THE Penang State Christmas Celebration 2024 brought festive joy to Dataran Pemuda Merdeka, Butterworth, this evening, featuring live band performances, a vibrant Christmas market, and a spectacular combined choir of singers from various denominations across the island and mainland.
Visitors were treated to delicious food from food trucks, alongside numerous engaging Christmas-themed performances that delighted people of all ages.
This year’s highlight was an extraordinary performance by the Boys Brigade from Chung Ling High School and SMK St. Mark, presenting Malaysia’s first-ever rendition of ‘Jingle Bells’ using 24 Chinese drums. The groundbreaking act captivated the audience and set a new standard for creative celebrations.
Adding to the festive atmosphere were colourful Christmas decorations that transformed the field into a dazzling holiday wonderland.
The event, held from 5pm to 10pm, was a collaborative effort by the Penang government, Penang Harmony Corporation (Harmonico), the Christian Federation of Malaysia (Penang Chapter), local churches, and the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP).
This year also marked a milestone as the event was held in Butterworth for the first time and the fourth time in Seberang Perai, with previous editions often hosted at iconic Penang Island locations like Fort Cornwallis or the Esplanade.
The celebration carried the theme ‘Tidings of Great Joy’, capturing the true essence of Christmas – spreading love, hope, and joy to the community.
In his address, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow described the event as a testament to the state’s harmonious diversity.
“Tonight, we come together to celebrate not just the festive season but the enduring values of love, unity, and hope that bind us as one resilient community,” he said.
Chow highlighted the alignment between Christmas values and the Penang2030 vision of a harmonious and inclusive society.
He called on attendees to carry the spirit of Christmas into the new year, fostering unity and collaboration to build an inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous Penang.
“Let tonight’s celebration remind us of the timeless values Christmas represents – peace, love, and hope.
“By embracing these principles, we can create a future filled with opportunities for all,” Chow added.
He concluded with warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
The event was graced by prominent figures, including Penang Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Law Choo Kiang, Penang Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, state Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, state assemblymen and Harmonico general manager Paul Au.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Darwina Mohd Daud