Araneta Center welcomes holidays with tree lighting

100-FOOT-HIGH ATTRACTION Christmas has come to Araneta Center. —Contributed photo

A 37-year-old tradition officially ushered in the start of the Yuletide season at Araneta Center in Cubao, Quezon City.

On Nov. 16, a huge crowd witnessed the annual lighting of the 100-foot Christmas tree at Times Square Food Park.

Leading the ceremonies were singer-actress Sarah Geronimo and TV host Vice Ganda.

They were joined by Araneta Center vice chair Judy A. Roxas, Binibining Pilipinas Charities Inc. chair Stella Marquez Araneta, Novotel Manila Araneta Center general manager Michael Brown, Quezon City Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte and other local officials.

Adding glitter to the event were the reigning Binibining Pilipinas titleholders led by Miss Universe Philippines 2018 Catriona Gray.

The lighting of the giant Christmas tree, a tradition that started in 1981, has become one of the most anticipated activities at Araneta Center.

The tree is adorned by a new seven-foot star topper, 3,000 LED light bulbs and an assortment of decorations like poinsettia flowers, bird cages, chandeliers, Christmas balls and bells.

The colorful tree, the centerpiece of Araneta Center’s holiday look, highlights this year’s theme, “Christmas Is Home.”

The homecoming message underscores the return of C.O.D.’s animated Christmas display, a popular attraction that began when the Araneta Center opened in the mid-1960s. Returning to its home after 16 years, the C.O.D. Christmas display will be launched on Nov. 23.

Now located at the Times Square Food Park, the C.O.D. Christmas display is expected to draw families — including those whose members were either too young or were not even born yet — when the C.O.D. Department Store owners first put it up.

From Dec. 25 to Jan. 1 next year, Smart Araneta Coliseum will host the “Magic On Ice” show. —Pocholo Concepcion