After two years of living in the pandemic and Typhoon Odette ravaging the Queen City in 2021, it’s no surprise Cebu is going all-out this Christmas.
Malls, hotels, and other establishments put their best foot forward in creating memorable and enchanting holiday settings to welcome the most wonderful time of the year. The g.spot team had early access to these festivities with their numerous tree-lighting ceremonies, and here are some that are worth visiting for their Christmas offerings—and of course, the photo opportunities.
Ayala Center Cebu
Ayala Center Cebu’s Christmas tree is a much-welcome sight in the mall while doing your holiday shopping. Located at The Gallery, the golden geometric patterns on the 41-foot tree and its surrounding smaller ones represent their oneness with the community. Throughout December, enjoy the Symphony of Lights at The Terraces as well as musical performances.
Enjoy extended mall hours this season. From December 14-22, 2022 the mall will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. On December 23, enjoy the Christmas rush from 10:00 am to 12:00 m.n. — Patty Taboada
Cardinal Rosales Avenue, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City
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NUSTAR Resort
As the new star of the holidays, Cebu’s first premier integrated resort held its first Christmas tree-lighting with the theme, “Island of New Traditions”. NUSTAR Resort ushers in a new start for celebrations. Alongside its tree, part of the ceremony was the installation of Stars to symbolize joy, hope, peace, love, and The New Star
Visits to NUSTAR this month are more enjoyable with holiday-themed events and performances. It’s the perfect time to check out Cebu’s newest destination with special rates on Fili Hotel’s rooms, Christmas set menus in NUSTAR’s dining outlets, raffle draws and tournaments at the Casino, meet-and-greet sessions with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and more.
Axis Entertainment Bar will also be throwing a grand New Year’s Eve Countdown Party on December 31, 2022. A table for four is priced at Php 10,000 and a table for six is Php 12,000. — PR
Cebu South Coastal Road, Cebu City
(032) 888 8282 | Website | Facebook
Seda Ayala Center Cebu
Friends, partners, hotel staff, and media gathered for the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony and to celebrate 10 years of Seda Ayala Center Cebu. The tree and other festive set-ups in the lobby are decorated using natural materials made by a local community in Sogod, and designed by the hotel’s housekeeping staff.
In celebration of Seda’s 10th anniversary, the hotel is doing a giveaway for a 3D/2N stay on their social media. Enjoy Christmas in the heart of the city with special room offers of Php 8,500 net for a deluxe room and Php 9,500 net for a club room for December 24-25, 2022. The stay is inclusive of a breakfast buffet for two, a dinner buffet for two on Christmas Eve, and a complimentary glass of house wine.. — Chennie Montero
Cardinal Rosales Avenue, Cebu Business Park, Cebu City
(032) 411 5800 | Website | Facebook
Seda Central Bloc Cebu
Seda Central Bloc Cebu illuminated its interiors with the sparkling lights of Christmas. This year, they celebrate the season with the theme, “Paskong Pinoy” by adorning their tree and lobby with native and sustainable ornaments, all sourced locally in Cebu.
In keeping with the true essence of the season, Seda Central Bloc Cebu partnered with Smile Train, an international charity focused on providing free cleft surgery and care for those in need.
For Christmas, Seda Central Bloc Cebu’s special offers include their signature gift hampers, grazing boxes, food gift boxes, and pastries, all perfect for holiday gifting. Bring your loved ones and enjoy a special Yuletide feast with a holiday lunch buffet on December 24, 25, and 31, 2022 at Php 1,199 net per person, and a special holiday dinner buffet on December 24 and 31, 2022 at Php 1,499 net per person. — Patty Taboada
Padrigas Street, Cebu I.T. Park, Cebu City
(032) 410 8899 | Website | Facebook
Quest Hotel & Conference Center Cebu
Photo: Andi Pateña-Matheu 
Photo: Quest Hotel/Facebook
It’s that time of the year again when people make lists and buy special gifts! And Quest Hotel is here to celebrate this Yuletide season with you with the culmination of their Live Love Local campaign with the theme, “Dito Tayo Sa Pasko.”
So instead of just lighting its Christmas Tree, Quest Hotel keeps its own tradition of Bell Ringing which signals the excitement of Christmas. Everyone was given their own bells and as the Christmas tree lit up, jubilant as this season of joy, the audience held their hands up high as they jingle the sound of the bells.
Pusô Bistro & Bar is set to offer festive feasts on Christmas Day and Eve, as well as on New Year’s Eve. Celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with a dinner buffet at Php 1,550 net per person, while lunch on Christmas Day is at Php 1,350 net per person. There’s also a Christmas Eve Cocktail Party for only Php 550 net per person.
Ring in 2023 with a New Year’s Eve Dinner at Php 1,950 net per person and the Lit Up 2023 Countdown Party for Php 1,100 net per person, or join both for only Php 2,550 net per person.
Festive catering options are also available for a minimum of 50 persons. — Dee Valle
Archbishop Reyes Avenue, Cebu City
(032) 230 5888 | Website | Facebook
Bluewater Maribago Beach Resort
Bluewater Maribago welcomed the most wonderful season of the year with their traditional tree and resort lighting ceremony, this year themed “Kahayag” —a reminder to all to believe that there’s always light after the darkness; that there is always hope amidst difficult times.
In line with the theme, Bluewater Maribago relaunched the 12 Days of Christmas project and unveil the 2022 beneficiaries specifically Maribago Elementary School, Buyong Elementary School, Hospicio de San Jose Barili, and a small community in Caohagan island.
Have a traditional Noche Buena with the Christmas Eve Gala Dinner on December 24, 2022 for only Php 3,500 net per person.
Spend Christmas by the beach with the resort’s Eat’s a Feast offer. For only Php 1,250 per person, enjoy a lunch or dinner buffet, use of Allegro pool, beach, all-day Happy Hour, and 50% off on selected Amuma Spa services, valid until December 31, 2022. — PR
Buyong Road, Lapu-Lapu City
(032) 263 4410 | Website | Facebook
Jpark Island Resort & Waterpark
Jpark Island Resort and Waterpark ignited the Christmas Season in Lapu-Lapu City with its Christmas tree lighting.
In partnership with the GMA Kapuso Foundation, resort guests are encouraged to further decorate the tree with ornaments as a form of donation, with proceeds going to Filipinos greatly affected by Typhoon Odette and to those children who need assistance with education.
Korean artist Han Sang Yoon is also holding an art exhibit called “A Hap-Pig Story: Happy Pigs on Canvas,” with 50% of his profits going to charity.
Indulge in a delicious buffet spread at The Abalone on weekends this December. Dinner buffets on Fridays and Saturdays are at Php 1,888 net per person, and lunch buffets on Saturdays and Sundays are at Php 1,500 net per person.
On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, enjoy gastronomic delights with a holiday dinner buffet at Php 2,888 net per person. Welcome 2023 with a sumptuous dinner buffet and countdown party on New Year’s Eve for Php 5,500 net per person; and lunch buffet on New Year’s Day at Php 1,888 net per person. — Dee Valle
M.L. Quezon Highway, Lapu-Lapu City
(032) 494 5000 | Website | Facebook
Marco Polo Plaza Cebu
Marco Polo Cebu Plaza welcomed the merry season with the lighting of the Tree of Hope in the hotel lobby. It was a ceremonial night to remember the true essence of Christmas—the season of gift-giving. Its continuous partnership with the GMA Kapuso Foundation has raised over two million pesos in over a decade.
Guests can purchase Christmas ornaments and write messages of hope to be attached to the tree. The proceeds will be donated to those children who are in need of monetary assistance for their education and to those Filipinos who were badly affected by Typhoon Odette.
Holiday buffets at Café Marco will be happening nightly from December 2-23, 2022, with special dinners for Christmas and New Year. Festive menus for Lobby Lounge, El Viento, and BLU Bar & Grill will also be available. Returning this year is Hai Shin Lou on December 14, 2022, and the epic NYE Countdown Party to ring in 2023.
Room rates are 20% off for the month of December. And of course, if you still prefer to play it safe and stay home, Marco Polo’s Christmas goodies are available at their new online store. — Dee Valle and Patty Taboada
Cebu Veterans Drive, Nivel Hills, Cebu City
(032) 253 1111 | Website | Facebook
Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino
Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino kicked off the Yuletide season with the lighting of their gigantic three-tree display in the Lobby. In line with its “Polar to the Pole” theme, the hotel also unveiled a giant snow globe to give everyone a glimpse of a snowy Christmas without having to travel across the world.
Enjoy Christmas at Waterfront with holiday lunch and dinner buffets at Café Uno on December 24, 25, 31, and January 1 for only Php 1,688 net per person. La Gondola, Mizu, and Tin Gow also have special offerings for the season. Homemade sweets and treats are available for gifts, while dishes such as slow-roasted Brazilian cube roll, pineapple-glazed ham leg, and baked salmon fillet can be ordered to complete your feast at home. — Joymie Arnaiz
Salinas Drive, Lahug, Cebu City
(032) 230 5888 | Website | Facebook
Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu
Shangri-La Mactan, Cebu’s Christmas Trees are one with deeper meaning. At one glance, they may seem like your typical Christmas trees, but upon a closer look, you’ll see ornaments made out of repurposed wood.
Consistent in their goal of a more sustainable future, Shangri-La Mactan made use of repurposed wood from damages brought about by Typhoon Odette in creating their red trees that are perfect for your Christmas photos. They also tapped the Women’s Associate of Basawon hailing from Bantayan to create wooden ornaments which are currently for sale under their “Weaves of Hope” campaign. All proceeds will be donated to the organization to forward their cause.
Tropical holidays await in Shangri-La Mactan. Embrace the joy of the season with a delicious Yuletide dinner buffet at Tides from December 19-23, 2022, and January 2-3, 2022 for Php 2,500 ++ per adult.
On Christmas Eve, dine for Php 3,600++ per adult, and on Christmas Day, celebrate with a lunch buffet for Php 2,500++ per adult and a dinner buffet for Php 2,800++ per adult.
For New Year, the dinner buffet on the Eve is at Php 4,000++ per adult. Start 2023 right with a lunch buffet on January 1, 2023 for Php 2,000++ per adult, and a dinner buffet at Php 2,500++ per adult. — Francesca Fernandez
Punta Engaño Road, Lapu-Lapu City
(032) 231 0288 | Website | Facebook
bai Hotel Cebu
It was a night of thousand stars as bai Hotel Cebu lit up its blue-themed Christmas tree in the hotel’s lobby. The ceremony also coincided with the hotel’s fifth-year anniversary celebrations.
Delight in festive offerings from bai Hotel. Christmas Eve and Day lunch and dinner buffets at Café bai are at Php 2,023 net per person, while the Lobby Lounge serves Filipino feasts with options for set menus good for four people. Also enjoy take-home goodies with their Christmas hampers, sushi-to-go, grazing boxes, and more.
On New Year’s Eve, party the night away with a 90s-themed Countdown Party at the Twilight Roofdeck Lounge + Bar for an early-bird rate of Php 2,023 net per person. — Patty Taboada
Ouano Ave. cor Seno Blvd. North Reclamation Area, Mandaue City
(032) 342 8888 | Website | Facebook
Tambuli Seaside Resort and Spa
Tambuli Seaside Resort and Spa held its yearly tree-lighting event, which coincided with the resort’s anniversary. In line with the theme “Pin One’s Hope,” proudly handcrafted rattan stars are readily available at the resort’s front desk for only Php 250 each so guests can add decorations to the tree until December 20, 2022. The proceeds will be donated to the children of Maribago
Treat yourself to an impressive five-course lunch and dinner set menu at Caverna on December 24 and 25, 2022, or opt for a Christmas Eve spread at Café Hojas for just Php 2,295 net per person, On Christmas Day, indulge in a festive lunch and dinner buffet at Café Hojas for Php 2,500 net per person. Special deals for holiday day use rates are also available for December 25 and 31, 2022, and January 1, 2023. — Deneb Batucan
Buyong Road, Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City
(032) 236 0888 | Website | Facebook