As the clock ticks toward a new year, Metro Manila comes alive with vibrant celebrations. New Year’s Eve offers a mix of free outdoor gatherings, ticketed countdown parties, and star-studded musical lineups, setting the tone for welcoming 2026.
From seaside concerts by the bay to elegant high-rise ballrooms in the heart of the city, these five destinations offer unique ways to ring in the new year with music, fireworks, and unforgettable performances.
Kapuso Countdown to 2026
One of the largest New Year’s Eve events in the metro, the annual “Kapuso Countdown” returns to the SM Mall of Asia Seaside Boulevard in Pasay City. The free event brings together a mix of television stars, P-pop, and rising performers.
The lineup includes actors and hosts Kyline Alcantara, Christian Bautista, Julie Anne San Jose, and Rocco Nacino, as well as singers and performers Faith Da Silva, Angel Guardian, Emma Tiglao, Rodjun Cruz, Dasuri Choi, KITTY & KAKAI Almeda, and the P-pop group 1621, among others. The event also features special participation by Korean boy group AHOF.
Gates open at 6:00 p.m., with on-ground shows starting at 8:30 p.m. The celebration will be broadcast on GMA platforms, with a midnight countdown by the bay.
Makati in Full Color
In the heart of Makati, “Makati in Full Color” transforms Ayala Avenue into a kaleidoscope of performances and celebratory stages. Headlined by musical acts such as Ely Buendia and Morissette, the event also showcases pop and theater performers including Cup of Joe, Juan Karlos, Divine Divas, Theatre Group Asia’s A Chorus Line, Sofronio Vasquez III, and XLXGEN.
Step Right Up to 2026
Okada Manila is hosting one of the most star-studded countdown parties in Entertainment City, titled “Step Right Up to 2026.” The event will feature a major concert at Cove Manila, with tickets available for purchase.
The celebration will include performances by popular artists Gary Valenciano, Yeng Constantino, and Randy Santiago, who will perform a mix of pop, rock, and crowd-friendly anthems throughout the night leading up to midnight.
To keep the energy high, the night will also include DJ sets by DJ Pretty Dragon, DJ Tom Taus, and DJ Sofia Miguel, who will keep the party going well into the early hours of the new year. Regine Tolentino will host the event, while MC Smurff will provide entertainment.
The Grand Countdown
to 2026
Newport World Resorts invites guests to count down the new year at The Grand Countdown to 2026 at the Manila Marriott Grand Ballroom. The ticketed event pairs live music with formal dining and entertainment. Performers include pop and rock singers headlined by America’s Got Talent 2025 grand champion Jessica Sanchez and Pop Royalty Sarah Geronimo. The event also features Matteo Guidicelli, Billy Crawford, Bamboo, Cup of Joe, Amiel Sol, Earl Agustin, Janine Teñoso, and OPM groups GAT and Raya.
NYE at the 5th
Bonifacio Global City’s NYE at the 5th on Fifth Avenue brings one of the metro’s most crowd-friendly street countdown parties.
Performers include popular OPM and pop acts such as SB19, singer-songwriters TJ Monterde and KZ Tandingan, global icon apl.de.ap of Black Eyed Peas, and OPM rock band Parokya ni Edgar. Also part of the lineup are P-pop girl group G22, DJ Mars Miranda, and Dionela featuring Jay R.
Hosted by personalities Nicole Andersson and Mond Gutierrez, the BGC countdown delivers live music, interactive stages, and a festive street atmosphere that culminates in a fireworks salute as the clock strikes midnight.
Whether you prefer free outdoor gatherings, city street parties, gala events, or staying inside your home, the celebration ultimately comes down to being present, safe, and hopeful as another year begins.
