Where Christmas tradition meets imagination in Makati

The holidays in Makati officially began on Thursday, 13 November, with the lighting of Ayala Avenue’s iconic parols and festive displays, ushering in the city’s most anticipated event of the season — Makati In Color: Where Christmas Tradition Meets Imagination, presented by Ayala Land, Inc. and Make It Makati.

This year’s design theme draws inspiration from the sarimanok, symbolizing prosperity, and the anahaw, a representation of resilience. These two Filipino icons were reimagined in bright lights and intricate patterns that now adorn Ayala Avenue, Makati Avenue, Paseo de Roxas, and Ayala Triangle Gardens.

The ceremony began with a warm welcome from Ayala Land President and CEO Anna Ma. Margarita “Meean” B. Dy, followed by Makati City Mayor Nancy Binay, who emphasized how the lighting event has evolved into a cherished citywide tradition and the heart of Makati’s Christmas celebrations.

As the lights illuminated the streets, a live band played familiar Christmas tunes, signaling the start of the evening’s performances. The Choral Society of Makati serenaded audiences with classic Filipino carols, their angelic harmonies filling the open plaza. Mari Dance PH followed with a vibrant performance that blended ballet, contemporary, jazz, and ballroom, with each movement and set telling stories of community, love, and family.

The night culminated in powerful performances from Cris Villonco, Shiela Valderrama, and Arman Ferrer. Together, they brought world-class artistry to the stage, performing timeless Christmas songs such as Silent Night and Santa’s Coming to Town, evoking memories of joy and togetherness.

After the ceremony, crowds flocked to Ayala Triangle Gardens to admire the glowing lanterns and twinkling parols that now line the city. Families, couples, and friends took photos, laughed, and celebrated the start of the holiday season. The annual lighting has become more than just a spectacle of lights, but a rite of passage marking the arrival of Christmas in the city.

For many, including those who have grown up witnessing this event, the Ayala Avenue lighting ceremony is deeply nostalgic — a tradition that evolves with time yet always brings the same warmth. From childhood wonder to adult reflection, it reminds everyone to pause, appreciate beauty, and find joy in the simplest moments.

Makati In Color: Where Christmas Tradition Meets Imagination runs throughout the holiday season, featuring weekly live performances at Ayala Triangle Gardens by talented Filipino buskers and artists. Visitors can expect evenings filled with light, music, and the enduring spirit of a Filipino Christmas: creative, sentimental, and full of heart.