10 Metro Manila Christmas Activities To Make The Most Of Your 2021 Holiday With Family & Friends

2021 Christmas activities in Metro Manila

As the holiday season is just around the corner, it’s time to fill in our calendars with our plans for Christmas. Fortunately, Covid-19 restrictions are beginning to loosen up, so we’ll have a lot of things to do not just inside the confines of our homes, but in the great outdoors as well.

From watching light displays to exploring museums, Christmas activities around Metro Manila this year are almost like those in our pre-Covid days, albeit with the appropriate social distancing measures in place, of course. Here are 10 events you can check out to make the most of the 2021 holiday season with your friends and loved ones.

– Makati –

1. Be surrounded by the festive lights of Ayala Triangle Gardens

Festival of Lights: Virtual Edition 2021 part 1
Image credit: Make It Makati

Those who live and work nearby Makati’s Ayala Triangle Gardens will be delighted to witness the park being lit by festive, colorful lights at night, as many parols now adorn the area.

If you can’t visit in person, you can still indulge your senses with Ayala Triangle Gardens’ spectacular displays while at home. Presented by Ayala Land and Make It Makati on 12th November, part 1 of the Festival of Lights: Virtual Edition 2021 has immersive visuals of a 360-degree animation of the display with Jose Mari Chan singing in the background.

Details for the virtual festival’s second part are yet to be released, but you can tune in to Ayala Triangle Gardens’ Facebook page for more updates.

Address: Paseo De Roxas St Cor Makati Ave, Cor Ayala Ave, Makati, 1209 Metro Manila
Opening hours: 6PM-10PM, Daily
Mobile: 0932 403 3279
Ayala Triangle Gardens’ Facebook page

2. Picnic at Circuit Makati

Image credit: Circuit Makati

We’re keeping our fingers crossed that restrictions will not be tightened until the holiday season is over, as enjoying a picnic with friends in the open air at the Riverside Sessions of Circuit Makati definitely sounds like a good idea.

There are over 15 Mercato Centrale food merchants setting up shop at the wide, open space area of the circuit from afternoon until evening, so you can plan for a catch-up session with your loved ones over a casual meal.

Address: Circuit Makati, Hippodromo Street, Carmona, Makati City 1207, Metro Manila
Opening hours: 2PM-9PM, Daily
Circuit Makati’s Facebook page

3. Visit the newly reopened Ayala Museum

Image credit: @ayalamuseum

With the Ayala Museum finally reopening after it was closed for renovations for over two years, you’ll have one more new, exciting cultural activity to explore in Makati. The museum will be doing a soft opening for their new lobby, renovated museum shop, along with five galleries, from 4th December. Offline, their website has also been redesigned so those at home can still marvel at various artworks virtually.

Before you pay a visit in person, make sure to book your ticket online first. You’ll also have to show proof of full vaccination before you’re allowed entry.

Address: Makati Avenue corner, De La Rosa Street, Greenbelt Park, Makati City 1224, Metro Manila
Opening hours: Wed – Sun 11AM-7.30PM (Closed Mondays and Tuesdays)
Mobile: 0945 567 4221
Ayala Museum’s website

– Taguig –

4. Be mesmerized by the Christmas tree displays in BGC

Image credit: Bonifacio High Street

Even when it’s not the holiday season, strolling through the streets of Bonifacio Global City is a refreshing sight. After all, the urban space is where street art, commerce, and green spaces thrive. So this Christmas, you can expect to see more creative festive displays, such as the Christmas tree and lights displays at Bonifacio High Street.

Image credit: Bonifacio High Street

Stop and witness the festive lights as you walk or bike through BGC. The trees around the area are also adorned with glowing lights, making them perfect backdrops for your next photoshoot.

Address: 11th Avenue – 3rd Avenue, Bonifacio High Street, Taguig City 1634, Metro Manila
Opening hours: 10AM-7PM, Daily
Mobile: 0947 560 9295
Bonifacio High Street’s Facebook page

– Manila –

5. Enjoy a romantic, al fresco night at La Cathedral Cafe

Image credit: La Cathedral Cafe

Intramuros‘ La Cathedral Cafe is beginning to look a lot like an old-world Christmas village, so those who are looking to spend a romantic dinner in a retro setting need not look far. Situated on a roof deck, the cafe is located at the heart of Intramuros and gives you a magical view of the Manila Cathedral.

The cafe’s menu is an assortment of both light and complete meals, from pasta to main dishes such as beef steak.

Diners are encouraged to make a reservation before dropping by. They have also been accepting kids, senior citizens, and unvaccinated persons.

Address: #398 Greenfield Building, Beaterio cor. Cabildo St., Intramuros 1002, Manila
Opening hours: 8AM-9PM, Daily
Mobile: 0915 163 3994
La Cathedral Cafe Facebook page

– Pasay –

6. Spend a day or two at the new Hotel Okura Manila

Image credit: @hotelokuramnl, @hotelokuramnl

While travelling to Japan feels like a distant dream now, we can still look forward to the opening of one of the country’s most well-known hotels, the Hotel Okura, on our shores this year. The hotel is designed with contemporary Japanese sensibilities in mind, from its architecture to food, to bring a piece of the Land of the Rising Sun to us.

The hotel is now accepting room bookings for stays beginning from 28th December. The Deluxe Room Holiday Package (P11,888, ~USD235.69), on offer from the said date until 15th January 2022, includes an overnight stay in a Deluxe Room, signature welcome drinks and breakfast for two, lunch bento set for two at Yamazato fine dining, and a 20% discount on in-room dining.

Given that the luxury hotel has hosted globally renowned personalities such as Barack Obama, the package is indeed a good deal.

Address: #2 Portwood Street, Resorts World Manila, Newport City, Pasay City 1309, Metro Manila
Telephone: 5318-2888
Hotel Okura’s website

7. Marvel at MOA’s Night of Lights

Image credit: SM Mall of Asia Official 

Those who don’t want to risk going out in public yet may want to check out SM Mall of Asia’s Night of Lights. The festival lets you drive through streets decorated with festive lights and featuring holiday music, to immerse you in the holiday spirit.

Image credit: SM Mall of Asia Official 

You’ll only be able to get a pass to the festival if you present a single receipt from any establishment of MOA, S Maison, SM by the BAY, and MOA Square totaling PHP 2,000 (~USD39.71).

Address: MOA Concert Grounds, Ocean Drive, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City 1300, Metro Manila
Opening hours: 4th December 2021 – 2nd January 2022 5.30PM-10PM (closed on 24th and 31st December 2021)
SM Mall of Asia’s Facebook page

– Quezon City –

8. Watch a movie under the stars at Vertis North

Image credit: Vertis North

One of the most acclaimed films this year is Pablo Larrain’s Spencer, featuring Kristen Stewart as Princess Diana. You can get a chance to catch the film premiere at Ayala Malls Vertis North, not inside a typical cinema, but at a drive-in theater so you can relax inside the comfort of your vehicle while maintaining social distancing with other moviegoers.

Drive-thru food booths, freebies, games, and prizes will be available as well during the night of the show. You can book your tickets at TicketMelon.

Address: Ayala Malls Vertis North, Phase 1 & 2, North Avenue, Brgy. Bagong Pag-asa, Quezon City 1105, Metro Manila
Show time: 8PM, 4th December
Vertis North’s Facebook page

9. Delight in Korean and local food at Eastwood’s holiday fair

Image credit: Eastwood City

While Eastwood is dotted with many restaurants, you don’t have to go for fancy dinners all the time. At Wellness Lane, near its Dunkin Donut branch, there are various food stalls selling street food that you can grab and enjoy a casual holiday night outdoors.

From Korean to Filipino street food delights, Eastwood fairs abound with many stalls to let you feel the festive spirit of the season. 

Address: Wellness Lane, Eulogio Rodriguez Jr. Ave, Bagumbayan, Quezon City 1800, Metro Manila
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Eastwood City’s Facebook page

– Muntinlupa –

10.  Test your flexibility at WiiJUMP Philippines

Image credit: WiiJUMP Philippines

After being mostly sedentary for the bulk of the year due to the pandemic, it’s a good idea to stretch your muscles by checking out amusement parks such as WiiJUMP Philippines. One of the newest parks in the south, WiiJUMP (P399, ~USD7.91 per hour) is a spacious park at Festival Supermall with different areas designed for fun, recreational activities that will unleash your inner child.

Image credit:WiiiJUMP Philippines 

Activities at WiiJUMP range from basketball to trampoline, so you’ll never get bored while you’re here. From 2nd to 16th December, the first 100 guests to visit the park from Monday to Thursday can also enjoy a 50% discount.

Address: Festival Supermall, Civic Dr, Alabang, Muntinlupa 1781, Metro Manila
Opening hours: 10AM-9PM, Daily
Mobile: 0969 327 7020
WiiJUMP Philippines Facebook page

Christmas activities to enjoy in Metro Manila

With establishments slowly opening up, we can look forward to fun activities around Metro Manila to do to celebrate Christmas this year. From light displays to dining at al fresco restaurants, there’s something in this list for every one to check out and enjoy more quality time with our loved ones.

Also check out:

• Online Christmas decor shops
• Unique Christmas gift ideas
• Local handmade gift shops
• Markets and shops selling Christmas decors in the metro

Cover image adapted from: Bonifacio High Street, Ayala Museum, and WiiJUMP Philippines