Little more magic, a little more collectible

Christmas celebrations at Festival Mall took on a playful twist as the shopping destination officially welcomed the holiday season with its annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on 6 November, bringing together familiar designer toy characters, holiday performances and gift-giving for children.

This year’s celebration, themed around the magic of Christmas, was held in collaboration with Pop Mart, the global designer toy brand known for its collectible characters. Its recognizable figures became part of the mall’s Christmas decorations, adorning the tree and giving the traditional holiday centerpiece a more contemporary look.

The collaboration brought together two familiar parts of the holiday experience: the excitement surrounding Christmas decorations and the growing popularity of collectible designer toys. For younger guests, seeing these characters incorporated into the festivities added another reason to look forward to the evening.

However, the highlight of the celebration was not limited to the tree itself. Before the ceremonial illumination, children were treated to a short Christmas play that introduced the evening’s festivities and built anticipation for the countdown.

As the tree lit up, the mall became the setting for an evening of holiday activities, with children eagerly waiting for another special guest. Santa Claus eventually made an appearance, handing out gifts and adding to the excitement of the young attendees. The presents, which included Pop Mart toys, made the occasion more memorable for the children, whose reactions reflected the simple excitement of receiving a Christmas surprise.

The gift-giving was also connected to Festival Mall’s Season of Sharing initiative, which places community involvement alongside its annual holiday celebrations.

Now in its fourth year, the initiative extends the festivities beyond the mall’s decorations and entertainment. In partnership with the Muntinlupa City government and its Social Services Department, the program provides children with opportunities to enjoy activities such as arcade games and amusement rides, as well as meals and gifts. These include toys, clothing, shoes, school supplies and other essentials.

The initiative reflects another side of the Christmas season, one that goes beyond shopping, gift exchanges and the preparations that often accompany the holidays. For children who may not always have access to such experiences, a day of activities and receiving presents can make the season a little more special.

Festival Mall general manager Yvette Dizon emphasized the importance of keeping this sense of wonder alive, particularly among children. Through the annual celebration, she hopes to convey the joy of Christmas and the value of creating experiences that families can remember.

The approach also gives the annual tree lighting a purpose beyond marking the beginning of the mall’s holiday season. While the decorations and themed attractions draw visitors, the activities for children and the Season of Sharing program place greater attention on the people who make the celebration meaningful.

With Christmas often becoming a busy period filled with shopping lists, reunions and preparations, the evening offered a reminder of what makes the season exciting for younger generations. Sometimes, it is not about receiving the biggest present or seeing the grandest display, but having the chance to enjoy a Christmas play, watch a tree light up and receive a gift from Santa.