Jingling into the Joy: Exploring Christmas Festivities and All the Holiday Carol Delights!

Get ready to catch a glimpse of Rudolph.
By: Iffah Salleh
November 28, 2023

Selamat datang to a winter wonderland of warmth and joy! In Malaysia, we bring a unique blend of cultural richness to the spirit of Christmas, where the season is synonymous with the shared warmth of giving and togetherness — be it through virtual connections or the embrace of face-to-face gatherings. 

As we approach this festive time, the air is alive with the familiar sounds of joyous carols and the delightful aroma of seasonal treats. Where the twinkling lights lining the streets echo the diversity of our cultural tapestry, and the harmonious melodies of timeless carols resonate in multiple languages. The season beckons us to embrace the unity in our diversity and celebrate with the unique Malaysian charm.

Throughout this article, we’ll delve into the spirited world of Christmas festivities, unveiling cherished traditions, exciting events, and charming gift sets that make this time of year truly special. So, with a mug of steaming hot cocoa in hand, join us on a delightful sleigh ride through the enchanting landscapes of holiday cheer — Malaysian style!

Bring The Warmth Through Hearty Food!

1. Beef Rendang Meat Pie

Elevate your Christmas pastry game by giving it a local twist with the rich flavours of beef rendang. Swap out the standard meat filling for a succulent rendang infusion, encased within a crumbly pastry layer. The marriage of textures and tastes will surprise and delight your taste buds. 

Find the complete recipe here.

2. Roasted Kicap Chicken with Asian Stuffing

Take a culinary journey with a seemingly familiar Malaysian dish, but with a festive twist. Renowned Chef Ili Sulaiman crafted a stuffing for roasted chicken that resonates with local flavours. Imagine the classic stuffing, but now infused with jasmine rice and other ingredients reminiscent of fragrant nasi goreng. It may sound unconventional, but for sure, this unique recipe will enchant your Christmas diners. 

Explore the full recipe here.   

3. Christmas Fruit Cake

No festive feast is complete without a delectable dessert, and what better than the iconic Christmas fruit cake? While this treat is a holiday staple, infuse it with Malaysian charm by adding a touch of rose essence for a sweeter aroma. For a non-alcoholic twist, consider soaking the dried fruits in grape or orange juice. The longer the preparation, the more the flavours meld into a delightful symphony. 

Transform your Christmas dessert with this mouthwatering recipe here.

Simplify Your Celebrations: Preorder and Skip the Stress!

1. KEJU

Known for cheese platters and grazing tables, KEJU presents a spectacular Christmas Town Platter. Illuminated by a wooden centrepiece, this platter features brie, aged cheddar, gouda, seedless grapes, assorted berries, pomegranate, apricots, almonds, brownies, designer chocolates, crackers, pretzels, pure honey, dehydrated oranges, and rosemary. Priced at RM390 each, it’s a feast for the senses.  

You can make your order here.

2. GoCater

Source: GoCater

Introducing the Christmas Grazing Platter by GoCater, perfect for your gatherings with friends and family. Choose from different-sized boxes, offering finger foods to cheese platters. Prices start from RM39. 

You can make your order  here.

Dine in The Glorious Dinners 

1. Mandarin Oriental

Nestled in the heart of KL, Mandarin Oriental stands as a beacon of luxury, with the renowned Mandarin Grill leading the charge. This Christmas, embark on a gastronomic journey with a Yuletide celebration like no other.

Christmas Eve:

  • Buffet Dinner @ Mosaic & Lounge on the Park (24 December only; 6.30pm – 10.30pm) – MYR258
  • 6-course Set Dinner @ Mandarin Grill (24 December only; 6.30pm – 10.30pm) – MYR498
  • Barbecue Dinner @ AQUA Restaurant & Bar (24 December only; 6.30pm – 10.30pm) – MYR258

Christmas Day:

  • Grand Christmas Day Brunch @ Mosaic, Lounge on the Park, Mandarin Grill & MO Bar (25 December only; 12.30pm – 3.30pm) – MYR438
  • Whittard Christmas Afternoon Tea @ Lounge on the Park (25 December only; 2.30pm – 6.00pm) – MYR148 (free flow of hot beverages) / MYR198 (with a glass of champagne and free flow of hot beverages)
  • Whittard Christmas Afternoon Tea @ Le Bel étage, Level 1 (25 December only; 1.00pm – 6.00pm) – MYR148 (free flow of hot beverages) / MYR198 (with a glass of champagne and free flow of hot beverages)
  • Buffet Dinner @ Mosaic & Lounge on the Park (25 December only; 6.30pm – 10.30pm) – MYR258
  • 5-course Set Dinner @ Mandarin Grill (25 December only; 6.30pm – 10.30pm) – MYR408

For reservations and more details, visit here.

2. Pullman Hotel KLCC

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit at Pullman Hotel KLCC, where Christmas comes to life with a life-sized gingerbread house, Santa’s mailbox, and even his sleigh throughout December. Sedap Restaurant on Level 1 beckons with a buffet spread featuring both local and international delights.

Christmas Eve:

  • Dinner Buffet (24 December 2019 only; 6.30pm – 10.30pm) – MYR178 per person (free-flow of juices and soft drinks) / MYR198 per person (free-flow of juices, soft drinks, wine, and beer)

Christmas Day:

  • Lunch Buffet (25 December 2019 only; 12.00pm – 3.00pm) – MYR138 per person (free-flow of juices and soft drinks) / MYR158 per person (free-flow of juices, soft drinks, mulled wine, and beer)
  • Dinner Buffet (25 December 2019 only; 6.30pm – 10.30pm) – MYR158 per person (free-flow of juices and soft drinks) / MYR178 per person (free-flow of juices, soft drinks, mulled wine, and beer)

For reservations and more details, check here.

Bring the joy of togetherness through fun-festivities!

1. Suria KLCC Mall 

Dive into the enchantment of Christmas at Suria KLCC Mall, where a magical Christmas village and Malaysia’s largest artificial Christmas tree await you on the concourse. The KL Christmas Gingerbread Village, located at Centre Court, features a gingerbread post office, an augmented reality chase with a gingerbread man, and a festive photo booth — perfect for capturing your Santa selfies! 

Exciting events include gingerbread cookie decorating workshops and opportunities to meet Santa Claus on select days at 1 pm and 4 pm. Don’t miss out on this wonderful joyous celebration!

Date24th November 2023 to 1st January 202
VenueSuria KLCC, KL.
Websitelinktrr

2. Celebrate a Brick-tacular Holiday at LEGOLAND® Malaysia!

Celebrate a Brick-tacular Holiday at LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort from November 24, 2023, to January 1, 2024. Step away from the holiday hustle and share quality time with your loved ones in a thrilling adventure. Dive into the festive spirit and welcome the New Year with the Brick-tacular Holiday fun! 

Discover more about this joyful event here.

Date24th November 2023 – 1st January 2024
Venue
Legoland Malaysia, 7, Persiaran Medini Utara 3, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor
WebsiteLegoland Malaysia’s official website

3. Sunny Side Up Market: Christmas Edition 2023

Get into the holiday shopping spirit at the Sunny Side Up Market’s Christmas Edition on December 2nd and 3rd, 2023. Explore a curated selection of products from local community merchants, including clothing, accessories, home decor, beauty and wellness products, festive meals, and more. This 100% pet-friendly event invites you to bring your furry companions along. Head to Slate @ The Row, Kuala Lumpur, for a delightful shopping experience.

DateSaturday & Sunday, 2nd and 3rd December 2023Time: 11:00am – 6:00pm
VenueSlate @ The Row, 44, Jalan Doraisamy, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
WebsiteWebsite

4. Genting Winter Wonderland 

Experience the magic of Genting Winter Wonderland from November 25th 2023 to January 1st 2024. Discover Father Christmas’ toy factory, a new addition for 2023, filled with gifts and joy. Enjoy the festive ambiance with Christmas lights, a shimmering 40-foot Christmas tree, a Christmas dance show, mischievous Christmas elves, a park party, and carols around the Christmas tree. Meet Santa Claus and Miss Claus daily at various times. Admission is free- and cat-friendly!

Seize the magical opportunity to meet Santa Claus and Miss Claus! From December 22, 2023, to January 1, 2024, they’ll be making appearances at 12pm, 2pm, 3:30pm, 5pm, 7pm, and 9pm. It’s your chance to share your festive desires with the jolly duo!

Date25th November 2023 to 1st January 2024
VenueResort World Awana
WebsiteLinktrr

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