SM Supermalls has once again turned the ordinary into something memorable, this time by rolling out the red carpet for the holiday season in true royal fashion. On October 16, SM Megamall officially opened Mega Holidays 2026 with a theme that feels both elegant and playful: The Royal Court of Christmas.
Step into the Mega Fashion Hall and the first thing that catches your eye is the towering 45-foot Christmas tree, glowing with lights and ornaments that set the tone for everything around it. Beside it stands a giant chess-inspired display that transforms the space into something more than just another holiday setup. It feels like walking into a grand court where strategy meets celebration, where every piece of décor seems carefully placed to spark curiosity and delight. The whole scene mixes immersive design with theatrical flair, creating a place where families can pause, take photos, and simply soak in the sparkle.
What makes this year’s launch stand out is the entertainment that comes with it. Repertory Philippines brought an original musical to the mall, performed live with the full support of the Manila Philharmonic Orchestra. This marks the first time the mall has paired a Christmas musical with live orchestral music in this way, and the result is a richer, more emotional experience. The collaboration turns a regular tree-lighting into a genuine cultural moment, one that feels special rather than purely commercial. Guests got to enjoy the drama, the music, and the collective countdown as the tree finally came to life.
This opening at SM Megamall is only the beginning. SM Supermalls is rolling out tree-lighting celebrations across the country from October 16 through October 25. From Luzon to the Visayas and Mindanao, malls are unveiling their own Christmas centerpieces with performances, Santa appearances, and the shared joy of watching the lights switch on together. Each location offers its own flavor of the season, yet all of them share the same goal: giving families a reason to gather and create new memories early in the holiday calendar.
The broader campaign, often tagged as Gala to the Max and Super Magical Christmas at SM, stretches the festive spirit across weeks rather than confining it to the final stretch of the year.
Shoppers can expect more than just decorations. There will be carolers, Santa meet-and-greets, special deals, parade, and plenty of small moments that make a trip feel worthwhile.
For many Filipinos, SM has long been part of the Christmas tradition. The lights, the crowds, the shared excitement of the first tree lighting of the season, these things have become familiar markers of the year. This time around, the Royal Court of Christmas at Megamall raises the bar by blending visual spectacle with live theater and orchestral music. It invites people not only to shop or take pictures but to stay a little longer, to watch a performance, and to feel the season arrive in a more complete way.
If you find yourself near Ortigas in the coming weeks, it is worth stopping by the Mega Fashion Hall. The tree is lit, the chess pieces stand ready, and the holiday atmosphere is already in full swing. More celebrations are unfolding across SM Supermalls nationwide, so wherever you are, there is likely a festive moment waiting nearby. The season has begun, and it is already shaping up to be one filled with light, music, and shared wonder.