Chinese New Year in Malaysia is a massive celebration!
Streets glow red at night, lion dance drums echo through neighbourhoods, and family gatherings take priority over almost everything else.
But here’s the part many people forget, especially if you’re planning to head out with kids: during the first day of Chinese New Year, a lot of places are actually closed.
And not just small shops. Many restaurants shut their doors, cafés take a break, and retail stores often reopen only later in the day, if at all.
So yes, while malls look beautiful, especially in the lead-up to the festival, don’t expect to get much shopping done on the first day itself. This is not the day to “quickly run errands”.
Instead, it’s the perfect time to slow down and go to places that feel special because it’s Chinese New Year.
Here’s where it’s worth going as we celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Fire Horse 2026!
Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur
Petaling Street is at its best during Chinese New Year, especially in the days just before and right after the first day.
Lanterns hang overhead, stalls sell festive snacks and decorations, and the whole area feels alive in a way it doesn’t for the rest of the year.
Even if shops are closed early on day one, just walking through, soaking in the atmosphere, is worth it.
Go in the late afternoon or early evening when it’s cooler and calmer for children.
Thean Hou Temple, Kuala Lumpur
If you’re heading out on the first day itself, temples are one of the few places that truly come alive.
Thean Hou Temple is especially beautiful during this period, lit with thousands of lanterns.
Families come to pray, make wishes, or simply take a quiet walk. It’s busy, but there’s a gentleness to it that feels right for the start of a new year.
George Town’s Old Streets, Penang
In George Town, Chinese New Year feels a lot different – special, almost.
But remember not to expect grandeur, only authentic feels.
Shophouses are decorated, doors are left open, and you can see real family traditions happening as you walk past.
It’s never about attractions or performances in Penang.
It’s about witnessing everyday celebrations unfold.
If you’re travelling during CNY, this is one of the nicest places to simply wander around.
Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang
Yes, another Penang wonder.
By nightfall, Kek Lok Si Temple becomes something else entirely.
The annual light-up during Chinese New Year is something many families plan trips around.
It’s crowded, for sure, but it’s also absolutely breathtaking, and children tend to remember this long after the holiday ends.
Finding Joy in the CNY Atmosphere
Malls like Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, 1 Utama Shopping Centre and Sunway Pyramid do look stunning during Chinese New Year and may even have lion dance shows scheduled.
If you’re visiting on the first day, go for the decorations, the photos, and the performances, not the shopping.
Save that for day two onwards, when stores slowly reopen and crowds thin out.
All in all, Chinese New Year isn’t the time to rush from place to place.
It’s a time when Malaysia collectively slows down, celebrates, and resets – we are, after all, a multicultural country.
If you go out expecting everything to be open, you’ll be frustrated.
If you go out expecting atmosphere, tradition and small moments, you’ll probably have a lovely day.
Gong Xi Fa Cai from all of us at Motherhood Malaysia with love! May you and yours be blessed with good health, an abundance of prosperity, and infinite happiness this Year of the Fire Horse!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!
