Shop, dine, and unwind at these holiday hangouts

This holiday season, explore the best places in Manila to shop, dine, and enjoy festive fun


It’s that time of the year again when Manila’s most beloved spots come alive with holiday cheer. Across the city, developers have created spaces designed for people to gather, unwind, and enjoy the season together. Whether you're looking for stylish shopping, a relaxing meal, or a festive stroll, these destinations offer the perfect setting for the holidays.

Each location has its own charm—from Greenbelt’s garden park in the heart of Makati to Bridgetowne’s fresh, open spaces in Quezon City. With vibrant shopping, diverse dining options, and relaxed areas to enjoy, these spots make Manila an ideal place to spend the season.

• Bonifacio High Street by Ayala Land

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Bonifacio High Street (Photo courtesy from Bonifacio High Street/Facebook page)

Bonifacio High Street is a must-visit holiday destination, featuring a 1-kilometer stretch of shopping, dining, and entertainment. As the first to introduce the main street concept in the country, it combines high-end retail with unique dining in a walkable, open-air setting. Located in Bonifacio Global City, it’s the perfect place to enjoy holiday events, live performances, and festive displays while exploring a variety of shops and restaurants.

• Eastwood Mall by Megaworld

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Eastwood Mall (Photo courtesy from Megaworld Lifestyle Malls/Website)

If you're seeking the perfect mix of shopping, dining, and nightlife this holiday season, Eastwood Mall is the place to be. Awarded "Best Shopping Center of the Year," it offers everything from chef-driven restaurants with al fresco dining to cutting-edge cinemas. The magic happens at Eastwood Citywalk, where a Hollywood-inspired atmosphere comes alive with vibrant nightlife, glamorous clubs, and exciting events. As the Philippines' first pet-friendly shopping center, Eastwood is a holiday hotspot for both people and pets alike.

• Bridgetowne by Robinsons Land

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Bridgetowne (Photo courtesy from JG Summit Holdings Inc./Website)

Bridgetowne, located between Quezon City and Pasig City, is a prime holiday destination offering shopping, dining, and recreation. With the Opus Mall, Fili Hotel, and premium residential towers like Le Pont, it provides top-notch amenities and sustainable living. The estate also features The Victor, a 60-meter sculpture representing Filipino artistry and innovation. With plenty of recreational spaces and a focus on the live-work-play lifestyle, Bridgetowne is the ideal spot to enjoy the holiday season.

• Villar City by Vista Land

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Villar City (Photo courtesy from Villar City/Website)

Villar City, covering 3,500 hectares across 15 cities, is quickly becoming the go-to destination in the South, blending business, culture, and leisure. Key spots like the Evia Lifestyle Center for shopping and dining, Forresta for spacious residential living, and Brittany Hotel for a comfortable stay provide everything needed for a holiday escape. With easy access via the Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway, along with casual spots like Joe Drive and recreational parks, Villar City is a convenient and laid-back place to explore during the holidays.

• Mall of Asia by SM Malls

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Mall of Asia (Photo courtesy from Mall of Asia/Facebook page)

With its large number of dining options, stores and boutiques, entertainment centers, and leisure spots, holiday shoppers and diners shouldn't miss a visit to the Mall of Asia (MOA) in Pasay City. While it is one of the largest malls in the country, the sprawling mall complex is more of a destination with a good mix of local and foreign brands. Aside from shopping and dining, it is also a hot spot for fun and excitement. There’s the MOA Arena for concerts and live shows, SM by Bay Amusement Park with its MOA Eye Ferris wheel and other rides, the Grand Carousel at the main mall, SM Game Park with its bowling area equipped with Augmented Reality (AR) technology, and the Olympic-size Ice Skating rink for skating experiences with friends and families.

• Greenbelt by Ayala Malls

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Greenbelt (Photo courtesy from Ayala Land/Website)

This 2.8-hectare mall complex features world class shopping and dining paradise not just for the residents of Makati. Greenbelt seamlessly integrates the indoor malling experience with the outdoors in its expansive 12-hectare space that expertly combines nature and modernity. Greenbelt offers a remarkable shopping experience with top-notch international brands, boutique stores, and local designers, satisfying culinary adventure with chic cafes, charming bistros and upscale fine dining establishments, and wholesome entertainment such as art exhibits, live performances, and cultural events. 

• McKinley Hill by Megaworld

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McKinley Hill (Photo courtesy from Megaworld Lifestyle Malls/Website)

Want to experience an Italian Christmas without flying to Europe? Now you don’t have to, thanks to the Venice Grand Canal in McKinley Hill. Inspired by the romantic charm of Venice, this mall offers scenic canal rides, Italian-inspired architecture, and al fresco dining, creating a unique blend of shopping and leisure. With festive events and a cozy atmosphere, Venice Grand Canal offers a picture-perfect, European-inspired setting to enjoy the season.