Follow us on
Christmas Guide
9 Best Places to Go for Christmas in Metro Manila You Can Visit for Free
Here are some of the best spots to experience Christmas without spending a dime.
By: Niña Caraig | November 25, 2024
Metro Manila comes alive during the holiday season, with attractions coming for free!
Images: Intramuros Administration (L); SM by the Bay (R) Facebook pages
Metro Manila transforms into a festive wonderland during Christmas, with numerous places to go for Christmas that offer holiday cheer. These destinations not only offer a chance to revel in the holiday spirit but also provide fantastic opportunities for photography and making lasting memories with friends and family—all without breaking the bank. Here are some of the best accessible destinations to explore:
1. Festival of Lights
Where: Ayala Triangle Gardens, Makati
Visitors can stroll through the gardens and enjoy the spectacular holiday lights and decorations.
Image: Make It Makati IG
This Christmas 2024, the Festival of Lights at Ayala Triangle Gardens offers a fun multi-sensory experience. Visitors will walk through a corridor with mirror frames that glow with vibrant neon lights and starbursts. This display engages the senses of sight, scent, and sound. The gardens will transform into a festive wonderland, creating lasting holiday memories for everyone.
2. Meralco Liwanag Park
Where: Intramuros, Manila
With beautifully adorned trees and various activities, it's an excellent spot for families to enjoy the season.
Image: Intramuros Administration Facebook page
This year's holiday celebration at Meralco Liwanag Park features a 20-foot Christmas tree made from recycled meter covers by Meralco employees. The plaza is brightly decorated with Christmas lights, and colorful parols and lanterns light up the area, creating a festive atmosphere. Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the holiday daily from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM until January 6, 2025.
3. Parklinks Bridge
Where: Pasig-Quezon City
During the holiday season, the bridge lit up with beautiful lights.
Image: Screenshot/Make it Makati Facebook page
The Parklinks Bridge connects Quezon City and Pasig City over the Marikina River. Its modern design features a cable-stayed style with a 40-meter-high arch. The road deck is 110 meters long and 25 meters wide. You can see the bridge lit up with beautiful lights this holiday season. The display will happen every Saturday and Sunday night from December 7, 2024, to January 5, 2025. Visit between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM to enjoy the festive atmosphere!
4. Christmas by the Lake
Where: Lakeshore, Taguig
Don’t miss the colorful lights, fun activities, tasty food, and fireworks at the lakeshore.
Image: Screengrab/I Love Taguig Facebook page
Celebrate Christmas in Taguig with colorful lights, tasty food, and enjoyable things to do with your family and friends at Christmas by the Lake. Every Saturday at 8:00 PM, you can watch a beautiful fireworks display. The celebration is open every day. Visit from Monday to Thursday between 5:00 PM and 10:00 PM. On Friday and Saturday, you can stay until 11:00 PM. On Sunday, the event runs from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
5. Venice Grand Canal Mall
Where: McKinley Hill, Taguig*
It's a festive spot for family and friends to enjoy the holidays together.
Image: Screengrab/McKinley Hill Facebook page
The Venice Grand Canal at McKinley Hill in Taguig City celebrates Christmas with its "Splendor of Christmas" theme—a 40-foot Christmas tree decorated with gold and red floats on the canal. The mall is open every day from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. On December 24 and 31, it will close early at 7:00 PM. This festive atmosphere is perfect for families and friends to enjoy the holiday together.
6. Bonifacio High Street
Where: BGC, Taguig
Take a leisurely walk around to admire the festive displays and feel the holiday cheer.
Image: Bonifacio High Street Facebook page
Experience the magic of Saturday nights in Bonifacio High Street with an enchanting event, Sparks in the Sky. A spectacular fireworks show illuminates the night every Saturday in November and December at 7:30 PM. Gather your friends and family on 5th Avenue for an unforgettable evening filled with color and excitement as you celebrate the festive season.
7. Christmassaya Carnival
Where: Riverbanks Center, Marikina
Enjoy the thrilling new rides at the Riverbanks this Christmas 2024.
Image: Riverbanks Center Facebook page
Celebrate Christmassaya Carnival at Riverbanks Center and enjoy its new rides, Hangover and Rocket Express. The center is open Monday through Saturday from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM and Sunday from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Whether you're looking for adrenaline-pumping rides or a festive atmosphere, Riverbanks Center is the perfect destination to celebrate the holiday season.
8. SM By the Bay
Where: MOA Complex, Pasay
Enjoy the happiest celebrations by the bay at SM by the Bay!
Image: SM by the Bay Facebook page
One SM By the Bay celebration highlight is the unique Santa Meet and Greet and thrilling rides suitable for all ages, where families can create cherished memories together. Children and adults will enjoy meeting Santa Claus in person, sharing their holiday wishes, and capturing the moment's magic. Take the chance to snap photos with the giant Santa and his merry Christmas friends, providing the perfect backdrop for your holiday memories.
9. Eastwood Christmas Village
Where: Libis, Quezon City
Visitors can explore the decorated village and enjoy the festive ambiance without any entrance fees.
Image: Eastwood City Facebook page
The Eastwood Christmas Village is a festive destination that brings together over 20 carefully curated merchants within charming shophouses. In addition to the shopping experience, the village transforms into a vibrant Christmas wonderland, captivating guests of all ages. A highlight of the festivities is the Village Skylight, a breathtaking weekly fireworks display that lights up the night sky over Eastwood City every Saturday at 7:00 PM.
These destinations provide festive sights and create memorable experiences for you and your loved ones during the holiday season in Metro Manila.
Visit Yoorekka to discover more about beautiful Christmas spots in the metro!
Check out this video:
About Niña Caraig
Niña is the content development manager at Yoorekka. Before Yoorekka, she began her career at a publishing company. In her free time, she loves to pamper herself, go shopping, and watch movies with her friends.
Learn more stories on:
Location Tags:
Disclaimer: All articles in the Consumers Magazine of Yoorekka are
for general information and entertainment purposes only. Although
careful research has been made in writing them, Yoorekka does not
make any warranty about the completeness and accuracy of all
information presented in our articles. Our content is not intended
to be used in place of legal, medical, or any professional advice.
ALSO READ
CATEGORIES
VIDEO MARKET PLACE
FOLLOW US ON
MORE STORIES AROUND THE PHILIPPINES
