The Christmas lights twinkled extra bright at the Manila Hotel on December 7, 1996, when Michael Jackson threw a holiday party that blurred the line between superstar and Santa Claus. Watch as MJ, dressed in a simple red shirt that somehow made him glow like holiday magic, personally handed out presents to hundreds of wide-eyed children. This wasn’t a staged publicity event. It was the world’s biggest pop star transforming into the world’s most generous big kid for one unforgettable night.
Michael’s pure joy exceeded even the Christmas decorations. His famous falsetto became a playful “Ho ho ho!” as he pretended to be Santa. The way he knelt to eye-level with each child showed his famous gentleness wasn’t just for show. Watch him break into spontaneous dance moves between gift-giving, turning the hotel lobby into his dance floor. Every detail sparkled with Michael’s magic, from the way he carefully adjusted a little girl’s new doll to the moment he burst out laughing when a boy tried on oversized reindeer antlers.
Michael Jackson – Holiday Party at the hotel in Manila (December 7, 1996)
The children’s reactions told the whole story. Some screamed with excitement, others stood frozen in awe and a few even cried tears of joy. Hotel staff later revealed that Michael stayed for hours after the planned time, insisting that no child leave empty-handed. YouTube comments from Filipino fans still glow with pride: “This was our Christmas miracle!” “Only in Manila would MJ do something this personal.” Even the most jaded observers couldn’t help but smile as they watched Michael’s childlike excitement as he discovered the joy of giving.
For a completely different side of Michael’s holiday spirit, check out his professional “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” performance. Where the Manila party was all spontaneous warmth, this showed his polished musical genius.
Michael Jackson – Holiday Party at the hotel in Manila (December 7, 1996)
That smooth spin into the chorus? It’s pure MJ magic. How did he make a 50-year-old Christmas standard sound brand new? Only Michael could pull that off. Fans say this performance turns even Grinches into holiday lovers – proof that his professional work carried the same heart as his private generosity.
From the intimate gift-giving in Manila to the spectacular stage performances, these moments reveal why Michael’s spirit continues to light up our holidays. Follow Michael’s official pages for more rare glimpses of the man behind the legend – from quiet acts of kindness to performances that still take our breath away.
Michael Jackson PLAYLIST(Dance Song only)
