How to Celebrate Christmas in Malaysia

While it may not be the most obvious choice for a Christmas getaway destination, Malaysia offers travellers a wealth of festive experiences during the happiest time of the year. Regardless of the duration of your stay, enjoying a blissful albeit warm Christmas season in Malaysia comes down to knowing where to go and how to find the events that are organised for the season. Here are some of the best ways to celebrate Christmas on your Malaysian vacation in December.

1. Attend Mass

Those who are used to attending mass on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning will find that the local churches in Malaysia, especially those in the capital Kuala Lumpur, would provide the perfect setting for this annual ritual. Residents of the Christian faith will likewise flock to the various churches scattered throughout the country for prayers and to hear the yuletide message as delivered by the pastors presiding over various spiritual institutions. It is common for carol groups and live performances to take centre stage during Christmas mass in Malaysia where music is an essential part of the celebration of Christmas.

2. Dig into Christmas Treats

Perhaps the finest way to mark Christmas and the season to be jolly is to head to the bakeries and restaurants serving up yuletide delicacies of various origins. One would be able to find not only Western Christmas favourites such as Christmas pudding, roast meats, cakes and fruit cakes but also fusion dishes such as curries and delicious grilled meat dishes. Christmas desserts are also a unique pleasure during this time of year as pies and different treats composed of dried fruits baked with brandy are also on sale in local bakeries.

3. Hit the Decked-Out Malls

Perhaps the first harbingers of the Christmas season in Malaysia are the malls in the city, which are all decorated extensively with shining lights, stars, streamers and mammoth Christmas trees that usually occupy the lobby of most department stores. Even if one is unable to shop in these high-end malls, a tour of these beautifully decorated spaces is a great way to get into the spirit of the season as venues such as Suria KLCC, Mid Valley Megamall, 1 Utama, and Pavilion Kuala Lumpur resemble winter wonderlands. Travellers may also want to make use of the discounts on offer due to Christmas when boutiques attempt to sell off old stocks for less before the end of the year.

4. Enjoy Seasonal Deals in Local Markets

Apart from shopping malls and department stores, visitors that tour Malaysia during Christmas may also come across countless Christmas markets and bazaars that crop up during the month of December. Christmas-themed bazaars in the country will often retail seasonal products and food items as well as consumer goods that serve as great gifts for family and friends during the festive season. Those based at one of the beach resorts in Malaysia the likes of the Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas will find that these markets are not restricted to the capital as everything from gingerbread cookies to Christmas cake is on sale at these venues.

5. Catch Live Seasonal Events

Tourists will also come across many concerts and Christmas-themed performances taking place in hotels, event venues and even public spaces around the country. Live bands and stage performances also hit an all-time high during the Christmas period. Singers performing everyone's favourite Christmas classics can be found in various showcases that are organised for the season.

6. Go Ice-Skating

Indoor ice-skating rinks also get in on the action during Christmas; so, avid skaters can hit the ice and glide around as they would in wintery locations around the world. An ice rink to frequent during this time of year include the Sunway Pyramid Ice, which is rather spectacular.