Mandaluyong CHRISTMAS STREET beckons

What makes Christmas in Policarpio extra special? Judging from the throngs of people from various places that troop to this famous street in the city of Mandaluyong, it is primarily the elaborate and extravagant Christmas displays that have turned Policarpio into a glittering spectacle every year.

Here, animated Christmas displays adorn the façade of beautiful houses. One look at the attractions which include a moving Belen and a wonderland with fairies and dwarves, will remind older generations of the colorful sights and sounds of the Manila COD, a popular mall in Avenida (then opened a second branch in Cubao) during the early 60s which features moving displays during the Yuletide season.

Visitors are also lured to the mansion of the Dalisays which is literally covered with lights, including its gazebo. A totally breathtaking view, it has become the most popular symbol of the Policarpio Christmas Street. This visual treat is comparable with the Zigong Lantern Festival in China and probably dwarfs the London Lantern Boulevard.

A hit among kids is the house across the Dalisay mansion which features St. Nick in various kinds and sizes. Dubbed as the "House of Santa," people cannot help but marvel at these displays which is considered one of the largest collections of Santa Claus items.

Enhancing the fiesta atmosphere are bazaars and food stalls which line the entire stretch of Policarpio street. Other tiangges are located in the garage of several houses with a wide range of merchandise such as home and kitchen items, toys, hats, religious icons, and children’s clothes.

After sightseeing, visitors check out these bazaars and take a bite of finger foods, bibingka and puto bungbong at the food stalls.

The idea of a Christmas street was conceptualized in 1995 by the Residents Association of Policarpio in their efforts to abide with the Filipino Christmas tradition of decorating and illuminating their houses. Later on, the 31 families participating in this undertaking decided to allow the public to view their houses with a goal to share the joys and true spirit of the season.

Every year, more and more people including folks from the provinces discover this place in Mandaluyong, eventually making it a tourist destination come Christmas time.

The nightly spectacle opens at 6 a.m. until midnight and runs for the duration of the Yuletid season. It is located at Policarpio Street, Brgy. New Zaniga, Mandaluyong.