Araneta City Brings-in the Magic of Christmas with Its Giant Christmas Tree Lighting

The Giant Christmas Tree Lighting at Araneta City signals the annual tradition of holiday festivities at The City of Firsts! 

The official lighting of Araneta City's iconic Giant Christmas Tree was held last November 11. 

Decked with dazzling lights, colorful ornaments, and glittering tinsels, the Giant Christmas Tree was lit up in a grand celebration attended by local government officials, senior company executives, celebrities, and patrons. This year's theme - 'Believe in the Magic of Christmas' strikes a chord. 

"We made sure to light up our Giant Christmas Tree in time for the 11.11, which tradition says is a special date when anything you wish for can come true. It's also our way of welcoming the return of our guests to the City of Firsts now that quarantine restrictions are starting to loosen up a bit. Even though we're now welcoming guests of all ages, we're still making it a point that all of our customers are safe through the health and safety measures that we've put in place," said Marjorie Go, AVP for Marketing of Araneta Group. 

This year's event highlights a mix of virtual and online celebrity performances, with strict health and safety measures implemented onsite. A pre-show was also held virtually hosted by DJ Onse, and several lucky viewers got to take home exciting prizes from the virtual games. 

The Giant Christmas Tree Lighting event was graced by QC Mayor Joy Belmonte, Piolo Pascual, Maymay Entrata, AC Bonifacio, and Reiven Umali. Also present were Beauty Queens Cinderella Obenita, Ms. Intercontinental 2021; Hannah Arnold, Bb. Pilipinas International 2021; Samantha Panlilio, Bb. Pilipinas Grand International; Gabrielle Basiano, Bb. Pilipinas 2021 First Runner-up; Meiji Cruz, Bb. Pilipinas Second Runner-up; and Francesca Taruc, Bb. Pilipinas Araneta City. 

As part of this year's Christmas celebration, the Araneta Group organized the '40 Treats for 40' programs, wherein 40 individuals received special gifts from the company. These individuals are essential workers who worked tirelessly even at the height of the pandemic. 

"Despite everything that is happening around us now, we still want all people to Believe in the Magic of Christmas. We, in the Araneta Group would like to share this wonderful time with some very special people. We have chosen 40 hardworking essential workers in our community who have shown dedication to their service ever since the pandemic began," said Lorena Fabian, VP for Leasing at Araneta City. 

"Christmas is a magical time. It gives us restored joy and a reason to celebrate even in these trying times," said Judy Araneta-Roxas, VP of Araneta Group. "Today, as we light our Giant Christmas Tree, we wish everyone to experience the special magic of the holidays."

Of course, the Giant Christmas Tree Lighting won't be complete without a grand fireworks display after the event.