The Christmas season officially begins with “Christmas Unfolded,” marked by the annual tree lighting ceremony.
Lucky Chinatown ushered in the holiday season with “Christmas Unfolded,” a celebration that transformed the heart of Binondo into a luminous gallery of art, culture, and tradition. The ceremonial lighting of the towering Christmas tree marked the beginning of a season that celebrates creativity, sustainability, and connection within Manila’s most historic district.
The festivities were led by Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso, joined by Lucky Chinatown GM Nori Mizoguchi, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls Vice President for Strategic Support Rene Arnobit, and Vice Mayor Chi Atienza.
This year’s celebration reimagines the joy of Christmas through artistic expression and sustainable innovation. Lucky Chinatown unveiled a captivating installation of foldable sculptures. These intricate forms, animated by light and movement, symbolize the seamless blend of tradition and modern creativity, where Chinese and Filipino cultures intertwine in shared stories of joy, fortune, and renewal.
At the centerpiece stands the iconic Christmas tree, designed with layered “pages” reminiscent of folded fans. Visitors are invited to inscribe heartfelt messages of hope and gratitude within its folds — a touching reminder that the beauty of the season unfolds through shared meaning and connection.
This year’s celebration reimagines the joy of Christmas through art, sustainability, and innovation. In collaboration with Shenzhen-based artists Liu Jianghua and Li Xiao, founders of Accordion Paper Furnitures, the mall features a stunning installation of foldable sculptures crafted from honeycomb kraft paper. Each piece captures the play of light and movement, reflecting the harmony between tradition and modern creativity — where Chinese and Filipino cultures meet in stories of joy, fortune, and renewal.
At its heart stands the iconic Christmas tree, its layered “pages” resembling folded fans that invite families to leave messages of hope and gratitude, a beautiful reminder of how the season continues to unfold through shared meaning and connection.
The launch came alive with a heartfelt singing flash mob performance by local theater artists and student choirs, filling the mall with music and festive energy.
Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) Flash Mob
“Christmas Unfolded reflects what Lucky Chinatown stands for — a space where art, culture, and daily life meet,” said Nori Mizoguchi. “Beyond shopping and celebration, we want the mall to be part of the community’s stories, where families can create lasting memories and feel the joy of being together this season.”
As part of the celebration, Lucky Chinatown and its Filipino-Chinese community partners turned their attention to the Binondo Parish Youth Ministry, granting the group’s Christmas wish lists and sharing gifts and experiences that brought warmth and joy to their young members.
Guests are invited to experience the rest of Lucky Chinatown’s holiday offerings, including the Gift of Fortune, where shoppers can win special surprises; the Gift Atelier for complimentary gift wrapping on purchases made within the mall; and the Handcrafted Christmas, where visitors can create their own foldable paper Christmas trees inspired by the installation.
The season unfolds in layers of light, creativity, and togetherness at Lucky Chinatown—reminding everyone that Christmas, like paper, is at its most beautiful when shared and opened with care. For updates, visit megaworld-lifestylemalls.com or call (02) 8462-8888.