Araneta City glows with holiday cheer as iconic giant Christmas tree lights up the season
Araneta City officially welcomes the holiday season with the lighting of its iconic giant Christmas tree, a beloved tradition that continues to captivate visitors year after year.
On November 6, the City of Firsts lit its iconic giant Christmas tree in a star-studded ceremony to kick off its 2025 celebration, "CHRISTMAS GLOWS IN THE CITY: Built by memories, lit by hope". This year's tree dazzles in festive red and gold, adorned with 3,000 pine garlands, 8,000 bright lights, and colorful ornaments. Standing proudly between the Smart Araneta Coliseum and Fiesta Carnival, it remains the heart and soul of the season.
The much-anticipated event featured performances and appearances by some of today's biggest stars: Vice Ganda; Joshua Garcia; Pinoy Big Brother Collab Edition big winner duo Mika Salamanca and Brent Manalo, with Bianca De Vera and Klarisse de Guzman; P-pop group BGYO; and Tawag ng Tanghalan alumni Ian Manibale, Miah, and Bryan Chong. Quezon City and Barangay Socorro officials, Araneta Group executives, select residents and tenants, and the reigning Binibining Pilipinas queens also graced the festivities. The event was hosted by Alexa Ilacad and Jeremy G.
First constructed and lit near the Big Dome entrance in 1981, Araneta City's giant Christmas tree has become a cherished symbol of Yuletide celebrations. The tree has been relocated in various locations within Araneta City through the years, and has been returned to its original location in 2024.
"This year has brought its share of challenges, but the spirit of Christmas reminds us that hope always shines through. At Araneta City, we want to offer a place where people can reconnect with joyful memories and look forward to brighter days ahead. We invite everyone to visit the City of Firsts and celebrate the familiar warmth and uplifting wonder of the holidays," said Marjorie Go, Vice President for Marketing of Araneta City.
The season glows even brighter with other beloved festivities and attractions across Araneta City. The annual Parolan bazaar, which opened in October near Farmers Garden, offers a one-stop shop for Christmas lights, décor, and ornaments. Christmas trees in Araneta City's malls and office towers will be lit immediately after the Giant Tree Lighting event, while the giant Belen beside Farmers Plaza will be illuminated on November 14. Other exciting activities such as the weekend fireworks displays, chorale performances, and the colorful Santa Claus and friends mall parade will roll out from November through December.
The holiday celebration is made merrier in the City of Firsts with major sales such as the 11.11 Sale, Black Friday Sale, and Cyber Monday Sale, all offering great deals in time for Christmas shopping. And with over 350 food outlets across Araneta City, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of dining options to suit every festive craving.
