'Enchanting Baguio Christmas' 2023 festivities unveiled

BAGUIO CITY — The spirit of enchantment will be the defining feature Baguio City’s 2023 Christmas festivities.

Gladys Vergara, chair and president of the Baguio Tourism Council said that the array of activities to celebrate "An Enchanting Baguio Christmas” was meticulously planned and curated by the council.

She said that at the Rose Garden in Burnham Park, there is a European-themed Christmas Market that promises a festive haven for park goers and revelers throughout the Yuletide season.  

Vergara added that visitors will be enveloped in the cozy charm of the Baguio Christmas Market, emphasizing that the ambiance alone would infuse the air with the joyous spirit of Yuletide.

"Christmas decorated pathways will guide visitors through quaint stalls adorned with twinkling lights, creating a scene of merriment," she explained.

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong expressed the city’s gladness over the repertoire of Christmas-themed events the BTC has laid out for Yuletide.

“Christmas has always been celebrated with spiritual piety as blended with contemporary practices, a much-visited pageant our people have been known for, “ he said.

He underscored the significance of Christmas in Baguio, affirming that locals returning from overseas work have looked forward to reunite with families they hold dearest.

Other city department heads also echoed the mayor’s enthusiasm, recalling how long unseen relatives have always eagerly awaited being back home for the Christmas holidays.

The BTC also thanked other government sectors for the public support in holding the various Christmas events throughout the holiday season. These include the City Tourism Office, the City Environment and Parks Management Office for enlivening the city parks including the Botanical Garden, the City Engineering Office and the City Building and Architecture Office for the infrastructure needs of the stage and other platforms, the City Budget Office for the funding needs.

“We’re all doing these events hand in hand between the public and private sectors. By the splendid collaboration of everyone, we’re celebrating Christmas the enchanted way, bewitching returning locals and visitors to spend Yuletide in a