Free Events that Will Get You in the Holiday State of Mind

December is still far off but who says you can’t start the holiday excitement right now?

But before shopping to your heart’s desire or traveling to budget-tight vacation destinations, why not start with something friendlier to your pockets and visit these free must-see events that will really perk up your holiday feels:

On November 6, the Christmas Tree will instantly light up the vicinity of Araneta Center Cubao. The lighting of the Christmas tree coincides with many events held in the Big Dome, such as the Disney On Ice, parade of floats, and the pre-holiday bazaars in Gateway Mall and Farmers’ Market.

Dubbed as the Christmas Symbols Capital of the Philippines, Tangub City is best known for its symbols festival which brings together larger than life emblems, statues and symbols of the Yuletide season from around the globe. Running the entire month of December to the first week of January, the festival also features famous world landmarks decorated with twinkling lights of different colors. It’s not entirely free, but entrance will only cost you a peso.

Welcome to a winter wonderland animal exploration with Powerplant Mall’s animatronics display! Apart from the hundreds of Christmas lights and poinsettias all around the mall, robotic animals such as reindeers, polar bears, penguins and many more are stationed every few feet. Don’t forget to sit right next to (one of the many) Santa Claus(es)!

Aside from all the shopping bazaars and booths all around you, feel very Christmas-y with Greenhills’ Christmas on Display (COD) of moving mannequins. The display usually features Christ in Bethlehem and adds a twist into it every year, from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM for every 15 minutes. Wonder what this year’s will be?

The Belenismo in Tarlac is considered to be the Belen Capital of the Philippines and brings about not only tourists but also locals to promote bayanihan among the people of Tarlac. It aims to promote the art of Belen-Making through a province-wide contest of the Belen where schools, government units, and businesses can join the fun. The display usually opens on November while the awarding is on December.

Be dazzled by the dancing lights and the music in Ayala Triangle’s Lights and Sounds Show. All you have to do is search for the perfect spot and capture the right angle to post an Instagram-worthy shot and enjoy the rest of the show! Catch the display between 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM for every 30 minutes.

If there’s a giant Christmas tree, then there should be giant lanterns, too. The Giant Lantern Festival (usually the Saturday before Christmas Eve), held every December, showcases lanterns as high as 20 feet with over 5,000 light bulbs. Be sure to get there as early as 5:00 PM because the place gets really jam-packed with tourists and locals.

Of course, the holiday season won’t be complete without fireworks. So get the best seat and gaze under the stars and pretty lights with someone you love! Catch the display every Fridays and Saturdays from 7:00 PM By the Bay.

Only 79 days to go before Christmas! What’s your favorite pre-holiday must-see? Share them by commenting below!