The holiday season is winding down, but it’s not too late to see the lights and designs. The best holiday decorations in Southeast Asia are usually, but not always, found in and around major shopping areas. Setting aside the obvious ulterior motives of the retail industry, the setups are usually spectacular and can rival what you would find just about anywhere else in the world.
Of course, if you want to see the best holiday decorations in Southeast Asia, you are going to need to act fast. These will likely start coming down in early January to be replaced with equally as impressive Chinese New Year designs.
In search of the best holiday decorations in Southeast Asia
Singapore
The first spot most people head to when checking out holiday decorations in Singapore is Orchard Road. The setup is always great, but it’s not the only place where you will find the Christmas spirit. Gardens by the Bay has been going all out during the holiday season and boasts one of the most elaborate setups out there. In fact, it just may stake a claim to having the overall best holiday decorations in Southeast Asia.
Metro Manila
Those in Metro Manila are probably sick of holiday decorations by now as the lights and Santa figurines have been up since August. Or at least that is what it feels like. The country loves to start celebrating early, but if you’re still feeling festive, there is time to see some more holiday decorations. One of the best spots is Ayala Triangle Gardens in Makati where an ornate light display draws visitors from all over the city.
Bangkok
Since completing a major renovation in 2007, CentralWorld in downtown Bangkok has always gone big with its Christmas scenes. This year, its setup features a massive Christmas tree and more than two million lights, although we aren’t counting. The mall is also holding a number of holiday-themed events between now and the end of the year.
ICONSIAM is another Bangkok retail centre with an extravagant holiday decoration setup. Forget about decking the halls, ICONSIAM has decked its entire riverfront promenade with a breathtaking display. A stroll here has the feel of a proper winter wonderland (weather not included).
Hanoi
While holiday decorations are not as widespread in Vietnam as they are in other parts of Southeast Asia, there are a few cool spots worth checking out. In Hanoi, St Joseph’s Cathedral always has a great looking display celebrating the holiday season. The church, which was built in the 1880s, features Gothic Revival architecture that makes it all that more unique when decorated.
Petaling Jaya
It will be no surprise to find Malaysia’s largest shopping mall on this list. 1 Utama Shopping Centre in Petaling Jaya doesn’t spare any expense in creating an impressive holiday display. The mall changes the theme each year ensuring a new and fresh experience for visitors.