Holiday Entertainment & Events Guide: November-December 2025 in Manila

November begins with back-to-back international concert performances that set the tone for the season ahead. These events draw global audiences and showcase Manila's position as a major entertainment hub in Southeast Asia.

Former GOT7 member Jackson Wang brings his MAGICMAN 2 World Tour to the Smart Araneta Coliseum on November 2, 2025 (Sunday) at 7:00 PM. This is Jackson's first solo world tour in nearly two years, and it promises to be more than a typical concert experience. The MAGICMAN 2 tour blends music, visuals, and storytelling into what Jackson describes as an "immersive experience" that unfolds like a film, with each act representing an emotional chapter: Strength, Seduction, Realization, Wild, and Acceptance. The tour celebrates his album of the same name, released in July 2025.

The show caters to diverse audiences, balancing Jackson's solo work with GOT7 fan favorites. Tickets range from PHP 3,000 (General Admission) to PHP 29,000 (VIP Magic 1). Get tickets via TicketNet.

Mid-November brings a stunning variety of entertainment options, from cutting-edge technology showcases to intimate live performances and the debut of a groundbreaking Filipino musical.

For the first time ever, the Philippines welcomes the HATSUNE MIKU EXPO, the virtual idol's landmark tour, to the SM Mall of Asia Arena on November 16, 2025 (Sunday). This event marks Miku's first appearance in the Philippines and brings her dynamic concerts to Manila audiences. The Hatsune Miku Expo features live performances by the beloved virtual idol--a Japanese Vocaloid character who has captivated millions worldwide since 2007. The show combines cutting-edge holographic technology with high-energy choreography and visuals, creating an unforgettable experience that blurs the line between technology and live performance. Tickets start at PHP 3,450. Book via SM Tickets or check Ovation Tickets for resales, as the initial release sold out.

One of the most innovative cultural productions of the season, Gregoria Lakambini: A Pinay Pop Musical, runs every Friday through Sunday from November 14 to December 14, 2025 at the CCP Black Box Theater (Tanghalang Ignacio Gimenez) in Pasay City. This is the first-ever P-pop musical, a genre-bending production that fuses the fierce rhythm and contemporary sound of P-pop music with the revolutionary legacy of Gregoria de Jesus, known as the "Lakambini of the Katipunan" for her vital role in Philippine independence movements alongside her husband, Andres Bonifacio.

Written by acclaimed playwrights Nicanor Tiongson and Eljay Castro Deldoc and directed by Delphine Buencamino, Gregoria Lakambini explores Gregoria's personal and political journey from her childhood in Caloocan to her leadership in the revolutionary movement. The production features original music by singer-songwriters Nica del Rosario and Matthew Chang, and stars veteran theater actor Marynor Madamesila as Gregoria de Jesus. This production is part of the Cultural Center of the Philippines' 39th season, themed "IGNITE," and represents a historic fusion of contemporary Filipino music with national historical narrative.

Tickets are priced at PHP 1,800 (Regular) and PHP 2,000 (VIP). Shows run at 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Book tickets through Ticketworld.

Three beloved pop artists team up for a special concert as part of the Playback Pop It Up Music Festival at SM Mall of Asia Arena on November 21, 2025 (Thursday). David Archuleta, known for his powerful vocals and intimate performances; Vanessa Carlton, famous for the iconic song "A Thousand Miles"; and the British boy band Blue bring their greatest hits together in one evening. Ticket prices range from PHP 3,450 (General Admission) to PHP 9,350 (SVIP). Get tickets via SM Tickets.

Filipinos are famously early Christmas planners, and Noel Bazaar 2025 accommodates this cultural tradition. Now celebrating its 25th anniversary, Noel Bazaar brings the ultimate holiday shopping experience to Metro Manila across three strategic dates and locations.

Chart-topping artist Doja Cat brings her Ma Vie World Tour to Manila on December 7, 2025 (Sunday) at SM Mall of Asia Arena. Known for hit tracks and boundary-pushing performances, Doja Cat delivers a high-energy show that celebrates her recent music and electrifying stage presence. Ticket pricing ranges from PHP 3,750 (General Admission) to PHP 25,000 (Platinum Seat VIP Package). VIP packages include early entry, priority merchandise, and exclusive perks. Book tickets via SM Tickets or Live Nation Philippines.

With so many options across November and December, strategic planning helps maximize your entertainment experience during the busy holiday season.

Most major events take place at easily accessible venues. Smart Araneta Coliseum is accessible via the Araneta City station and multiple vehicle entry points. SM Mall of Asia Arena (hosting Hatsune Miku, David Archuleta/Vanessa Carlton/Blue, and Doja Cat) connects to public transportation and ride-sharing services with ample parking. The Cultural Center of the Philippines is located in Pasay with ample parking and accessible by ride-sharing for the Gregoria Lakambini musical. Shopping venues at Okada Manila, World Trade Center, and Filinvest Tent Alabang all provide parking and transportation options.

Book tickets early for international concerts, as popular shows often sell out, especially for premium seating. Many venues offer multiple ticketing platforms--check official venue websites for authorized ticketing channels to avoid counterfeit tickets. Early bird discounts are sometimes available on select events. Consider group rates for theater productions if attending with friends or family.

Start shopping at Noel Bazaar's early November date to avoid end-of-season crowds. Attend concerts mid-week when possible for better availability. Theater productions at the CCP offer multiple performance dates, allowing flexibility in scheduling. Arrive early to events for optimal seating, parking, and venue access, especially during peak season weekends.

The holiday season in Manila represents a unique convergence of global entertainment reaching international audiences, Filipino creativity asserting itself on cultural stages, and the infectious energy of a nation that celebrates Christmas with unmatched enthusiasm. The events of November and December showcase everything the city has to offer: world-class venues, international artists, innovative local productions, and the warm hospitality that defines Filipino culture.

Whether you're visiting Manila specifically for entertainment or discovering these events during a broader trip, the holiday season offers an embarrassment of riches. From the precision of Michelin-recognized chefs to the creativity of filmmakers and musicians, from international pop stars to homegrown P-pop innovation, from upscale shopping to festive bazaars, Manila's November-December calendar reflects a city that is increasingly confident in its place on the global stage while remaining deeply rooted in local culture and traditions.