Araneta City ushered in the holiday season with the lighting of its iconic giant Christmas tree on Nov. 6, kicking off its 2025 celebration, “Christmas Glows in the City: Built by memories, lit by hope.”
The tree, standing between the Smart Araneta Coliseum and Fiesta Carnival, is decorated in red and gold, with 3,000 pine garlands, 8,000 lights, and colorful ornaments. It has long been a centerpiece of the city’s festive celebrations since it was first lit near the Big Dome entrance in 1981. After moving locations over the years, the tree returned to its original spot in 2024.
The lighting ceremony featured performances and appearances by Vice Ganda, Joshua Garcia, Pinoy Big Brother Collab Edition winners Mika Salamanca and Brent Manalo with Bianca De Vera and Klarisse de Guzman, P-pop group BGYO, and “Tawag ng Tanghalan” alumni Ian Manibale, Miah, and Bryan Chong. Quezon City and Barangay Socorro officials, Araneta Group executives, select residents and tenants, and the reigning Binibining Pilipinas queens also attended. Alexa Ilacad and Jeremy G hosted the event.
The evening also launched Araneta City’s “Dashing Through The Glow” car raffle promo. Customers receive a raffle entry for a Jetour T2 Lightning i-DM 2025 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle SUV with every P1,500 single-receipt purchase from participating establishments. The promo runs until Feb. 1.
Marjorie Go, vice president for marketing of Araneta City, said the event is meant to bring hope and joy. “At Araneta City, we want to offer a place where people can reconnect with joyful memories and look forward to brighter days ahead,” she said.
Other attractions across the city include the Parolan bazaar near Farmers Garden, which opened in October, Christmas trees in malls and office towers, and the giant Belen beside Farmers Plaza, also illuminated on Nov. 14.
