Giant Christmas Tree Araneta City Cubao (December 2025)

The Giant Christmas Tree at Araneta City Cubao in December 2025 is the centerpiece of the mall’s holiday festivities, standing tall between the Smart Araneta Coliseum and Fiesta Carnival as part of the “Christmas Glows in the City” celebration; lit in early November with thousands of bright lights, festive red and gold decorations, and colorful ornaments, it remains illuminated nightly through late December, drawing families and visitors for photos and seasonal cheer alongside other holiday attractions like fireworks, bazaars, and festive displays across the City of Firsts.

Araneta City Rain - Cubao (December 2025)

As of December 2025, Araneta City in Cubao, Quezon City continues to stand as one of Metro Manila’s most dynamic mixed-use urban hubs, blending retail, transport, entertainment, residential, office, and leisure spaces across its historic 35-hectare footprint. Strategically located at the crossroads of EDSA and Aurora Boulevard with direct links to major transit lines (MRT-3 and LRT-2), the precinct attracts vast daily foot traffic and serves as a key lifestyle and commuting nexus in the metropolis. Its expanded retail offerings — anchored by Gateway Mall and Ali Mall — now feature hundreds of global and local brands, dining outlets, cinemas and attractions like the Quantum Skyview Deck Gateway Mall, while leisure and family fun are spotlighted at Fiesta Carnival. The iconic Smart Araneta Coliseum continues to host major concerts and events, and seasonal festivities — including the giant Christmas tree lighting — draw locals and visitors into the holiday spirit. Ongoing developments in office towers and residential projects underscore its evolution from a shopping center into a fully integrated “city within a city".

Erin’s Artist Lounge and Café - Ali Mall Cubao (December 2025)

Erin's Artists' Lounge and Cafe is a creative and cozy café located on the Upper Ground Level of Ali Mall’s ALI X wing in Araneta City, Cubao, Quezon City, known for blending art, vintage charm, and comfort dining in one space. With its retro-inspired interiors and artsy vibe, it serves a mix of American, Italian, Mexican, and Filipino-twist comfort dishes alongside robust coffee, milkshakes, and other beverages, making it a popular spot for food lovers, art enthusiasts, and casual hangouts alike. The café’s welcoming atmosphere and affordable menu offerings — from pastas and roasted beef to classic milkshakes — have earned it positive local reviews, and it’s often highlighted as an Instagram-worthy hidden gem within the mall’s creative space.

Fiesta Carnival Araneta City Cubao (December 2025)

The Fiesta Carnival at Araneta City Cubao is a vibrant, family-friendly amusement fair that brings classic carnival fun to the heart of Quezon City, featuring a lively mix of rides, games, food stalls, and colorful attractions. Typically set up within the Araneta City complex, the carnival offers crowd favorites such as ferris wheels, carousels, bump cars, and thrill rides alongside skill-based games where visitors can win prizes. With festive lights, upbeat music, and a wide selection of local street food and snacks, Fiesta Carnival creates a nostalgic yet energetic atmosphere that appeals to both children and adults, making it a popular destination during weekends, holidays, and special seasons at Araneta City.

McDonald’s Ali Mall Araneta City Cubao Quezon City (December 2025)

McDonald’s Ali Mall is located on the Upper Ground Floor And Second Floor of Ali Mall — part of Araneta City in Cubao, Quezon City, making it easily accessible for shoppers, commuters, and visitors to the area. The outlet generally operates from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. It offers a full menu featuring the classic items McDonald’s is known for — burgers, fries, chicken, and the usual array of value meals and promos — and is a convenient go-to for quick meals while shopping or running errands at Ali Mall.

Romantic Baboy - Ali Mall Cubao Quezon City (December 2025)

Romantic Baboy - Ali Mall — pictured below — is a Korean-style BBQ restaurant in Cubao that remains a go-to for many craving all-you-can-eat samgyupsal and marinated meats. In December 2025, Romantic Baboy - Ali Mall continues to draw diners for its generous variety of grilled meats — pork belly (samgyupsal), spicy pork, marinated beef, cheese scallops, and more — served along with free-flowing side dishes (like kimchi, rice, and sauces) that help complete the Korean barbecue experience. Many patrons praise its friendly staff and generally good service; on Google, the branch has a solid rating of about 4.4 out of 5. At affordable price points (roughly ₱400–₱600 per person, depending on order) and with a convenient location inside Ali Mall near the Araneta Center–Cubao transport hub, it remains a practical and popular option for groups of friends or families hunting for a hearty, no-fuss K-BBQ meal.

Ali Mall Cubao Quezon City (December 2025)

Ali Mall in Cubao is one of Metro Manila’s most iconic shopping centers, located inside Araneta City. It was inaugurated on June 30, 1976, less than a year after the historic “Thrilla in Manila” boxing match at the nearby Araneta Coliseum. Since then, Ali Mall has stood out for introducing several “firsts” in Philippine retail: the first fully enclosed and air-conditioned mall; the first cineplex; the first multi-level covered parking garage; and the first food court in a shopping mall. Over the decades, it has evolved — undergoing expansions and renovations — but continues serving as a landmark destination for shopping, dining, entertainment, and even government services.

McDonald’s Restaurant Cubao Quezon City (December 2025)

 

The McDonald’s restaurant in Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City is a well-known fast-food stop located at the heart of one of Metro Manila’s busiest commercial hubs. Serving as a convenient dining spot for commuters, shoppers, and concert-goers, it typically features multiple floors, modern interiors, and spacious seating to accommodate the heavy foot traffic in the area. Positioned near key landmarks such as Gateway Mall, Farmers Plaza, and major transport terminals, it offers quick access to McDonald’s signature menu items, efficient service, and amenities suited for families and groups. Its strategic location makes it a popular meeting point and a reliable choice for casual meals within the bustling Araneta district.