In just a few weeks, we’ll join our loved ones in welcoming a new year full of fresh starts and exciting opportunities. We may celebrate in different ways—from family trips to extravagant countdown parties and intimate gatherings at home—but we can all agree that great company makes these get-togethers extra special.
This month, numerous Filipino art markets and creative communities are ready to give us an advanced New Year’s celebration we won’t forget. They’re keeping us busy throughout the holiday season with year-end hangouts and festivals that showcase the hobbies and artistic outlets we’ve pursued throughout the year.
Photo: Looking for Juan, Good Intentions Collective/Instagram
These upcoming events are also a chance for us to meet new friends through common interests in social settings where we’re most comfortable. We can reflect on our goals and personal growth while giving back to the local artists and advocates who’ve helped us finish this year strong.
If you’re in the mood to try new things and gain memorable experiences in Metro Manila before the year ends, these four artsy weekend celebrations have you covered.
The Little Prince Lantern Festival
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Street Kohi and The Social Club Productions have an early Christmas present for fans of the classic children’s story by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. From December 12 to 14, 2025, you can witness the magic of The Little Prince come to life for only ₱300 per person at UP Village in Quezon City.
Don’t miss out on a handful of activities and workshops that will heal your inner child, such as:
- Designing your own lantern,
- Writing wish cards for your New Year’s manifestations,
- A The Little Prince-themed photo booth, and
- Merchandise from the festival’s community partners.
No matter how you’re preparing for the new year, the lantern festival is here to reassure us that there’s no harm in following our hearts and “finding our planets,” just as the Little Prince did.
The three-day lantern festival will be open from 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
Salu-salo by Looking for Juan and Canvas PH
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If you have a meaningful life story to share, Salu-salo is your chance to inspire others with your reflections, insights, and experiences. Looking for Juan, a local book and stationery shop, is collaborating with CANVAS, a community of artists and exhibitioners, to champion Filipino voices and make fruitful connections through this creative get-together.
At Salu-salo, you can bond with fellow passionate storytellers and shop for gifts from Looking for Juan’s catalogue. This includes journal and planner sets, framed paintings, and books on Filipino culture.
Unleash your inner storyteller at Salu-salo on December 13, 2025, at the CANVAS Gallery and Garden in Capitol Hills, Quezon City. The weekend pop-up opens at 10:00 AM and closes at 4:00 PM.
The Scrapbook Social: A Year-end Journal Hangout
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Papemelroti, Instax, and the Good Intentions Collective are teaming up for The Scrapbook Social, an intimate afternoon that spotlights arts and crafts enthusiasts in the metro. On December 14, 2025, you can “cozy up and create” with new friends who’ve also embraced the comfort of journaling and scrapbooking this year.
The Scrapbook Social strives to help Filipinos appreciate the art of archiving physical media and documenting memories by hand. That’s why attendees can anticipate a fun-filled lineup of activities, including:
- A do-it-yourself (DIY) journal charm station,
- A “journal buffet” full of stickers, washi tape, and other art materials,
- Writing heartfelt letters to your 2026 self,
- Answering inspirational prompts for the new year, and
- A Kris Kringle-inspired “stationery swap” session.
The journaling hangout will be held at the Papemelroti Artisan’s Workshop, located on 91 Roces Avenue, Quezon City. Entrance costs ₱400.
Moonfall: A 2025 Year-end Market by Astrolikha
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Moonfall is an upcoming creative space where local brands and small businesses can connect. At this community market, Filipino artists, content creators, and entrepreneurs are in for a five-day showcase featuring live music, vintage clothing, and anik-anik collections. You can drop by the year-end celebration at Ayala Malls Fairview Terraces from December 26 to 30, 2025.
Astrolikha, a Filipino collective of multimedia artists and designers, is still accepting merchants and partnerships for Moonfall. Interested participants can sign up via the Google Form on Astrolikha’s Instagram page.
ALSO READ: Serving “Good” to the Table: How The Good Meat Adds a Creative Twist to Classic Noche Buena Dishes
How will you be celebrating Christmas and preparing for the new year? Let us know in the comments below!
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