Penang transforms into a festive paradise during Christmas, blending multicultural markets, heritage bazaars, and modern malls with twinkling lights, carols, and holiday pop-ups from early December. Tourists can snag unique gifts like batik scarves, wood carvings, and spiced treats amid George Town’s UNESCO streets and Seberang Perai’s night markets, perfect for Visit Malaysia Year 2026 shoppers.
Festive Markets and Night Bazaars
- Karnival Komtar (December 5-7): Massive holiday carnival at Komtar with handicrafts, ornaments, and street food stalls—ideal for affordable souvenirs like handmade wreaths and local spices.
- Batu Ferringhi Night Market: Beachside stalls glow with Christmas lights, offering knockoff designer bags, jewelry, and batik at haggle-friendly prices; evenings buzz with holiday cheer.
- George Town Weekend Bazaar (Lorong Kulit): Heritage alley populates with wood carvings from spots like Keng Hwa Studio, nyonya kebaya accessories, and festive lanterns for under RM50.
Malls and Specialty Shops
- Gurney Plaza and Queensbay Mall: Air-conditioned havens stocked with international brands, Christmas hampers, and local brands like Penang Batik Factory scarves—plus Santa photo ops and light displays.
- Little India (Lebuh Pasar): Vibrant saris, gold jewelry, and Diwali-Christmas crossover sweets; haggle for brass ornaments or henna kits as unique gifts.
- Chinatown (Bishop Street): Antique shops and jade jewelers sell dragon-motif pendants and silk pouches, enhanced by nearby Christmas church events.
Shopping Guide: Addresses, Prices & Hours
- Karnival Komtar
- Address: Jalan Penang, George Town
- Price Range: RM10-100 (ornaments, spices)
- Availability: Dec 5-7, 10am-10pm
- Batu Ferringhi Night Market
- Address: Jalan Batu Ferringhi, Teluk Bahang
- Price Range: RM20-200 (batik, jewelry)
- Availability: Daily 6pm-12am
- George Town Weekend Bazaar
- Address: Lorong Kulit, George Town
- Price Range: RM20-50 (carvings, lanterns)
- Availability: Sat-Sun 10am-6pm
- Gurney Plaza
- Address: Persiaran Gurney, George Town
- Price Range: RM50-500 (hampers, brands)
- Availability: Daily 10am-10pm
- Queensbay Mall
- Address: Jalan Aziz Ibrahim, Bayan Lepas
- Price Range: RM50-500 (scarves, gifts)
- Availability: Daily 10am-10pm
- Little India (Lebuh Pasar)
- Address: Lebuh Pasar, George Town
- Price Range: RM30-300 (saris, brass)
- Availability: Daily 9am-9pm
- Chinatown (Bishop Street)
- Address: Lebuh Bishop, George Town
- Price Range: RM50-400 (jade, antiques)
- Availability: Daily 10am-8pm
Hunt for sustainable picks like merbau wood plaques from carving workshops, eco-bags with Penang murals, or nutmeg-infused chocolates—budget from RM20 for trinkets to RM200 for custom pieces. Shop early as December crowds swell with Penang State Christmas Celebration on December 6; use Grab for easy mall hops. These treasures capture Penang’s fusion of cultures, making your gifts stand out.
