Queensbay Mall : 2026 Hari Raya Festive Display

Share this

Queensbay Mall in Penang Bayan Lepas showcases Hari Raya 2026 decorations themed “Gemersik Syawal,” evoking a nostalgic kampung village vibe. Launched around March 6, it features coconut trees, bamboo plants, pelita lamps, glowing crescent moons, and fairy lights. Intricate ketupat ornaments, batik motifs, and nostalgic elements like an antique Volkswagen add to the festive charm. Cultural performances such as Zapin dances and Silat demos occur on weekends, with promotions from brands like The Body Shop.

Gurney Plaza : 2026 Hari Raya Festive Display

Share this

Gurney Plaza in Penang features stunning Hari Raya decorations for 2026 under the “Sinaran Raya” theme. Highlights include giant pelita lanterns up to 35 feet tall and a nostalgic kampung atmosphere celebrating Malay heritage. The setup creates a festive light garden with radiant displays perfect for photos and family visits. It launched around early March 2026, drawing crowds for its cultural vibes and exclusive Raya promotions.

A Festive Alley Beside Beach Street Fire Station

Share this

This narrow, mural-lined alley running beside the old Beach Street Fire Station in George Town is decorated with festive Chinese lanterns along with Hari Raya motifs such as golden crescents and stars, and ketupat motifs which give it a very local festive feel. It is also a show of transition between two festive holidays celebrated commonly in Penang.

Scenes from Kek Lok Si Temple (Kuan Yin Statue)

Share this

The Kuan Yin statue at Kek Lok Si is a towering bronze figure of the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, standing about 30 meters tall on the hilltop above the main temple complex and sheltered by a grand three-tiered pavilion supported by 16 columns. Her serene pose and flowing robes look out over Penang, making her one of the most visually dominant landmarks of the entire temple.

One interesting fact is that this is actually the second Kuan Yin statue on the site: the original white plaster statue, completed in the 1970s–80s, was badly damaged by a fire in the 1990s and later replaced by the current, taller bronze version completed in 2002. Kuan Yin, known as Guanyin, is the Buddhist bodhisattva (often depicted as female) embodying infinite compassion and mercy, observing the world’s suffering to offer relief.

Scenes from Kek Lok Si Temple

Share this

For Chinese New Year 2026, Kek Lok Si Temple in Air Itam becomes Penang’s crowning light display, with more than 10,000 lanterns and LED decorations turning the temple into a “sea of light” from 13 February to 16 March, highlighted by a 7:00 pm lighting ceremony on 13 February that includes prayers and fireworks, plus nightly openings until midnight so visitors can soak in the festive atmosphere and religious activities throughout the lunar‑new‑year period.

Bukit Mertajam Temple CNY Decorations

Share this

Pek Kong Cheng (Bukit Mertajam) has a notable Chinese New Year decoration setup this year featuring lots of red lanterns plus a special “Leaping Fish” theme using fish-shaped lanterns. The installation consists of more than 300 fish-shaped lanterns in the area around Pek Kong Cheng Temple (also known as Hock Teik Cheng Sin) at Jalan Pasar.

Raja Uda (Butterworth) CNY Lanterns Street

Share this

Raja Uda (Butterworth) is Penang’s well-known CNY “lantern street,” with thousands of red lanterns spanning roughly a few kilometers and best enjoyed after nightfall. At night, the lanterns form a continuous red canopy that’s become a major “check-in” / photo spot in the area. It’s also a long-running local tradition that has been done annually (with pauses during the pandemic period). The lit-up stretch runs from the south junction of Jalan Telaga Air through Jalan Raja Uda.

2026 Thnee Kong Seh (Jade Emperor’s Birthday Festival)

Share this

Thnee Kong Seh (Jade Emperor’s Birthday / Pai Thee Kong) in Penang is observed on the 9th day of Chinese New Year, with main prayers typically done on the night of the 8th day (leading into the 9th). In Penang, a major public-facing celebration spot is Chew Jetty, where a long altar and offerings (notably sugarcane) are traditionally set up for the Jade Emperor.

Thnee Kong Seh (the Jade Emperor’s Birthday celebration) in Penang is especially significant for the Hokkien community and is observed on the 9th day of the Chinese New Year, with preparations and prayers starting on the night of the 8th. A commonly told local-origin story traces the practice to a time of persecution when Hokkien refugees escaped pursuers by hiding in abundant sugarcane plantations; when they safely emerged on the ninth day, they credited the Heavenly God (Jade Emperor) for protection, which is why sugarcane became a “must” offering and the ninth day is remembered as a kind of salvation day.

Penang Miaohui Festival

Share this

Penang Miaohui (槟城庙会) is Penang’s major Chinese New Year “temple fair” held around George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage streets, where clan halls, guilds, and cultural groups open their doors for public open houses, performances, exhibitions, and hands-on heritage activities. It typically spreads across about 12 heritage streets and features cultural showcases plus large food and interactive booth areas, highlighting Penang’s Chinese heritage in a multicultural, community-focused way.

Penang Lion Dance during Chinese New Year

Share this

Lion dance on poles performance for GAMA Departmental Store during Chinese New Year opening.

During Chinese New Year in Penang, lion dances fill public and temple spaces with percussion-driven, acrobatic performances meant to welcome prosperity and chase away negative energy, often culminating in the cai qing blessing for homes and businesses.

In Malaysia, Master Siow Ho Phiew is a Malaysian lion dance coach and lion-head craftsman, widely called the father of Malaysia’s high-pole lion dance for creating a high-pole sequence that became a new standard and for spreading the style internationally through teaching.