The air in Quezon City already carried that unmistakable early-December feeling even though October still had days left on the calendar. At SM North EDSA, the wait was over. On October 23, 2026, the mall officially lit up its most ambitious holiday centerpiece so far: Santa’s Air Express. This aviation-inspired wonderland has become the largest and most immersive Christmas display among the SM Supermalls covered this season.
At the heart of The Block Atrium stands a towering 60-foot giant Christmas tree, its branches heavy with lights and ornaments that catch every eye the moment you step into the space. Surrounding it is an Elf-dale and Santa’s Magical Land: a whimsical landscape of greenery, playful elf dwellings, mystical figures, cascading digital effects, and holiday characters that make the atrium feel less like a mall and more like a storybook that has come to life. Outside, the aviation theme continues with a floating airship element that signals Santa’s grand arrival from the skies. The combination of scale, detail, and pure festive energy has drawn crowds who linger for photos, walk slowly through the installations, and simply soak in the glow.
The Christmas Launch and Tree Lighting ceremony was led by Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte. She was joined by SM North EDSA Vice President for Operations Ms. Jocelyn Lapid-Clarino, District 1 Representative Arjo Atayde, Action Officer Ollie Belmonte, and local councilors. In her remarks, Mayor Belmonte captured the spirit of the night with a line that drew smiles and nods: “Sa Pilipinas, hindi uso ang soft launch.” The message was clear. When Christmas arrives in the Philippines, especially at a place like SM North EDSA, it arrives fully, brightly, and without hesitation. She and the other guests officially welcomed the season as the tree illuminated, turning the atrium into a beacon of holiday cheer for the city.
The evening was further lifted by live performances from P-Pop group AJAA and singer-songwriter Angela Ken. AJAA brought energetic holiday energy to the stage, while Angela Ken’s warm vocals (including her connection to SM’s seasonal soundtrack) added heartfelt moments that made the lighting ceremony feel personal and celebratory. Families, mallgoers, and fans sang along, danced, and created memories right there under the newly lit tree.
The full holiday display and festive experiences are open to the public from October 23, 2026, until January 10, 2027. Visitors can look forward to Santa meet-and-greet sessions, a holiday market for festive finds, photo opportunities throughout Santa’s Magical Land and Elf-dale, and the simple joy of wandering through a space designed for togetherness. SM North EDSA has long been a destination for holiday traditions. This year’s Santa’s Air Express raises the bar with its size, storytelling, and community feel.
Whether you are bringing kids to meet Santa, gathering the whole family for photos in front of the 60-foot tree, or just seeking that early taste of Christmas magic amid the usual mall routine, the invitation is simple: come aboard. The lights are on, the airship has landed, and the biggest Christmas display of the season is waiting at The Block Atrium. In a country that knows how to celebrate the holidays with full hearts and full volume, SM North EDSA’s Santa’s Air Express is already delivering exactly that, and it has only just begun.
