If you’re staying in Manila this Christmas and skipping out-of-town plans, these hotels and malls offer easy ways to feel the season without fighting traffic or overplanning.
Not everyone is heading to the province for the holidays. Some are staying in the city, others are working through December, and many just want something festive to do without committing to a full trip. With Manila traffic in mind, it helps to have places where you can kill time, wait out rush hour, or turn a slow evening into something that feels like Christmas.
Across Metro Manila, these hotels and malls have Christmas setups and activities that work for quick visits, after-work plans, or casual meet-ups.
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The Westin Manila
The Westin Manila keeps its Christmas setup clean and low-key, with a 20-foot Christmas tree made from natural materials at the lobby (in keeping with the hotel’s commitment to sustainability). The space feels quiet enough to sit in for a while. Throughout the season, the hotel offers holiday activities such as kids’ workshops, afternoon tea at the Lobby Lounge, and festive dining options. It’s a good option if you’re stuck in Ortigas traffic and want to wait it out before heading home. The holiday sale in surrounding malls can be a stressor in your travel time, yes we totally get you.
Ayala Malls Manila Bay
Ayala Malls Manila Bay turns its outdoor garden into a large Christmas lights area, with LED shows running several nights a week. There are also pop-up markets and weekend performances, so it’s easy to stretch a simple mall visit into a full night out. With plenty of open space, this works well if traffic in the south is heavy and you’d rather stay put than sit in your car.
The Peninsula Manila
The Peninsula Manila feels especially festive this time of year, starting with its grand Christmas tree at the lobby. It’s a nice place to drop by, take photos, and soak in the holiday mood.
Throughout December, the hotel offers holiday buffet spreads, special menus, and gourmet takeout if you want to celebrate without cooking at home. There’s also a New Year’s Eve Gala Ball with food, live music, and dancing, plus the option to stay overnight and start the new year with a luxurious breakfast.
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Discovery Primea
Discovery Primea’s holiday offerings focus on keeping celebrations simple and indoors. You can book staycation packages, order in-room holiday meals, or pick up take-home dishes like roast turkey, ham, or lechon belly for at-home celebrations.
The hotel’s dining spots also offer seasonal menus, with special holiday dinners at Tapenade and premium set menus at Flame, plus a New Year’s Eve option at Flame Al Fresco with city views. Gilarmi Bakery adds holiday cakes and pastries, while the bar runs a month-long hot chocolate setup and a 12 Cocktails of Christmas series. For those who want to slow down after the rush also Terazi Spa offers holiday wellness treatments.
Solaire Resort North
Solaire Resort North’s Atrium Lobby is dressed up for the season with its Christmas tree and holiday decor, making it an easy place to walk through or make the rush hour pass. On weekends which started last mid-November, live choir performances add to the atmosphere and give visitors something to stay for. It’s a nice stop if traffic around EDSA, Mindanao Avenue, or North Avenue is moving slowly, or if you’re meeting family coming from different parts of QC.
Mitsukoshi BGC
If you’ve ever been curious about how Christmas feels in Japan, Mitsukoshi BGC makes it easy to get a taste of it without booking a flight. The mall is dressed up for the season with festive decor, a holiday-themed kokeshi doll out front, and Doraemon touches around the Christmas tree that kids and longtime fans will enjoy. There’s a lot you can do in one visit. You can walk around, catch a few performances on select days, eat your way through Japanese comfort food, and pick up thoughtful gifts, complete with Japanese-style wrapping. It’s an easy stop if you’re already in BGC or just killing time before heading home.Read our full guide here
Not everyone is taking a Christmas break. A lot of people are still working, commuting, or squeezing things in between traffic. These festive spots offer simple ways to enjoy the holidays, even if you’re not on leave and only have time to walk around or wait out the rush.
