Gather your loved ones and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with mouthwatering feasts and sweet escape promos around the Metro.
Who says you have to travel far to enjoy staycation choices, various sights, and activities to unwind, bond and relax with the Family as you celebrate the holidays?
Here’s a list of ideas for an awesome 2019 Christmas in Manila…
1. SHANGRI-LA FORT MANILA
Get whisked away to the snow-filled North this Festive Season while remaining in the heart of Bonifacio Global City, as an array of treats, stays and surprises await each and every guest that passes through Shangri-La at the Fort’s double doors.
Guests who book from November 18, 2019 to January 5, 2020 can experience a festive treat on room accommodations when they choose to spend the most wonderful time of the year in the heart of Manila’s most vibrant city. With rates beginning at Php 11,600++ for a Deluxe High Street View Room, the offer includes the following: family buffet breakfast for two adults and two children five years old and below at High Street Cafe, Php 1,000 dining credit, and complimentary all-day Adventure Zone access for up to two (2) children.
Guests can delight in holiday sweets and splendor when they stay at the hotel. At High Street Cafe, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinner buffet is at Php 3,900 nett, inclusive of an alcoholic beverage package. A Noche Buena spread is also available at Php 2,600 nett from 11 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. on December 24.
I highly, recommend the Chilean Scallop from the seafood section- a sweet, light, delicious party in my mouth. We can’t stop raving about it!
Checkout that generous serving of steak!
At Raging Bull Chophouse & Bar, guests can look forward to premium Australian grain and grass-fed dry-aged beef, fresh seafood selections and premium grilled items straight from the Josper Grill. A five-course Christmas Eve set menu is priced at Php 5,000 nett per person, inclusive of one glass of bubbly, and Christmas day dinner set menu is priced at Php 4,700 nett per person. The regular a la carte and set menus will be available for Christmas lunch period only.
At Canton Road, guests can celebrate with loved ones with private dining set menus beginning at Php 34,888 per table. My recommendations would still be the Australian scallops, prawn balls, asparagus, in xo sauce. Shangrila Fort definitely knows how to prepare their scallops well.
It’s a feast fit for the family at Samba with a selection of fresh and flavorful dishes from Peru. Guests can treat their loved ones to a five-course set dinner priced at Php 3,500 nett inclusive of one tiki cocktail on December 24 and 25, and a four-course set lunch menu at Php 2,200 nett on December 25. While for Samba, we couldn’t get enough of this popular winter Peruvian dish. The hearty soup will warm you up this holiday with its spicy, fragrant and loaded with seafood bouillabaisse.
For restaurant reservations and information, as well as orders for Christmas hampers, savories and pastries, please call (63 2) 8820 0888, drop by the Festive Counter in the hotel lobby at Level 2, facing the entrance of High Street Cafe or visit shangrilafortholidays.com/festivedining.
2. CITY OF DREAMS MANILA
Along with a grand Christmas display including a towering 32-foot Christmas tree replete with glistening decors all powered in part by the property’s own solar panels, City of Dreams Manila is bringing in the holiday cheer with decadent dining offerings and outstanding entertainment in celebration of Christmas and New Year.
DreamPlay, the world’s first DreamWorks-inspired play space is staging a grand holiday parade on all weekends of the month including December 24, 25 and January 1 every 5 p.m. The parade features the well-loved DreamWorks characters joined by a magical retinue of animated Christmas ornaments. The Electro Groovers, who are DreamPlay’s King Julien Dance Off Year 4 Grand Champion and who recently won gold at the World Supremacy Battle-Junior Division in Australia, will also take part in the festive parade.
Along with this fun, family-friendly attraction is a Trolls-themed holiday activity dubbed as “Trolls Holla Day” happening from November 30, 2019 to January 1, 2020. For Php 1,499, the Trolls VIP Package activity ticket includes an all-day pass at DreamPlay’s attractions with express check-in and attraction entry; passes at Cooking with Gingy’s Holla Day activity and at DreamWorks’ Holla Day Movie; a photo session with Poppy and Branch; and other sweet treats such as special Christmas Trolls Tree cookies and a Trolls candy milkshake.
DreamPlay is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays (Monday to Thursday), and from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends (Friday to Sunday). During the festive season, from December 16, 2019 to January 3, 2020, DreamPlay is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays (Monday to Thursday); and from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends (Friday to Sunday) and on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Holiday merrymaking at CenterPlay, the contemporary bar at the focal point of the main gaming floor becomes unforgettable with live entertainment from popular singers Jinky Vidal and Jeric Medina on December 2 at 10 p.m.
This yuletide season, feast on a carefully curated Omakase meal at the globally-renowned restaurant showcasing the culinary genius Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s new-style Japanese-Peruvian fusion artistry. Nobu Manila’s eight-course Omakase menu (Php 5, 600++) starts with a zensai of Tachiuo in Yuzu Dressing with Seared Tomato and Caviar followed by an assortment of nigiri and a serving of Whitefish with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Ponzu and Crispy Red Onion.
Ebi Salad in Goma Dressing; Pan-seared Scallops and Shrimps with Shiso Chimichurri Salsa; Sous Vide Beef with Foie Gras, Cauliflower Risotto, and Sake Mirin Reduction Demi-glace; Scallop Dumpling Soup with Seasonal Mushroom come after and precedes an inviting dessert of Fruit Cream Anmitsu, which comprises of Kuromitsu Syrup, Kiwi, Strawberries, Red Bean, Agar Jelly, Mochi, and Green Tea Ice Cream.
Taste the Spirit of Christmas with Ruby Jack’s Holiday Menu, where for 2 hours, you have unlimited services of the restaurant’s special and most classic dishes.
The world’s local steak place is giving us more reason to love this holiday season. From the 21st of December 2019 to the 1st of January 2020, Ruby Jack’s will release its Holiday Celebration Tasting Menu for only Php 4,200. Guests can indulge themselves with unlimited offers of Ruby Jack’s special and most classic dishes and steaks! This promo includes:
-Unlimited orders of starters and meat
-Complimentary bread selection
-Complimentary sides
-Complimentary dessert
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas? At Ruby Jack’s, you can taste the spirit of Christmas with everything that makes the restaurant known for being the world’s local steak place. Indulge this Christmas with the restaurant’s variety of meats, from their house dry aged roasts to their grain-fed Angus sirloin. Ruby Jack’s Holiday Tasting Menu is sure to have something for everyone in the family.
For inquiries, call 8800-8080 or e-mail guestservices@cod-manila.com or visit www.cityofdreamsmanila.com.
3. SOFITEL MANILA
Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila celebrates festive season the French way with Art de Noël 2019. Reaching deeper into its roots and showcasing the allure of French style through modern gastronomy and art, Sofitel opened the glamorous fête with an angelic musical presentation by the Virlanie Foundation Children’s Choir followed by the lighting of the iconic 30-ft Christmas tree decked with lavish decors of gold, white, and silver styled by Jo Claravall.
Spend the most wonderful time of the year in French luxury. Retreat to a well-appointed room with the signature Sofitel MyBed and French amenities like Lanvin and Hermes. Cherish fond experiences with loved ones over breakfast at Spiral and enjoy a full line-up of holiday offerings. Special room rates start at Php 8,500+++ per night. Booking period is between October 14, 2019 and December 26, 2019 with special rates valid for Sundays to Thursdays check-in only except December 24th. Experience this holiday special with rates applicable on December 1 – 26, 2019.
Celebrate Christmas the French Way at Spiral! Spiral takes guests to a magnifique gastronomic celebration spanning 21 dining ateliers. This holiday season, feast on a wide spread of beloved Christmas specialties and toast to a most joyful holiday.
December 24, 2019: Lunch rate is set at Php 3,000 nett per person while dinner is available for Php 5,650 nett per person. Christmas Eve at Spiral comes with free-flowing iced tea, local beer, and soda.
December 25, 2019: Lunch rate is set at Php 4,950 nett per person while dinner is available for Php 4,250 nett per person. Christmas at Spiral comes with free-flowing iced tea, local beer, and soda.
For reservations and inquiries, please call (+632) 8-573.5555 or email H6308@sofitel.com.
4. OKADA MANILA
Okada Manila has celebrated Christmas by building a gingerbread house. It is one of the property’s main attractions for the Yuletide season and it is a favourite among families and travellers. This year, Okada Manila’s gingerbread house will have two storeys and will be adorned with Christmas treats and candies. The gingerbread house is created by Okada Manila’s pastry chefs led by Executive Pastry Chef Joseph Teuschler.
Enbu offers a full range of classic Japanese dishes with fitting sake and wine pairings along with a grand view of The Fountain. The entire experience is elevated with the spectacle of dancing flames and lively entertainment as the guests indulge in a delicious and dynamic experience.
Chef Yoshihiro Sugiyama’s Signature Holiday Spread
December 24 – 31 ( Suitable for 4 persons)
PHP 6,800++
Add PHP 1,400++ for a special Tempura Platter and PHP 840 nett per person for unlimited drinks.
Set Menu
– Christmas Tree Salad
-Sashimi Platter (Tuna and White Fish)
-Sushi Platter (Salmon and California Roll)
-Assorted Platter with Curry Pan-fried Chicken, Australian Wagyu Steak, Salmon Butter Foil
and Curry Ball Bread
-Rice & Miso Soup
-Matcha Cheesecake and Ice Cream
For reservations and inquiries, please call +63 (2) 8555 5799 or email restaurant Reservation@okadamanila
5. GRAND HYATT MANILA
Grand Hyatt Manila celebrates the holidays with a glamorous staycation, whimsical treats to share with loved ones, and exciting festivities for the Yuletide season.
Go grand and treat your loved ones to a remarkable staycation. Take advantage of our holiday discount with 25% off on Grand Suites and Club rooms from 08 November – 29 December 2019. This includes exclusive access to the Grand Club where you can enjoy all-day refreshments and complimentary snacks. Stay active with a cardio regimen at the fitness center and outdoor pool, then calm the mind with rejuvenating treatments at Illume Spa. Take it easy with a month-long Fitness and Relaxation membership, including a 60-minute Swedish massage and an exfoliating body scrub. Unwind the senses with an ESPA Natural Beauty Inner Calm gift set and a gift certificate for a 60-minute Inner Calm massage, packages also includes a 100 ml ESPA body oil to remember the experience in your very home.
Christmas cannot be complete without the legendary jolly man in red. Capture a memorable experience for both young and old alike with Santa Clause on 22 and 25 December from 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM; and 23 – 24 December 2019 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the lobby.
If you’re planning for a Christmas feast, then look no further with our Christmas Eve deals. From a hearty spread to Cantonese favorites and everything in between, Grand Hyatt has offers to delight kith and kin.
Expect a medley of traditional Christmas must-haves such as Christmas Turkey and Pineapple Glazed Ham at The Grand Kitchen. The restaurant has an exciting selection of show kitchens to fit every person’s cravings – from tempura and pasta risotto to its organic salad bar and cheese displays.
The Grand Kitchen always has something to offer. Christmas feasts are priced at Php 2,200 for lunch; Php 3,700 for dinner; and Php 2,600 for Noche Buena. Dinner rates include free-flowing red or white wines and local beers.
Call +632 8838 1234 or email manila.grand@hyatt.com for orders and inquiries. For updates on activities and offers, follow Grand Hyatt Manila at facebook.com/grandhyattmanilaph and instagram.com/grandhyattmanilaph.
6. SHERATON MANILA
The holiday season in the Philippines has got to be the merriest with festivities made grand in many ways. This year, with the new Sheraton Manila in the metro, spend the holidays differently for a memorable one. Sheraton Manila took inspiration from how the holidays is celebrated in the local community because there is simply nothing like being home for Christmas.
This is indeed the most wonderful time to feast with family and friends over a lavish spread. Buffet of S Kitchen in Sheraton Manila will be decked with holiday signature foods from glazed ham, leg of lamb, roasted turkey, steak, and all other appetizing trimmings. Mark your calendars for these special festive buffets that will start on Thanksgiving Day on November 28 (6pm to 10:30pm) for Php 2,300 only. While on December, skip the heavy preparations at work, and just go straight to feast for Php 2,900 only – both for lunch and dinner – during Noche Buena, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Whether searching for a holly jolly good time or a nice and yummy gift, make your way home at Sheraton Manila. Drop by the life-sized gingerbread nipa hut by the S Kitchen to purchase the treats and gift tags, and call +632 2 7902-1800 for buffet reservations.
7. NEW WORLD MAKATI
On its silver anniversary, New World Makati Hotel heralds the festive season with a raffle of getaways and giveaways, relaxing holiday stays, sumptuous dining offers, gift-worthy sweets and treats, merry mocktails and cocktails, and Christmas party packages to make this Yuletide its biggest and brightest yet.
A warm and cozy festive season awaits at New World Makati Hotel with room packages starting at PHP5,800++ inclusive of buffet breakfast for two adults and two kids six years old and below, as well as a Christmas treat. Stay period is from 1 to 30 December.
Those who stay or visit the property on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day get to meet and greet Santa and receive a special treat, as he roams and spreads good tidings and cheer.
Savor a hearty Yuletide-themed buffet at Café 1228 from 1 to 30 December (except Christmas Eve & Christmas Day) with honey-glazed ham, prime rib, and much more at PHP2,300 and PHP2,800 for lunch on weekdays and weekends, respectively, and PHP2,500 for dinner daily. Guests may likewise upgrade with a free-flowing beverage package at PHP599 comprising juices, soda, local beers, and wines.
On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, an even fancier feast awaits as guests indulge on oven-roasted turkey stuffed with chestnuts and prunes, roasted marinated rib eye, native lechon, and gingerbread desserts to complete a holiday-worthy spread for special gatherings. Prices are PHP2,300 for Christmas Eve lunch, PHP2,988 for Christmas Eve dinner as well as Christmas Day lunch and dinner. All prices are nett.
For inquiries, reservations, and orders, guests can call +632 8811 6888 or email reservations.manila@newworldhotels.com, catering.manila@newworldhotels.com, or FandBreservations.manila@newworldhotels.com.
8. SEDA VERTIS NORTH
To help guests create wonderful holiday memories, Quezon City’s premier hotel Seda Vertis North is offering a wide range of festive Christmas and New Year value packages for two to over 200 guests.
Its all day dining restaurant Misto is now accepting reservations for sumptuous buffet lunch and dinners on Christmas and New Year’s Eve and on these two red-letter days starting from P1,800 net per person.
A premium Christmas table for up to 10 persons is also available at Misto’s private dining room for groups that want a more personal and home-like holiday setting and served by a dedicated butler. At P35,000 net per table reservation, guests can indulge in Seda Vertis North’s wide spread of holiday specialties , a grazing station, on top of access to the restaurant’s main international buffet.
Seda Vertis North also invites guests and their families to hold casual get togethers at the hotel lobby especially from Dec. 16 to 23 when Christmas carolers will set the holiday mood from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Meet and Greets with Santa will also thrill youngsters on the weekends of Dec. 14-15 and 28-29 and the peak period of Dec. 22-25.
All these festivities are good reasons for a Seda Vertis North staycation from Nov. 15 to Jan. 5 with a special rate of P7,400 net per room night for two adults and two kids plus holiday privileges sure to make you want to stay longer.
9. I’M HOTEL
Book direct with us this festive season! We’ve made direct booking so attractive so you don’t have to look elsewhere. We guarantee you the best rates! A whole other slew of complimentary benefits also await, including buffet breakfast free, access to Club Lounge and our spa facilities
This package gives you a whopping 50% off room rates and spa treatments. Starting at only PHP 10,500 nett a night, it includes a 60-minute massage, along with a dinner and breakfast buffet for two (2). For more information: https://imhotel.com/festive-offerings-2019/holiday-spa-cation-package/
Special Christmas Package: https://imhotel.com/festive-offerings-2019/special-christmas-package/
For tickets, enquiries, or more information on table reservations, call +632 77557 888 or email reservations@imhotel.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the front desk of the hotel.
Live an Awesome Life,
ABI of Team Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: We were media guests of the hotels. I wrote this article with my biases, opinions and insights.
Thank you, inspiring article! 🙂