Holiday hot spots

WAKING UP to the warm weather, struggling through heavy traffic for three hours (or more) daily, finishing pending tasks at work, stressing over Christmas shopping, or being away from your family are not exactly conducive to entering into the upcoming holiday’s festive mood. Still, this season’s trend towards light shows and flamboyant Christmas decorations in commercial areas and business districts make up for the usual gloomy sights of the city. Whether you are avoiding rush hour traffic before going home or looking for a place to hang out with friends and family over the weekend, head over to these places for a bit of the holiday vibe. The listing takes one from the north to the south of the metro.

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For those who opt to commute to Quezon City rather than drive through EDSA’s near standstill traffic, get off at the MRT’s Quezon Ave. station to view Centris’ giant Christmas tree, illuminated with red and gold accents, and take a breather from the rush hour insanity before hopping on a UV Express or jeepney to your destination. Centris has also lined up a series of activities under the heading “Magnifique Noel” — to catch renowned chorales and choirs perform on Friday nights while the night sky on Saturdays light up with a fireworks display. For a good reminder of the reason for the season, Misa de Gallo will be held at the Centris Walk at 6 p.m. daily beginning Dec. 15.

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The mall’s snow- covered gates welcome visitors to what seems to be Santa’s cozy stable for his reindeers, many of which seem to fly from the ground to the sixth floor. Shoppers can meet Santa’s reindeers and come across snow- covered gingerbread houses in selected areas of the mall.

• Festival of Lights

Nothing relieves one’s stress and worries like the spectacular Festival of Lights which has captivated Makati’s denizens for the past eight years at the Ayala Triangle Gardens. The light show — more than 1.6 million LED lights are used — is expertly choreographed by award-winning director Voltaire de Jesus and Luther Gumia. The musical medleys include three distinct themes: “Pinoy Fiesta” by Roy del Valle, “Traditional Christmas” by Von de Guzman, and “Techno” by Tris Sunguitan. One medley is staged every 30 minutes nightly. Catch the musical lights show until Jan. 7, 2018.

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Stuck in traffic? Taking a moment to look up at the Alliance Global Tower in Uptown Bonifacio for a glimpse of the country’s largest lighted Christmas bear. Megaworld’s 50-foot-tall and 70-footwide white Santa teddy bear can be seen from Makati City, C5, and areas in Ortigas. • Sights and Sounds Visiting the restaurants and shops of Bonifacio High Street becomes a festive activity as the entire stretch