Aman Central’s decorations featuring a cornucopia of colourful candy and sweet treats.
CHRISTMAS brings lots of wonderful things, from quality time with loved ones to great food, presents galore and whimsical decorations at malls.
Each year, retail establishments conjure up enchanting wonderlands that not only warm the hearts of bustling holiday crowds but also whisk their imagination away to special places.
While giant conifers, twinkling lights and cheerful characters are common elements, each scene is crafted thematically and provides ample photo opportunities for visitors.
With Christmas carols echoing in the background, all who explore these festive displays are sure to feel merry.
Here is StarMetro’s round-up of the most eye-catching decorations in the northern region.
Families enjoying the play areas at Sunway Carnival Mall’s Christmas Colourama setup.
In Penang, Queensbay Mall thrills shoppers with a luminous “Christmas Fantasy” centred around a regal town square with shades of white and gold.
Venture through a chandelier tunnel and you will find a rotating tower with cute holiday characters. Interspersed between snow-frosted trees are jolly snowmen, polar bears and reindeer.
Up above, shooting stars blaze long, sparkling light trails.
There is also a walk-in Christmas tree to be explored, as well as a life-sized snow globe and cascading waterfall.
Queensbay Mall manager Lee Sue Ling said the mall’s team had families in mind when creating the holiday backdrop, complete with snow showers.
Penang Marriott Hotel management taking photos with guests in front of the Christmas tree full of teddy bears.
“Over the years, our elaborate decorations have made us the place to be during major festive celebrations.
“Christmas is a magical season and this year, we go for a scene that encapsulates its wonders that will bring joy to the young and young-at-heart alike,” she said.
Step inside Gurney Plaza and the balmy tropical surroundings quickly give way to a wintry scene specially created for “The Arctic Christmas” festivities.
The Northern Europe-inspired display features several cosy wooden cabins, each decorated with crackling fireplaces, gift boxes, classic clocks, teddy bears and boughs of holly. Put on a jacket, snap a photo and you might convince some that you are on a Scandinavian holiday.
Shoppers admiring Gurney Paragon Mall’s illuminating Christmas centrepiece decorated with stained glass panels
Majestic polar bears and curious reindeer also “roam” the cobblestone-paved setting, as giant glowing snowflakes appear to rain down from above.
CapitaLand Malls (Penang and Pahang) general manager Peter Chan said this year’s concept was to let visitors experience the frosty holiday magic typically felt in northern climes.
“The cabins recreate the warmth and joy of celebrations with family while the chilly landscape evokes the pristine beauty of that region.
“Coupled with engaging events and activities like live snowfall, we hope it leaves every visitor with a smile and lots of cherished memories,” said Chan.
Newly-opened Sunshine Central Penang’s festivities revolve around an “Enchanted Christmas Village” that is also filled with snow-covered conifers and wood cabins.
A life-sized gingerbread house at Shangri-la rasa Sayang with an assortment of seasonal goodies.
One of them is Santa Claus’ own retreat. You will find him reading letters from children across the world while his iconic red suit hangs beside a fireplace. Just outside, his faithful reindeer are resting beside his sleigh while vibrant red poinsettias add colour to the icy scene.
The shopping centre’s marketing communications manager Bryan Wong said the mall wanted to let shoppers of all ages experience wintry holiday cheer.
“We invite everyone to come meet Santa, share their wishes and feel the magic that makes Christmas special.
Oriental Hotel-Shoppers taking photos in the Enchanted Christmas village at Sunshine Central Penang. — Photos by Lim Beng Tatt, Chan Boon Kai, Zhafaran asib, Jeremy Tan/The Star
“And for the first time in Bandar Baru Ayer Itam, it will also be ‘snowing’!”
Sunway Carnival Mall has reimagined the season’s wonders with a captivating mix of dazzling lights and vibrant hues under the “Christmas Colourama” theme.
There are baubles and ribbons in red, blue and gold, conifers of various sizes with giant presents stacked high atop a chamber containing a kaleidoscope room and shadow play room.
The display also incorporates the “Mattel Holiday: Give the Gift of Play” experience which brings beloved toy brands to life through interactive play areas.
A shopper taking a selfie with the Christmas Fantasy decorations at Queensbay Mall.
The mall’s general manager Chai Wen Yew said each zone was designed for children to explore their creativity and curiosity, thus affording families precious opportunities to bond.
“We hope this Christmas will feel both familiar and new. Play is a gift that keeps on giving and such experiences are sure to enhance everybody’s holiday celebrations.”
Gurney Paragon Mall’s Illuminating Christmas festive decorations make clever use of stained-glass panels.
These enliven its centrepiece, a 10m-tall walk-in Christmas tree in a square. Beside that is a larger-than-life gift box and several kaleidoscopes with infinity mirrors.
Gurney Paragon marketing communications head Loo Ai Leen said instead of the usual yuletide greenery, the team found inspiration in the mall’s three-storey-high atrium.
“The vast expanse of windows bathes the space in natural light. When this hits the stained-glass panels, it brings the myriad colours to life.
“We believe this fun and engaging setting will allow visitors to capture treasured snapshots.”
At 1st Avenue Penang, its “Presents For All” festive display sees a giant gift box overflowing with dozens of smaller presents.
On the main stage, more gift boxes surround bright red-and-green Christmas trees. Several golden reindeer add shine to the scene.
In Kedah, Aman Central is making the holiday season an eye-popping affair with its “Sugar Rush Christmas” decorations featuring a pastel-coloured array of sweet treats.
There is a giant cupcake with a walk-through mirror tunnel, all topped by a 15m-high Christmas tree enrobed in candy ribbons and hard candy swirls.
Completing the display are oversized lollipops, candy canes, hanging doughnuts, marshmallow stars, pink-coloured trees, glowing orbs and cascading lights.
The mall’s assistant general manager Ken Chin said the team worked hard to bring an imaginative, multi-layered holiday experience to life for shoppers.
“Christmas has always been a time for indulging in sweet confectioneries, so it was the perfect theme to craft our festive decorations around.
“We hope this sweet interpretation will bring shoppers a sense of joy, wonder and community.”
Spreading cheer to tourists
Travellers staying in most of Penang’s hotels will feel the holiday spirit, thanks to the glittering embellishments at common areas.
At Shangri-La Rasa Sayang, a life-sized gingerbread house adorns the Garden Wing lobby. Within it are an assortment of seasonal goodies, from cakes to cookies and stollen.
Nearby, there are half a dozen Christmas trees, several jolly snowmen and twinkling lights, all of which entice guests to pause and snap a selfie or two.
“Our culinary team built the structure then covered it with gingerbread tiles and frosting. The house doubles up as a bakery offering creations by our new pastry chef.
“As we have guests from around the world spending Christmas with us, we enlivened our spaces with classic holiday motifs so they would miss none of the seasonal joy,” said the hotel’s communications director Datuk Suleiman Tunku Abdul Rahman.
Penang Marriott Hotel has a Christmas tree decked not with traditional baubles and ornaments, but with cute teddy bears.
This is for its “Beary Merry Charity Bear” campaign, which allows the public to adopt a bear for a fee. Entire proceeds go to The Children’s Protection Society, a non-profit organisation serving underprivileged children in Penang.
Complex general manager Subash Basrur said over 500 of the cuddly plushies had been adopted to date, far surpassing initial targets and illustrating the generosity of the local community.
“Teddy bears symbolise warmth, comfort and unconditional love – values that align with the true spirit of Christmas.
“By bringing smiles to children who need a little extra magic, we can spread compassion and hope. It’s about sharing the joy of the holidays with those who deserve it most.”
Eastern and Oriental Hotel has continued a long-standing practice of dressing up a 6m Christmas Tree at its Heritage Wing lobby in shades of red and gold.
There are baubles that glisten and reflect the light from thousands of tiny bulbs.
Oversized gift boxes fill up the base of the tree.
Hotel general manager Alison Fraser said the tree’s lighting ceremony at the start of this month had been a tradition for 19 years and it’s something that brought the community together in a special way.
“Moments like these remind us of the joy of giving and togetherness, while illustrating the magic of the holiday season,” she said.
