Christmas in Baguio this year promises to be packed with fun and entertainment, with spectacular shows and activities kicking off a long list of activities prepared by the city government and its partners on Dec. 1.

The YMCA parade and the Silahis ng Pasko opening day parade started early Dec. 1 along Session Road. The latter’s extravaganza included the Children-parents Christmas Mardi Gras followed by its grand opening program at Melvin Jones grandstand; and Little Mr. and Ms. Silahis ng Pasko coronation rites, Children Kultura-o-rama, dance fest, day care center by the clusters at Malcolm Square at 2 p.m.

A car show, bonanza, chalk art contest, battle of the bands, concerts, song and dance contests were held in the afternoon.

The public counted down to the lighting of the grand Christmas tree at Rose Garden with a concert amidst fireworks displays at different points of the central business district.

A short program and performances were held at the Porta Vaga Mall main entrance for the unveiling of its Christmas façade and launching of its new logo.

Rep. Mark Go, Mayor Mauricio Domogan, and other city officials led the Christmas tree lighting, which signaled the burst of fireworks and the 10th Saint Louis University lantern parade from Session Road to the Athletic Bowl, where field demonstrations followed.

The Philippine Military Academy led the Christmas in Baguio concert at Upper Session Road, as the city capped the first day with another fireworks display at Melvin Jones.

Other activities are:

Dec. 2 – Share-a-Joy Baguio Christmas fun alley and raffle joys for newspaper, shoeshine, and baggage boys, and bag sellers, Malcolm Square, 9 a.m.; launching of musical Christmas lights display at Malcolm Square, 5 p.m.; and Christmas tree lighting and advent wreath blessing at the Baguio Country Club veranda, 6 p.m.;

Dec. 7 – University of Baguio Christmas Cantata. Interested individuals may get in touch with the UB Student Affairs Office for tickets, as the number of audience is limited; SLU Glee Club silver anniversary concert, SLU-CCA theater, 6 p.m.;

Dec. 7 to 10 – Quest for the Baguio Lucky Foreign Visitors 2018;

Dec. 8 – Blossom of Lights, SM Baguio Sky Ranch; Mr. Bi-Earth King 2018, Abanao Square roof deck, 5 to 10 p.m.; Silahis ng Pasko sa Baguio thanksgiving holy mass at the Shrine of the Brown Madonna, 9 a.m.;

Dec. 8 and 9 – Quest for the Baguio Lucky Christmas Family 2018; Baguio City National High School dancing and singing Christmas tree with the PMA band, 2 p.m., Malcolm Square;

Dec. 14, 16, 21 to 23 – Christmas harana, Abanao Square, 4 to 6 p.m.;

Dec. 15 – Camp John Hay Christmas sunset run, gun-start at 2 p.m.; Special Day for Special People, 8:30 a.m., Malcolm Square;

Dec. 15 to 23 – the 9-night Aguinaldo mass, Abanao square rooftop, 6:30 p.m.; and Our Lady of Atonement Cathedral from Dec. 16 up to 24, 5 a.m.;

Dec. 15 to 24 – Porta Vaga Mall Christmas sale, center atrium, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.;

Dec. 16 to 25 – Santa around the mall, Abanao Square, noon to 1 p.m., 4 to 5pm;

Dec. 17 – Medical, dental, optical mission, Abanao square roof deck 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. followed by Christmas decoration competition;

Dec. 17 and 18 - Pamaskong Handog ng Sining, BCHNS auditorium;

Dec. 20 - Abanao Square Kids Journey to the North Pole Christmas Party, roof deck, 1 to 4 p.m.;

Dec. 24 and 25 – Santa meet and greet, SM Baguio Atrium, 11 a.m., 3 and 5 p.m.;

Dec. 25 – Lucky Baguio Christmas baby quest; and

Dec. 27 – Silahis ng Pasko holy mass, Malcolm Square, 4 p.m.

Concerts and other merry making activities have also been scheduled in various venues.

Grand fireworks displays are set for Dec. 24 and 31.