Bangkok might be unlikely to deliver much snow this Christmas but in every other respect the city makes a perfect place to celebrate the festival, with happy faces and holiday vibes aplenty. A host of city landmarks are catching the seasonal spirit, ornamented with Christmas trees, Santa Claus, reindeers, or giant polar bears, festooned with bright lights and serenaded by carols. Ratchaprasong, the city’s premier shopping district, is yet again celebrating the year-end like no other district. Here are the neighborhood’s unmissable six sights – which no Bangkokian’s social media feed should be without this wonderful time of the year!
Spot 1: Magnolias Ratchadamri Boulevard (MRB)
Magnolias Ratchadamri Boulevard (MRB) might be so new its name is still unfamiliar, but the building is celebrating its first Christmas and New Year in style. With its eye-catching 60-story tower and its iconic architecture inspired by delicate magnolia petals, MRB is poised to play Bangkok’s Time Square for the New Year countdown. Every night now until year-end, MRB is hosting Thailand’s very first high-rise 3D projection mapping performance, a spectacular light show designed for its lofty tower by Limelight, a European group of artists with a worldwide reputation in the high-tech arena. The show is on during 14-31 December 2017 at 19:00, 19:15, 19:30, 19.45, and 20.00 – with a special 23.55 countdown performance on New Year’s Eve. On 24-25 December, the building will also be transformed into a colorful Christmas tree you cannot miss!
Spot 2: The Peninsula Plaza
For fans of John Lulu and Friends this is the perfect spot for selfies with their favorite cartoon characters. A towering 6-meter-tall Christmas tree will also be awing visitors from 7 December 2017 until 13 January 2018.
Spot 3: Amarin Plaza
Come here to join the carnival. Under the concept Amarin New Year Carnival 2018, everywhere you look will be full of color, joy, and entertainment, putting the plaza among the top places to check out this New Year from 1 December 2017 to 7 January 2018.
Spot 4: Central World
Central World is Bangkok’s most famous Christmastide destination for both Thais and foreign tourists. This year the mall nails it again with vibrant decorations and a giant Christmas tree under the theme ‘Parade of Angels’, featuring cute characters such as reindeers, Santa Claus, and polar bears. Check out this signature location from 20 November 2017 to 7 January 2018.
Spot 5: Gaysorn Plaza
A 16-meter Christmas tree decorated with glittering golden lights and an accompanying sleigh make the perfect backdrop for your festive selfies. The mall’s interior is also decked out with giant balloons and soldier figures to give your visit that holiday vibe.
Spot 6: Central Chidlom
Central Chidlom will blow your mind with the first artificial snow in the heart of Bangkok. Grab your coat and get snapping in the blizzard at Central Chidlom, where the snowflakes will be falling from 1 December 2017 until 14 January 2018. Don’t miss it!
