Christmas in Makati: Lights, street markets, performances
We now cater to a multigenerational audience,” said Ayala Land Estates executive Chrissy Roa as a way to explain the changes in this year’s Christmas activities for Makati City. The unveiling of the spectacular display of Christmas lights, from the Makati Central Business District (MCBD) to Circuit Makati, will happen tonight.
The holiday celebration will start early in the city, and will no longer be concentrated in just one area. It will be extended to some of the public gardens, particularly the Jaime Velasquez (Salcedo) Park and Legazpi Park, said Roa, who is Ayala Land Estates and corporate brand marketing head.
Returning this year is the New Year’s Eve countdown party on Ayala Avenue. Meanwhile, the Ayala Triangle Gardens will present “a multisensory corridor designed to awaken the senses,” added Roa. Aside from the sparkle of lights seen yearly at the gardens, it will also feature “elements that stimulate sight, scent and sound,” creating a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
During a media gathering Oct. 30, Roa explained that Makati’s Christmas activities will be divided into four components. The celebration, which used to be concentrated in the area of Tower One and Exchange Plaza on Ayala Avenue, will be extended to the parks within the MCBD, on South Avenue and all the way to Ayala Malls Circuit.
The second component is a program of varied performances every week at the Ayala Triangle Gardens.
The street markets on Paseo de Roxas will start early, too. This will kick off with “A Spectrum Holiday” on Nov. 9 to Nov. 10, featuring an eclectic mix of merchants offering food, fashion, cosmetics, pet essentials and more, catering to every taste and preference.
Additionally, Makati City will host a multicultural Christmas experience in collaboration with the embassies, showcasing unique traditions and flavors from around the globe.
The French Beaujolais event on Nov. 16 to Nov. 17, in partnership with the French Embassy, will allow guests to sample wines produced in the Beaujolais region of southeastern France, complemented by culinary offerings that celebrate French gastronomy.
From Dec. 7 to Dec. 8, Makati will feature “Sleigh the Streets,” an event organized in partnership with the cycling community.
The much-awaited French Christmas Market will be on Dec. 14 to Dec. 15 and Dec. 21 to Dec. 22. Following last year’s success, Makati will once again partner with the French Embassy to offer a taste of traditional French delicacies, gifts and experiences.
New Year countdown
Lastly, the countdown party will return this year with more stars. “We want to surprise you,” Roa said. “This is part of how we evolve and embrace change, by catering not just to the same market, but to a multigenerational audience that is interested in culture and arts and various forms of entertainment. So we said, why not use this iconic destination as the venue to be able to introduce changes?”
Roa said it was only natural that they faced the biggest challenges while organizing Makati’s Christmas festivities, but she is confident that all will be well.
Misha Quimpo, Ayala Land project development manager, added: “The holidays are all about our families, our friends and our communities coming together. Ayala Land builds communities and enriches lives, and this is basically why we put so much effort, love and heart into what we do every November and December. It’s really that one time of the year wherein we all want to come together and celebrate things that happened the past year and what would be coming in 2025.”
The New Year’s Eve celebration will feature the biggest Filipino talents of 2024. The night will kick off with a DJ setting the vibe with popular dance hits, followed by performances from artists who headlined the most-attended and talked about concerts this year.
The main event will be the grand countdown on Dec. 31 as Makati welcomes 2025 with a massive fireworks display. This will continue with an afterparty, filling the celebratory air with joy and a lot of dancing.
