7 Dazzling Christmas Light Shows You Can See in Metro Manila For Free

When: Every Saturday of December

Where: SM Mall of Asia

One awaited Christmas treat for Filipinos in Manila is the annual Grand Festival of Lights Parade at the SM Mall of Asia. Every year, the mall goes all out during the Christmas season. The parade features well-adorned floats that showcase Santa Claus, gingerbread men, The Nutcracker, and other characters we associate with the season. The theme of the parade also changes every year so that those who have been watching the show annually can expect new sights. Every parade is followed by a grand fireworks display along the Seaside Boulevard.

When: Until January 6, 2019

Where: Estancia Capital Commons

Estancia levels up their treat for the holidays with Sweet Illusion Chamber Rooms, which is comprised of four fascinating secret rooms. The first one is the Rainbow Prism Room which will thrill lovers of pastels and desserts. Inside, you can marvel at Christmas balls shaped like candies as the light changes from one color of the rainbow into another. If you’re not that into pastels, you might dig the Laser Room where you will be welcomed by dancing laser lights as you enter. Meanwhile, the Shadow Light Room makes you feel like you’re in a candy wonderland through the use of shadows and colorful dots. Lastly, the Dark Light Room lets you enjoy the neon dessert wall art.

When: Until January 7, 2019

Where: SM Aura Premier

While most of the light shows in this list revolved around themes we traditionally associate with the season, Prism of Lights features an out-of-the-box idea for Christmas lights. The cube-shaped lights give a futuristic and artsy take on light installations. Meanwhile, the background music serves as the cue for the cubes to change in color from green, to blue, purple, and red. This light show is part of SM Aura’s Christmas in the Sparkling Wild festivities which also includes a giant Christmas tree display, Santa’s Meet-and-Greet, Letters to Santa Workshop, and musical performances.

When: Until January 7, 2019

Where: Tiendesitas

After the success and positive reception of last year’s Light Musical Tunnel, Tiendesitas brings back this crowd favorite along with a series of activities that celebrate the festive season. While the Rainbow Tunnel is a marvel in itself, there are other things to do at the venue, like stuffing yourself with goodies from the StrEAT Food Market. For kids, Santa Claus will travel all the way from North Pole for a meet and greet session at the Fashion and Furniture Village every Saturday of December. To cap off the night will be delightful fireworks displays that complement the gorgeous Ortigas skyline.

See More: Top 5 Christmas Attractions in the Philippines 2017

When: 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, every 30 minutes; Until January 8, 2019

Where: Ayala Triangle Gardens

Disneyland is one of the most popular destinations for tourists, but since not everyone can afford to travel abroad, the Festival of Lights at the Ayala Triangle Gardens is a local alternative to the “happiest place on Earth.” The spectacular Mickey Mouse-shaped piece can thrill young and old Disney fans alike. To complement the experience of the light show is a Disney medley arranged by Hong Kong Disneyland’s musical director, Rony Fortich.

When: Open during mall hours until January 13, 2019

Where: Eastwood City

“Enchanted” is a proper word to describe Eastwood City’s Christmas offering this year. The mini forest within the busy streets and corners of Eastwood features Christmas light-covered sculptures of dolphins, deer, dogs, moose, squirrels, rabbits, peacocks, and unicorns. Aside from checking out the animals, you can go on a sightseeing tour through the replicas of some of the famous buildings around the world such as New York’s Empire State Building and Chrysler, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa and Burj Al Arab, Paris’ Eiffel Tower, Taiwan’s Taipei 101, Malaysia’s Petronas, and London’s Big Ben.

See More: 5 Reliable Places in Metro Manila Where You Can Buy Christmas Decors

When: Not announced yet

Where: Lopez Building, Ortigas Avenue, Meralco Center, Pasig City

Everyone who passes by Meralco Avenue every December waits for the picturesque Christmas lights at the Meralco Headquarters. Yearly, their aptly named Liwanag Park (which translates to “Light Park”) features themes that often reflect the Filipino culture. Since the entrance is free, it is a popular hangout spot for families during Christmas. You can freely roam around the spacious area to see the lights and decorations illuminating the park. Be sure to ready your phones and cameras since every corner is Instagrammable!