The season of merrymaking is upon us once again and only one destination pays tribute to the most wonderful time of the year in truly grand fashion. Resorts World Manila (RWM), the country’s pioneering integrated resort, launched Grand Fiesta 2014—-the biggest and longest annual yuletide celebration in the land.

Now on its fifth year, Grand Fiesta 2014 adopts the Festival of Stars theme, with one of the biggest indoor parols serving as a symbol of light and hope for Filipinos during the Christmas season. Festivities kicked off with a Christmas tree and giant lantern-lighting ceremony complete with chorale and banda kawayan performances at The Plaza in Newport Mall at 5PM on Friday, November 14.

“Grand Fiesta Manila is RWM’s way of celebrating the holiday season with our signature brand of thrills,” said Stephen Reilly, Chief Operating Officer, Resorts World Manila. “More importantly, it is a huge and extended thanksgiving celebration for our members, customers, partners, and stakeholders who continue to support us. Expect nothing less than world-class festivities, entertainment and exciting deals in RWM this yuletide season.”

Among the not to be missed attractions in November and December are a Christmas toy fair from November 20 to 23 at The Plaza in Newport Mall; star buskers in costume such as Darth Vader, Hulk, Iron Man, and Santa Claus on November 14 to 16, 21 to 23, and 28 to 30, December 5 to 7, 12 to 14, 19 to 21, 25 to 28, and 31; giant parol shows from November 14 to January 4; Grand Wine experience on November 14; chorale performances November 14 to 16, 21 to 23, 28 to 30, December 5 to 7, 12 to 14, 19 to 21, 26 to 28, Banda Kawayan and indoor light parades from November 14, 22 to 23, and 29 to 30, December 6 to 7, 14, 20 to 21; Newport Mall pre-holiday sale from November 14 to 16; The Hunger Games: Mockingjay (Part I) movie premiere on November 19 & 20; Pororo the Little Penguin on November 22; the return of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert from November 28 to December 7, and Funko Pop Roadshow Philippines from November 29 to 30.

The festivities carry on throughout the month of December with the advance screening of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies on December 10; Hi-5 House Hits at the Newport Performing Arts Theater from December 19 to 22; ice sculpting musical show on December 6; Christmas bazaar from December 20 to 23; and an all-star Christmas Day special with Banda Kawayan, Arthur Manuntag, Sitti Navarro, and the UP Singing Ambassadors on December 25.

As in previous years, Grand Fiesta 2014 culminates with a rocking, free of charge star-studded New Year’s Eve countdown party at The Plaza in Newport Mall featuring Banda Kawayan, Main Cast Band, Mitoy and the Draybers, Princess Velasco, Yeng Constantino, Ely Buendia, The Dawn for Countdown. As for those who aren’t partied out from the night before, a New Year’s Day mass to start 2015 on the right note takes place at The Plaza in Newport Mall at 4pm.