MANILA, Philippines — If the Christmas season in the Philippines began in September, it is definitely in full swing now that December has come around, and the holiday spirit is spreading further.
From malls blasting classics like "All I Want For Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey and "Christmas in our Hearts" by Jose Mari Chan, to parols and Christmas lights being strung up, it does feel like it is Christmas wherever one goes.
Some places around the country have gone the extra step to share the Christmas joy, each of them bringing the cheers in their own unique ways.
Here's a list of Christmas destinations to visit this 2022:
Ayala Festival of Lights
A contemporary Christmas tradition in Metro Manila, the Festival of Lights in Makati City's Ayala Triangle Gardens is back in-person for the first time in two years.
Related: WATCH: Festival of Lights returns to Ayala Triangle Gardens
The 2022 edition is composed of three different medleys, ranging from five to seven minutes long, that will light up the Christmas lights within and the canopy facing the Gardens until January 8, 2023.
In celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Establishment of the French-Philippine Diplomatic Relations, the Embassy of France to the Philippines, in partnership with Ayala Land, Inc., and Taste of France, will open "Marché de Nöel Christmas Market & Festival Lights" on December 3, 3:30 p.m. in Ayala Triangle Gardens. With the concept of “Eat, Drink, and Shop," the first-ever French-Philippine Christmas market in Ayala Triangle will feature various gourmet food, wine, and artisanal gifts. It will showcase French and Filipino food and drinks with handmade or original crafted products.
The event will feature performers of award-winning Les petits chanteurs à la croix de bois (The Little Singers of Paris, Les Grande Personnes - French giants akin to Philippine's very own Rizal Higantes) and many more.
Parklinks Bridge of Lights
The same group that worked to illuminate the Gardens have done their magic on the brand new Parklinks Bridge that connects Quezon City and Pasig City over the Marikina River.
Christmas at the CCP
The Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) will be staging a series of holiday performances at its main theater and around the complex, all before it closes from January 2023 to December 2024 for a long-overdue renovation.
These include an all-Filipino Christmas ballet "Puso ng Pasko;" the first live opera in over two years in Giacomo Puccini’s "Turandot;" select outdoor film screenings for Cinema Under the Stars; and Handel’s "Messiah" performed by the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra and a 200-member grand chorus.
Related: Margie Moran announces CCP's closure for renovation
Traditional shows will make an appearance as in the annual Light and Sound show, Ballet Philippines' Christmas offering through "The Nutcracker," and the ever-present Simbang Gabi (both on-site and virtually).
'The Nutcracker'
Speaking of "The Nutcracker," STEPS Dance Studio will be bringing the beloved ballet on tour to several Ayala Malls around the country, with accompaniment by the Mandaluyong Children’s Choir in Manila and Loboc Children’s Choir in Cebu.
As the show makes it tour, each participating mall will have festivals and fairs inspired by the classic ballet that will catch the attention of everyone with a sweet tooth.
Fireworks, Santa, and music
Ortigas Malls are also in on the Christmas celebration as highlighted by performers under the Philippine Madrigal Singers' Company of Artists.
Since November 20, and for all Sundays that follow, Santa Claus will be waiting to meet kids at Greenhills' VMall, Tiendesitas' Building B, and Estancia's East Wing; the same malls will also have fireworks displays every Saturday beginning December 3 (the 10th for Tiendesitas).