Christmas magic officially came alive at SM City Marikina yesterday, October 20, as the mall welcomed the season with its Holiday Twinklewoods Christmas lighting event. Set on the 3rd Level, in front of SM Store, the celebration transformed a familiar mall space into an enchanting woodland-inspired Christmas destination, complete with mythical characters, festive music, and a heartwarming message of sharing joy.
As the event unfolded, families, children, and other mallgoers passing through the third floor stopped to see what had changed. The anticipation grew as everyone waited for the highlight of the evening: the moment the Holiday Twinklewoods lights illuminated the area, officially opening the Christmas attraction.
It was a festive start to the season, reminding everyone that Christmas at SM is not just about decorations and shopping. It is about creating experiences and memories that bring people together.
A Magical Opening With Fairies and Christmas Melodies
Before the lights came on, the event opened with performances by mythical performers portraying fairies and other enchanting characters from Twinklewoods. Their appearances helped bring the woodland-inspired theme to life, setting a magical atmosphere for the evening.
Adding to the experience was violinist Michaella Torres, who serenaded the audience with Christmas carols. The familiar melodies provided a festive soundtrack to the celebration, complementing the whimsical performances and building anticipation for the lighting ceremony.
As the program continued, children and parents joined other mallgoers in stopping to watch the festivities. Some had been passing through the third floor, only to pause and discover the transformation taking place in front of SM Store.
The excitement reached its peak when the lights of Holiday Twinklewoods were finally switched on, marking the formal opening of the display. The illuminated installation immediately drew attention, giving visitors a new reason to explore, take photos, and enjoy the Christmas atmosphere.
It was a simple but memorable reminder of how a familiar place can feel different when the holiday season arrives.
Discover the Enchanting World of Holiday Twinklewoods
With its woodland-inspired concept, Holiday Twinklewoods brings a whimsical touch to Christmas at SM City Marikina. The festive setting invites visitors to step into a world inspired by an enchanted forest, where Christmas decorations and imaginative details create a charming seasonal backdrop.
The transformation is part of what makes Christmas displays exciting: spaces that people regularly pass through become destinations worth stopping for.
For families, it is an opportunity to enjoy a holiday outing without having to travel far. Children can take in the magical surroundings, parents can capture family photos, and friends can make time for a quick festive stop during their mall visit.
And at the heart of this Christmas celebration is Mika, the official character of SM City Marikina, adding a recognizable personality to the mall’s holiday identity.
Whether you are visiting to admire the decorations, enjoy the atmosphere, or simply soak in the Christmas spirit, Holiday Twinklewoods offers another reason to make the most of the season at one of the area’s familiar shopping destinations.
Besties of Joy: A Little Gift Can Bring a Bigger Smile
Beyond the lights, performances, and festive decorations, Christmas is also a season for giving.
This year, the Besties of Joy bring an extra layer of meaning to the holiday celebration. Making their debut are Maki, Matty, Sasha, and Sera of the SM Super Pets Club, ready to become new companions for children while spreading the spirit of generosity.
The initiative gives shoppers a meaningful way to share the happiness of receiving a gift. With each qualifying purchase under the Besties of Joy initiative, a child in a partner organization also receives a Bestie of Joy.
For SM City Marikina, the local partner is the Marikina City Social Welfare and Development Office, connecting the initiative to children in the community.
The concept is simple but meaningful: one purchase can bring happiness to the person taking home a Bestie while also helping another child experience the excitement of receiving a special gift.
It is a reminder that the true spirit of Christmas goes beyond what we receive. It is also about what we can share, especially with children who deserve to experience the same joy and wonder of the season.
In a celebration filled with magical characters and dazzling lights, this initiative offers a different kind of magic—the kind that comes from kindness.
Maxed Out Experiences and Gala To The Max This Christmas
Christmas at SM is an opportunity to turn ordinary mall visits into something more memorable. A quick trip to shop for necessities can become an evening of music, performances, festive discoveries, and time spent with family.
That is the appeal of Maxed out experiences: making room for more than the usual routine and discovering something worth remembering along the way.
At Holiday Twinklewoods, the combination of mythical performers, Michaella Torres’s Christmas carols, and the lighting ceremony gave mallgoers a reason to stop, watch, and share in the excitement. Even those who had not planned to attend the event could become part of the celebration simply by being there when the lights came on.
And with Christmas shopping, seasonal attractions, and opportunities to give back, visitors can Gala To The Max by making every trip count.
For families, especially, these little experiences can become part of the holiday memories children carry with them long after the decorations come down.
Celebrate a Super Magical Christmas At SM City Marikina
The opening of Holiday Twinklewoods marked the beginning of another Christmas season at SM City Marikina. More than a lighting ceremony, it was a gathering of families, children, performers, and everyday mallgoers who stopped to witness a familiar space transform into something festive and enchanting.
With Mika representing the mall’s Christmas identity, the Besties of Joy encouraging generosity, and the Holiday Twinklewoods display setting the scene, there are plenty of reasons to make a visit this season.
For those looking for a festive stop with family or friends, head to the 3rd Level, in front of SM Store at SM City Marikina, and discover Holiday Twinklewoods for yourself.
After all, being a Most loved mall is not just about having the things people need. It is also about creating moments that bring people together and making the community feel part of something special.
This Christmas, let the lights inspire you, let the music set the mood, and let the spirit of giving remind you what the season is all about.
Make more memories, enjoy Maxed out experiences, and celebrate a Super Magical Christmas At SM at SM City Marikina.
