Here are our top contenders for this year’s Christmas displays!
Celebrating Christmas in the Philippines is a big deal, which is evident in the many Christmas displays in almost every neighborhood and city.
Not only does it add to the appeal of a certain location, but it also brings about a festive nostalgia as people usher in the holiday season.
In Cebu alone, there are several places where you can enjoy the festive ambiance together with the locals. It’s easy to see that Christmas in Cebu is one of the most highly anticipated events throughout the year.
That being said, check out some of the most iconic structures and events that Cebuanos look forward to every December.
- Fuente Osmeña Circle Tree of Hope
The best Christmas display in the city has to be the Fuente Osmeña Circle Tree of Hope. For the past two decades, it has been a fixture of Cebu’s downtown area during the holiday season.
Standing at roughly 100 meters, it’s a sight to behold for anyone passing by Fuente. For this year’s design, they’ve assembled a display that resembles Santa’s Workshop, with stuffed toys placed all around at the bottom of the tree. The tree is adorned with assorted Christmas lights and lanterns that are considered popular Filipino Christmas decorations.
The famous lighting ceremony was unfortunately postponed because of strong rains on its scheduled date (which was on December 1st). The ceremony was otherwise a success and the park officially commenced its festivities on December 3rd for the 2024 holidays.
Apart from admiring the many Christmas displays around the park, you can also indulge in various Filipino street food and snacks or shop for some cute knickknacks at their holiday night market.
- IL Corso’s Active Holidaze
Many are expecting a massive celebration this Christmas at IL Corso Lifemalls. The Filinvest-owned shopping center successfully opened several outlet stores this year, offering guests more things to do and places to explore.
This concluded with the Active Holidaze fashion show, wherein products from the new stores were showcased. The event also featured a Christmas tree lighting and a performance from a special guest, Filipino rock band, Itchyworms.
The shopping mall is hosting a “Meet Santa” event every Saturday and Sunday as well.
Additionally, December marks the return of the Stellar, which is considered Cebu’s first dancing musical fountain.
- SM Seaside City Cebu
Another famous locale at SRP is the city’s biggest shopping mall. SM Seaside Cebu never fails when it comes to their Christmas displays, which can be seen in the Mountain Wing.
For this year’s display, they have a 40-foot tall Christmas tree fashioned with dazzling golden ornaments for a sophisticated look. It also uses a circus theme, complete with a massive carousel and ferris wheel installed.
One of its main highlights is the Bears of Joy, SM’s annual charity event where mall goers can buy a pair of stuffed toys, one of which is given to a child in need.
The display and events will run until January 7th, 2025.
- Treasures & Trinkets Bazaar and Cebu in a Bite Food Fair at Vibo Place
Food parks and night markets have become common Filipino Christmas traditions over the years, and spots like Vibo Place have started adapting to it.
For two weekends, the strip mall along North Escario Street will be hosting the Treasures & Trinkets Bazaar, where guests can purchase second-hand clothes, sneakers, and accessories.
It’s definitely a great alternative for some budget-friendly Christmas shopping.
It also coincides with the Cebu in a Bite Food Fair, which has several food kiosks serving cookies, pastries, Filipino street food favorites, and affordable coffee options.
Their Christmas displays include a car show, where collectors and motorheads show off their prized vintage vehicles. To top it off, they have a dazzling fireworks display in the evening.
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All these spots offer something different to give visitors more options to spend Christmas in Cebu. Whether with family and friends or going solo, you are sure to find something fun and exciting to do for the yuletide season.
