LIST: 5 things to experience at the Northern Floats Festival in Alviera
There are a lot of good reasons why Pampanga is now called the Christmas capital of the Philippines.
From gigantic lanterns and colorful Christmas displays to culinary feasts, the province churns out more activities each year to make the holiday season even more festive. This year, Alviera in Porac begins a new tradition that celebrates the Filipinos’ love for everything Christmas. The Northern Floats Festival is a 4-week event from Nov. 25 to Dec. 17, which brings together live entertainment, thrilling activities, good food, and a touch of Christmas magic.
If you’re looking for something new to enjoy with family and friends this holiday season, here are PhilSTAR Life's top recommendations to experience at the Northern Floats Festival in Alviera.
Take unlimited photos with colorful larger-than-life floats
Take your best shots with Alviera’s very own Christmas characters! These giant floats will surely brighten your feed. Make sure to stay until these floats are lit up at night to have that perfect shot for your holiday profile.
If cutesy photos aren’t your thing, you can still take beautiful snaps of the scenic mountain backdrop of Alviera. The sunset hits different here so take advantage of the magic hour and go take that selfie!
Be amazed by the LED night kites display
Most of us (at least in our generation) have seen and tried to fly kites when we were young. It’s a fun physical activity that not a lot of kids these days enjoy as they are mostly cooped up in their rooms playing mobile games.
The Kite Association of the Philippines hopes to revive the interest in kites as they introduce giant LED night kites at the Northern Floats Festival in Alviera. These colorful LED night kites are the first of their kind in the Philippines and will be lighting the night sky all throughout the festival.
Enjoy exciting activities at SandBox
Slap on that sunscreen and wear comfortable clothes and shoes to enjoy the outdoor activities at SandBox. Get your heart pumping with thrilling activities at Alviera’s outdoor activity center with a roller coaster-style zip line, giant swing, go-kart track, and more.
Even if you’re not an adrenaline junkie, you can still enjoy the outdoor amenities. You’ll surely have a good laugh while zorbing. You can also channel your inner Legolas or Katniss Everdeen and try some outdoor archery.
Have fun with some good ol’ carnival games
Remember when you used to go to carnivals during the holiday season? Those classic carnival games are always fun especially if you win a prize. Kids and the young at heart will surely enjoy the balloon darts, ring toss, or the color game available at the festival grounds.
The live entertainment in the background also adds to the festive mood as you explore the booths.
Feast on gastronomic delights
Those thrilling activities will surely work up an appetite. How about sampling the food booths selling kakanin, overload halo-halo, juices, and other street food in the area? The holiday season won’t be complete without eating a classic bibingka!
Make sure to leave room for more because Alviera Porac is close to a lot of good food options, as Pampanga is known for. The exclusive Alviera Country Club also offers dining options if you’re looking for something more filling. Pro tip: Their chokolate de batirol is a must-try!
Just a few hours from Metro Manila, Alviera is easily accessible via major expressway networks, the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX). From SCTEX, you may take the Porac exit to get to Alviera.
For as low as P125 to as high as P725 per head, guests may enjoy different packages depending on your budget. This includes entrance to the festival, SandBox activities, and even complimentary food and drinks for higher-tier tickets. You may buy your tickets for the Northern Floats Festival on Tickelo or on-site.