The 5 Best Places to Celebrate Christmas in Malaysia in 2023

It simply isn’t Christmas in Malaysia without a visit to the famous Berjaya Times Square shopping mall in KL. This place goes all out with decorations galore, transforming into a magical winter wonderland in the heart of the city. We’re talking 100-foot tall Christmas trees, larger-than-life Santas and snowmen, and the absolutely ginormous Candyland setup – all perfect for Instaworthy shots!

The kids will love writing letters to Santa at the Post Office and enjoying amusement rides at the theme park too. And with over 1000 retail and dining outlets open for some retail therapy or festive feasting, you’ll really feel Christmassy at every turn. Fa-la-la-la-laaa!

Of course, for a really memorable experience, it's best to visit Berjaya Times Square during one of the many christmas shows and performances. We'll give you a list of times they're perfoming down below!

𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀

Christmas Music Live Band & Santa Appearance
2,3,9,10,16,17,24,25 December 2023 (3 pm)
&
23 December 2023 (3 pm & 5 pm)

New Year Eve Music Live Band
30 & 31 Dec 2023 (3 pm)

New Year Celebration Music Live Band
1 Jan 2024 (3 pm)

During Christmas, George Town in Penang dazzles with over 50,000 twinkling lights and lanterns for the entire month. The UNESCO World Heritage Site earns its nickname “City of Lights” with decorations at malls, clan jetties, museums, hotels, cafes, and other attractions around town. There are also vibrant cultural shows, street performances, and a Christmas village vibe to soak in the festivities with some holiday shopping too.

One unique highlight is the christmas decorations in Queensbay Mall (as seen in the picture above). This year, they're having a "Mystical Planet Christmas" themed setup. Enter a different world where its all about Christmas and create wonderful memories! With all the festivities in Penang, you’ll certainly feel the merriment with all the Christmas magic in the air and ‘round every corner!

If a white Christmas is what you’re after, look no further than the aptly named “City of Entertainment” perched 2000 meters above sea level. Genting Highlands is essentially Malaysia’s winter wonderland with temperatures plunging below 15 degrees Celsius on some nights!

During the Christmas holidays, expect decorations galore at the malls, rides at the theme park decked out with lights, daily shows and caroling at the lobby, plus some snowflake projections on the twins towers for added holiday ambience. We gotta admit, sipping hot chocolate and singing “Let It Snow” to a (faux) winter backdrop seems pretty fitting. Brr! Time to bundle up!

The award-winning tourism destination also transforms into a winter nightscape with a million LED lights sparkling against the dark. Nicknamed “City of Digital Lights”, I-City really turns up the Christmas glam! Take a stroll along their themed light displays like the Deer Paradise and Garden of Lights. Feel like a kid again on the carnival rides or say hello to Santa at his meet-and-greet sessions too.

We personally love the Snowalk indoor play area complete with real powdery “snow” you can play around in (might wanna bring a jacket!). And nothing screams Christmas more than taking epic shots against the 30-foot tall Christmas tree, glowing tunnel, and life-sized snowman right? A truly illuminated celebration awaits!

Last but not least, SkyAvenue Mall at the mid-hill of Resorts World Genting doubles up on the holiday magic too. Their Christmas décor boasts a stunning 22-foot tall tree with a Steampunk theme lighting up the Central Atrium. Surrounding precincts dazzle with European-inspired rows of lights - think gorgeous white and gold color palettes straight out of a Hallmark movie! Even the outside SkySymphony LED media screen projects a fireplace with “falling snow” in the evenings up till Christmas.

With over 150 dining and retail options, this is the perfect place to grab festive feasts, shop for gifts, and soak in all the Christmas joy with your friends and fam!

This December, celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at these 5 places shining bright with Christmas spirit! From dazzling light displays to caroling, festivals and themepark rides decked out in holiday glam, you’re guaranteed to have yourself a Merry Christmas across Malaysia this season. Just don’t forget your camera to capture all the Christmas magic! Time for some holly jolly holidays, Malaysian style!