Christmas Displays

With Christmas just 35 days away, surely you have so much to do, mom. There are decorations to put up, gifts to buy, more gifts to wrap, a Noche Buena to plan, and goals to set for 2019. Whew, that's a lot!

We know you have plenty on your plate now (both figuratively and literally!), but when you're starting to feel overwhelmed, remember Christmas only comes once a year, so don't let the season just pass by. Breathe! Make conversation with family! Be in the here and now. Go out and carve time to enjoy the holiday sights and sounds, because they'll be gone before you know it. Most importantly, spend the days with the people who matter, like family and friends, and MAKE MEMORIES.

Start the family bonding at these Christmas tree attractions you can find around the metro.

The best part? You can visit them for free. Don't forget to take photos!

Araneta Center

The 100-foot giant Christmas tree is the centerpiece attraction in Araneta Center this Yuletide season. It features 3,000 LED bulbs and more than 1,500 assorted decors including giant balls, giant bells, lighted poinsettias, and a seven-foot star topper. There will also be fun rides and booths; Santa Claus meet-and-greet all weekends of December (3 to 7 p.m.); chorale performances every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until December 25; the Christmas on Display (C.O.D.) starting November 23, and grand fireworks displays on weekends starting November 30.

The Araneta Center is located at Cubao, Quezon City.

Eastwood City

Eastwood City is giving kids and adults a reason to believe in the magic of Christmas with its Enchanted Forest of Lights. Guests can easily spot the more than 60 enchanting lighted animal displays spread across the Eastwood Citywalk, Eastwood Avenue and Eastwood Mall Open Park, where the iconic 50-feet Christmas tree dominates the landscape. There are also eight enchanted trees and eight towering skyscrapers, each derived from the famous landmarks around the world which includes the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, Empire State and Chrysler buildings in New York, Burj Al Arab in Dubai, Eiffel Tower in Paris, Petronas in Malaysia, Big Ben in London, and Taipei 101 in Taiwan, each of them measuring about 27 feet.

Eastwood City is located at 116 Orchard Rd, Bagumbayan, Quezon City.

Estancia

Estancia is putting together another Christmas secret rooms this year called "Sweet Illusion Chambers." There's the Tutti Frutti or Rainbow Prism Room at the Capitol Commons Park. Inside Estancia, the Sugar Rush at the Laser Room promises a feeling a rush quicker than a ray of light. For those who prefer a sweet escape, the Candy Blast at the Shadow Light Room transports you to a candy dreamland. Special Dark at the Dark Light Room beckons another captivating exhibit of modern neon displays.

Estancia Mall is located at 1605 Meralco Ave, Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

Greenhills Shopping Center

PHOTO BY courtesy of Ortigas Malls

Greenhills' Christmas Candy Cake, located at the VMall Lobby, is filled to the brim of every candy you can ever think of — gum drops, butterballs, eclairs, hard candy, chocolate bars, fudge, in an assortment of sizes, shapes, and colors — filling the four-layer 30-feet high cake.

Visit the Christmas Sweet Bazaar at the VMall Lobby until January 6, 2018. A Night Market will be put up at the G-strip parking for food enthusiasts from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. as well as Regional Delicacies at the ground floor of the Center Mall from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Bring the kids to a Santa Meet & Greet all Saturdays of December at the VMall Lobby from 2 to 5 p.m. The family can attend Simbang Gabi at the Chapel of the Holy Family from December 15 to 23, 6pm daily, and marvel at the fireworks that will light the Ortigas skyline every Saturday at 7 p.m.

Greenhills Shopping Center is located along Ortigas Avenue, City of San Juan.