Travel

With Christmas around the corner, it’s time to check out the list of festive events taking place around the region. From a champagne and caviar brunch of Bali’s St. Regis to a glittering festival of lights in Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay, here’s our pick of the best Christmas events in Southeast Asia.

Nobu Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Get ready to splurge on yourself and your loved ones to an exciting omakase menu, as the first Nobu in the region sets the perfect tone for a truly memorable Christmas. Crafted by Executive Chef Philip Leong, diners are set to be treated to a spread of exciting dishes such as santenmori with a selection of seasonal premium ingredients like botan ebi with truffle and oyster with chopped toro, braised Wagyu cheek and dashi poached lobster.

Available from: 21 – 25 December 2019.

Saint Pierre Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Chef Emmanuel Stroobant’s eight course dinner is here to put a smile on your face, even if you ended up on Santa’s naughty list this year. The Christmas Eve dinner highlights the chef’s modern French fare, including treats like Japanese sea urchin served with black truffle, cornish chicken with black winter truffle, lobster and Iranian saffron, and the choice of lamb or wagyu.

Available from: 24 December 2019, 7pm onward.

Christmas Wonderland, Singapore 

See Gardens by the Bay decked out with whimsical decor and big, bright lights as the festive season takes over. Highlights here include Christmas carols under the stars, Santa’s workshop, carnival games and of course, ‘snowfall’!

But the pick of the bunch is the Garden Rhapsody, the musical treat sees the ‘trees’ dancing to the tunes of festive classics, making this one of the most entertaining Christmas events in Southeast Asia.

Available from: 29 November – 26 December 2019.

Orchard Road, Singapore

Digest the buzzing atmosphere as the festive season comes to Singapore’s iconic street. Dubbed ‘Christmas on A Great Street’, Orchard Road transforms into a wonderland filled with bright lights, enchanting decorations, festive buys and plenty of joy from holiday makers.

Themed the ‘Greatest Gift’, this year’s family-favourite Christmas extravaganza displays giant greeting cards, Instagram-worthy backdrops and several thematic pop-ups.

Available from: 16 November 2019 – 1 January 2020

St. Regis Bali Resort, Indonesia

Looking for a special Christmas brunch? Kayuputi in St. Regis offers a remarkable gastronomical journey showcasing the finest Asian-inspired, haute cuisine.

If a seemingly endless parade of oysters, lobster, caviar, foie gras, fresh seafood and high grade meats seems like your cup of tea, this is the place to be. Add some bubble to the party, and we have an exquisite dining experience right there.

Available from: 25 December 2019, 11am – 3pm.

Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort, Indonesia 

Sofitel’s renowned Sunday brunch is one of the best places to be on 25 December. Once regarded as one of the best brunches in the world by Condé Nast Traveller, the resort brings a festive makeover to its feast.

In addition to the staple Mediterranean fare, Sofitel invites guests to feast on hearty roast meats and home-style dishes, alongside a mouth-watering roast turkey and all the welcomed Christmassy sides.

Available from: 25 December 2019, 11am – 3pm.

Chanthaburi Miracle Christmas, Thailand

Photo: iStock

The Chanthaburi province has one of the largest Christian communities in Thailand and over the past couple of years, the town has planned plenty of grand Christmas celebrations. This year is no different, with a spectacular 3D animation of light-and-sound presentation at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, the largest Catholic cathedral in the country.

Highlights also include musical firework displays, colourful parades, gift exchange activities, and a giant Christmas tree, making it one of the most entertaining, family-themed Christmas events in Southeast Asia.

Available from: 21 – 24 December 2019.

Hang Ma Street, Hanoi, Vietnam 

As one of the most bustling areas in Hanoi’s old quarter, Hang Ma Street always attracts a large number of visitors during Christmas. The street bursts to life with a kaleidoscope colours, especially during Christmas Eve, as red Santa costumes, green Christmas trees and warm yellow lights take over.

Hang Ma also offers plenty of festive gifts and treats such as Santa hats, decorated pine trees and an assortment of kids’ toys. So if you’re in need of some last-minute festive shopping for your home, this is the place to be!

Ayala Triangle Gardens, Philippines

After impressing the crowd with their Disney-themed lights show last year, Ayala Triangle Gardens is back at it once again, with another extravagant display of lights. Makati’s Ayala Land dishes out its musical lights with a touch of Christmas nostalgia.

This includes three medleys featuring a techno-inspired number from Tris Suguitan, a jazz-inspired tunes of the Big Band medley from Mel Villena, and a Filipino medley by Von de Guzman. So if you’re up for a visual treat, this is the place to celebrate one of the best Christmas events in Southeast Asia.

Available from: 12 November 2019 – 12 January 2020, 6pm – 10pm.

There you have it, the best bits of the festive season in this region. So celebrate Christmas this year with a heavenly spread of food, dazzling display of lights and a charming Christmas market.

Related: How to Survive Awkward Christmas Dinners