Several exciting activities have been calendared by the city government in collaboration with the Baguio Tourism Council (BTC) as private lead partner to ensure a memorable Christmas celebrations.
Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong issued Executive Order No. 105, series of 2024 declaring the period from November 25, 2024 to January 6, 205 as “An Enchanting Baguio Christmas 2024.”
Activities to look forward to include the “Botanical Christmas Garden with Faith, Hope and Love” where Botanical Garden park goers are encouraged to commune with nature while delighting on the splendor of multi-sensory offerings from holiday carols, rhythmic recitals, yuletide feasts from various food concessionaires every night beginning Nov. 6 at 6 in the evening.
Rose Garden at Burnham Park will be spruced up once again with a local simulation of world-famous Christmas Fairs in European countries like Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, Italy and the Netherlands using curated chalets.
The fair at Rose Garden will be called “The Baguio Christmas Market” which will also be showcasing yuletide flavors and novelties including fun-filled activities for families and children along with festive performances.
Christmas Shows on weekends will be performed for free by the academic institutions and performing arts groups for afternoon musical productions such as choral singing and dances particularly the University of Baguio and the University of the Cordilleras.
An Inter-barangay Christmas Beautification Contest will also be conducted to highlight community spirit, creativity and cultural heritage reflected through artistically Christmas displays.
The ceremonial lighting of the Baguio Grand Christmas Tree atop Session Road is scheduled December 1, 2024 at 6 in the evening synchronized with the lighting of street lights and park lights in the central business district along with establishments and homes.
The Saint Louis University Lantern Parade will take centerstage for the 16th time at Session Road after the lighting of the Baguio Grand Christmas Tree on Dec. 1, 2024 and will culminate at the Melvin Jones Football Field with a unity performance.
A Volkswagen Show featuring VW Beetle as a peculiar spectacle to tourists, will roam Session Road while adorned with Christmas ornaments followed by a staged show on De. 1 at Upper Session Road.
Moreover, several community or private-led activities will be conducted allowing city tourists and visitors to revel in the festivities with a genuine experience of uniquely Northern culture such as families volunteering their time to sit down and share lunch and stories with indigent families or with seniors who would otherwise spend Christmas alone; children sharing toys with other children or helping serve the crowd in Simbang Gabi Soup Kitchens, among others.
The Baguio New Year’s Countdown will be greeted with brighter prospects and optimism through a concert and pyrotechnics show at the Melvin Jones Grandstand on Dec. 31, 2024. ** JM Samidan
