Published on December 23, 2025
Across Southeast Asia the 2025 festive season blends tropical warmth with colourful illumination, music and shopping bargains. Thailand uses the Christmas week to highlight local culture through light festivals and garden exhibitions, while Malaysia’s Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB) coordinates the Malaysia Year End Sale (MYES) 2025, a nationwide campaign offering discounts on accommodation, dining and recreational packages valid through 25 December 2025. The following report summarises government‑verified events and deals available on or around Christmas Day.
Thai tourism authorities do not market Christmas as a religious holiday, but several cities showcase elaborate light festivals during Christmas week that create a special atmosphere for travellers. These events run during 20–26 December 2025 and are sanctioned by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) or provincial governments.
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| City/Province | Event/Deal (valid on 25 Dec) | Highlights & context | Notes |
| Sakon Nakhon | Tha Rae Christmas Star Procession Festival (20–26 Dec 2025) | Organised by the TAT at Archangel Michael Cathedral; the “Illuminated Faith” theme features 3D mapping and lighting shows, illuminated landmarks, indigo‑pattern Christmas trees, snowmen and Santa displays[1]. Show schedules run every evening (18:30–21:30) with snow play area sessions and a drone light show on 23 Dec[2]. | Free festival; travellers can watch the procession and enjoy Christmas decorations on 25 Dec. |
| Lamphun | Lamphun Light & Craft (23–28 Dec 2025) | Lanna culture is showcased through more than ten light installations, lantern landmarks and giant balloons on Wang Sai Road and the Old Provincial Hall[3]. Visitors can shop for handmade crafts, enjoy live music and collect souvenir stamps in the “Passport Game”[4]. | Runs 16:00–22:00 daily[5]. |
| Nakhon Sawan | Nakhon Sawan Lantern Festival 2025 (23 Dec 2025 – 3 Jan 2026) | Held at Sawan Park, this 12‑day lantern‑puppet festival has free entry and multiple themed zones, including the “Light of Unity”[6]. The event blends local beliefs and modern creativity, making it a family‑friendly attraction on Christmas day. | Free admission[6]; ideal for evening strolls. |
| Chiang Mai | SEA & STARS Night Aquarium (19 Dec 2025 – 2 Jan 2026) | Chiang Mai Zoo transforms its aquarium and gardens into an immersive nighttime world. The Ocean Mapping zone uses projection mapping to animate walls with moving fish and coral[7]; the Jelly Fish Dome lets visitors walk beneath glowing jellyfish[8]; and the Garden Star Picnic offers starlight picnics[9]. Discounted tickets cost 350 THB for Thai citizens and 750 THB for foreigners, with free entry for children under 3, seniors over 60 and disabled persons[10]. | Tickets include zoo and aquarium admission; early‑bird pricing applies.[10] |
| Chiang Rai | Chiang Rai ASEAN Flower Festival 2025 – Reflect of Seasons (18 Dec 2025 – 7 Jan 2026) | The “River of Faith” theme invites visitors to admire winter blooms at Suan Mai Ngam Rim Khong and extended zones in Wiang Chai and Mae Sai[11]. Highlights include four‑season gardens, exhibitions on royal projects, Lanna cultural showcases and a food‑truck zone[12]. | Perfect for travellers seeking floral displays during Christmas week. |
| Chiang Mai | Charming Chiang Mai Flowers Festival (28 Nov 2025 – 4 Jan 2026) | Located at the Chiang Mai Provincial Government Centre, this free festival features Wonder Flower Land, Orchid Land and a Wonder Fountain Music Laser Show at 19:00/20:00/21:00/22:00 daily[13]. The illuminated garden’s Zone C fuses a Lanna pagoda with a Christmas tree[14], and Light of Glory shows (Friday–Sunday) showcase Khon performances; special Khon events occur on 25 December and 31 December[15]. | Free admission; combines Lanna culture with festive lights. |
Thailand summary: Although Christmas is not an official public holiday, provincial authorities have positioned these light festivals and flower fairs to attract tourists during the last week of December. Visitors on 25 December 2025 can explore illuminated gardens, art installations and performances across Sakon Nakhon, Lamphun, Nakhon Sawan, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Ticketed experiences, such as the SEA & STARS Night Aquarium, provide discounted rates, while other events are free. These offerings reflect Thailand’s strategy of merging local cultural heritage with global festive themes to attract domestic and international visitors.
Malaysia’s Tourism Promotion Board (MTPB) announced the Malaysia Year End Sale 2025 (MYES), running 15 Nov 2025 – 1 Jan 2026[16]. The campaign offers up to 85 % discounts on retail items, discounted airfares and special events such as midnight sales, durian festivals and fireworks displays[16]. The MTPB website lists packages across all states and territories, many valid through 31 December 2025, ensuring travellers can enjoy them on Christmas Day. Selected examples are summarised below.
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| State/City | Package name & description | Price/discount & validity | Notes |
| Sabah (Semporna) | 3D2N Honeymoon Semporna – accommodation, transportation and island‑hopping (Mataking/Timba‑Timba/Pom‑Pom or Mabul/Kapalai) with meals[17]. | 2 % off (RM1,200 instead of RM1,230), valid until 31 Dec 2025[17]. | Couples can celebrate Christmas exploring coral reefs and island villages. |
| Johor (Kluang) | Fun Tour Kluang – includes transport from Johor Bahru, two lunches, visits to Kluang Street Art and KTM Kluang, entrance to UK Farm, mineral water and guide[18]. | From RM139 per person; valid until 31 Dec 2025[18]. | Suitable for families seeking a short Christmas‑day excursion. |
| WP Kuala Lumpur | Taste of Togetherness @ Berjaya Times Square Hotel – set meal for two (choice of rice dishes, soup and unlimited Chinese tea) served at lunch or dinner[19]. | RM39.90; booking valid until 31 Dec 2026[19]. | Affordable dining option for couples on Christmas Day in the city centre. |
| Pahang (Temerloh) | Stay & Relax at Patin Fish Town – 2‑day/1‑night wellness package offering accommodation at Hotel Jelai Temerloh and breakfast with a 90‑minute Urutan Malaysia spa treatment[20]. | From RM460 per person; package validity until 31 Dec 2026[21]. | Allows travellers to unwind in the river town famous for Patin fish; available over Christmas. |
| Negeri Sembilan | Family Getaway Package – unspecified details on the MTPB deals list (likely including accommodation and recreational activities); valid until year‑end[22]. | Price not provided; part of the MYES deals[22]. | Encourages family visits to Negeri Sembilan during the holiday season. |
| Selangor | Lover’s Hideout Package – romantic hotel stay with 10 % discount[23]. | From RM403 after discount[23]. | Ideal for couples spending Christmas in Selangor. |
| Terengganu (Redang Island) | Island Groove Countdown Party – island‑style celebration at The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort featuring live music, games and snacks[24]. | RM120 per adult; event on 31 Dec 2025, but packages are available throughout the festive week[25]. | Visitors on Christmas can enjoy resort activities and prepare for New Year’s Eve. |
| Kedah (Langkawi) | Yulitide Indulgence @ Berjaya Penang Hotel – dining promotion giving 10 % off festive meals[26]. | From RM106 after discount[26]. | Provides a Christmas feast with coastal views. |
| Perak | 3R Recycle Project – Zero Waste – eco‑tourism workshop teaching recycling and sustainability practices[27]. | From RM30 per person[27]. | Highlights Malaysia’s emphasis on responsible travel during the festive period. |
| Kelantan & Kedah | The Durian Safari Package – seasonal culinary experience focusing on Malaysia’s king of fruits[28]. | From RM100[28]. | Couples or families can enjoy durian tasting as part of their Christmas journey. |
| Pulau Pinang, WP Labuan, Perlis | Packages such as Labuan Marine Park & Geopark Island Hopping, Foundry Pewter Workshop and Cuti‑Cuti in Perlis are listed under MYES deals[29]. | Prices vary (e.g., Labuan island hopping from RM290, pewter workshop from RM180)[30]. | These experiences offer cultural and natural exploration and are valid until 31 Dec 2025. |
| WP Kuala Lumpur (additional) | Packages include Family Safari Escapade (41 % off), Christmas & New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner (from RM158 per adult), Imperial Lexis KL – Forever Yours (luxury stay), spa packages and ATV experiences[23]. | Discount rates range from 24 % to 73 %[23]. | Provide diverse options for visitors spending Christmas in the capital city. |
Malaysia summary: The MYES 2025 campaign ensures that travellers across Malaysia can access discounted packages, dining promotions and wellness experiences on 25 December 2025. Although many deals are not explicitly “Christmas‑only,” they remain valid during the Christmas period. This government‑coordinated promotion spreads tourism benefits across all states, from island‑hopping adventures in Sabah to wellness retreats in Pahang and culinary feasts in Kuala Lumpur.
Christmas Day 2025 in Thailand and Malaysia offers travellers a unique blend of culture and commerce. Thailand invites visitors to partake in light festivals and flower exhibitions that illuminate historic towns and gardens. Events such as the Tha Rae Star Procession in Sakon Nakhon, the Lamphun Light & Craft festival and SEA & STARS Night Aquarium in Chiang Mai merge local tradition with contemporary lighting technology, while free admission at the Nakhon Sawan Lantern Festival and the flower fairs in Chiang Rai provide inclusive experiences. Meanwhile, Malaysia’s nationwide Year End Sale 2025 harnesses the Christmas season to offer up to 85 % discounts, wellness retreats, island excursions and festive dining packages across all states. These government‑verified deals enable travellers in cities from Kuala Lumpur to Semporna and Temerloh to celebrate the holiday with affordable luxury. Whether seeking the glow of thousands of lanterns or a discounted tropical getaway, visitors on 25 December 2025 can find memorable experiences across Thailand and Malaysia.
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