Christmas is truly the most wonderful time of the year, and there’s no better way to kick off the holiday season than witnessing the grand Santa’s Toy Wonderland at SM City Davao. This year, I had the pleasure of attending their Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and it felt like stepping into a magical world where toys come to life, spreading joy and cheer to everyone around.
As someone who loves the Christmas season, this was my second Christmas tree lighting ceremony this year, and I’m already excited for more to come!
The Wonderland Comes to Life
When I arrived at the Annex Event Center, the atmosphere was already buzzing with excitement. Families, children, and shoppers of all ages gathered, eagerly waiting for the main event. The towering 30-foot Christmas tree stood at the center, surrounded by larger-than-life toys—everything from dinosaurs, teddy reindeer, nutcrackers, to mini trains and robots. Each display was meticulously designed, bringing back the nostalgic wonder of Christmas mornings when toys felt magical.
As the lights dimmed and the countdown began, there was a collective gasp from the crowd. The moment the tree lit up, sparkling in all its glory, I couldn’t help but feel the warmth of the season wash over me. It was truly a sight to behold, and for a moment, it felt like the toys around the tree were alive, spreading happiness and cheer to all of us.
Fun and Festivities
The launch of Santa’s Toy Wonderland wasn’t just about the Christmas tree lighting. The event was packed with exciting performances that left everyone in awe. One of the highlights was seeing Kenneth San Jose, the talented celebrity and hip hop sensation, perform live! His energy lit up the room and added an extra layer of excitement to the evening.
We were also treated to heartwarming performances by Muzic’s Kool Divas and the graceful dancers from the LCB Performing Arts Center Foundation Company. Their holiday-themed performances were the perfect complement to the magical atmosphere, leaving everyone feeling festive and full of Christmas spirit.
Spreading Joy with Bears of Joy
One of the things that stood out to me during the event was the introduction of the adorable Bears of Joy. This year, SM Supermalls and SM Cares brought us a new huggable squad—Mika, Ash, Bree, and Ronnie—cute, oval-shaped plushies that are perfect as gifts for loved ones or even as a treat for yourself! For only P280, you get a pair of these bears, and the best part? You can spread the joy by donating one of them to a child in need. It’s a wonderful initiative that allows you to give back during the holiday season.
A Wonderland for Shoppers
Of course, the Christmas season is also a time for shopping and gift-giving, and SM City Davao didn’t disappoint. After the tree lighting ceremony, I took a stroll through the Merriest Christmas Bazaar located at the Covered Pathwalk. The bazaar was filled with unique gift ideas, perfect for potluck gatherings or for finding that special present for your loved ones. Local exhibitors like Dragonfruit King, Bartolome's Pasalubong Lokal, and Davao Bites offered a variety of products, from food to handcrafted items, making it a one-stop shop for holiday shopping.
A Magical Start to the Holiday Season
My experience at Santa’s Toy Wonderland at SM City Davao was nothing short of magical. From the dazzling tree lighting to the fantastic performances and the heartwarming initiatives like Bears of Joy, it truly felt like the holiday season was officially in full swing. This was my second Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and I’m already looking forward to attending more, as each one brings its own unique joy and excitement.
If you’re in Davao or nearby, I highly recommend visiting Santa’s Toy Wonderland at SM City Davao. Whether you’re with family, friends, or just looking to enjoy the holiday spirit, it’s a magical experience you won’t want to miss.
Until my next Christmas adventure, I’ll be cherishing the memories of this fun-filled, festive experience. 🎄✨
