The City Government of Malaybalay held the Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Sunday evening, December 1, 2019. The annual tradition attracted thousands of cityfolk spending their evening at Plaza Rizal together with families and friends as they witnessed the symbolic countdown and lighting up of the vicinity.

City Mayor Florencio T. Flores, Jr. led the ceremony along with other City officials headed by Vice Mayor Jay Warren R. Pabillaran. Second District representative, Atty. Jonathan Keith T. Flores also graced the event.

All streets surrounding the Plaza Rizal were temporarily closed during the 30-minute program to accommodate the large gathering. Filled with people across cordoned streets, spectacular display of fireworks lit up the night sky right after the countdown. This was followed by the opening of Pasko Sa Nayon sa Freedom where people enjoyed the rest of the night with live music, food and drinks served by different booths.

The month-long activity on December dubbed as Pasko Malaybalay Festival 2019 aims to promote the spirit of giving and sharing, and boost local tourism.

The City Government endeavors to live out the distinct celebration of Filipinos during Christmas Season where it is shared with an extended time for family, for sharing, for giving, and for renewed friendship.