6 Hottest Chinese New Year Events Trends
Penang is the best place to attend Chinese New Year Events for 16 Days of festivities and activities for visitors.
Friendly Notification: Since Malaysia and the rest of the world is in the grip of Covid-19, many events have been limited or canceled in 2021.
Malaysian Chinese start preparing for the Lunar New Year with spring cleaning of their homes, shop for decorations and foods to prepare for the annual Family Reunion Dinner.
Chinese New Year Events in Penang
Penang offers visitors a truly unique range of cultural, artistic, outdoor, and culinary adventures during the Chinese New Year.
Many activities are carried out for thanksgiving and celebrations to ensure that the new year is filled with joy and happiness.
May you enjoy the auspicious wishes of good luck, increase wealth, good cheer, and excellent health by attending the Chinese New Year Events in Penang.
Photo Credit: Max Teoh Yeam Chuan
Kek Lok Si Light Up
The Kek Lok Si Temple is like a beacon on Ayer Itam hills.
Every year Penangites and visitors look forward to the dazzling display of 20,000 traditional Chinese lanterns and thousands of neon and LED light up the night skies.
Buddhists gather at the Kek Lok Si Temple to offer prayers and experience the light-filled nightly illuminations’ colourful sights.
Time: 07:00 pm – 12:00 am
Location: Kek Lok Si Temple, 11500 Ayer Itam, Penang, Malaysia.
Photo Credit: Max Teoh Yeam Chuan
The sixth day of Chinese New Year – Ban Ka Lan Snake Temple Feast Day
Every year the Ban Ka Lan Snake Temple Chinese New Year Culture Celebration kicks off various cultural dances.
- special lion dance performance
- snake dance performance
- drums performance
- martial arts performances
With the carnival-like atmosphere, you can enjoy the lively vibes of food stalls, cultural booths, exhibitions, and exciting fireworks shows!
In 2021, for the first time in the temple’s history, there is no Ban Ka Lan Snake Temple Chinese New Year cultural celebration.
Most temple devotees offer trays of eggs as offerings to the resident deity Cheng Chooi Chor Soo Kong on his birthday (Ban Ka Lan Snake Temple) for good health and safety for their families.
The highlight event is the traditional “Fire Watching” ceremony, where a priest predicts Penang’s economic outlook from the fire watch.
Time: 06:00pm – 12:00am
Location: Snake Temple, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Bayan Lepas Industrial Park, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang.
Photo Credit: Max Teoh Yeam Chuan
Eight Night of Chinese New Year – Hokkien New Year Celebration @ Clan Jetty Penang
The Pai Ti Kong Festival, a thanksgiving prayer by the Hokkien community, highlights Penang.
The magnificent celebration begins at 8.00 pm at the Clan Jetties on the night of the 8th day of the Chinese lunar calendar.
You will witness the predominantly Clan Jetties community come together to prepare for the celebration, which starts at 11.00 pm.
You will see 150ft long tables groaning with offerings of food, sweets and savoury cakes, fruits, liquor and sugarcane stalks, roasted pigs, chickens and “gold paper” to the Jade Emperor God.
Firecrackers are set off at the stroke of midnight, followed by a spectacular fireworks display.
Time: 08:00 pm – 01:30 am
Location: Clan Jetties Of Penang, Pengkalan Weld, 10300 George Town, Penang.
Photo Credit: Max Teoh Yeam Chuan
Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta
Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is one of the hottest annual events in George Town city.
The festival attracts massive crowds and merrymakers.
You’ll see up to 15 big, beautiful, colourful hot air balloons from all over the world dreamily float through the air.
Participants get a chance to ride on the hot air balloon, too, without flying to Turkey!
There are also food stalls and entertainment activities on-site, perfect for families to visit.
This festival is canceled in 2021 due to MCO.
Time: The balloons will be displayed from 7.30 am – 9.00 am in the mornings, and they will be up by 6.00 pm in the evenings. The final session of balloons on display is at 8.45 pm on both nights, which is the ‘Night Glow’.
Location: Padang Polo, 18, Solok Piggot, Taman Scotland, 10450 George Town, Penang.
Photo Credit: Max Teoh Yeam Chuan
Penang Chinese New Year Events Miao Hui
One of the signature events of the annual Lunar New Year celebrations, Miao Hui, brings the atmosphere of rejoicing to the highest point!
Miao Hui is held along 12 diverse major and minor streets in the heritage precinct of George Town.
You get to enjoy numerous cultural booths, exhibitions, interactive workshops, and stage performances.
There are even play some traditional games or take part in calligraphy.
Miao Hui is a meaningful event for everyone appreciating the local heritage and traditions while enjoying the festive atmosphere!
Time: 04:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Location: Heritage Precinct of George Town, Penang.
Fifteen Night of Chinese New Year Events – Chap Goh Meh Celebrations @Esplanade
Chap Goh Meh, which means the Fifteen Night of the Lunar New Year, is also the Chinese version of Valentine’s Day.
The practice of tossing mandarin oranges into the sea in hopes of finding true love is a not-to-missed activity for all singles!
Besides that, visitors are treated to cultural performances, including singing, dancing performances, and exciting firework shows, so much fun!
Time: 07:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Location: Padang Kota Lama, Esplanade Road, Jalan Padang Kota Lama, 10200 George Town, Penang.
Photo Credit: Max Teoh Yeam Chuan
Photo Credit: Max Teoh Yeam Chuan
