Shangri-La Plaza’s annual Grand Tree Lighting ceremony kicked off the festivities with a poignant musical narrative and the largest suspended Christmas tree in the Philippines.
Shangri-La Plaza officially ushered in the holiday season with its annual Grand Tree Lighting on November 15 at its Grand Atrium. Yet rather than brightening the holidays with the simple flick of a switch, the mall made the occasion extra special through A Symphony of Sparkle: a compelling, poignant musical narrative that highlighted the Filipino Christmas spirit through Songs & Splendor, Gatherings, Giving, and child-like Wonder.
READ ALSO: Holiday Hangouts: Celebrating The Spirit Of Togetherness At Shangri-La Plaza’s ‘Streetscape’
A Symphony Of Sparkle Brings Christmas To Life
Under the musical direction of Farley Asuncion and musical arrangement by Rory Fortich, the show blended live orchestral music, dance, narration, and multimedia for a fully immersive performance.
Audiences were treated to the enchanting artistry of the Philippine Madrigal Singers, the Manila String Machine, powerhouse vocalists Johann Enriquez and Sheena Lee Palad, and dynamic performances from Speed Dancers and Ballet Manila—all of whom captured the sense of togetherness that annual traditions like caroling and Simbang Gabi give to Filipinos everywhere.
Adding to the festive momentum, Gucci hosted an exclusive event on the same day, offering guests an early look at its Cruise 2026 Collection alongside cocktails specially created by Michelin-selected restaurant Juniper by Josh Boutwood.
More Brightness And Music To Come
This year, Shangri-La Plaza’s holiday décor story brings crystal brilliance to life, combining timeless ornaments with elements that seem to float in midair. Highlighting the display is a grand Christmas tree installation that hangs suspended at the center of it all—the only floating tree in the Philippines of its scale—set against vivid gold and green hues that evoke warmth, nostalgia, and luxury. The result is a multi-sensory experience filled with sparkle and wonder at every turn.
And in the usual Shangri-La Plaza fashion, the joy and fun doesn’t stop at the Christmas tree lighting ceremony, but continues all season long. The exciting Wishes & Wheels: Holiday Raffle Promo runs starting November 15, giving shoppers a chance to win 1 of 2 Hybrid Lexus LBX vehicles with every single receipt worth ₱2,500 and up.
A series of Christmas performances also promise to lift spirits this December with Christmas Ensembles: Weekend Showcases of Motion and Melody, featuring:
- OB Montessori Greenhills – December 12
- Ateneo Boys Choir – December 13
- Studio Dance by Lina – December 14
- St. Theresa’s College QC – December 20
- Mandaluyong Children’s Choir – December 21
For the cinephiles and families out there, make it a movie month to remember with the Metro Manila Film Festival, which brings the best Filipino films to the Red Carpet Cinema starting December 25.
Then on December 26, the Boxing Day Sale offers one more chance to shop for gifts—or grab what you missed—at irresistible post-holiday prices.
Finally, Shangri-La Plaza concludes the festivities with a bang through the Encore of Lights fireworks display on December 30 at 8 PM at the Streetscape: an illuminating send-off to 2025 and a sparkling welcome to the 2026 ahead. At Shangri-La Plaza, the traditions that define Christmas continue to shine, each year bringing in celebrations that are brighter, grander, and more magical than ever.
For updates and inquiries, follow Shangri-La Plaza on Facebook at www.facebook.com/shangrilaplazaofficial and on Instagram @shangrilaplazaofficial.
Photos courtesy of Shangri-La Plaza.
