Christmas in Manila: 12 Places and Activities to Get Into the Holiday Spirit

Pasko na naman! And you know what that means? Most Filipinos will be coming home to their provinces to celebrate the holidays and spend time with their families. Walang probinsya? Walang problema! Here, we list some of the best places and activities in Metro Manila to experience yuletide joy and the holiday spirit. From festivals and parades to concerts and more, there’s always something exciting going on in the metro come the holidays. Read on to find out more!

Also read: 10 Best Christmas Festivals in the Philippines Worth Catching

Holiday activities for a memorable Christmas in Manila

1. Marvel at the fireworks display in SM Mall of Asia

Indeed, there’s no better place to witness dazzling pyrotechnics than at the SM Mall of Asia (SM MoA) in Pasay City. Thanks to the mall’s strategic location right in front of Manila Bay, it offers the perfect scenery for viewing the fireworks display. Aside from the annual MOA Holiday Fireworks show, folks can also enjoy its beautiful lights display at Central Park, SM by the Bay.

Schedule: 1 Dec 2023, 8 Dec 2023, 15 Dec 2023, 22 Dec 2023, 25 Dec 2023, and 29 Dec 2023

For more information, visit SM Mall of Asia’s official Facebook and Instagram pages. 

2. Catch the Ayala Triangle Lights and Sounds Show

Another popular destination that will get you into the spirit of Christmas in Manila would be Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati City! Here, you can celebrate a brighter and merrier holiday season with its annual Festival of Lights: Lights and Sound Show. Conceptualised by technical director Ohm David, this year’s much-awaited show features advanced mappable LED lights and interactive floor projections, which create beautiful illusions.

Schedule: 14 Nov 2023 to 14 Jan 2024, 6–10pm

For more information, visit Make It Makati’s official Facebook and Instagram pages. 

3. Treat your loved ones to a much-deserved holiday staycation

If you’re spending Christmas in Manila, why not book a homey Airbnb for a family holistay? For families who want to keep cosy indoors but stay close to all the holiday action, this also makes for a great year-end treat. From Quezon City to Makati City and Pasay City, there are tons of Airbnbs that can provide you with an exceptional home away from home to level up your festive celebrations. 

Also read: ‘Tis the Season for Stays: 8 Airbnbs in the Philippines Perfect for the Holidays

4. Witness gigantic handmade floats and lanterns at UP Lantern Parade

Every December, the University of the Philippines welcomes the holiday spirit with its colourful and vibrant Lantern Parade. This university tradition began in 1922 as a simple homage “inspired by the folk practice of carrying lanterns to light the way to the early morning December masses or misa de gallo.” Since then, it has grown into the most popular Christmas festival nationwide. The UP Lantern Parade features floats and lanterns of all shapes and sizes that reflect Filipino culture.

Light up your Christmas spirits by catching the UP Diliman Lantern Parade on 22 Dec 2023 with friends and family!

For more information, visit the University of the Philippines’ official website, Facebook, and Instagram pages. 

5. Attend the UST Paskuan with friends and family

It is no secret that the University of Santo Tomas has a knack for going all out during the holidays! Every year since 1991, the university has hosted a culmination of exciting Christmas activities called Paskuhan. From spectacular light displays and fireworks to fun-filled concerts and free food sharing, it surely knows how to take holiday festivities to the next level. This year, the university tradition is set to open with a Lighting Ceremony and Christmas Concert Gala on 1 Dec 2023, whereas the grand Paskuhan Concert is scheduled for 21 Dec 2023. 

For more information, visit The University of Santo Tomas’ official Facebook and Instagram pages. 

6. Watch a film with the family at the Metro Manila Film Festival

Are you looking for other unique ways to spend time with your loved ones during the holidays? Consider hitting the cinemas to catch a film or two during the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF)! This annual film festival is held every 25th of December through New Year’s Day in theatres nationwide. Typically, it showcases eight feature-length films along with a handful of short films to be screened during the event. This year, they’re bringing 10 local films to the silver screen!

For more information, visit the Metro Manila Film Festival’s official Facebook and Instagram pages. 

7. Quench your thirst for thrill and excitement at Star City

Down for a thrilling and spine-tingling Christmas? Enter Star City, a 35,000-square-metre amusement park in Pasay City! After its closure in 2020, the park has finally reopened its doors to the public and is ready to bring more fun and excitement. Home to over 30 rides and attractions to experience, Star City guarantees to get you and your family into the holiday spirit. Some of the attractions worthy of your attention this season include Snow World, Grand Carousel, and Star Flyer.

For more information, visit Star City’s official website, Facebook, and Instagram pages. 

8. Shop till you drop at Christmas bazaars and night markets

Of course, what’s Christmas without the spirit of gift-giving? Get an early head start on your Christmas shopping and go tiangge-hopping as early as now! Not only does Metro Manila transform into a dazzling wonderland come the holidays, but it also features some of the biggest bazaars and night markets to explore. The best part? Here, you can snag the best goodies for a great deal if you put those haggling skills to use! Some of the best 2023 Christmas bazaars worth visiting include Spectrum Fair Manila in Makati City and Noel Bazaar in Okada Manila.

Also read: A Guide to Ukay-Ukay Shopping in and Near Metro Manila 

9. Complete the nine-day Simbang Gabi in your favourite churches

Simbang Gabi is a revered Filipino Christmas tradition and a nine-day devotional practice usually celebrated during the Advent season in anticipation of Christmas Day. This tradition dates back to Spanish rule and has since been widely practised by Roman Catholic Pinoys up until today. 

Interestingly, Metro Manila is home to some of the most beautiful churches in the Philippines that are worth paying a visit to during the yuletide season. Some of these include the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros and Quiapo Church in the heart of Manila City.

Also read: 10 Stunning Churches in the Philippines Every Pinoy Must Visit

10. Take selfies under Liwasang Aurora’s tunnel of lights 

Of course, this list of things to do for Christmas in Manila wouldn’t be complete without a family pictorial session! Head over to Quezon Memorial Circle and take selfies under a tunnel of twinkling lights at Liwasang Aurora. After capturing the perfect holiday snapshots, enjoy other facilities in the park such as gardens, playgrounds, museums, and the Circle of Fun Amusement Park. As for this year, the Christmas lighting ceremony is set to take place on 29 Nov 2023. Surely, you wouldn’t want to miss it!

Also read: 12 Things You Miss in the Philippines When You Spend Christmas Abroad

2023 Christmas events and experiences near Manila

11. See the awe-inspiring Fountain of Lights Show at Nuvali

On the lookout for exciting Christmas experiences near Manila? Don’t look any further than the Fountain of Lights Show at Nuvali, Laguna! This year’s theme is Seaside Serenade: Muses and Creatures, a lakeside water show featuring a symphony of lights and music. What’s more? There are various aquatic-themed installations on display that make excellent backdrops for your holiday photos!

Schedule: 17 Nov 2023 to 14 Jan 2024 (Friday–Sunday), 6–9pm

12. Experience a dazzling Christmas village at Vermosa’s Holiday at Play

Ayala Land’s Vermosa in Imus, Cavite is set to amaze you with its enchanting Christmas installations at the Holiday at Play! Starting 17 Nov 2023, you can also catch its spectacular 10-minute lights and sound show featuring seven installations — a true festive experience for all ages. 

Happening at the Central Garden, Holiday at Play will be open every day during mall hours with free admission from 11am–3pm. However, from 4–10pm, there will be a nominal entrance fee of ₱200, which includes admission to the show. 

Schedule: 17 Nov 2023 to 14 Jan 2023, 6–10pm 

Also read: 7 Magical Places to Visit for Christmas That Are Visa-Free for Filipinos

Whether you’re heading back home to the province or celebrating Christmas in Manila, always remember that the holidays are not just about gifts, traditions, and decorations. It’s that time at the end of the year to give thanks, cherish spending time with loved ones, and most importantly, spread love and joy to everyone around you. Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

Featured image credit: Make It Makati | Official Facebook Page.
Facebook image credit (R): SM Mall of Asia | Official Facebook Page