There’s something about Christmas in Manila that hits different. Maybe it’s the parol-lit streets starting in September, or how every corner suddenly smells like bibingka and puto bumbong. But the real magic is the light shows that transform the entire city into a glowing wonderland.
This 2025, Metro Manila’s pulling out all the stops with massive light displays, synchronized shows, and installations that’ll make your Instagram feed pop. Here’s where to catch the best Christmas light shows in Manila this season.
Christmas Light Shows in Manila:
1. Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Parañaque
Ayala Malls Manila Bay transforms into a dazzling holiday destination with its Garden Lights, Holiday Nights light show. This spectacular 6-minute 3D LED display brings Christmas scenes to life through cutting-edge visual technology.
The Garden Ring light show features synchronized lighting choreography that pulses through the mall’s outdoor spaces. Every Sunday adds a fireworks finale to cap off the evening, while Giftville offers a themed holiday village with shopping and dining options. Live performances fill Sundays from 5 to 7 PM, adding entertainment to the visual spectacle.
Schedule: Every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 6:30 PM to 10 PM (fireworks on Sundays only)
Display runs: Until January 8, 2026
Admission: Free
2. Ayala Triangle Gardens & Makati CBD
Makati In Color 2025 takes over four major thoroughfares—Ayala Avenue, Ayala Triangle, Makati Avenue, and Paseo de Roxas—with vibrant lights and intricate patterns inspired by Filipino creativity. This citywide light show transforms the entire Makati CBD into a glowing celebration.
Floor projections and interactive installations fill Ayala Triangle Gardens, while synchronized light displays set to festive music play every 30 minutes from 6 PM to 10 PM. The Makati Avenue corridor extends the glow beyond the gardens, creating a citywide Christmas atmosphere.
Ballet Manila performs at the Green Wall on November 29-30 from 7 to 8 PM, and live music fills select evenings at the Canopy of Tower One and Exchange Plaza.
Display runs: November 13, 2025 to January 11, 2026
Admission: Free
3. SM Mall of Asia (MOA), Pasay
MOA combines everything—indoor displays, outdoor installations, drone shows, and fireworks—for the most diverse Christmas light shows programming in Metro Manila.
A 65-foot Christmas tree towers over the Central Atrium with thousands of twinkling lights, while SM By the Bay features outdoor installations along the seaside promenade. The MOA Eye Ferris Wheel lights up in Christmas colors, and Seaside Boulevard becomes a festive Christmas corridor.
The MOA Night of Lights Drone Show ran on November 23, 30, December 7, and December 14 at 7 PM, featuring 160 drones performing Christmas formations over the MOA Sky. Every Saturday in December brings the Grand Holiday Fireworks Spectacle at SM By the Bay at 7 PM. The Sparkle of Light Show runs hourly from 10 AM to 10 PM at the Central Atrium.
Display runs: Until January 9, 2026
Admission: Free
4. Eastwood City, Quezon City
A Season of Light transforms Eastwood into an immersive art-meets-lights experience with interactive installations by renowned Filipino artists. This innovative light shows blends visual art with cutting-edge illumination.
Olivia d’Aboville’s Giant Dandelions tower with light sculptures made from more than 10,000 recycled water bottles, complete with synchronized music and light shows. Mikayla Teodoro’s Between the Stars creates narrative light vignettes inspired by Filipino traditions, while Teddy Manuel’s Bigger Than Life suspends a garden of oversized illuminated fabric blooms at the mall atrium.
The Giant Dandelions Music & Light Show runs hourly from 6 PM to 10 PM daily until December 30, 2025, at Eastwood Mall Open Park. Every Saturday in December brings Sparkling Skies Fireworks to the Eastwood skyline, with LED-lit dance performances during Glow in Motion on select evenings.
Admission: Free
5. Okada Manila, Parañaque
As the Philippines’ Forbes 5-Star integrated resort, Okada brings luxury-level Christmas lighting with its signature fountain show enhanced for the holidays. This elegant light shows merges water, music, and illumination in spectacular fashion.
The Harmony of Lights Fountain Show runs every 30 minutes with spectacular water, light, and music performances. Shows operate from 6 PM to 10 PM Monday through Thursday, and 6 PM to 12 AM Friday through Sunday. Don’t miss the special Okada Manila Entertainment Group performance at 7 PM every Wednesday to Sunday—a highly recommended highlight of the evening.
Christmas Carnival light installations fill the grounds while the Christmas Village glows with festive lights and holiday theming. The Crystal Pavilion and Fountain Foyer complete the elegant lighting throughout the resort.
Carnival hours: November 14, 2025 to January 4, 2026, 11 AM to 1 AM
Admission: Free for outside displays and carnival grounds
6. BGC Sparks in the Sky, Taguig
BGC Sparks in the Sky delivers a choreographed pyromusical performance that lights up the Taguig skyline every Saturday. This isn’t just fireworks—it’s a full audiovisual spectacle synchronized to music.
Pyromusical fireworks burst in rhythm with holiday soundtracks, while lights, drones, and lasers coordinate with the display for a multi-sensory experience. The show takes place at 5th Avenue, Bonifacio High Street, drawing crowds from across Metro Manila for one of the city’s most anticipated weekly Christmas events.
Schedule: Every Saturday in November and December 2025 at 7:30 PM
Location: 5th Avenue, Bonifacio High Street, BGC
Admission: Free
7. Parqal, Aseana City, Parañaque
The Parqal Skylight Spectacle features innovative moving light patterns synchronized to music along the iconic canopy structure. This unique light shows experience transforms the pedestrian walkway into a glowing tunnel of color and movement.
Dynamic light patterns dance across the canopy nightly from 6 PM to 9 PM, creating an immersive atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Metro Manila. The Christmas Village adds festive decorations and installations, while amphitheater lighting supports events and performances. Pedestrian walkway lights glow along Aseana’s main spine, with Wonders of Christmas displays throughout Parqal until January 2026.
Admission: Free
8. Arcovia City, Pasig
The 3D mapping projection show on the Arco de Emperador arch features dynamic visual displays with festive themes every 30 minutes. This cutting-edge light shows sets Arcovia apart as a next-generation destination in Manila.
A grand Christmas tree stands at the township heart, while the nightly 3D Light Projection Show transforms the Arco de Emperador with stunning visuals from 6 PM to 9 PM. Festive street lights glow throughout the area, and the Arco Parade route lights up for evening activities. The Arco Parade runs daily until 9 PM through December 31, 2025.
Schedule: Every 30 minutes from 6 PM to 9 PM
Display runs: Until December 31, 2025
Admission: Free
9. Vertis North, Quezon City
Vertis North presents “A Filipino Christmas,” a 3D projection mapping show that brings cherished Filipino traditions to life through dynamic visual storytelling. This light shows celebrates the unique spirit of Pasko in the Philippines with cutting-edge technology.
The projection mapping transforms the facade of Vertis North Mall into a canvas of moving images, telling the story of Filipino Christmas celebrations—from Simbang Gabi to Noche Buena, from parol-making to family reunions. The show runs nightly, offering families a chance to see their beloved traditions illuminated in spectacular fashion.
Schedule: Nightly until December 23, 2025
Location: Vertis North Mall, EDSA corner North Avenue, Quezon City
Admission: Free
10. San Fernando, Pampanga
The Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando transforms handcrafted artistry into a spectacular light shows. Twenty-foot tall lanterns showcase intricate designs with kaleidoscopic rotating effects powered by rotor barrels, creating dynamic light patterns that dance to Filipino rap and Christmas carols.
Teams manually rotate the lanterns to produce mesmerizing light effects, making this a truly one-of-a-kind display. The competition night features eleven barangays battling for the title of best lantern, while the exhibition period lets visitors admire all entries up close. A 35-foot Pampanga Lantern-inspired Christmas Tree at Robinsons Starmills adds to the festivities.
Competition: December 13, 2025
Exhibition: December 14, 2025 to January 1, 2026
Location: Robinsons Starmills, City of San Fernando, Pampanga
ALSO READ: 10 Unique Christmas Traditions in the Philippines
The Magic of Manila’s Christmas light shows
Christmas in Manila isn’t just about the lights—it’s about the feeling. The excited buzz of families walking through Ayala Triangle’s synchronized light shows, kids pointing at giant dandelions in Eastwood, couples watching pyromusical fireworks at BGC under glowing skies. This season, these 10 spots bring that feeling to life in the brightest way possible.
Each light show tells its own story: from futuristic drone formations at MOA to artistic installations at Eastwood, from luxury fountain performances at Okada to the heritage craftsmanship of San Fernando’s giant lanterns, and the celebration of Filipino traditions through projection mapping at Vertis North. Pick your favorite, grab your loved ones, and experience the best Christmas light shows Manila has to offer this 2025.
FAQs: Manila’s Christmas Light Displays
Where can I watch Christmas light shows in Manila for free?
Most Christmas light shows in Manila are free to watch. Top free locations include Ayala Triangle Gardens, SM Mall of Asia, Eastwood City, Ayala Malls Manila Bay, Okada Manila, BGC, Parqal, Arcovia City, and Vertis North. The Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando, Pampanga is also free to attend.
What time do Christmas light shows in Manila start?
Most Christmas light shows in Manila start at 6 PM and run until 9 PM or 10 PM. Ayala Triangle Gardens runs shows every 30 minutes from 6 PM to 10 PM. Okada Manila’s fountain show starts at 6 PM and runs until 10 PM on weekdays and 12 AM on weekends. BGC Sparks in the Sky pyromusical shows happen every Saturday at 7:30 PM.
Which mall has the best Christmas light show in Manila?
SM Mall of Asia offers the most diverse programming with drone shows, fireworks, and hourly light displays. For synchronized light and sound shows, Ayala Triangle Gardens and Ayala Malls Manila Bay are top choices. Eastwood City stands out for its artistic installations by Filipino artists.
How long do Christmas light shows in Manila last?
Individual light shows typically run 5 to 15 minutes per performance. Ayala Malls Manila Bay’s 3D LED show runs for 6 minutes, while Ayala Triangle Gardens’ synchronized display plays every 30 minutes. Most locations run their Christmas light displays from mid-November through early January 2026.
Is the Giant Lantern Festival in San Fernando worth visiting?
Yes, the Giant Lantern Festival is a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience a uniquely Filipino Christmas tradition. The 20-foot handcrafted lanterns feature rotating kaleidoscopic light effects synchronized to music. The exhibition runs from December 14, 2025 to January 1, 2026 at Robinsons Starmills in San Fernando, Pampanga.
What should I bring when watching Christmas light shows in Manila?
Bring a fully charged phone or camera for photos, a portable fan or hand fan since crowds can get warm, comfortable footwear for walking, and a power bank. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, especially for popular locations like Ayala Triangle Gardens and BGC Sparks in the Sky.
Are Christmas light shows in Manila safe for kids?
Yes, Christmas light shows in Manila are family-friendly and safe for children. Most locations like Ayala Triangle Gardens, SM Mall of Asia, and Eastwood City have open spaces suitable for families. Malls also offer nearby restrooms, dining options, and air-conditioned areas for breaks.
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