Okay, we admit it: the Ayala Triangle Festival of Lights is lit this year. Hitting us right in the childhood by partnering with Disney for this year’s theme “Reimagine the Magic”, the light and sound show features a nostalgic mix of hits and classics including Frozen’s “Love is An Open Door” and Pinocchio’s “When You Wish Upon A Star”. The medley was arranged by no other than Hong Kong Disneyland’s musical director Rony Fortich.
But for those looking to brighten up their Instagram feeds with something a little different from tradition, here are five other Christmas light parks to take your folks, friends, and cameras with.
1. The Christmas Musical Street Light Tunnel – Tiendesitas
Photo from Facebook/Tiendesitas
Imagine the height of three Eiffel towers, but laid down flat. That’s how long this 1.4-kilometer light-covered tunnel runs. Debuting just last year, the Tiendesitas Christmas tunnel is back to bring holiday cheer with 2368 pixels of red, green, and blue lights jamming to your favourite Christmas tunes. Long walks truly have never been this spectacular.
The musical light tunnel runs from 6-10pm daily at 30-minute intervals, open until January 7 next year.
Pro Tip: if a couple of thousand light bulbs aren’t bright enough for you, catch the weekly fireworks display that Tiendesitas throws every Saturday, starting at 6pm.
2. Prism of Lights – SM Aura
Photo from Facebook/SM Aura Premiere
Living up to its name, SM Aura evokes the mood and atmosphere that everybody longs for on Christmas through their latest installation. The Prism of Lights is an interactive light show designed to be an “interpretation of the beauty and wonder of the pristine night sky”. This piece of art aims to capture the different colours of the skies as reflected by nature—shades of green for the forests, and spectrums of blue for the sea.
Note that the viewing area can accommodate only a handful of persons per two-minute viewing time. However, the entrance is free, so queuing up for the exhibit will be worth the priceless experience.
Visit the display at the UG/F Atrium of SM Aura Premier, Bonifacio Global City until January 7, 2019.
3. The Christmas House – Cainta
Photo by Job Samuel Rosario
Finally, a Christmas lights display that’s not in a mall! The well-known Christmas House is decorated in every corner making it instantly Instagrammable at every angle.
But what makes this Christmas House loved by many is not just the fact that it has half a million LED lights, or that it used to accommodate over 1000 people given the fact that it’s not a mall; owner Alexander Cruz’ reason for opening his home for public viewing free of charge stems from him growing up and only being able to marvel at big houses with extravagant lights from outside closed gates. In an interview, Cruz said that he has been doing this since 2010 to share the spirit of Christmas to his visitors.
The Christmas House is at Filinvest Homes East, Marikina-Infanta Highway, Cainta, Rizal daily at 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. during Sundays)
Visits are scheduled through 0915-607-7016 at least two days in advance.
4. Sweet Illusions Chambers – Capital Commons
Photo by Mark Demayo
First inspired by famous artist Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms, Capital Commons’ Vast Imaginarium sheds a different light on Christmas this year as it features its artistic interpretation of the sweet life. The exhibit is composed of four secret chamber rooms: Candy Blast or the Shadow Light Room, Special Dark or the Dark Light Room, Sugar Rush or the Laser Room, and Tutti Frutti or the Rainbow Prism Room.
The four rooms are strategically located around the mall and the park for unsuspecting shoppers and Christmas attraction hunters alike.
Delve into the sweet illusion at Estancia Mall, Meralco Avenue, Capitol Commons, Ortigas, Pasig City daily until January 7, 2018.
5. Enchanted Forest of Lights – Eastwood
Photo from Facebook/Eastwood City
Eastwood City’s take on the Christmas light installation is not confined to a gallery or limited within an area. The Enchanting Forest of Lights is scattered around the vicinity, from the Central Park to the City Walk, featuring large figures of animals and even larger Christmas trees that total over 1.3 million LED bulbs. Kids can take pictures with gigantic penguins, octopuses, and seashells.
Aside from mimicking nature, Eastwood also features the concrete jungle with world-famous skyscrapers like the Petronas Towers, Taipei 101, Empire State, and Eiffel Tower.
Visit the place during mall hours until January 13, 2019.
As the quote goes, love is light in whatever house it is shining. These artistic and out-of-the-ordinary spectacles are especially made to shine light to love as the true meaning of Christmas.
