Christmas is now just a few days away and most of you have probably already made the necessary plans to celebrate with friends and family. But if you are still deciding what to do, consider the 8 options mentioned below. There’s no need to spend Christmas at home in front of the television, when you can be out and about having fun!

1. A ‘British’ Christmas in Cameron Highlands

Photo credit: The Lakehouse, Cameron Highlands

Ever wonder why Cameron Highlands is a popular place to visit around Christmas? Well, that’s probably because the highland’s colder climate goes well with this particular festive holiday. Places like The Smokehouse Hotel and The Lakehouse are top choices for overnight Christmas stays; pay a visit with the family and enjoy sipping on hot chocolate in front of the fireplace as you enjoy the brisk, cool air.

For enquiries and bookings visit The Lakehouse‘s and The Smokehouse Hotel‘s websites.

See Also: What is the Cameron Highlands Experience?

2. Take a wintery stroll at i-City’s Snowalk

Photo credit: i-City

It may not snow in Malaysia, but that doesn’t mean you can’t replicate it! Pay a visit to i-City’s Snowalk for a cold surprise: the temperature is set at -5°C! This give you the chance to enjoy yourself with the ice slides, snowmen, and penguins. For more information, visit the website.

3. Meet Lego Santa at LEGOLAND Malaysia

Photo credit: LEGOLAND Malaysia, Facebook

Surprise the little ones with a visit to a life-sized Santa – made entirely of Lego! With a giant Lego Christmas tree, live music, Christmas carollers and loads of other activities to keep adults and children entertained – including a real Santa Claus (besides the one made of LEGO). For more details, visit the website.

See Also: 5 Fun Destinations in Johor

4. Shop ’till you drop at the sales

This festive period is the perfect excuse to go shopping and the Malaysia year-end sales are on. This is the time to get the best discounts on the presents you’ve had your eye on for awhile. Pay a visit to any shopping mall nationwide and shop till you drop the sales usually end on the first weekend of January.

See Also: Top 20 Shopping Malls in Kuala Lumpur

5. Play with snow at Penang’s Queensbay Mall

Photo credit: Queensbay Mall, Facebook

If a white Christmas is what you long for, the faux snow ‘forecasted’ to fall in Queensbay Mall, Penang, will make Christmas in Penang feel a little bit more authentic. The falling snow will be part of an enchanting landscape featuring rustic houses surrounded by ornamented pine trees, wooden cuckoo clocks and other seasonal favorites.

For more information, visit their Facebook page.

6. See the decorations at the Portuguese Settlement, Melaka

Photo credit: AmazingMelaka.com / IWoman / CC BY-NC

Experience a one-of-a-kind Christmas at the Portuguese Settlement in Melaka. Every year, crowds of people will flock to Melaka to enjoy the breathtaking view of houses with Christmas decorations and roads with colorful lights. The village is recognized as a national heritage monument. Learn more about this settlement, activities, accommodations, and directions here.

See Also: Malacca’s Portuguese community : Rocking along the Sand’s Edge

7. Check out some of the largest Christmas trees in Malaysia

Photo credit: submerryn.com

Visit KL’s Berjaya Times Square or Pavillion in KL to check out the malls’ enormous Christmas trees. Trees of previous years have measured in at as much as a whopping 11.6m tall and 6.1m wide; last year’s tree in BTS, comprising of 4,350 branches and 76,125 tips; was recognised as “The Biggest Christmas Tree Replica” by the Malaysia Book of Records.

See Also: Berjaya Times Square Theme park (Cosmo’s World Theme Park)

8. Visit a government-sponsored Christmas Open House

The Malaysian Ministry of Tourist and Culture (MOTAC) regularly organises a government-sponsored event which brings people from all walks of life together to celebrate Christmas. With the aim of fostering unity, goodwill and understanding, the Open Houses showcase cultural performances and serve traditional delicacies.

There re often events in both Johor Bahru and KL; stay tuned to the MOTAC website for more details.

Do you have any good ideas?

What are your plans for Christmas? Share your thoughts and comments in the comment section below.

Read more:

• How to Not Gain Weight During Christmas
• How to Shave Off the Christmas Pounds
• What on Earth is Christmas Island?

This article was originally published in December 2014 and was updated in December 2016.