Celebrate Christmas in winter wonderland at Venice Grand Canal

by MB Lifestyle

McKinley Hill’s picturesque masterpiece turns into a winter wonderland this holiday season

The country’s first and only 40 ft. floating Christmas tree in Venice Grand Canal has been spruced up to exclude a winter wonderland vibe.

In their recent Christmas launch, the premiere lifestyle destination in Taguig City lit up the country’s first and only 40-foot floating Christmas tree along with the unveiling of the Winter Aquatic Adventure, a water-based scenery at the grand canal.

Leading Venice Grand Canal’s ceremonial tree lighting were: Graham Coates, head of Megaworld lifestyle malls, Coun. Marisse Balina-Eron and Mayor Lanie Cayetano of Taguig city, Italian Ambassador to the Philippines Marco Clemente, and Noli Hernandez, EVP for sales and marketing, Megaworld.

The Winter Aquatic Adventure is open to guests all Christmas season. While riding a gondola at the man-made canal, mall patrons can feel the holiday spirit and marvel at the iceberg installations with cute aquatic animals like polar bears, penguins, and sea lions.

Colorful lights illuminate the Italian-inspired malls including Venice Piazza’s famous fountain.

“At the heart of every Christmas celebration at Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, is the goal of having families, couples, friends, especially the kids to experience festive holidays. We are ready to welcome the community and make McKinley Hill a top holiday destination here in the city,” says Graham Coates, head of Megaworld Lifestyle Malls. 

Holiday Wonders
The days leading to Christmas will be extra happy at McKinley Hill. Patrons can enjoy weekly events filled with sparks, entertainment, and, of course, the food.  

Families and kids can watch Venice Grand Canal’s journey to Artica: Christmas aquatic adventure every Sunday this December.

The highlight of this year’s celebrations is the Journey to Artica water parade, which will feature aquatic mascots and characters, accompanied with lights and music. The show will be held on the weekends of December. Visit with family on Dec. 3, 10, and 17 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Venice Grand Canal Mall, Aquatic Area.

A grand fireworks display will light up the skies of Mckinley Hill every Sunday of December.

A lovely fireworks display for the amusement of everyone will light up the sky all Saturdays of December at exactly 7 p.m.. Christmas at the StrEAT, an open-air food fair with lots of fresh and appetizing selections, will be open to everyone who wants a feast from Nov. 18 to 20. Treat the kids to a Santa and Mascots Meet & Greet, and brighten your celebrations with live music performances in Music Under the Stars.

Holiday feasts
Feast on fresh and flavorful Italian dishes at Mama Lou’s Italian Kitchen. Mama Lou’s started as a humble family restaurant and has now become one of the most sought-after Italian restaurants in Metro Manila. After a long day of strolling and seeing McKinley Hill’s Italian-inspired architecture, it makes sense to dine in at Mama Lou’s and experience their modern but homey food selections. 

Mama Lou’s Italian kitchen offers delightful selection of Italian cuisines for family feasts or gatherings.

Toni & Sergio is one of the best when it comes to celebrations. Something you should order for the whole family or barkada? Their Paella di Pollo. The dish is a Spanish staple that is made with chicken, seafood, and other tasteful ingredients. Pair it with your wine of choice and it’s going to be a party to remember.

Toni & Sergio has a spacious and scenic alfresco dining area, which is among the best spots to watch Christmas aquatic adventure show.

You’ll never run out of Italian choices at McKinley Hill. Don’t miss dining at Ponte Rialto Ristorante Italiano. Try their best-selling dish Spaghetti Aglio Olio Peperoncino Con Vongole, which is meticulously prepared using only the freshest ingredients. Book a table at their alfresco area to get the best view of the Grand Canal.

Enjoy a scenic lunch or dinner at Italianni’s. With a warm and inviting atmosphere and an alfresco area, the experience at Italianni’s will be a homey treat for the whole family. Order their house specialties Italian Truffle Fries, Sicilian Salad, Chicken Picatta, and Margherita.

Holiday evenings are made more romantic at Ponte Rialto Ristorante Italiano with its impeccable views and gastronomic offerings.

Crustasia serves the best of Southeast Asia through a medley of Thai, Malay, Vietnamese, Indonesian, and Singaporean cuisines on their menu. One of the main attractions? Their flavorful and rich Mixed Seafood Laksa. An explosion of flavors await everyone who will sip into the Mixed Seafood Laksa, which is made from perfectly cooked noodles; the freshest prawns, squid, mussels, clams; and ofcourse the yellow chili laksa broth.

Holiday shopping
If looking for holiday presents for a special someone, visit Hearts & Arrows at the ground floor and shop from their world-class array of jewelry and watches. Stay chic and comfortable when working out and shop for the latest sneakers and sports and athleisure wear at Adidas.

A shop haven for cyclists, Hugo Bikes offers a lineup of bikes, from budget-friendly ones to high-end options. The bike shop also has a wide range of bike accessories like bicycle helmets that all pass safety standards.