This year has utterly embezzled the fun from us — and while Christmas is just around the corner, there’s no reason for us to cancel the celebration and excitement during the Yuletide season. In fact, Health Secretary Francisco Duque said on Tuesday, December 1, that he sees no need to place the region under a “more stringent lockdown” during the Christmas season. He instead told the public to continue following minimum health standards.

Although the Octa Research Team has warned of a possible rise of COVID-19 infections during the holiday season, as people are expected to gather for parties and venture to malls and shopping establishments to buy gifts. Hence, people are urged to observe physical distancing and wearing of face masks.

Read: Travel Tips For Your Safe Shopping

While people are expected to go out during the Christmas season since we’ve been on lockdown for quite a while now, we list down places in the Metro that you can visit to appreciate the Christmas lights and decors that would definitely help to release the stress away.

Venice Grand Canal Mall

Also known as Manila’s little Venice, this mall never fails to amaze the shoppers when it comes to annual holiday exhibits. Not only that the mall has put up a 4-story-high floating Christmas tree — which is said to be the very first in the country — on its man-made canal, it adorned the display with more than 3,000 Christmas balls, flowers, present boxes, and obviously, Venetian veils – making this one of the top astonishing spots in the city this season.

Intramuros in Manila

While Intramuros is known as a spot that looks like they're frozen in time, it is also a well recommended area during the holiday season. The Walled City ups its game every Christmas season by adding lamp posts and lights hanging from the trees—making the public spaces brighter and lively when you want to drop by in the evening. Just make sure to bring your ID upon visiting the vicinity in compliance to GCQ protocol.

Know more about Intramuros’ GCQ guidelines here

Luneta Park

It’s been considered as a tradition for thousands of Filipinos to celebrate and gather during the holiday season at the Luneta Park, or Rizal Park. Although the National Parks Development Committee currently disallows bringing food in the Park these Christmas season, people are still allowed to visit the district. Starting today, December 3. The park is open from 5 to 7 AM, and 4 in the afternoon to 9 PM. The Luneta Park is currently setting up its Christmas decorations including Christmas lane and the giant Christmas tree.

Kartilya ng Katipunan Park

Thanks to the current Mayor of the City of Manila, Isko Moreno, the Kartilya ng Katipunan Park is now a clean park filled with several Christmas lights that make the area a safe and lively spot where you can hangout with your friends — unlike before. The place now looks like it was just built yesterday after the clean-up operation lead by Yorme in the vicinity. You can also witness the dancing colourful fountain across the park.

Tiendesitas Christmas Light Tunnel

Tiendesitas annually lights up its street during the Christmas season, filling up the district with colourful beams, making the area look dreamy and alive at night. There are also affordable food stalls where you can eat with your friends or loved ones. And if you’re still up to some walk trips, you can visit the Meralco Liwanag Park nearby. The park is also illuminated with lights during the Christmas season, perfect for your Instagrammable shots.

You may find it really hard to get into the holiday hype during these trying times. Still, taking breaks is important. And sometimes, all you need is a dose of holiday breaks to get back on track. With these free Christmas attractions all around Manila, you wouldn’t even have to spend a cent to welcome Yuletide. Just be mindful of the health protocols for a safer celebration.