It is beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

Once again, families bond, friends reunite, and secret Santas shop through the holiday sparkle and fancy decorations in their favorite malls.

This season, SM Supermalls promises to bring back the excitement in every visit, joy in every sight, and a magical connection in every experience that will make Filipinos' Christmas happy and bright.

The mall chain has announced the lineup of festive activities to celebrate the joys of the holidays for you and your loved ones, wherever you are in the metro.

Christmas tree lightings

SM officially ushered in the holiday season with an out-of-this-world celebration at the Mega & Bright: Christmas in Space 2022 at the SM Megamall on October 20.

The mall's mega Christmas tree decked in stars and lights was lit, signaling the start of SM's nationwide Happy Christmas campaign.

Shoppers can have a glimpse of the universe through SM Megamall's Mega Space Odyssey. The 3D LED tunnel transports individuals into space and allows them to view it immersively.

Apart from Megamall, other SM malls lit up their massive 50-foot Christmas trees to share hope, joy, and love with every shopper.

SM North EDSA unlocked the happiest season of all with an aurora borealis-inspired Christmas centerpiece last October 21 led by SM Supermalls President Steven Tan and Quezon City Vice Mayor Gian Sotto.

SM Mall of Asia kicked off a Very Merry MOA Gingerbread Christmas with a large rounded 2-layered cake with various decors. Highlighted atop is a towering 65 ft. high pine tree adorned with thousands of shining red balls and berries lighted with 1,600 changing led lights and a multi-pointed Bethlehem star on top. The surrounding space is enhanced with MOA Magical friends, dressed as sugar cookies, gingerbread houses with various patterns and colors standing over 20 ft. tall in candy cane stilts.

SM City Cebu celebrates a one-of-a-kind Winter Magic Christmas, where the Christmas Park can be experienced at the Mountain Wing Atrium. Let the kids meet the Incredible Igloo Pals every Wednesday and Friday to Sunday from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, and catch Santa Claus every Saturday and Sunday from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Santa-approved Christmas Playpark

Witness as your favorite mall opens a new world of Christmas with towering centerpieces, functional spaces, and sprawling activities at the Christmas Playpark.

Explore the Christmas markets and play areas, watch out for Santa appearances, character meet-and-greets, and other surprises.

You will also get to have a multisensory experience at the playpark's light and sound shows, festive eats and holiday treats, and a whole lot more scents and feels that will embrace you in holiday warmth and ambiance.

Sparkling lights to brighten up your holidays

Christmas will not be festive without lights.

Be in awe as you pass by hallways decked with twinkling lights, illuminated tunnels, beaming driveways, and lit parking spaces as they glow at their best.

Dining out al fresco style at the Super Spots decked with lights

The mall chain has also created outdoor attractions for that memorable shopping, dining, and leisure activities for the whole family.

At The Podium, shoppers are in for Joie De Vivre with its Holiday Night Cap on October 21-23 and 28-30 at the ADB Al Fresco, and the Food Lab on October 24-30 at the Atrium East Level 2, so everyone can discover new food specials this Christmas.

You can also enjoy special treats, promos, and exclusive deals from your favorite restaurants and food merchants at the mall near you.

Turn Christmas 'Areality'

Do not miss out on a phygital Christmas experience as the malls will incorporate the festive season with Augmented Reality.

At SM Megamall, four AR filters have been made available, including Santa Claus, Reindeer, Snowman, and Sparkle.

You just need to scan the QR code at the mall near you and see the Christmas centerpiece and magical spots come alive.

Happiness Stations

SM installed various happiness stations where you can create lasting memories with family and friends.

Spot the giant bears with lights at Bears of Joy corner, the happiness photo wall, the Christmas tree decorations with your family photos, or the huge TV screen where you can watch your recently filmed TikTok or Instagram video.

Make your furbabies feel the Christmas love

Christmas is for the whole family including furbabies.

Make them happy and feel loved by joining the Holiday Paw Play Dates and Costume PAWty.

You can also flex them at the Christmas photo challenge and win amazing prizes, or shop for them at the Christmas markets.

Also, the mall chain will be partnering again with organizations for a pet adoption drive, so you can help the little ones find a home in time for the holiday.

Unlock a bigger, better, and brighter virtual Christmas Village

SM will reopen its virtual Christmas Village to bring an exciting, engaging, and rewarding holiday experience to Filipinos.

Check out the 2022 Christmas Village as it goes live from October 28, 2022 to January 5, 2023 for an awesome augmented reality shopping, dining, and leisure experience.

Create your own avatar, e-meet fellow shoppers and mall ambassadors, and enjoy bonding time with your family and friends while playing fun games at the immersive virtual Christmas zones made for you.

Create circles of happiness by buying products for cause-oriented programs

Since it is the season of giving, you can support cause-oriented advocacies of individuals and organizations by purchasing products that provide opportunities and livelihood to marginalized sectors.

For this year's 100 Days campaign, SM partnered with bag designer Zarah Juan, Spark PH, the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP), the Association of Foot and Mouth Artists of the Philippines, and the Quezon City LGU for its Vote to Tote initiative.

"This Christmas, we are sending a message of happiness to every Filipino. With every activity we have for them, we hope to inspire everyone to spread sparks of happiness in their homes and communities as we celebrate this year's holiday festivities," said Steven Tan, president of SM Supermalls.

Check out their official website or follow @smsupermalls on all social media accounts to stay updated on the various holiday happenings.