A Guide to Manila Holiday Festivals and Christmas Fairs This November

When: November 15 to 30, 2018

Where: World Trade Center, Metro Manila

Price: PhP100

For 18 years, Noel Bazaar has been promoting entrepreneurs during the holiday season. Instead of buying from malls, be of help to local craftsmen and merchants and buy presents from them. Supporting independent sellers and homegrown products will benefit individuals who make and sell their own products.

Simultaneous event highlights include the GMA celebrity rummage sale, 2nd International Food Feast Bazaar, GMA Celebrity Auction and Variety Show, Noche Buena Food Styling and Photography, Hip Hop Dance-Off, Noel’s 4th Young Entrepreneurs Program, Kiddie Talent Showdown, Fashion Pawrade, and more.

How to get there: Take the LRT-1 train up to Gil Puyat. Exit the station then ride a jeepney heading to SM Mall of Asia or along Roxas Boulevard. Tell the driver to drop you off at the World Trade Center.

See More: Lovin’ Local: Pinoy Brands to Check Out for Christmas Gift Shopping

When: November 23 to 25, 2018; 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Where: Filinvest Tent

Price: For entrance to Carnivale Park, purchase an eco bag worth PhP300

Shop with a cause through the Christmas Carnivale Bazaar at the Filinvest Tent. This event is a fundraising bazaar that will help the Zonta Club of Alabang with their charity projects. Expected at the venue are over 250 merchant booths that sell a wide range of products from food, and furniture to decorations, clothes, and crafts. For families, there’s an activity area for kids to enjoy after shopping.

Besides helping charity, the event also promotes the green movement by asking shoppers and vendors to go plastic-free and bring their own eco-friendly bags or purchase one from Zonta.

How to get there: Ride a bus heading to South Station, Alabang. From the station, ride a Filinvest City 360 eco loop and tell the driver to drop you off at the Filinvest Tent.

When: November 25, 2018; 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Where: Alabang Town Center Activity Center

Price: To be announced

Kiddopreneur is a stand-out in this list because it caters more to kids. As the name suggests, Kiddopreneur is a fair that encourages kid entrepreneurs to make and sell their homegrown products or services that will benefit families. Adults can accompany kids as they learn the ropes of entrepreneurship. During this event, all kid participants will take home not just a fruitful experience, but also the chance to receive awards such as Best Booth Design, Best Service, Best Concept, and Highest Sales.

How to get there: Ride a bus heading to Ayala. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Ayala Center Terminal. From the terminal, look for a UV or GT Express bound for Pillar Village via Skyway. Ask the driver to drop you off at Alabang Town Center.

When: November 30 to December 2, 2018; 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Where: Ayala Malls Fairview Terraces Central Garden

Price: Free

In contrast to the usual stressful atmosphere of Christmas shopping, Santa’s Attic: Christmas Bazaar aims to let people unwind as they shop. The venue has a wide selection of vendors that sell accessories, beauty products, snacks, accessories, stationeries, and much more. After shopping, you can do other enjoyable activities at the game booths and food booths in the venue.

How to get there: You can take a P2P bus en route to SM Fairview. Visit the Facebook page of P2P buses to check the specific pick-up points.

When: November 30 to December 2, 2018 11:00AM to 9:00PM

Where: East Atrium Mid Level 2/3 East Wing, Shangri-La Plaza

Price: Free

Scoring a great deal is definitely a great source of happiness for most shoppers. And if you’re into unique and affordable finds, this final event on our list is worth checking out. Articraft de Charité is an artisanal fair where you can buy the most hip products you can give to your loved ones this Christmas, whether it’s homemade trinkets, drinks and food, clothes, or decors.

How to get there: Ride the MRT and get off at Shaw Boulevard station. Take the exit facing Shangri-La Mall. The footbridge connects Shangri-La to the mall. The East Atrium is located at the East Wing.

See More: Six Shopping Spots around Ortigas for Your Christmas Needs

• Monitor the social media pages and websites of event organizers for updates and announcements.

• Make a list of the items you will buy and create a budget accordingly. Doing this can save you from overspending and buying unnecessary items.

• It’s helpful to bring your own eco bag. Doing so can lessen the plastic waste at these events.

• Wear comfortable clothing since bazaars can get overcrowded. Shirts made from cotton can let your skin breathe and absorb the sweat from your body. Note that it does not dry fast, so it’s better to wear cotton items in an air-conditioned venue.

• Before purchasing an item, try to look at different stalls and see if others sell the same thing for less.

• Follow the rules and regulations of the event venue as common courtesy. Know what is allowed and what is prohibited.

• If not explicitly stated, check with the event organizers to know whether or not the event allows children.

• Keep an eye on your personal belongings at all times during the event.