. The highlight is the ChristmasSaya Bazaar, home to over 400 tenants offering a wide array of products. From trendy clothing and stylish footwear to school supplies and toys, this bustling marketplace is the perfect destination for holiday shopping. Adjacent to the bazaar, the carnival promises entertainment for all ages. Families can enjoy classic rides like the carousel, while thrill-seekers can try the exhilarating Frisbee or Sea Dragon attractions. The lively atmosphere ensures that everyone leaves with smiles and cherished memories.
Adding a cultural touch to the celebration, the Belen Museum showcases hundreds of nativity scenes crafted from diverse materials, including wood, glass, and volcanic ash. This unique exhibit offers a glimpse into the global interpretations of this cherished Christmas tradition, making it an educational and inspiring experience. Combining vibrant shopping, exciting rides, and cultural displays, Marikina Riverbanks Christmassaya provides a holistic holiday celebration for visitors of all ages.
BGC (Bonifacio Global City)
Bonifacio Global City (BGC) transforms into a Christmas wonderland with nearly 15 larger-than-life holiday displays. The centerpiece is a 45-foot Christmas tree on 7th Avenue, surrounded by lights, festive decorations, and adorable winter bear figures. At the tree’s base, a reflective igloo filled with bright lights offers a unique photo opportunity. A new addition this year is the High Street Express Train, which runs through Bonifacio High Street Central, adding a whimsical touch to the bustling area. Along 5th Avenue, animated Christmas scenes captivate visitors as part of the holiday-themed installations. Every Saturday in December, “Sparks in the Sky” fireworks displays light up the night above 5th Avenue, creating a magical atmosphere.
Singer-actor James Reid headlined the tree-lighting ceremony with live performances, adding a musical flair to the festivities. Visitors can meet Santa Claus every Sunday in December at One Bonifacio High Street, while the Bonifacio High Street Amphitheater hosts a Christmas market on November 30 and December 1, featuring festive goods and treats. For those seeking spiritual solace, Simbang Gabi masses are held nightly from December 15 to 23, culminating in an anticipated Christmas Eve mass. The year concludes with the BGC Countdown to 2025 event along 5th Avenue, ensuring a memorable end to the holiday season.
Okada Manila Winter Wonderland
Okada Manila’s Winter Wonderland-themed Christmas Village is a feast for the senses. The frosty white decor features a gigantic Christmas tree adorned with blue and white ornaments, glittering acrylic accents, and Murano glass decorations. Silver Moravian stars and fairy lights enhance the enchanting ambiance. The Christmas tree lighting ceremony on November 15 marked the season’s start, accompanied by the unveiling of The Fountain’s latest musical show and live performances from renowned artists like Stell of SB19. Families can enjoy meet-and-greet sessions with Santa Claus from November 15 to December 25, spreading holiday cheer for all. The Noel Bazaar, held from November 15 to 17 at the Crystal Pavilion, offered a variety of gifts, including fashion items and home decor.
Proceeds from the Celebrity Ukay-Ukay by GMA Kapuso Foundation supported charitable causes, making it a heartwarming shopping experience. Visitors can enjoy at the hourly Christmas Lights Show at the Fountain Foyer, which runs nightly until January 5, 2025. The synchronized music and visual displays create an immersive experience, showcasing the largest dancing fountain in the Philippines. Okada Manila’s Enchanting Christmas Market, open from November 19 to January 5, offers artisanal goods and festive treats. The Okada Green Heart Booth promotes sustainable shopping, featuring eco-friendly vendors and local MSMEs. With soulful performances and vibrant entertainment, Okada Manila ensures every visit is unforgettable.
McKinley Hill: Splendor of Christmas Celebration
The Venice Grand Canal at McKinley Hill becomes a holiday haven with its iconic 40-foot floating Christmas tree, wrapped in red and gold decorations. The canal’s picturesque setting is further enhanced by the enchanting 3D Mapping Show, running from December 6 to 22, and fireworks displays on December 7, 14, and 21. Children can meet Santa Claus on December 8, 15, and 22, creating magical moments to treasure. Pet owners can join gatherings for Aspins, Beagles, and Corgis, held on November 16, 17, and December 15, respectively. These events feature games, contests, and socializing opportunities for furry friends and their owners.
Holiday music fills the air with The Christmas Chorus performing on December 21. Adding to the festive cheer, The Christmas Crew characters roam the Venice Grand Canal on select dates, bringing yuletide magic to the mall’s lively atmosphere. The Holiday Pet Essentials Fairs, running until November 30 and resuming from December 13 to 15, offer a variety of pet-related items, ensuring that even furry family members can join in the holiday fun.
