The most iconic Christmas tree in Cebu will shine bright once more this December!
Are you ready to witness the magical Christmas tree lighting in Fuente?
The beloved Tree of Hope is set to light up on Sunday, December 1st. It is one of the most highly anticipated events in Cebu City as it ushers in the Christmas season.
Since its first installation in 2000, the massive structure has been a highlight during the holidays that many look forward to every year. It is located inside the Fuente Osmeña Circle, which will remain until the start of the city’s most famous cultural festival, the Sinulog.
It serves as a symbol of hope and resurgence, especially since it was still standing during the pandemic and put back up after it toppled down from a massive typhoon.
This is one spot many Cebuanos recognize whenever they pass by the area, becoming an important landmark in the city every December.
To learn more about the history of the Fuente Osmeña Christmas Tree, read here: https://cebuinsights.com/events/christmas/fuente-osmena-circle-tree-of-hope/
DESIGN
This year’s structure stands at 120 feet, with its base designed to look like Santa’s workshop. The bottom has styrofoam penguins, snowballs, and snowmen, with all kinds of plushies displayed inside the windows of the shop.
A massive red star sits on top of the tree, facing the ongoing construction of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) along Osmeña Boulevard.
Unfortunately, the skywalk along Osmeña has been demolished to give way to the BRT. This was previously where bystanders could get one of the best views of the lighting ceremony.
The tree also uses Sinulog-inspired accents like a massive bust wearing a festive mask, as the designers wanted to showcase the upcoming Sinulog festivities.
That being said, the Sinulog Festival in 2025 will officially be held in downtown Cebu once again, as it was held at the South Road Properties for the last two years.
This year’s tree was designed by a team led by Brendon Cabarrubias, who has helped design the Tree of Hope since 2020. He started off as an illustrator and graphic artist for the team, and is now helming the project.
Cebu City government officials led by Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia will be present during the ceremony, as well as the members of the tree’s sponsors, M. Lhuillier.
A fireworks display will also take place during the lighting ceremony.
THINGS TO DO AT FUENTE DURING THE HOLIDAYS
Have you ever visited Fuente during Christmas time?
Fuente Circle is one of the busiest places during Christmas, with many wanting to see the Tree of Hope and explore the nightly activities in the area.
The lighting ceremony signifies the opening of the Pasko sa Sugbo, a food park and night market where you can hang out and chill anytime throughout the month of December.
These were temporarily suspended during the COVID pandemic, but officially made a comeback in 2022.
You can expect dozens of food stalls offering Filipino food favorites like barbecue and street food, as well as knickknacks and accessories for all ages.
The food park and night market will be around until January during the Sinulog Festival.
Aside from this, the park will also have a huge stage for performances and special events like concerts, singing contests, and beauty pageants.
Christmas in Cebu would not be complete without the massive Tree of Hope lighting up the night sky. If you’re free on December 1st, then witnessing the ceremony could be the perfect way to start off the holiday season.
Gather with fellow Cebuanos as you marvel at the structure’s impressive design and enjoy what many consider the most wonderful time of the year.
