Holidays in Malaysia: My Personal Experience

As an international student in Malaysia, one of the best ways I got to experience the country’s culture was through its holidays. Each celebration felt different, not just in meaning but in how people expressed it through decorations, food, and traditions. It made my time here feel more immersive and memorable.

Deepavali

The first holiday I experienced was Deepavali, also known as the Festival of Lights. It comes from Hindu culture and celebrates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. In 2025, Deepavali was celebrated on October 20. Even before that, I was already seeing colorful decorations in malls like KLCC, Pavilion, and Mid Valley. Each mall had its own theme, which made visiting them more interesting.

What stood out to me most was the intricate rice art, also known as kolam, displayed at the entrances. The designs were detailed and carefully made, and I really admired the effort behind them. It showed how much pride people take in celebrating their culture. I was also surprised by the fireworks leading up to Deepavali. I usually associate fireworks with New Year, so seeing them during this celebration made the experience feel even more special.

Christmas

The next holiday I experienced was Christmas. As I am from the Philippines, where Christmas starts as early as September, Malaysia’s decorations going up in late November felt a bit late to me. Even so, the festive atmosphere did not disappoint. Like before, each mall had its own unique setup.

One display I clearly remember was the Christmas tree at Sunway Pyramid. It had a furry aesthetic that I had never seen before, which made it feel modern and different. There were also many activities available, such as ice skating, which added to the overall experience. Even in a Muslim-majority country, the effort put into celebrating Christmas really showed Malaysia’s diversity.

Chinese New Year

After that came Chinese New Year, celebrated on February 17, 2026. This festival originates from Chinese culture and marks the beginning of a new lunar year. It represents renewal, family, and good fortune. Weeks before the actual date, malls were already decorated with red and gold themes, along with rows of hanging lanterns. The festive energy was already present even before the celebration itself.

For me, the timing made it even better since my first semester finals had just ended, so it truly felt like a well-deserved break. Watching a live lion dance performance in the middle of Mid Valley Megamall was something I will not forget. It was my first time seeing it in person, and I learned that the performance is believed to bring good luck and drive away bad spirits.

Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Most recently, I experienced Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri in 2026. These celebrations are rooted in Islamic tradition. Ramadan is a month of fasting, reflection, and prayer, while Hari Raya marks its end and is a time for gratitude and celebration.

Although I am not Muslim and did not fast, I could still feel the festive atmosphere around me. It was also semester break, and many of my friends had returned to their hometowns, but the Raya spirit was still present throughout the city. Malls were decorated with green themes and traditional symbols like the wau kite and ketupat, a rice dish commonly eaten during Hari Raya.

Visiting a Ramadan bazaar in Kampung Baru was one of the most enjoyable parts of this experience. I tried foods like murtabak, roti john, and sugarcane juice. Later, I joined others for iftar at Merdeka Square, where people gathered in an open space that felt like a picnic. With the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Merdeka 118 in the background, it became one of the most memorable moments of my time in Malaysia.

Conclusion

Overall, these holidays gave me a deeper appreciation for how diverse and vibrant Malaysia is. Each celebration offered a different experience, allowing me to better understand the cultures that make up the country.