Holiday festivities are in full swing in Makati City as Ayala Land unveils its array of Christmas activities, igniting the spirit of the season in every corner of the vibrant city. Watch out in the next few weeks as Makati transforms into an enchanting wonderland filled with cheer, warmth, and the magic of the holidays. To top it all off, Ayala Land is also celebrating its 35th anniversary so expect a lot of surprises!

This year, Makati is expanding its celebrations, bringing more experiences to more parts of the city than ever before. From the glistening Ayala Avenue to the lively Circuit Makati, from a festive Christmas Bazaar at the Makati Street Meet to the enchanting light show at Ayala Triangle Gardens — there are countless curated experiences that will delight residents and visitors alike.

Whether it’s the mesmerizing spectacle of lights, the harmonic sounds of choirs, the joy of a holiday concert, or the allure of a Christmas bazaar, Makati is committed to making this Christmas a memorable experience for everyone. Here are all the events you should keep an eye out for:

Bright Christmas decors at Ayala Avenue

The Ceremonial Lighting of Christmas Decors at Ayala Avenue is the event that truly heralds the arrival of the holiday season in Makati, transforming the cityscape into a vibrant tapestry of lights and colors. Last year’s giant parols were given new life and carefully refurbished. An exciting new element was added – the illuminated wreath. Symbolizing unity and growth, these wreaths will add an extra layer of sparkle to the avenue and create an even more festive atmosphere.

The decorations will be lit up on November 7, 2023 and will be on display until January 14, 2024.

Annual Festival of Lights at Ayala Triangle Gardens

The “Festival of Lights at Ayala Triangle Gardens” promises a mesmerizing spectacle. Evolving from its beginnings as a simple light show, this well-loved Filipino Christmas tradition now offers an immersive experience that displays never-ending lights that span more areas of the gardens than ever before. From November 14 to January 14, witness how countless twinkling lights illuminate the night, transforming the gardens into a happy and colorful wonderland.

Embark on an enchanting journey of illumination where you can experience a trio of breathtaking light installations, each one a shimmering spectacle of color and brilliance, just waiting to be discovered. Start your journey with “The Kaleidoscope of Lights,” a Christmas lights and sound show at the courtyard composed of three Christmas medleys.

The first musical medley features festive Filipino Christmas tunes, the second medley is an original K-Pop-inspired composition, and the last medley uses big band instrumentation inspired by the music of Frank Sinatra and Andy Williams.

A new addition to the Christmas light show is a series of larger-than-life projections that transform the floor into an illusion of lights enhanced with a smoke machine that will transport the crowd into a world of vivid colorful images. There will also be an interactive play on moving lights and images that kids and adults alike can chase after (e.g. a butterfly that moves from one end of the courtyard that kids can chase after)

The next feature situated at the northern side of Ayala Triangle is “Wish Upon a Light” – a magical wishing pond. Inspired by the wishing stone, the visitors can write their own wishes or dreams onto the magical pond. The pond is made from an interactive LED screen that magically lights up when one writes wishes or dreams which can be shared with everyone as these are simultaneously flashed on a wall.

The final part of the journey is “Liter of Light” – a beautiful display of liters turned into lights to power up a Christmas art installation by Leeroy New, in collaboration with Arte House and Illac Diaz. An inspiring story that began from a plastic bottle (which they filled with water and bleach to let light through).

Marche de Noel Christmas Bazaar

Marche de Noel, a Christmas bazaar in collaboration with the Embassy of France, will be back this year. This time, it will be located at the Makati Street Meet at Paseo de Roxas. Enjoy a unique shopping experience featuring a variety of international and local artisanal products. Merchants include Paris Delice, Truffle Ph, Araro Gelato, and many more.

Choral Competition at Circuit Makati

Experience the harmonious sounds of the season as Ayala Land brings back its annual Choral Competition at Circuit Makati on December 9. This tradition fills Circuit Makati with festive carols. This is done in collaboration with the local government and will showcase the incredible talent of students from various schools in Makati. These young voices will come together to create a captivating musical performance.

Come Home to Christmas: A Holiday Concert

“Come Home to Christmas: A Holiday Concert” will run in its second year. It will be held at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater on December 16 and will bring together renowned artists for a night of music, celebration, and togetherness. To give Pinoys a chance to enjoy the concert, 900 tickets will be given for free for those who purchase from establishments at Ayala Malls Circuit.

Artist line-up includes the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra, Bituin Escalante, Arman Ferrer, Soprano Lara Maigue, and Sofia Zobel Elizalde’s Steps Dance Project and their Nutcracker company.

New Year’s Eve countdown

It’s been 24 years since the epic turn-of-the-millennium NYE celebration in Makati. On December 31, ring in 2024 at Ayala Avenue and celebrate the milestones and historic moments that happened in Makati in the past 24 years. Welcome the new year with a spectacular show and performances from the country’s biggest names in the entertainment industry. Plus, get to experience the best of the best merchants sprawled all over Makati’s streets for a night of celebration. Bid 2023 adieu with an impressive light show as the New Year’s Eve countdown commences.

There’s no shortage of holiday activities to do in Makati. So call up your friends and invite your family to experience an unforgettable Christmas in Makati — a season of joy and magical holiday cheer.

For more updates visit the social media pages of Make It Makati on Facebook and Instagram @makeitmakati. #MakeItMakati

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