Tanapag Middle School performs at the 18th Annual Christmas in the Marianas on Jan. 7, 2023, in Saipan. The annual signature event of the Marianas Visitors Authority will be held in the evenings on Dec. 2, 9, 16, & 30, 2023 at T Galleria in Garapan, Saipan.
(MVA) — The Marianas Visitors Authority, in collaboration with PDM Promoters, Team PDI, and DFS Saipan, will kick off the 19th Annual Christmas in the Marianas signature event with a full evening of holiday events beginning on Dec. 2, 2023.
This year’s celebration will gather revelers at T Galleria in Garapan, Saipan, on four Saturdays: Dec. 2, 9, 16, & 30. Following the Marianas Experience — a free, interactive indigenous cultural exhibition — from 3 to 5 p.m., holiday music will welcome revelers until the program kicks off at 5:45 p.m. with countdown to the lighting of a giant Christmas Tree inside T Galleria. Beginning at 6 p.m., students of local elementary schools will sing Christmas carols representing the multi-cultural Marianas.
“From all indications, Christmas in the Marianas is going to be an extraordinary celebration again this year,” said MVA Managing Director Christopher A. Concepcion. “We are grateful to all our partners, especially all the public and private schools that have signed up to share their holiday spirit with carols, costumes, skits, and decorated trees. I’m sure the energy is going to be through the roof at T Galleria, and we invited everyone to join us.”
Caroling this Saturday will include Oleai Elementary (6 p.m.), San Vicente Elementary (6:30 p.m.), Saipan International School (6:45 p.m.), Grace Christian Academy (7 p.m.), Green Meadow School (7:15 p.m.), Mt. Carmel School (7:30 p.m.), Brilliant Star Montessori School (7:45 p.m.), and William S. Reyes Elementary (8 p.m.). The Marianas Experience will resume until closing at 9 p.m.
Food and drinks will be on sale at the event. A display of Christmas Trees featuring natural and recycled decorations made by schoolchildren will be staged in front of DFS main entrance. The event will continue on Dec. 9, 2023, with Christmas skits and other entertainment.
Participating schools are William S. Reyes Elementary School, Hopwood Middle School, Grace Christian Academy, Golden Harvest International School, Chacha Ocean View Middle School, Green Meadow School, Tanapag Middle School, Saipan International School, Garapan Elementary School, Dandan Middle School, Northern Marianas International School, Agape Christian School, San Vicente Elementary School, Kagman Elementary School, Brilliant Star School, Mount Carmel School, Oleai Elementary School, Francisco M. Sablan Middle School, Saipan Southern High School, Marianas High School, Saipan Community School, and Koblerville Elementary School.
Christmas tree contest prizes will be awarded on Dec. 16, 2023. Caroling & skit contest winners will be awarded on Dec. 30, 2023.
The event is sponsored by Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan, iShop, and Fishing Tackle & Sporting Goods. Other event supporters are the CNMI Public School System and Chamolinian Cultural Village Inc.
For more information, contact lead event coordinator and MVA Community Projects Specialist Jack Aranda at [email protected] or (670) 664.3200/1. You may also visit the Marianas Calendar at www.mymarianas.com/.
