THE Waterfront Shoppes is celebrating the festive season with “Christmas by the Water”, bringing together families, visitors, businesses and the local community for a series of Christmas activities.
Running from Nov 13 until Jan 3, 2027, the event aims to attract more visitors to the retail precinct while strengthening ties with local businesses and the surrounding community.
The celebration features a series of waterfront-themed festive installations, including a kinetic whale at Union Square and a specially designed Christmas tree at Victoria Square, inspired by Penang’s coastal surroundings.
Visitors can also look forward to a Christmas Bazaar, live entertainment, festive parades, family activities and an interactive snowfall experience at Union Square every Saturday and Sunday at 8pm. Additional snowfall sessions will be held from Dec 24 to 27.
Seri Delima assemblywoman Connie Tan, who attended the celebration, highlighted Penang’s growing international recognition as a tourism destination, particularly after National Geographic named the state one of the world’s best travel destinations for 2027.
“Just a few weeks ago, National Geographic named Penang one of the best places in the world to travel to in 2027.
“In September 2026, Penang International Airport recorded 348,000 passenger arrivals and departures on international flights. That was 5.3 per cent higher than in September 2025,” she said.
Tan said The Light City could help establish the Seri Delima area as another destination for visitors by offering a combination of business, dining and leisure experiences.
She added that the development could encourage convention delegates to extend their stays and explore more of Penang.
“For many of us, it is the place we call home. Now, more people have a reason to discover this part of Penang, whether they come for a convention, a meal by the sea or a festive evening like this one.
“That is how I see The Light City adding to Penang’s charm. A delegate attending an event at the Penang Waterfront Convention Centre can spend the evening by the water and stay an extra day to explore Penang,” she said.
The precinct is expected to attract more tourists and business delegates through its retail, dining and convention facilities, with an upcoming five-star hotel expected to provide additional accommodation for visitors.
Tan also emphasised the importance of environmental sustainability, encouraging the mall to work with local organisations to raise awareness of marine conservation and involve families in protecting Penang’s marine environment.
“As more people come here to enjoy the waterfront, I hope The Waterfront Shoppes will work with local groups to give families more opportunities to learn about our marine environment and take part in caring for it,” she said.
She further highlighted Penang’s appeal as a tourism destination, citing its rich cultural heritage, diverse communities, local cuisine and natural surroundings.
“Penang’s appeal lies in the richness of our heritage, the diversity of our cultures, the food we share and the natural beauty around us,” she said.
Also present were Perennial Holdings managing director of retail management and China commercial management Jasmine Chua, IJM Land Northern Region senior general manager Datuk Khoo Teck Chong, and The Waterfront Shoppes director of marketing communications Jasmine Tai.
The festivities will continue with the ONDO HoHo Christmas Market from December 4 to 6 at Light Promenade. Shoppers can also enjoy various promotions, including a chance to win prizes worth more than RM200,000 through the mall’s opening rewards campaign.
Story and pix by Ammar Mikhail Aamer