‘Enchanting Baguio Christmas’ events on; tourist arrivals up

‘CHRISTMAS VILLAGE’ -- The newly refurbished Botanical Garden added a new feature through its “Christmas Around the World” theme for the holiday season. The display is now  open to the public starting 8 p.m. until midnight. --  PIO-Baguio

By Julie G. Fianza

BAGUIO CITY -- After the successful opening of the Baguio Botanical Garden’s spectacular night time “Christmas Around the World,” activities are expected to bring in more locals and visitors in other venues, including Session road, different areas of Burnham Park and Malcolm Square.
    Business establishments are expected to join in the merry making with decorations in white and yellow, with snowflakes, specially along the city’s main road. The decorations are done to emphasize the cool Baguio climate, it was noted by City Planning and Development Officer architect Donna Rillera-Tabangin during the regular management committee meeting.    
    According to City Tourism Aloysius Mapalo, tourists have been flocking to the city especially on weekends, thus pre-pandemic visitors’ numbers have been reached.
    Locals are expected to join in the activities, specially the countdown and lighting of the City Christmas tree and mandala-inspired parol and lights along session road, with city officials and other luminaries.
    A program before sunset serves as a prelude to the lighting of the tree, Engr. Mapalo said.
    Alongside shall be the long-awaited, revived after a two-year absence, the  Saint Louis University (SLU) lantern parade, from Session road to Melvin Jones field. Detailed preparations have also been done by SLU for a lantern performance after the parade.
    A fireworks display is expected from SM Baguio within the same time frame.
    On Dec. 3, a “Cool Christmas at the Rose Garden” featuring a Christmas-themed food truck showcase, Christmas installations, goodies, open mic street busking and artists’ performances opens.
    Also on Dec. 3, The Nutcracker parade and ballet concert along Session road up to Melvin Jones; and the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) silent drill kicks off, expectedly for a jam-packed street audience.
    For the whole month of December, thematic Sundays apply. On Dec. 4, there shall be an Architects Heritage Deco and information historical board for six buildings along Session Road. According to City Tourism Mapalo, it shall be a recreation of old Baguio, circa 1900 to 1940s.
    On Dec. 11, old Volkswagen cars shall be dressed up as Christmas decors.
    On Dec. 18, pets take center stage along the main street, with buskers and chalk art production.
    On New Year’s eve, a countdown ensues with centralized fireworks to welcome 2023.
    All activities and installations are done with the City Planning and Development Office coordinating with City Building and Architects Office (CBAO), City Tourism and Special Events Office (CTSEO) and City