Quezon City — Araneta City officially ushered in the holiday season on November 6 with the lighting of its iconic giant Christmas tree, marking the beginning of this year’s festivities under the theme “Christmas Glows in the City: Built by memories, lit by hope.”
The towering tree, positioned between the Smart Araneta Coliseum and the Fiesta Carnival, glowed in festive red and gold. It featured 3,000 pine garlands, 8,000 lights, and hundreds of ornaments that highlighted the traditional grandeur of the much-awaited annual event.
The ceremony drew a roster of celebrities and performers, including Vice Ganda, Joshua Garcia, Pinoy Big Brother Collab Edition winners Mika Salamanca and Brent Manalo, along with Bianca De Vera, Klarisse de Guzman, P-pop group BGYO, and Tawag ng Tanghalan alumni Ian Manibale, Miah, and Bryan Chong. Alexa Ilacad and Jeremy G hosted the event.
Local officials from Quezon City and Barangay Socorro joined executives of the Araneta Group and reigning Binibining Pilipinas queens in witnessing the lighting ceremony, which drew a large crowd despite the weekday schedule.
During the program, Araneta City also launched its “Dashing Through the Glow” holiday raffle promo. For every ₱1,500 single-receipt purchase within any Araneta City establishment, shoppers received a raffle entry for a chance to win a Jetour T2 Lightning 2025 Plug-in Hybrid SUV. The promo began on November 7 and will run until February 1, 2026.
Araneta City’s giant Christmas tree has long been a holiday landmark. First installed near the Big Dome in 1981, the tree has been relocated several times within the property before returning to its original area in 2024.
Reflecting on the event, Araneta City Vice President for Marketing Marjorie Go said the Christmas celebration served as a reminder of hope amid a challenging year. She encouraged families to visit the property and experience the “familiar warmth and uplifting wonder of the holidays.”
Aside from the tree lighting, Araneta City prepared a lineup of attractions, including the Parolan Bazaar near Farmers Garden, weekend fireworks shows, Christmas caroling performances, and a Santa Claus parade across its malls.
More Christmas trees and displays in Araneta City’s office towers and shopping centers were also lighted including the beloved giant belén at Farmers Plaza yesterday, November 14
