By JADE VERONIQUE YAP
 
For Filipinos, the holiday season begins as soon as the "ber" months arrive. Did you know that the Philippines has the world's longest Christmas? It starts in September and ends in January of next year!
 
Araneta City, as part of its annual tradition, kicked off the holiday season on October 28, Saturday in Quezon City, by lighting its 10-foot gigantic Christmas Tree, showing to spectators that Christmas is like no other in the City of Firsts.
 
With a theme of "Christmas like no other," the annual tradition that started in 1981, officially marks the start of Christmas celebrations in Araneta City.
 
The night was much brighter and magical as celebrities like showbiz royalty Vice Ganda gave an unkabogable performance singing along with Lady Gaga’s hit songs, Idol Philippines winners Khimo Gumatay and Kice serenaded the crowd with their beautiful and angelic voices, on-screen partners KD Estrada and Alexa Ilacad swooned fans with their performance of Last Christmas.
 
Hosts Robi Domingo and Binibining Pilipinas Grand International 2020 Samantha Bernardo also joined the grand festivity in welcoming the most awaited time of the year.
 
Despite the heavy rain and dreary weather, the one-night event ended with a bang with a spectacular fireworks show.
 
Aside from the opening of the giant Christmas tree, spectators can also enjoy various Christmas activities only seen in the City of Firsts.
 
Learn more about Jesus Christ through  their Christmas on Display on November 18—an animated display that will narrate the birth story of Jesus Christ.
 
Look back at your younger years, and unleash the kid in you with their Fiesta Carnival — an amusement park for kids and kids at heart — that will open on November 5 until January 8.
 
Fill up your stomach with mouthwatering and delectable food and treats available in their food park.
 
One traditional Filipino Christmas symbol is the "Belen," which serves as a visible reminder of the night that Jesus Christ was born. To remember the night He was born, an annual Belen Lighting will be conducted at the Farmers Market on November 11, beginning with a holy mass and concluding with a fireworks display.
 
Other activities also include a Santa Meet and Greet every Saturday and Sunday of December, a Mascot Parade, a Chorale Performance, a Simbang Gabi, and a Fireworks Display.
 
So what are you waiting for? Spend your holidays in Araneta City because Christmas is like no other in the City of Firsts. ###