One of the most anticipated celebrations in the Philippines is Christmas. Having the distinction of the world’s longest celebration, we start to feel the Christmas spirit as early as September. Because this season is the best time of sharing moments with loved ones, I came up with a list of top Christmas attractions that is best for families to spend with during this holiday.
- COD Christmas Show in Greenhills
Watching an automated mechanical Christmas show is a well-loved Filipino Christmas tradition, for which people of all ages used to flock to COD Department Store in Cubao. Though the store closed several years ago, the tradition still continues through the annual Christmas display in its new home in Greenhills Shopping Center, San Juan. Every year, the show features a different theme and showcases almost 30 automated figures with intricate movements that present inspirational Christmas stories accompanied with colorful lights and magical music, delighting the public.
- Star City
Star City is one of the most famous amusement centers in the Philippines, located in Pasay City. Shopping, food, rides, and a walk-through amusement hall make Star City the "Entertainment Center of the Philippines." It also boasts of world-class rides like the country's first 360-degree Zyklon Loop, the two-tiered French Grand Carousel, the King of the Jungle (Ice Palace), the horrific Western Ghost Town, and the all-time favorite, Wild River. The Star Theater which showcases circus magic and ballet performances adds to the fun that can be found only at Star City.
- Ocean Adventure
Ocean Adventure is the only open-water marine park in Southeast Asia which is located in Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
Visitors will enjoy watching these marine mammals like whales; dolphins, sea lions do their exhibitions, as well as experience this one-of-a-kind encounter with these friendly animals like feeding, touching, hugging, and even taking a ride with one of the whales to a floating platform.
Shaking a flipper, getting a kiss and a hug from the sea lions are just some of the adventure that the whole family would definitely enjoy.
- Enchanted Kingdom
Enchanted Kingdom is a 17-hectare theme park located in Santa Rosa City in the province of Laguna. It has seven park zones which the whole family will enjoy walking through, such as Spaceport, Jungle Outpost, Midway Boardwalk, Brooklyn Place, Portobello, Victoria Park, and Boulderville. There are rides catering to both young and old, such as the Grand Carousel, Stone Eggs, Flying Fiesta, Wheel of Fate, Up Up and Away, Bump 'n Splash, and the motion simulator theater Rialto. Thrill-seekers on the other hand will definitely enjoy Log Jam, Condor, Anchors Away, Rio Grande, and the 11-storey Space Shuttle.
- Cubao's Giant Christmas Tree
Cubao's Giant Christmas Tree is set up every year. It is a tradition that began since 1981. It is located right in front of the Araneta Coliseum (Big Dome), with almost 100 feet in height, filled with more than ten thousand lights and gigantic ribbons which surely attracts and enchants the onlookers and spectators. The Christmas tree lighting ceremony is usually celebrated with appearances by movie stars and celebrities, which draws people of all ages to this event.
- Giant Lantern Festival
Known as the Christmas Capital of the Philippines, the city of San Fernando, Pampanga annually celebrates the Giant Lantern Festival which showcases colorful gigantic lanterns made by skilled craftsmen of San Fernando.
- Casa Santa Museum
Casa Santa Museum is a house filled with an internationally recognized collection of over 2,000 Santa Claus items, located at 276 San Jose Extension, Brgy. San Isidro, Antipolo, Rizal (just 29 km. from Manila and 30 mins. away from Quezon City). This museum houses a vast assortment of Santa Claus items from Santa blankets, to a chessboard with Santa figurines, to Swarovski crystal Santas. Life-sized moving versions of "Mr. and Mrs. Santa" welcome visitors by singing Christmas carols. Guests are permitted to inspect the items closely and, in some cases, play with them.
- Holiday Musical Shows
The Holiday Musical Shows are among the most anticipated Christmas events in Manila and an annual treat for the whole family. Children and adults alike enjoy shows like International Circus, Disney on Ice, and World on Ice, which features different Disney and cartoon characters like the all-time favorite Mickey Mouse, Barney and Friends, and Disney Princesses among others.
- Policarpio Street in Mandaluyong
Policarpio Street, Mandaluyong is a 150-meter street in Mandaluyong which come Christmastime transforms into a wonderland of lights. Millions of flickering, shimmering Christmas lights wrap the houses from the towers to the gates, the windows and the doors, the walls and the trees. The rooftops and gardens are adorned with belens (nativity scenes), Santa Clauses, toys, and other Christmas motifs. The crowds who flock to the street not only enjoy the extravagant and impressive light display but the tiangge (bazaar) as well.