MANILA, Philippines — The holiday season is in full swing, and the festivities will continue even after Christmas! Across the Philippines, several cities have been shining bright with Christmas light displays, decorations, and installations, “lighting up” the lives of tourists and citizens.

Whether you’re searching for an Instagram-worthy spot for your annual family photo, or simply want to bask in the city lights, here are some must-visit cities with wonderful decor this year.

Pasig City

Pasig City transformed into a wonderland this holiday season, with vibrant lights, night markets, and festive decor gracing Capitol Commons Park along Meralco Avenue corner Shaw Boulevard, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

The lights at Capitol Commons feature mesmerizing colors, while the park’s towering Christmas tree and installations provide a magical backdrop for evening strolls. 

Meralco Liwanag Park in Pasig also features dazzling light installations, interactive exhibits, and photo-ready spots for family bonding and holiday snaps.

Makati City

Makati City goes all out every year, and 2024 comes alive with extravagant holiday lights and decor, from the Makati City Business District to Circuit Makati.

The Ayala Triangle Gardens’ “immersive multi-sensory corridor” hosts nightly musical performances amid its trails of greenery and light displays.

Christmas markets are also scattered across Paseo de Roxas, offering unique handcrafted gifts, local crafts, and artisanal treats. 

Quezon City

Quezon City’s city hall is a visual spectacle, with its giant Christmas tree adorned with glittering lights and ornaments. 

The local government of Quezon City also opened a Christmas Animated Display at SM Novaliches, which features animated displays for both young and older audiences, creating a lively atmosphere. 

Eastwood Mall along Libis has also put up a Christmas Village, featuring festive installations, special performances, and several SMEs and home businesses.

Taguig City

Taguig City’s “Christmas by the Lake: The Lights of Christmas (TLC)” attraction offers a unique and enchanting experience. The illuminated lakeside park features a Walkway of Lights, a giant Christmas tree, the pretty Heart Hand Arc, and the first-ever Northern Lights-inspired display in the country.

TLC also features a TLC Food Park, Mural Park, Christmas on Display, and the Mercado del Lago Floating Village and Food Park. 

Mandaluyong City

Greenfield District in Mandaluyong City celebrates the season with its 60-foot Christmas tree adorned with angel-themed ornaments. 

The district’s homey Central Park sparkles with holiday lights and a vibrant holiday market that offers artisanal goods, hot meals, drinks, and unique finds, while live performances and fireworks add to the festive spirit.

City of Manila – Intramuros

The historic Plaza Roma in Intramuros, Manila, is a glowing Christmas attraction with solar lamps, LED-lit trees, and colorful displays. Highlights include a giant Christmas tree made of electric meters, a lighted archway, and a festive train. 

Pasay City

Pasay City celebrates the season with a striking 36-foot pink Christmas tree at the Pasay City Hall. 

The light show and 3D LED displays are set to Christmas classics like “Kumukutikutitap,” “Joy to the World,” and more. 

Ayala Malls by the Bay also lights up with a 3D LED Christmas Show and dazzling Lights. 

Pangasinan

Christmas spirit is alive and vibrant in Pangasinan, with local government units getting creative with their themes this year!

Bayambang town showcases a Star Wars-themed Christmas display, featuring digital projection mapping for close encounters with beloved Star Wars characters.

It’s a feast for the eyes and stomach at Calasiao, with dazzling lights, a night market, and a food bazaar.

Pampanga

Pampanga, known as the Christmas Capital of the Philippines, lights up the holiday season with festive displays that have become symbols of hope and joy for Filipino families. 

Pampanga offers a sea of lanterns at McArthur Highway and major thoroughfares in the tri-cities, San Fernando, Angeles, and Mabalacat.

Clark Development Corporation has put up a giant Christmas tree at the Clark Parade Grounds with a giant lantern and a series of multi-colored lanterns. 

Laguna

Visitors flock to Nuvali yearly to catch the Fountain of Lights in Santa Rosa, Laguna. The show features two thematic performances, “Dragons of Prosperity” and “Journey to Toy Island.”

Nuvali’s beloved tradition makes its return with a mini theme park with brightly lit on-ground installations, featuring dragons and life-sized toys.

“Dragons of Prosperity,” features mystical dragons dancing across the night sky, conjuring a world of light, sound, and elemental forces. 

“Journey to Toy Island,” is a whimsical adventure that transports audiences to a magical island full of toys, reminding everyone of the wonder of childhood.

Rizal

Rizal province impresses visitors with a giant YES Christmas Tree and Belen that are made from recycled materials, such as rattan baskets, plastic bottles, old tires, and cans. 

Cebu

Cebu celebrates with grand displays and festivities, like the The Fuente Osmeña Circle Tree of Hope, proudly standing at roughly 100 meters. 

The tree’s design resembles Santa’s Workshop, with stuffed toys and iconic Filipino Christmas decorations adorning its base.

Iloilo City

The provincial government of Iloilo opened its “Christmas Village in a Modern Philippines” at the provincial capitol grounds. 

The extravagant display, showcasing new fixtures and a wonderland theme, aims to draw attention from across the country.

Davao City

Davao City lights up its parks with re-purposed decorations and new themes. In 2024, the “Enchanted Woodland” concept brings blue, gold, and orange hues to Rizal Park and city hall, with reindeer and gift boxes crafted from local vines and bamboo. 

The collaborative effort of the town’s residents brings colorful designs to life, embodying the joy and spirit of the season.

It’s heartwarming to see how local governments and communities across the country make these efforts to spread Christmas cheer through spectacular displays and events, allowing citizens to celebrate the season for free, without having to travel far. – with reports from Rowz Fajardo/Rappler.com

Rowz Fajardo is a Rappler intern studying Doctor of Dental Medicine at the University of the Philippines Manila.