HOTELS and shopping malls are gearing up to create a festive mood to welcome guests, shoppers, and holiday-goers in Penang.
Christmas, one of the most widely celebrated festivals, is a time for giving and fellowship.
And The Granite Luxury Hotel is doing something extra special for its guests this year.
The hotel general manager Moh Wei Ken said Santa Claus would be visiting the hotel lobby on Christmas Eve (Dec 24) to welcome their hotel guests.
“Young guests can also tell Santa their wish.
“Who knows Santa may grant their wish this Christmas.
“We want our guests to feel at home when they stay with us at The Granite Luxury Hotel.
“This is our way of celebrating the spirit of Christmas, through the joy we see in people,” he told Buletin Mutiara at the hotel today.
About the Christmas decorations, a 3m-tall Christmas bunny has been pulling the crowd since it was set up in front of the hotel on Nov 29.
“Many passers-by and hotel guests are spotted every day taking wefies with the cute figure which is covered with faux red roses.
“It is flanked by golden fir trees and giant presents wrapped in red ribbons. This scene will change during the upcoming Chinese New Year season where the bunny will be given a makeover for a more oriental look.
“After all, 2023 is his year – Year of the Water Rabbit – according to the Chinese Lunar Calendar,” Moh added.
Above the pathway which the bunny overlooks are floating frames and chandeliers which add to the grandeur of the scene.
A 5m-tall Christmas tree also stands proudly in the middle of the hotel’s lobby.
Meanwhile, the garden in front of Olive Tree Hotel Penang in Bayan Lepas was transformed into a stunning wonderland with a mesmerising display of sculptures and Christmas baubles, lifting the festive mood of visitors and hotel guests.
Over at Queensbay Mall, it is all about fun and excitement this holiday season.
Themed ‘A Noel Celebration at the Wunderbarn’, the mall has lined up exciting programmes for its shoppers.
Shoppers will be able to experience a ‘snow shower’ on certain times and dates, starting from Nov 26 right up to Christmas.
Among other exciting programmes are the Cow Mascot Walkabout, the Barn Christmas Animators and Games, Meet & Greet with Santa Roger, and fun workshops.
At 1st Avenue Penang, the winter World Cup has added an extra touch to the Christmas Ole Ole celebration at the shopping mall.
A giant cardboard Christmas tree was majestically erected at the LG atrium of the mall.
Meanwhile, patrons of Sunway Carnival Mall will be amazed by the colourful and charming forest at the mall’s main atrium.
Visitors will be surrounded by larger-than-life flowers and trees, giant butterflies and honeybees as they enter the forest so do not miss those photo opportunities!
According to the Sunway Carnival Mall’s Facebook post, shoppers can also discover an illuminated fairy forest inside a Christmas tree. They just have to find the magical door!
There are many other amazing Christmas hotspots in Penang. Do visit them and share your experience with us!
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix courtesy of Sunway Carnival Mall and Christopher Tan