Metro Manila’s year-end calendar is packed with festive events that bring together music, family fun and grand countdowns.
From elegant New Year’s Eve galas to fireworks-filled city celebrations, these experiences offer plenty of ways to welcome 2026:
At Solaire Resort Entertainment City, the holidays culminate in “Symphony of the Stars,” a New Year’s Eve gala on December 31 featuring Lea Salonga and Raymond Lauchengco under the musical direction of Gerard Salonga.
The evening pairs world-class performances with a lavish international buffet, setting the tone for a refined countdown. Throughout December, guests can also enjoy Brickman® Wonders of the World, a LEGO® exhibition with interactive zones that makes the resort a family-friendly destination.
Holiday fun continues at DreamPlay, where yuletide activities run until January 1, 2026. Guests can enjoy Shrek Santa meet-and-greets, magic shows, and the annual DreamWorks all-star holiday parade, bringing characters from Shrek, Kung Fu Panda, Madagascar, and Trolls to life.
Post-Christmas entertainment takes center stage at the City of Dreams Manila Grand Ballroom with Korean male group The Man Alive on December 27 and 28, followed by Carpenters Reborn by Chloe Foston on December 29, a nostalgic concert celebrating timeless hits.
For a high-energy New Year welcome, Eastwood City hosts the country’s longest-running New Year Countdown. Headlined by Rico Blanco, Klarisse De Guzman and Maki, with performances by KAIA and Ena Mori, the celebration builds up to the iconic Dazzling Star Drop and a grand fireworks display at midnight.
Fireworks also continue at Eastwood City and McKinley Hill until December 27, adding sparkle to the season-long festivities.
—Rosette Adel
