As soon as the month of September kicks in, it’s only a matter of time before flashy Christmas decorations are put up in buildings or houses. And as with any major establishments and thoroughfares in the country, it’s only a matter of time before they turn into one big Christmas attraction.
Are you curious which is the best among all of them? Read on to know when and where to catch them before the year ends.
5. Policarpio Street, Mandaluyong
One of the many houses that light up Policarpio Street
First on the list is Policarpio Street in Mandaluyong City. In 1995, one homeowner living along Policarpio Street decided to extend her Christmas display outside her home to spread happiness among her neighbors and passersby. Today, not one but almost all homeowners in Policarpio Street make it a goal every year to spread happiness among visitors of their lane. And so they dress up their front yards, gates, and facades with bright festive lights and larger-than-life displays.
You can visit Policarpio Street as early as 6:30 PM to see the famous lane glow at night.
4. Christmas Tunnel, Tiendesitas
Visitors can enjoy the food and the magical display of the Christmas Tunnel in Tiendesitas.
On the fourth spot is the Christmas Musical Street Light Tunnel or Christmas Tunnel in Tiendesitas, Pasig City. Albeit among the newest attractions on the list, it has gained major buzz since it opened last November 10. The tunnel is composed of 2,368 pixel lights which dance along to a rhythmic music set every 30 minutes. The light show can be seen from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Aside from the light spectacles, the lane where the tunnel runs also turns into a foodie haven. Various food concessionaires set up shop to feed hungry onlookers. You can visit the attraction until January 7, 2018.
3. Giant Lantern Festival, Pampanga and Fireworks Display, SM Mall of Asia
Two attractions tied at the number three spot. They are the Giant Lantern Festival in Pampanga, and the fireworks display at the SM Mall of Asia (MOA).
Last year’s entries to the Giant Lantern Festival in Pampanga (Image: Carl Louie Fermin)
The Giant Lantern Festival in Pampanga has been a long-standing tradition among the locals. The origins of the festival can be traced back to the time of the late President Manuel L. Quezon. Today, the festival made the province earn the moniker “Christmas Capital of the Philippines.” The festival features lanterns which stand as high as 12 feet, mesmerizing every guest with their bright lights, design, and grandeur.
This year, the festival will celebrate its 109th year, with 11 barangays participating in the competition. The event will take place on December 17, 2017, in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Shoppers of SM Mall of Asia can witness a fireworks display. (Image: Arwin Dolloso)
The Grand Festival of Lights at the SM Mall of Asia has only been in existence for nine years. However, it has easily become a favorite among families in Manila. Part of The Grand Festival of Lights is the lively and festive parade where mall goers get to witness huge floats and Christmas characters at the MOA grounds. One of the must-see attractions during the festival is the fireworks display over Seaside Boulevard.
You can catch The Grand Festival of Lights on December 2, 9, 16, 23, and 25 every 5:30 PM along the North and South Arcades of SM MOA.
2. Vertis Northern Lights, Ayala Mall Vertis North
Vertis Northern Lights is the answer of the north to The Festival of Lights of the south.
On the top two spot is Vertis Northern Lights in Ayala Mall Vertis North. Just like the Christmas Tunnel in Tiendesitas, Vertis Northern Lights is also new to the Christmas attractions game. The display is the answer of Ayala Land to the Festival of Lights in Makati. It gives northerners a taste of the festive lights display that southerners experience every holiday season.
Vertis Northern Lights will run until January 8, 2018. You can catch the spectacle in its full glory from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, with the lights and music at full display every 30 minutes.
1. The Festival of Lights, Ayala Triangle Garden
Be surrounded by over a million LED lights at The Festival of Lights in Ayala Triangle Gardens.
The top Christmas attraction in the Philippines this 2017 belongs to The Festival of Lights in Ayala Triangle Gardens. Once the clock hits 6:00 PM, 1.6 million light-emitting diode (LED) lights scattered around Ayala Triangle start to sparkle and dance to an accompanying music.
Aside from Ayala Triangle Garden, Ayala Avenue, Paseo de Roxas, and Makati Avenue are also sights to behold. Displays inspired by the various traditional weave patterns found in the Philippines come alive in these areas.
You can catch The Festival of Lights until January 7, with from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
Did your favorite Christmas attraction make the list? Let us know in the comments section below which ones are your favorite.
About Patricia Marie Prado
Patricia came from the field of business and accounting but is now pursuing her dreams of being a writer. She is a self-confessed introvert and is passionate about reading, travelling, writing, movies, coffee and God. When she's not writing, she loves discovering new coffee shops/cafe and doing TV-series marathons.
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