At SM Megamall, the start of the holiday season took on a new look this year as the mall unveiled a 45-foot Christmas tree adorned with POP MART’s iconic collectibles.
The tree lighting on November 6 brought together a familiar holiday tradition with a look that reflects what younger shoppers are drawn to today.
Mall executives and representatives from POP MART joined families, collectors, and regular mallgoers for the unveiling. Christian Mathay, senior assistant vice president for mall operations at SM Supermalls, noted how deeply mall Christmas displays are tied to Filipino culture.
“For 40 years now, SM has been part of the Filipino Christmas—bringing light, joy, and unforgettable memories to families all over the country,” he said.
He added that this year’s design moves away from the usual garlands and metallic décor, explaining that the new tree honors tradition while acknowledging how tastes evolve.
“This brings a playful and modern twist to a traditional Christmas tree, where collectibles and creativity meet the timeless message of joy and hope,” he said.
POP MART Southeast Asia business director Jeremy Lee also addressed the crowd, greeting fans who arrived with their own collectible figures.
“I see a lot of you brought your favorite POP MART characters,” he said. “I’m so excited to be here sharing this Christmas tree with you.”
Celebrities known to collect POP MART figures, including Marian Rivera and Pia Wurtzbach Jauncey, were also present during the unveiling of the centerpiece, sharing the yuletide feeling with locals.
As the lights switched on and the curtain dropped, people paused to take in the celebration. Parents lifted their kids to point out characters they recognized. Friends traded phones for group photos, while collectors compared the pieces they brought, laughing when they spotted matching ones across the crowd.
And like in past years, the centerpiece is just the beginning. The mall has lined up several holiday activities for families to enjoy. Weekend Santa Meet and Greet sessions return, and the mall’s Christmas raffle runs throughout the season for shoppers. There is also a small Christmas Village setup with digital photo filters and simple mini-games for kids.
For those looking to give back, SM Cares’ “Besties of Joy” allows visitors to donate a plush toy to a child with every purchase of one.
