Christmas time in Asean cities is a lot of fun!
CHRISTMAS is coming! Whatever your religion, this is a festive time of the year to sit back and appreciate friends, family and the strange pleasure found in the blinking multi-coloured lights. Let’s take a look at some of the delightful things to enjoy du
Of course, for some, Christmas isn’t just coming, it’s here in full force.
As the largest Christian country in Asean, the Philippines has a definite advantage when it comes to displaying the Christmas spirit.
That’s probably why they start as early as September! The Philippines is a riot of festive colours and excitement at this time of year, with neighbourhoods illuminated by the soft glow of the iconic parol lanterns.
These traditional illuminations add a surreal beauty to the country, from Manila to Davao, and offers a wonderful festive ambience. If you’re lucky, you might even catch one of the great lantern parades that carry the colours through the streets.
For a more spiritual encounter with the Filipino Christmas, there’s Simbang Gabi (Dawn Mass), a traditional mass held on the nine mornings prior to Christmas Day. It’s usually held at 4am, between December 16 and December 24, so you have to be up really early to take part.
The Simbang Gabi culminates in the Misa de Gallo (Spanish for “rooster’s mass”) that’s celebrated around midnight on Christmas Eve.
If you’re one for shining decorations and vibrant seasonal shows, then you can enjoy such delights in Malaysia. Malls throughout the country compete to offer a very Malaysian slice of Christmas, such as giant Christmas trees reaching to the ceiling, covered in colourful fairy lights.
Some places have “snow” – how’s that for some enjoyable Christmas kitsch?
Malaysia isn’t the only place with a love of shining festive lights. The shopping heaven that is Orchard Road in Singapore is also decked in festive glow, with spectacular ribbons of lights wreathing the street in Christmas spirit. Or you may well want a more vibrant celebration. Singapore has that covered too, with a huge Christmas Eve party taking place at Siloso Beach on Sentosa Island. Dance the night away with a foot-tapping festive countdown.
If Christmas Eve parties are your kind of thing, then Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi might be the festive destination for you. Christmas Eve sees a fun crowd gathering in the city centre, throwing confetti into the air, taking photos amidst elaborate Christmas displays and partying the evening away beneath the glow of decorations that bedeck big hotels and fancy malls.
Asean has a whole lot of festive fun to enjoy, so wherever you are, have a very merry Christmas!
