When leading shopping mall SM made the promise that “they’ve got it all” for its customers, it appears that it included festive—magical, even—holiday celebrations. Here are four of its malls unveiling to the public their spectacular Christmas trees and interactive exhibits.
From London to Santa’s Crystal Castle
SM Megamall’s 40-feet spectacle of a Christmas tree captures London’s vitality with its string of gems, crystals, snowflakes, and metal ornaments—including red telephone booths and toy soldiers.
In addition to London streetlights-inspired tree, the centerpiece features an interactive Crystal Room that has over a thousand fairy lights where shoppers can experience and capture moments. The interactive room is mounted in partnership with Canon Philippines.
“This year, to light up our Yuletide celebration, we will bring Santa’s Crystal Castle here at SM Megamall. The 40-feet Christmas centerpiece and exciting events will give our shoppers a one-of-a-kind English Christmas experience,” said Christian Mathay, assistant vice president of operations for Premier 2 Malls.
To make the celebration more special for young shoppers, Thomas and Friends will perform Holiday dance numbers at the Event Center of Mega A from Dec. 2 to 12. In partnership with McDonald’s, lucky shoppers will get a chance to win one out of three Thomas-themed birthday parties and more.
A Lego Christmas event is happening on Dec. 16-25, during which Lego fans can enjoy a meet and greet with Lego characters, a free play area, a family Lego building competition, and the Lego Christmas tree display.
Super-size celebrations
The Mall of Asia lives up to its name, even in its holiday décor and celebrations. The mall recently unveiled to the public its 60-feet Christmas tree with the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra providing a sumptuous live musical performance.
SM MoA also showcases its first indoor music and lights show delivering a medley of holiday music and lights, which guests can enjoy until Dec. 31, starting at 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekdays and from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on weekends.
The music and lights show extends outside with drone lights up the sky at SM By the Bay, and dazzling decorations sprawled all over the Christmas Forest of Lights Show at the Central Park.
Santa and his magical friends will be at the mall every Saturdays and Sundays, and the much-awaited Grand Festival of Lights Parade featuring the MoA Royal Marching Band is happening at 5:30 p.m. on Saturdays, from Nov. 30 until Dec. 25.
Shoppers can also spread the love with SM Bears of Joy. For P200, they will get two bears, one for them and one to share with a kid from Bahay Tuluyan.
Take a flight to the lights
The Yuletide season at SM Aura is marked by a Chinoiserie-inspired display and two interactive art and light exhibits guests may enjoy until January next year.
A sight to behold, the mall’s 33-feet Christmas tree is adorned with golden eventails, opulent feathers, and a resplendent phoenix. SM Aura officially unveiled the tree with a circus performance featuring international and local acrobats, jugglers, and aerialists.
With the phoenix as its inspiration, the two interactive displays, mounted in partnership with Huawei Mobile Philippines, is dubbed “Flight of Lights.”
The first display, located by the Christmas tree, is a golden bird cage into which the public can enter. As participants form their hands into a particular shape, a phoenix will emerge and take flight. Meanwhile, on the fifth floor are swing sets which glow in vivid colors. Surrounding the swing sets are moving lights that mimic fireflies. Both displays are open to all for free until Jan. 7, 2020.
SM Aura treats customers to a harp exhibit by HarpRoom on Nov. 22-24 at the main entrance. Guests can enjoy chorale performances on Dec. 1-8, Letters to Santa workshops on Dec. 6-7, and Santa’s Meet and Greet on Dec. 24-25.
Snow in the North
It is a little frozen over at SM North Edsa what with its 45-feet Snowflake Christmas tree standing at the center of a winter wonderland.
“This year, we bring the magic of ice and snow to life through a fun-filled Christmas experience, the Magical Holiday at SM City North Edsa, to light up the holiday season of our shoppers,” said SM Supermalls chief operating officer Steven Tan.
Gracing the launch was Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach. Magical performances by singer Marynor Madamesila and Ballet Manila complemented the unveiling.
Some of the highlights of the celebration are activities celebrating the upcoming release of Disney’s Frozen 2. Kids and families can meet and greet Elsa and Anna on Nov. 29, 30, and Dec. 1 at The Block Atrium. Frozen 2 merchandise will also be available at The Block Atrium.
Shoppers can look forward to a magical ballet featuring Ballet Manila on Dec. 14 and 21 at The Block. Other activities include a Magical Science Show on Dec. 14, Santa Meet and Greet on Dec. 8, 15, 22 to 25, and Christmas Carols by National University Chorale on Dec. 15, all at The Block.
Lighting up the celebration is a firework show on Nov. 8, Dec. 14, 21, and 28, and Skygarden Live: Christmas Series concert on Dec. 6, 13, 20, and 27 at the Skygarden.