Written by: Marge C. Enriquez

This holiday season, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls is upping the ante in retail with diverse and stunning attractions—from the cozy, traditional setting at The Clubhouse at Temple Drive, to the fantasy world of snow characters at the Venice Grand Canal, to the constellation of lights in Eastwood City and majestic Christmas tree that echoes the majestic surroundings around Twin Lakes Mall. They not only lure visitors but also entice them to immerse in the malls.

“At Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, our mission is to make happiness and meaningful connections a lifestyle for our communities,” said Megaworld Lifestyle Malls head Graham Coates.

“Christmas is a very important season in Filipino culture. It is our wish to be part of the celebrations by providing beautiful destinations where guests can spend time with their loved ones and experience unique holiday concepts and offerings. We have prepared extra exciting features this year, from dining, shopping, events, and activities, so each guest can have an #ExtraChristmas celebration,” he added.

The decorations are eye-catching and heartwarming that you can’t resist taking a selfie or a groufie and post with the hashtags #ExtraCelebrations and #ExtraChristmasatMegaworld.

Digital-powered attractions at Uptown Bonifacio

Though known for the impeccable curation of shops, Uptown Bonifacio strives to offer more with tech-driven experiences. Enjoy augmented reality via the giant Christmas tree at the fountain area on 9th Avenue in Taguig. Download Megan, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls’ app, follow the commands and flash the phone camera in front of the tree. Santa Claus, his elves and other Christmas icons will appear on your mobile.

Moreover, Uptown Bonifacio invites shoppers to do good this Christmas by sharing their blessings through the Scan and Donate initiative. Guests can scan the QR code on the Christmas tree display at the mall’s atrium. They can select their beneficiary—Megaworld Lifestyle Mall’s partner foundation or organization—and send their donations via GCash.

Winter Aquatic Adventure at McKinley Hill

Dubbed the “most romantic mall in the country,” Venice Grand Canal in McKinley Hill transports you to Italy’s most famous waterway, replete with Renaissance-inspired retail facades and the replica of the iconic Rialto Bridge and its shops.

The avventure bellisime is heightened this December with the Winter Aquatic Adventure. Cool metallic wreathes, Christmas balls and reindeer greet the visitors upon entrance. After sunset, floating iceberg installations of polar bears, penguins, sea lions and stars cast their glow on the waters.

Take a gondola ride under the bridge fringed with lights, reminiscent of icicles. At the end of the lagoon, across the Ponte de Amore Bridge, a majestic 40-foot Christmas tree, echoing the metallic theme of the mall, glistens like a jewel in the night.

On Dec. 4, 11, and 18, Journey to Artica, a water parade of aquatic mascots and characters, dancing to shimmering lights and music, will be held at the Grand Canal.

Efflorescence at Eastwood City

Eastwood City boosts its visual appeal with magnificent floral-inspired decor that lights up the night.

The bridgeway is canopied with gleaming floral creepers whose images are reflected on the pond. Garlands of bright flowers wrap around the giant Christmas tree. Walking along the pathways becomes a moving experience with circular patterns glowing on the floor and fringes of lights dangling from awnings. Vibrant-hued flora and fauna displays and canopies with colorful orbs are scattered throughout the Eastwood Mall Open Park.

Santa’s Tram will be coming on Dec. 7, 14, and 21. This train traverses around Eastwood City with Santa and his friends aboard.

On Dec. 16 and 24, families and friends can marvel at the Holiday Sparkle, a resplendent fireworks display.

Rubik’s Cube Mosaic at Lucky Chinatown

Lucky Chinatown welcomes the holiday season with a nostalgic celebration of classic game for the kids and kids at heart.

Kids can meet up with Pao-Pao, the Christmas panda mascot. The display of a giant Game Boy and zodiac sign installations made with Rubik’s Cube Pixel Art bring out the child in every visitor.

Most colorful holiday at Forbes Town

Forbes Town has made walking more memorable by dramatizing Forbes Town Road with legions of glistening mistletoes and topiaries and handpainted trees. Swathed with lights, the dome at Burgos Circle adds to the holiday sparkle. The main attractions around Forbes Town are the restaurants offering a wide range of international cuisines, including vegan.

Holiday Carnival at Arcovia City

Arcovia City completes the Pinoy Christmas spirit with the reopening of Fun in the City theme park. Kids can enjoy such classic rides as the trains, the Octopus, mini Ferris wheels and roller coasters, airplanes, dinosaurs, elephants and swinging Viking boats. Fun in the City is open from 3 p.m. to 12 midnight daily.

Ilonggo-inspired Christmas attractions at Festive Walk Iloilo

Taking inspiration from the word Kasanag, which means brightness and sun in Hiligaynon, Iloilo’s bustling business district and lifestyle destination is all set to wow visitors with its dazzling Christmas lights displays, lighted installations and attractions that can be found across the 72-hectare township’s main thoroughfares, buildings and landmarks.

More holiday attractions in Quezon City and the South

Residents of Green Meadows, Quezon City, appreciate the intimacy of The Clubhouse on Temple Drive. The festive spirit is channeled through the giant Christmas tree, festooned with classic décor such as poinsettias, glittery flowers, and mini native lanterns.

Beyond the metallic décor theme along the walkway and outdoor spaces, Alabang West Parade beckons with the weekend Christmas bazaar and the Simbang Gabi.

Plantitas and plantitos will appreciate The Greenhouse at Village Square Alabang, the country’s first plant haven-cum-mall. It won the Brand Transformation Award at the 17th Retail Asia Awards and the Silver Stevie of Innovation in Brand Renovation at the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards. Naturally, the Christmas décor channels a garden with glistening flowers and butterflies dotting the retail space.

A giant Christmas tree heightens the grandeur and vista of Twin Lakes, the hillside community on Laurel, Batangas, that sits 459 meters above sea level. Dine under the trellises on the vineyard behind Twin Lakes hotel or enjoy the Twin Lakes mall restaurants that overlook striking views of wandering fields and grassy knolls and facets of Taal Lake.