8 Places Filipinos Can Visit This Holiday Season: Ayala Triangle, Baguio Christmas Village, And More

Pack your bags and set your eyes on these festive holiday destinations in the Philippines! From the shivering heights of Baguio, down to the sparkling lights display in Makati, Tatler lists all the places you and your loved ones can consider

Christmas has always been a highly-regarded event in the Philippines. It is not a secret that as a predominantly Catholic nation, the country celebrates the earliest and longest Christmas season in the world.

Annually, Filipinos mark the first of September as the start of the holiday season. Gigantic trees, lanterns, and choir performances are once again installed in different areas in the country.

Tatler Philippines lists areas in the country where the Christmas season is always alive.

1. SM Mall of Asia (MOA)

If you live somewhere in the Metro, SM Mall of Asia (MOA) is easily the best place to go if you want to spend a lovely time with your family, friends, or special someone. The place has a multitude of shops and entertainment hubs by the bay area. If you and your company are lucky enough, you might be able to catch the mall's scheduled fireworks show.

Every Christmas, SM MOA makes sure that its visitors can catch a glimpse of their gigantic Christmas tree; the mall is also thronged by families who want to see the place's colourful fountain displays.

2. Araneta Centre, Cubao

Cubao has always been a busy place; it is a cultural hub where people of all generations go for a good time. Annually, the place boasts its Christmas On Display (COD) in Araneta. If you happen to catch it this year, never forget to open your camera and take a bunch of photos for remembrance!

3. Bonifacio Global City (BGC)

Bonifacio Global City (BGC) is always brimming with lights and laughter even when there's nothing to celebrate in particular. Just imagine the vibe of the place once the clock ticks 12 on Christmas eve!

In BGC, families and friends can spend a lovely time inside the country's most sought-after five-star hotels, restaurants, and parks.

4. Ayala Triangle, Makati

When it comes to Christmas decorations, Ayala Triangle in Makati is a place nobody should miss. This place probably has the brightest, most breathtaking dancing lights show in the Philippines. Whether you're out on a date, or just passing by with your friends, the lights show leaves feelings of joy that one can feel throughout the holiday season.

5. University of Santo Tomas (UST), Manila

Above UST has an annual 'Paskuhan' display, will they put up something grand this year as well? (Photo: Interaksyon News)

No other school in the busy streets of Manila can match the Christmas ambiance brought by the University of Santo Tomas (UST). Every year, the university stages its Paskuhan event where students and visitors can watch live concerts, fireworks display, and the Panunuluyan (re-enactment of the Virgin Mary and St. Joseph's search for a place to give birth to Jesus Christ).

UST has yet to announce its plans for this year's Paskuhan; but in 2020, the university streamed its series of events via Facebook.

6. Dumaguete

Above These festive decorations can be seen in Dumaguete (Photo: Dumaguete Christmas House)

Christmas spirit is truly alive in Dumaguete where locals are known for their kind-hearted nature. Despite being a small and laidback destination, the place still offers a lot of holiday surprises such as the Christmas House of Dr Rico Absin, a man with unparalleled passion for arts and decoration.

Every Christmas, Absin is known for dressing up his house with a bunch of lights and ornaments that the public can view for free. His tradition has been going on for more than two decades.

7. Baguio

Above Witness these awe-inspiring lights in Baguio city (Photo: Baguio Country Club Christmas Village)

Not a single place can top the Christmas feelings Baguio has for its residents and visitors. Besides its cool temperature, the place offers fun-filled holiday destinations like Christmas Village in Baguio Country Club. Every year, the place is known for putting up gigantic lanterns, lights, and even artificial snow!

8. Ortigas

Above Lights in Ortigas (Photo: More Fun With Juan Blog)

Following its tradition of dedicating its wide-open space as a holiday destination for the community, Capitol Commons has set up holiday installations that will illuminate the park and will bring awe to its visitors. These installations double as benches providing seats for those who wish to comfortably enjoy the live music performed by local buskers.

Park-goers will also benefit from the benches as they also feast on a wide variety of offerings from the estate’s weekend night market.

Who Can travel in NCR?

In a televised press briefing last November 5, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announced that intrazonal and interzonal movement are now allowed for both adults and minors.

"Children are now allowed to go out in Metro Manila under Alert Level 2. Intrazonal and interzonal movement is now allowed," he said.

Precautions

While travelling is already allowed, this does not mean that the country has successfully eradicated the threats of the deadly COVID-19. When going outside, make sure that you and your company's face masks are always on. Do not forget to bring essential items such as anti-bacterial hand soaps, alcohol, and wet wipes.

If you think a lot of people will flock to your chosen Christmas destination, do not hesitate to reschedule your trip.

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Topics

Christmas Travel Holidays 2021