As we near the close of another year, everyone’s thoughts turn to the one holiday for which they’ve been waiting all year– Christmas. ‘Tis the time to celebrate the end of another year with joy, love, and carols. Gather your loved ones close at this time of year and you’ll be thrilled to hear that there are a plethora of festive activities available throughout Malaysia this holiday season, so what can you do this Christmas?
READ MORE: What to do for Christmas in Singapore if you’re visiting
Even though it’s summer and there’s no snow, we guarantee that what we’re going to share will give you all the feels of a Christmas movie. So, we listed what we think would be the best place to celebrate Christmas in Malaysia for everyone. Here is our list of the best places to celebrate Christmas in Malaysia.
- Genting Winter Wonderland
- LEGOLAND Malaysia
- The Sound of Music
- Family Christmas Concert in Penang
- Christmas Medley Act and Festival in Changkat
- Fuego at Troika Sky Dining
- Pavilion KL
- Latin Solo Christmas Dance Party
- Painting Glow in the Dark experience
- Kidzania
Is Christmas in Malaysia a popular holiday?
Yes, Christmas is a popular holiday in Malaysia. Although Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country, Christmas is widely celebrated by Christians and non-Christians alike. Many people in Malaysia enjoy decorating their homes and businesses with lights and other Christmas decorations, and it is common to see Christmas trees and other festive displays in public areas. Some popular Christmas traditions in Malaysia include exchanging gifts, singing Christmas carols, and attending church services.
Holiday in the snow at Genting Winter Wonderland
Do you long for a short escape? Plan a Christmas vacation to Genting Highlands and enjoy the holiday spirit. The chilly climate up there is well worth a sweet respite from the heat down in the lowlands. If you’re longing for the traditional, frigid Christmas atmosphere of other countries, this may be the next best thing.
While Genting Highlands is a great location to unwind, this holiday season brings a slew of activities and attractions, from Central Park to SkyAvenue, that are sure to delight kids and adults alike. You may get your Christmas shopping done, walk under the fluttering snowflakes, take pictures of the spectacular decorations, have some warm and comforting holiday treats, and even have a meeting with Santa! And if that’s not enough, Genting has a glistening 40-foot Christmas tree that you can enjoy while being serenaded by a choir singing your holiday favourites and ballads.
Where: First World Plaza Resorts, Genting Highlands
When: 1 December 2022 – 1 January 2023;
- Daily: 6PM – 12AM
- Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve: 6PM – 12:30AM
Have a Brick-tacular Christmas with LEGOLAND Malaysia
Travel down to LEGOLAND and experience a Brick-tacular evening
Fancy some other trip? We’ve got your back! This holiday season, take your family on an adventure to the enchanted land of LEGOLAND, where enormous bags of enchantment and a mountain of presents await. The holiday season here is truly Brick-tacular, with a gigantic lit-up LEGO® DUPLO® Christmas tree, spectacular performances by The Nutcrackers ALIVE and the Elves Fun Factory, and much more!
The park also features activities where kids may aid the elves by creating customised LEGO® gifts and searching for hidden elves. Don’t miss out on the fun, so gather your family and head to the park for some holiday celebrations and hop in a sleigh pulled by a team of faithful LEGO® reindeer, complete with a life-sized LEGO® Santa.
Where: LEGOLAND Malaysia, Johor Bahru
When: Starts 24 November, 10AM – 8PM
Watch “The Sound of Music” at Istana Budaya
This holiday season, take the whole family to see the musical that has won the hearts of people all over the world, The Sound of Music. The widower Captain von Trapp and his seven children had their life turned around by Maria, a lively and enthusiastic governess, who reintroduced them to music and sparked a newfound love of it in all of them.
Songs like “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” “Climb Ev’ry Mountain,” “Edelweiss,” “The Lonely Goatherd,” “Sixteen Going on Seventeen,” and the perennial favourite “The Sound of Music” are excellent for a sing-along with the kids. Expect the tickets to be on the costlier side, given the event will be placed at the exclusive Istana Budaya. But if it’s something you’d like to add to your family’s annual Christmas tradition, it’s worth the extra expense.
Where: Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur
When: 27 December 2022 – 15 January 2023; various timings, from 1PM to 8:30PM
Tune in to a Family Christmas Concert in Penang
Did you think we’d forgotten about Penang? To all Penang-ites, kick off your holiday celebrations with an inspiring finale to the year by attending the annual Family Christmas Concert. Under the baton of conductor Martin Rutherford, The Actors Studio Chorus and Orchestra will perform both traditional and contemporary takes on holiday classics. Participate in festive sing-alongs and spend time with loved ones as Christmas is a season for joyous celebration.
If you want to cram as much Christmas cheer into your day as possible, you may also check out the “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow! Snow Experience” at Gurney Plaza Mall, just 10 minutes away, after the concert. Not only will Santa Claus make a special appearance at noon to visit with children, but The Wonders will also be performing live to set the mood. Hence, make your preparations, and celebrate Christmas with enjoyment!
Where: E&O Hotel (Heritage Building), Penang
When: 24 December 2022, 3 PM
How much: RM55 & RM 65 (Balcony view)
Join a lively Christmas Medley Act and Festival in Changkat
If you want to spend Christmas Eve in the middle of Kuala Lumpur, Christmas in Changkat is the place to go. Take a stroll through the loud neighbourhood of Changkat, which comes to life at three main points along the route for a joyous experience no one should miss. It’s a hotspot for couples, friends, and revellers since it features a magnificent live-act band, a masterpiece of a Christmas feast, and other interactive activities like picnics, workshops, cocktails, and an amazing party.
When you’re done here, you can explore the rest of Changkat, where you’ll find even more places to have a party, as well as dance festivals and nightclubs, perfect for those looking to celebrate in style. It might be the best place to celebrate Christmas in Malaysia, if you’re looking for a lot of choice.
Where: MOV Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
When: 24 December 2022; 7PM – 12AM
Have a Christmas Eve dinner at Fuego at Troika Sky Dining
Forget about watching your weight on Christmas Eve and instead indulge in the magnificent art of Fuego’s special holiday menu. Indulge your senses in a delectable South American Christmas Eve meal that will keep your tummy satisfied. Not only you can enjoy a delightful dinner, but you can also catch a beautiful panoramic view of the gorgeous Kuala Lumpur skyline and the iconic KLCC.
Enjoy one of the best skydining experiences in the city with your loved ones here, and the holiday spirit will definitely put you in the right mood.
Where: Fuego at Troika Sky Dining, Kuala Lumpur
When: 24 December 2022
How much: From RM280++
READ MORE: Here is our list of the 15 best places to go for Christmas holidays
Take part in a meet-and-greet with Disney characters at Pavilion KL
Parents, rejoice: this year, Pavilion Mall is bringing the magic of Christmas with their enchanted town, Season of Wonder, and a curated special Disney pop-up as part of their holiday campaign to commemorate the magic and joy of the festive season. Your family may even get a chance to ride on a life-sized train installation called “Disney100 Express” and experience a magical journey through the worlds of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars, as well as meet some of your children’s favourite Disney characters, such as Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck.
Not only that, but there’s also a Toy Story carriage that looks like Andy’s room, complete with replicas of all of Andy’s toys, and an Alice in Wonderland carriage that’s decked out with Disney’s Mad Tea Party-themed eating and drinkware. Even better, Santa Claus will be there so kids can tell him what they want for Christmas.
We have no doubt that your children, as well as you, will look forward to this visit. So, pack your bags and head to Pavilion KL to see the holiday splendour for yourself.
Where: Pavilion KL
When: From now until 26 December 2022
Stop by the Latin Solo Christmas Dance Party and get your groove on
You’ve worked hard all year, and you deserve a wonderful night… what a blast it will be to close the year with a fun dance party! Show off your finest dance moves with other party guests at the Latin Solo Christmas Dance Party, and dress to impress. Party the night away with dance performances, workshops, and holiday goodies galore!
Gather your nearest and dearest, or even your coworkers, and have a dance party like no one is watching.
Where: Hotel Olympic Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur
When: 17 December 2022, 6:30PM – 10PM
Get creative with a Painting Glow in the Dark experience
Has the festive spirit inspired your creative side? Get your creative juices flowing at this holiday-themed “Glow, Sip & Paint”, when the lights go down and you may paint in the dim yet pleasant atmosphere, ideal for some stress relievers. The best part is that you get to unwind, socialise, and create glow-in-the-dark art while sipping on wine.
Don’t worry; you won’t need any prior experience, and you’ll be walked through the entire painting process step by step. If you bring a party of five, you will receive an additional bottle of wine for free.
Where: Art & Bonding, Kuala Lumpur
When: 17 December 2022
Discover fun activities at Kidzania
Need a kid-friendly (but still awesome) holiday activity? Envision a city scaled down to the size of a child, where children are free to roam and discover a variety of occupations, including those of firefighters, physicians, painters, cooks, and many more. Create a precious and everlasting family remembrance by participating in engaging in hands-on activities with your children.
Not only would this be a great way to keep the kids active and happy, but it would also give them something to look back on with fondness and Christmas cheer all year long.
Where: Kidzania Kuala Lumpur
When: Monday – Sunday, 10AM – 6PM
How much: From RM48
What do you like to do during Christmas in Malaysia?
So there you have it: ten of the greatest spots in Malaysia to enjoy Christmas! Do tell us in the comments if this piece has piqued your interest in participating in any of Malaysia’s many festivities. Merry Christmas and a jolly holly Christmas to all!
