Pro Shopping Strategy
The sweet spot for Noel Bazaar shopping is typically November 12-13 (just before Okada opening) or November 24-25 (before WTC opening), when vendors are fresh and selections complete but crowds haven't peaked. Early November also allows time for layaway or special orders.
Major Shopping Bazaars & Markets
November is peak season for holiday shopping bazaars in Manila. These events bring together artisan vendors, boutique sellers, gift shops, and food stalls in festive settings with entertainment and family-friendly activities. The bazaars showcase locally-made crafts, holiday decorations, and unique gift items perfect for holiday shopping.
Noel Bazaar at Okada Manila
The flagship Noel Bazaar runs November 14-16 at Okada Manila, one of Manila's premier entertainment venues. Hours: 1:00 PM - 11:00 PM daily. The bazaar features 200+ vendor booths showcasing artisan products, holiday decorations, gourmet foods, handcrafted items, jewelry, and local designer collections. Vendors range from established boutique labels to up-and-coming Filipino creators. The venue includes live entertainment stages, food courts with international cuisine, and family activities including face painting and holiday crafts for children.
Noel Bazaar at World Trade Center
The expanded Noel Bazaar runs November 26-30 at World Trade Center in Ermita. Hours: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily. This extended bazaar features 300+ booths with a broader selection of vendors, including home décor, fashion, beauty products, food and beverage vendors, and entertainment stages. WTC's central Manila location makes it highly accessible. Parking is available, and the spacious venue allows comfortable browsing even during peak hours. Multiple food courts and beverage stations provide respite during shopping.
International & Cultural Events
Beyond shopping, November 2025 features cultural and international events celebrating art, travel, music, and entertainment. These events draw diverse audiences and showcase both local and international talent.
World Travel Expo 2025
The World Travel Expo runs November 14-16, 2025 at Ayala Malls Manila Bay in Manila Bay Entertainment Complex. This international travel showcase features 200+ exhibitors from tourism boards, airlines, hotels, tour operators, and travel agencies worldwide. Attendees can discover travel packages, visa information, and special promotional deals. The expo includes seminars on travel destinations, adventure tourism, and budget travel strategies. Perfect for planning holiday trips or year-end vacations.
Live Music & Entertainment
November 2025 features numerous concerts and live performances from local and international artists across Manila venues. Major shows include Jackson Wang (November 30), TV Girl, Jeremy Zucker, and ENHYPEN VR concert experiences.
Holiday Shopping Tips & Planning
Timing Your Visit
Visit bazaars mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) in early November to avoid crowds. Weekends and dates closer to the holidays get progressively busier. Arrive early in the day for best vendor selection.
Budget Wisely
Set a shopping budget before visiting. Many vendors offer excellent prices on artisan items, but the variety can lead to overspending. Identify gift recipients in advance and prioritize purchases.
Navigate Strategically
Larger bazaars can be overwhelming. Ask vendors for maps or information booths when entering. Many bazaars organize booths by category (fashion, home, food, etc.), making shopping more efficient.
Unique Local Gifts
Support Filipino artisans and creators by shopping locally-made products. Handcrafted items, local beauty products, and Filipino-designed fashion make meaningful gifts that celebrate Philippine culture.
Family-Friendly Activities
November bazaars aren't just for shopping -- they're community gathering spaces with activities for families. Most bazaars include entertainment stages with live performances, children's activity stations, face painting, craft workshops, and food courts. Bring the whole family for a festive day out while hunting for holiday gifts and treats.
November 2025 marks the official start of Manila's holiday season. Whether you're a dedicated shopper seeking unique gifts, an entertainment lover enjoying live music, or a family looking for festive activities, November offers abundant opportunities to celebrate and prepare for the year-end holidays. Plan your month in advance, mark your calendar for major events, and immerse yourself in the vibrant holiday atmosphere that makes Manila's November special.
