Did you know that Pampanga is on the fast track to becoming the official “Christmas Capital of the Philippines”? Filipinos everywhere love Christmas, but Pampangueños take the celebration to a whole new level with their incredible lantern-making skills. That's why the Philippine Congress wants to crown this Region 3 province as the nation’s Christmas Capital.
And guess what? SM City Pampanga is once again at the forefront of the Christmas celebrations! Last December 1, 2023, SM City Pampanga held the ceremonial lighting of the country's Biggest Lantern of Hope. They've been doing this since 2015, and the celebrations get bigger and better each year. Now on its seventh year, alongside sprucing and lighting up the Pampanga Eye—the biggest and tallest Ferris wheel in the country—in full holiday splendor, get ready to see an abundance of other grand lanterns and an epic pyro-musical show that'll fill your heart with the true Christmas vibe.
So here’s a sign to gather your crew and head north to witness this massive lantern of hope! Plus, it's the perfect chance to visit various SM malls in North Luzon, see their fantastic Christmas setups, and, of course, indulge in a super food trip that will have your taste buds bursting with delight.
Here’s a guide on 15 things to see, do, and eat during your incredible road trip to these SM Supermalls in North Luzon:
Kick off your SM malls Central Luzon adventure with a road trip to SM City Tarlac.
Each SM mall rocks a unique Christmas setup, totally in sync with the #HappiestChristmasAtSM vibe. SM City Tarlac's setup is epic—a must for those 'gram-worthy snaps.
You can also explore “Belenismo sa Tarlac” nearby, which is part of the province's annual Christmas celebration. “Belenismo sa Tarlac” is a celebration showcasing Filipino craftiness in reimagining the nativity scene. Among the 50 displays, check out SM City Tarlac’s entry, the “Prayer Before the Belen.” The life-size Belen focuses on the baby Jesus, perched on a dome-shaped platform, using a vibrant fusion of fabrics, bamboo, and lights—a symbol of Filipino resilience.
Savor authentic Kapampangan dishes at Ikabud
Feeling hungry after all that? Ikabud’s got your back! Dive into authentic Kapampangan grub such as their iconic sisig and stuffed squid. Don't miss their seafood chop suey and bulanglang na bangus either. Make sure to grab a table before indulging, 'cause their menu is fire!
Never go hungry—and broke—at Hungry Tito’s Lechon House
Lechon is a noche buena staple, so stopping by Hungry Tito’s Lechon House at SM City Tarlac’s food court is a must on this holiday road trip. While their specialty is the crispy and tasty lechon belly, their menu also boasts lechon kare-kare! Imagine those crispy bite-sized lechon pieces paired perfectly with the nutty sauce of kare-kare and the salty punch that the bagoong provides—yummy! Their lechon sisig is another dish you need to order because it is also a winner. Their servings also come with unlimited soup so this food choice is definitely a good bang for the buck.
Go for the classics at Gerry’s Restaurant & Bar
For nearly three decades, Gerry’s Restaurant & Bar, formerly known as Gerry’s Grill, has been the go-to spot for mouthwatering Filipino fare. It’s always a fiesta when you dine at Gerry’s, and what better way to start off than with good ‘ol crispy lumpiang shanghai. For the main course, order their fried chicken, which comes with a side serving of fried potatoes; their prime beef kaldereta, with its savoury tomato sauce; and of course, the sisig that will blow your socks off! And don’t forget to order their green gulaman for dessert. No matter your choice, freshness, flavor, and satisfaction are guaranteed here at Gerry’s—and always worth the extra calorie!
There’s always room for dessert at Betty’s Special Native Cake
Betty’s Special Native Cakes has been the dessert spot to beat since 1972. Get your hands on the sweet Duman Rice Cake that deliciously tastes of nutty pinipig. They also have the Kalamay Ube that is smothered with latik and grated cheese. Their sinfully good chicharon with a good sliver of fat is also a must buy. Trust me, you won’t leave Betty’s disappointed!
Say hello to goodness at Cafe Hola
Imagine sinking your teeth into pillowy-soft ensaymada that oozes with that creamy cheesy goodness, or their Ensaymadness that bursts with the sweetness of ube or yema—bet that got your taste buds excited! Cafe Hola is a Pampanga-native brand that serves insane ensaymadas, cheese breads, cheese rolls (their Duo Rolls are the bomb), and even donuts. You’ll definitely want to bring home a box or five and we swear to not judge. *wink wink*
Pull over at SM Telabastagan
Just like SM City Tarlac, SM Telabastagan also goes all out in spreading holiday cheer this year! Spring by the center atrium to see their towering Christmas tree decked with red and gold stars. And don’t miss the inflatable Santa parade every Saturday and Sunday at 3:00 PM.
Makimura
The love for Japanese food knows no bounds and SM Telabastagan has a good Japanese resto by the name of Makimura. Their ramens (try their shoyu, aka, or tonkotsu) come with chewy noodles and rich broths. Their sushi platter is also super fresh and flavorful! At Makimura, you get authentic Japanese dishes at prices that are super budget-friendly—definitely a must try!
Feast away at Susie’s Cuisine
Indulge your taste buds at Susie’s Cuisine, a local gem dishing out delightful eats and desserts since 1972. While famed for their kakanin, their food menu's a winner too! You have to try their pancit luglug and biringhe (think Kapampangan paella). It’s a flavor sensation you cannot miss.
Sweet tooth alert at Edna’s Cakeland
Edna’s Cakeland from Nueva Ecija is also making waves in Pampanga. When in SM City Telabastagan, snag their empanadas and ensaymadas, which are a fave among the locals. Their cake game is on a next level too. From Mango Chiffon to Strawberry Shortcake, or even a classic Creamy Caramel Cake, Edna’s Cakeland is a slice of dessert heaven.
Time to finally see the biggest lantern of hope at SM City Pampanga
Let's dive into the action at SM City Pampanga, where the Biggest Lantern of Hope shines bright as night falls. Watch the Pampanga skyline sparkle with Christmas colors and brace yourself for the fireworks and lights show that'll unleash your inner kid.
Here’s a fun fact: aside from being home to the Biggest Lantern of Hope, SM City Pampanga is also known to be the longest SM mall in the Philippines. This, after three more building annexes were built following the original one that opened in the year 2000. As the entire mall is built along the expanse of the City of San Fernando and the town of Mexico in Pampanga, it is also known as the “Mall of Twos”!
Elevate your selfie game at the Philippines’ longest mall
You can also find one attraction that is totally unique to SM City Pampanga: the mirror pillars! Whether you’re capturing your OOTD, doing a soft launch of your beau, or just making memories with the gang, SM City Pampanga’s mirror pillars will surely amp up your selfie game for the gram!
Shop local at the SM StartUp Market
Need to wrap up that Christmas list? Drop by the StartUp Market and you just might hit two birds with one stone. Not only are you scoring unique gifts, you are also helping out local entrepreneurs by supporting well-crafted goodies that are proudly made locally.
Skyranch Pampanga
Thrills await at Skyranch Pampanga, the region's OG amusement park! Packed with lots of thrilling rides, Skyranch is not just for kids—everyone can get their share of adrenaline rush. For only PHP 350.00 per head, their ride-all-you-can ticket is already a steal.
One last food hurrah at Cabalen
You might know this beloved joint even if you're not from Pampanga, but there's something special about dining where it all started, don't you think? You can start slow with a couple of fresh greens from their salad bar. Then, you can slowly make your way into the bowls upon bowls of ulam they serve. Our favorites? Their adobong manok, gatang kuhol, and kare-kare—Filipino comfort food done right. Lastly, cleanse your palate with the native Kapampangan dessert: the carabao milk pudding called tibok-tibok. With nearly four decades of serving up those classic Filipino comfort dishes we all adore, dining here at Cabalen is a must before you bid Pampanga adieu and head home.
Christmas vibes are definitely in full swing at these SM Supermalls in the “Christmas Capital of the Philippines!” Follow us on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and X for all the updates you need to know from your favorite SM mall all over the country. You can also check the updated entry guidelines and mall hours for 2023 here.
