Araneta Center lights giant Christmas tree

Filipinos absolutely revel in the holidays because of well-observed traditions such as the Simbang Gabi, Christmas caroling and the Noche Buena.

 Another well-loved tradition is the lighting of the giant Christmas tree at the Araneta Center, which signals the start of the holidays in Quezon City.

Since 1981, Araneta Center’s giant Christmas tree has been serving as the metropolis’ most popular Christmas icon, as inspired by the giant Christmas tree in the Rockefeller Center in New York. This year’s giant Christmas tree stands almost 100 feet, and has more than 10,000 lights and hundreds of stars and balls. Colorful giant ribbons and gift boxes serve as accents.

According to Cecile Marvilla, marketing head of the Araneta Group, the giant Christmas tree lighting is an annual tradition and a treat for loyal patrons, being the most unforgettable holiday event every year.

“We take pride in producing the biggest Christmas event every year that everyone wouldn’t want to miss. Everyone has fond memories of the Araneta Center giant Christmas tree, and it’s a great tradition that we want to continue year after year as it gets better,” she said.

Marvilla adds that their team combines all their efforts to produce a great show to complement the star appeal of the giant Christmas tree. “We just to want produce a Christmas spectacular like no other for our shoppers.”

The giant Christmas tree was lit Friday night amidst an enthralled crowd, gasping in awe at the marvelous sight.

This year, the Araneta Group together with brand partners Biogesic and Coca-Cola teamed up for yet another unforgettable Christmas extravaganza, working together with the local government of Quezon City, led by Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr.

The hottest stars from ABS-CBN highlighted the event with a star-studded show topbilled by Gary Valenciano, Kim Chiu, Gerald Anderson, Rachel Ann Go, Erik Santos, Nikki Gil, Jake Cuenca, along with the cast of the funniest sitcom this season, Betty La Fea, and more.

The giant Christmas tree lighting also became the venue for the launch of exciting Christmas promos such as Coca-Cola’s Christmas Smile Glasses and Araneta Center’s Home Free Home promo, where one can get a chance to win a unit at the Manhattan Garden City with a P500 purchase at any Araneta Center establishment.

As the night ended, families went on to shop around at the Araneta Center, ready to discover great Christmas finds and different treats and delicacies in true Filipino tradition.

For more of shopping, dining and fun like no other for the holidays, visit www.aranetacenter.net.