Gen Xers and late millennials may remember watching in their youth the Christmas display at the Manila COD department store in Cubao in Quezon City. It featured mechanical figurines that made synchronized movements to create a Yuletide scenario, set on the retail establishment’s glittery façade.

The COD Christmas display was the biggest holiday attraction for the whole family since its launch in 1966 until the late 1980s, when the shopping mall concept caught on in the country. It eventually lost its appeal along with the department store’s closure in 2002 and the rapid advancement in digital technology.

Today, there are more choices for all generations to enjoy the merriment of the season with family members and friends. The mall is a popular choice for its accessibility and the convenience it offers. Mallgoers can check out the holiday set-up and have their photos taken there with the Christmas tree in the background. Big malls even provide a sitting area, which is especially used for the scheduled photo ops with Santa Claus.

For many Filipinos, going to open spaces, such as a park, is a better option to enjoy the cooler December weather. It could be the spruced up village park or the premises around a city hall, where a night market is usually set up.

Meralco Liwanag Park

Around Metro Manila, there are several public parks that are especially put up for the holiday season. The Intramuros Administration, for one, has partnered with Meralco and One Meralco Foundation to illuminate the historic Walled City in Manila. Thus, the birth of the Meralco Liwanag Park in Intramuros, located at Plaza Roma, in front of The Manila Cathedral.

It is actually a replica of the existing Meralco Liwanag Park found in the electric power distribution company’s headquarters on Meralco Avenue in Pasig City. In both parks, there are pathways lined with solar lamps and lit parol leading to the giant Christmas tree made of electric meter covers. There’s also Meralco’s iconic tranvia, a relic from the old streetcar system.

Admission is free in both parks, open daily, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. The Pasig location will be open until Dec. 31 and the one in Intramuros closes after Jan. 6, 2025.

Ayala Triangle Gardens

In Makati, there’s the Ayala Triangle Gardens that enlivens the corner of Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas, especially at Christmastime. It hosts nightly musical performances at 6 p.m. and then Simbang Gabi masses until Dec. 23.

Filinvest City Central Park

Further down south, similar activities are held at Filinvest City Central Park in Alabang district, Muntinlupa. The park also offers bike rentals for those who would like to explore the property.

Mayflower Street

Meanwhile, in Mandaluyong, the Christmas display at Greenfield District’s open space situated on Mayflower Street makes passers-by feel the holiday spirit even more. Some simply have their photos taken there, while others sit on the benches to enjoy the food bought from nearby establishments. Tables are only set up during the weekend market.

Policarpio Street

There’s another festive venue in this city, and it’s found in a residential area on Policarpio Street in Barangay New Zaniga. It became famous a few years ago for the row of houses with elaborately designed Christmas lights. The residents have since set up a night market, where clothes and other goods are sold along with bibingka, puto bumbong and milk tea. Do take note, though, that visitors need to enter the gate to reach the glittery street. INQ