Radisson Blu’s blue Christmas tree

Radisson Cebu Blu Hotel officially welcomed the merriest season through the annual lighting of the 32-foot traditional blue Christmas tree — one of the tallest in the city — at its massive lobby lounge.

On hand for the honors were Cebu City Vice Mayor Raymond Garcia, SM Hotels and Convention Centers president Elizabeth Sy, Radisson Hotels Group South East Asia Pacific senior director of operations Deborah Haines and general manager Marko Janssen.

Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu likewise installed a dazzling façade of a village complete with canopy lights at its porte chochere, symbolizing the season's message of fostering community and family togetherness.

This year, the property's creative team explored German Christmas traditions in a Cebuano setting. Several stalls offered holiday goodies, such as delectable Zimtsterne star cookies, candies, fruity and nutty stollen, and other treats that feature festive flavors like peppermint, chocolate, gingerbread and seasonal spices.

The highlight of the celebration was the much-anticipated concert that brought together world-renowned classical artists soprano and baritone couple, Rachelle Gerodias and Byeong-In Park.

The roster included musicians, such as Jose Gullas Visayas Chorale and Cebu's very own and highly awarded Cebu Philharmonic Orchestra.

To cap off the ongoing event, the Radisson Blu Cebu Hotel, in keeping with a tradition that has withstood time, unveiled a life-sized advent calendar on display. Each day until Christmas Eve, a family from the SOS Children's Village, a child-based beneficiary, is declared the winner. They will receive prized items based on their wish lists. A buffet lunch awaits them at the famed Feria Restaurant.