The Three Kings visit the manger—a scene captured in stained glass

Christmas starts this week in the city of Makati with the ceremonial street lighting of Ayala Avenue, Makati Avenue and Paseo de Roxas on Nov. 3, 5:30 p.m., at the Tower & Exchange Plaza fountain area, Ayala Triangle.

While last year Ayala Avenue was festooned with the silhouettes in light of the country’s historic churches, this year the decor down Ayala Avenue will be colorful stained glass.

The lighting kicks off the Ayala Land Christmas Splendor.

Highlights of the Christmas celebration are staycation offerings at Fairmont, Raffles and Holiday Inn; an amazing Festival of Lights; the tallest Christmas tree to be lit at Circuit, and the ultimate shopping experience.

MasterCard offers amazing deals in the city’s finest hotels. A stay at the Holiday Inn and Suites Makati entitles one to complimentary stay in a chosen Holiday Inn partner hotel abroad. For every night stay on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday on Best Available Rate, an equal one complimentary night will be provided at either Holiday Inn Bangkok Sukhumvit 22 or Holiday Inn Express Singapore Katong. Holiday Inn has 2+1 offer of buffet lunch or dinner at Flavors Restaurant.

Fairmont Hotel offers 50-percent off on a Best Available Rates package on weekends, which includes a daily breakfast buffet for two and a 1+1 lunch buffet at Spectrum, one night prepaid, nonrefundable deposit, plus 50-percent off regular spa treatments.

Raffles Makati offers 30-percent off on Best Available Rates package on weekends which includes a daily breakfast buffet for two at Spectrum, suite accommodation for two, classic afternoon tea and evening cocktails for two priority waitlist for upgrade, a one-night prepaid, nonrefundable deposit plus 50-percent off on regular spa treatments.

There are also exciting food and spa offers. Long Bar gives one complimentary choice of tapas for Happy Hour, while Spectrum has a 3+1 offer on its delightful buffet. The Willow Stream Spa offers 30-percent off on regular spa treatments.

At the Ayala Triangle Gardens, the Festival of Lights transforms the city into a magical spectacle. Already a Christmas tradition, this lights-and-sounds show has been named among Conde Nast Traveller’s Seven Most Spectacular Lights Shows in the World.

Away from the business district is another destination— Circuit Makati’s biggest outdoor Christmas tree, an immersive Christmas tree installation to entertain guests. The 56-ft-high outdoor Christmas tree will have gifts and surprises to kick off your holiday shopping.

For serious holiday shopping, there’s the Circuit Makati Bazaar, featuring over 500 outlets for great holiday finds, plus celebrity booths, musical performances and outdoor games.

“Christmas is all about family, friends and all the people we hold dear,” said Shiella Aguilar, project development manager of Makati. “What better way to experience the joys of this season than by sharing new experiences with those you truly love, in a city that offers something for everyone? Makati’s holiday offerings, made possible with MasterCard and our partners, promise priceless memories for everyone.”