Though the year has felt like it's dragged on, it's gone by pretty quick. It's December and we're a few weeks shy of 2021. Of course, with the festive season comes decorations all over the city. Malls have adorned their interiors and exteriors with lights, trees and colourful ornaments to get visitors into the holiday spirit. Visit these places to feel the festive mood.
BANGKOK ILLUMINATION 2020
- Iconsiam
- Charoen Nakhon Road
- Until Dec 30
Iconsiam's aptly-named riverside River Park has been riddled with light art installations to mark the festive season. In the same vein that Iconsiam's architecture is a celebration of Thai culture, "Bangkok Illumination 2020" also blends in Thai culture with the Christmas-themed decorations and light shows. The Christmas trees are decorated by Mike Perry, an American artist who won an Emmy for animation for an episode of Broad City. The trees are meant to show the uniqueness of "Thai-ness" with Perry taking inspiration from Buddhist temples and turning them into contemporary colourful patterns that cover the trees. There are also two art installations: the "Infinity Forest", with interactive light chambers created by New York-based design studio Softlab, and two illuminated figures named "Fantastic Planet" from Australian visual artist Amanda Parer. Combined with the stunning riverside view, "Bangkok Illumination 2020" is a festive decoration that's worthy of your IG feed.
THE MAGICAL LAND FOR ALL
- Central Embassy
- Phloenchit Road
- Until Jan 10
Central Embassy always jumps into the festive decorating foray every year and 2020 is no exception. With the theme "The Magical Land For All", Central Embassy unveiled a rotating Candy Christmas Tree that measures 14m completely decked out in light and the signature red-and-white candy canes. Snap some pics with Santa's family at "Santa's Illuminated Candy Cane Village", then head over inside where you can do a few laps at the "Enchanting Winter Skate Park". If you're in the mood for desserts after skating around, BRIX Dessert Bar has a pop-up nearby with festive drinks and sweet treats. If you're coming in from the pathway from BTS Phloen Chit, you're going to have to go through "The Illuminated Candy Cane Hallway". Despite only being a few metres long, I'm betting you'll spend a good 10-15 minutes taking pics for your IG or filming content for your TikTok. Yes, TikTok. Don't pretend you don't have an account. Central Embassy's "The Magical Land For All" may be the content you need to get you on the For You page and those coveted views, shares and likes.
WORLD OF HAPPINESS 2021 AT CENTRALWORLD
- CentralWorld
- Rama I Road
- Until Jan 3
Just a little down the road, CentralWorld isn't exempting itself from the fray of festive decor. After all, its festive decorations are a must-visit for all Bangkokians every year. The 40m Christmas tree, the tallest in Southeast Asia according to their press release, is a magnificent sight to see when lit up in all its gigantic glory. Along with the tree is a beautiful "dandelion field" made up of lights that just adds to the magical aesthetic. The festive vibes aren't just limited outside. Head inside the mall where you'll run into characters like Santa, Snowy the snowman and Jingle the reindeer decorated all over the mall and created by graphic artist Painterbell.
GAYSORN XMAS VILLAGE 2020
- Gaysorn Village
- Phloenchit Road
- Until Jan 6
Thai illustrator Jirayu Koo has designed Gaysorn Village's festive decorations this year. Having worked with clients like Apple, Uniqlo and The New York Times, Jirayu brings her signature character named "Nong Klom Klom" to Gaysorn Village and offers visitors colourful and joyful decorations as they go through the mall. The decor is spread around the mall: you can take a few pics with the Christmas tree outside; if you're coming from the walkway, you'll be able to go through the colourful archway leading into the mall; and then there's the atrium of Gaysorn itself where all the festive art is hanging ready for your selfies.
WINTER WONDERLAND 2020: THE CANDY COLONY
- Emporium and EmQuaritier
- Sukhumvit Road
- Until Jan 3
Those who have a sweet tooth that just gets sweeter during Christmas should definitely make a stopover at Emporium and EmQuartier because their decorations are made for you. Candy canes and lollipops adorn the mall inside and out, transforming it into a festive Candyland. Even the Christmas tree itself that stands outside EmQuartier is riddled with sweet treats all over. The entrance to Emporium from the BTS walkway is lit up and also filled with candy decorations all vying to be featured on your socials. Of course, the Candyland isn't just outside. The interior of each mall also bears a number of festive candy-themed decorations so picture opportunities aren't limited to just the outdoors.
THE MAGICAL MEGA CHRISTMAS FANTASY
- Megabangna
- Bang Na-Trat Road, Bang Kaeo
- Until Jan 4
Megabangna has Christmas trees and Santa's sleigh all out on display for the holiday season. With the theme "The Magical Mega Christmas Fantasy", the mall transforms sections of its exterior to become a fantastical Christmas wonderland aka a dozen of places where to take pictures at. Sit on Santa's sleigh as you sit behind illuminated reindeer, frolic with elves riding on little buggies or stand in front of a Christmas tree with your friends or loved ones for a perfect holiday pic to commemorate the season.
ONESIAM CELEBRATES TOUCHES OF HAPPINESS
- Siam Paragon, Siam Center & Siam Discovery
- Rama I Road
- Until Jan 5
Each of the three malls under the OneSiam brand has their own theme for the holiday season but they all come together under the "OneSiam Celebrates Touch Of Happiness" as the interconnected malls give you your dose of festive cheer. Siam Paragon has a shining, shimmering, splendid light tunnel and an 11m Christmas tree. Meanwhile, Siam Center features the cute rabbit character Usagyuuun and will be all around the mall spreading holiday fuzzies to guests. Finally, Siam Discovery has an eco-friendly Christmas tree made up of 10,000 recycled aluminium cans with a kaleidoscope room inside. The mall is also decorated with festive decor from all around the world inspired by London, New York, Japan, Iceland and the Netherlands.
