Family Weekender Guide: Things to Do on December 9 to 11

Looking for Christmas events – like Santa meet and greets – in the metro? See Smart Parenting's full list of holiday events here. 

Listen to choirs sing

Choirs from different Metro Manila high schools are gearing up this weekend to compete in the finals night of the Children's Musem and Library Inc.'s Voices in Harmony 2016: The 18th Annual Awit-Tagisan ng Batang Pilipino. Catch students from schools including Immaculate Conception Academy, Miriam College High School, Marist School, St. Paul College and St. Theresa’s College sing their hearts out this Sunday, December 11, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the AFP Theater, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. For tickets and inquiries, call 0917-623-3107.  


Marvel at Christmas lights and discover food finds

Wander through a market of fantastic food finds while enjoying the Festival of Lights at Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati this weekend, from December 9 to 11, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Bring the whole family along and savor the holiday season! 


Attend a parenting workshop

Every parent wants to raise a child who grows up to be a capable adult. Learn strategies and real-life tips on how to do just that at The Parenting Emporium’s Raising Confident and Competent Kids workshop. The event is happening this Saturday, December 10, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at The Parenting Emporium, 29 1st Street, New Manila, Quezon City. Participation fee is P500. To register, call 0917-811-0821. 


Share-lebrate!


Spread the happiness this Christmas with Nickelodeon's SHARElebration. Give and donate with the kids this Sunday, Dec. 11, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Music Hall of SM Mall of Asia, Pasay City. There will be loads of fun games and activities (and a special grand suprise at the end, we're told!), so be there! 


Meet and Greet the Trolls duo

Can't get enough of Dreamworks' Trolls? Meet and Greet Poppy and Branch at Robinsons Galleria this Sunday, December 11. They'll also be performing on stage at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., so don't miss that either!  


Meet and Greet Disney's Belle


Here's your chance to take a photo with a Disney princess in real life! Meet and Greet Belle of Beauty and the Beast this Saturday, Dec. 10, 1 p.m., at the SM Megamall Fashion Hall, Mandaluyong. 


Have fun with furry friends

BetterDog Canine Behavior Center has planned an entire day of fun for pet owners and their pups. Happening this weekend, Sunday, December 11, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the De Jesus Oval, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, BetterDog Holiday Games will host games, competitions, and other surprises. Onsite registration starts at 7:30 a.m. and participation fee is P50 per game. For inquiries, call 754-9958.  


Go Christmas shopping

Shop for beautiful Christmas presents at Ayala Museum’s Pasko Pop-Ups: Holiday Gift Bazaar. Expect one-of-a-kind items on the arts and culture side with shops like Balay ni Atong, Casa Mercedes, Gifts and Graces, Craft Carrot and more! Drop by anytime from December 7 to 11, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Ayala Museum, Makati. For inquiries, call 759-8288. 

Over 150 different brands will be participating at Yabang Pinoy’s Global Pinoy Bazaar. The theme this holiday season is “Celebrating Filipino Christmas,” so expect a fete of Filipino creativity and ingenuity with different iconic brands and upbeat startups. The bazaar runs from December 7 to 11, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., at the Glorietta Activity Center, Makati City.  

Ready to shop til you drop? Head over to The Great Lifestyle Brands Holiday Sale where brands like Mothercare, Cotton On Kids, F&X, Kashieca, Rubi and The Face Shop will have items up to 70 percent off. The sale is happening now until December 29, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Bench Tower, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. 

Lots of items will be on sale, some even at 95 percent off, at Lazada Philippines’ Online Revolution Grand Christmas Sale. Participating brands include Samsung, Nestle, Pampers, MamyPoko and more. If you’re looking for items specifically for family and home, they have a section dedicated just for that too (click here). The sale runs from December 7 to 12 at Lazada.com.ph. 

What other parents are reading

33 Family Movies We're Excited to Watch in 2017

7 Most Helpful Money Advice for Parents in 2017

13 Online Stores to Shop for Nursing Wear, Breast Pumps, and More

Too Busy to Cook? 8 Party Food to Order for Your Noche Buena