Shoppers taking a wefie with golden steeds that are central to the ‘Galloping Into Prosperity’ setup at Sunway Carnival Mall. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT, CHAN BOON KAI, JEREMY TAN/The Star and courtesy photos
Year of the Horse inspires bold ideas, blending heritage and modernity in Penang, Kedah malls
CHINESE New Year may be anchored in age-old traditions, but for Penang’s shopping malls, it has become a canvas for reinvention.
What were once simple festive adornments have evolved into elaborate thematic displays, turning cultural heritage into social media-worthy spectacles.
These carefully curated setups, designed to draw shoppers, elicit wonder and create shareable moments, reflect how celebrations can be turned into immersive experiences.
And with 2026 being the Year of the Fire Horse, it is unsurprising that many establishments have the animal as the hero of their embellishments.
Sunway Carnival Mall’s “Galloping Into Prosperity” backdrop centres around two pairs of life-sized golden steeds, hooves lifted and muscles tensed, seemingly surging forward.
Encircling these symbols of momentum and progress is a landscape of modern art-inspired visuals, with geometric forms and lighted silhouettes, all rendered in auspicious shades of red and gold.
Sunshine Central’s festive courtyard decor also celebrates the majestic incoming horse zodiac.
Cherry blossom trees add a touch of softness while a grand pavilion serves as a stage for festive performances. A horse-themed merry-go-round and mini bridge complete the scene.
The mall senior general manager Chai Wen Yew said the concept reflects the belief that good fortune, like the seasons, is cyclical – ever-flowing and returning.
“It is meant to circulate blessings, luck and joy to all who visit, at the same time offering moments of discovery for families celebrating here.
“After all, this is the season for reunions, where shared meals, familiar conversations and the simple joy of being together, accompany the promise that a new year brings,” he shared.
Equine vitality similarly animates Queensbay Mall’s expansive and richly symbolic “Spring Returns, Joy Unbound” decorations.
Here, the horses take on a more cutesy aesthetic and roam a land filled with bamboo groves and interactive features that invite visitors to linger and explore.
Áman Central’s ‘Vitality Oriental’ setup has a ‘river’ taking shoppers to various auspicious elements.
Stop by the tea pavilion for moments of tranquil delight, cross a bridge towards better things or pick up golden ingots from a treasure well – each bearing a lucky number.
From there, visit a lantern maze to find prayer wheels with your corresponding number and turn them to learn your blessings for the year.
Most captivating of all is a towering, two-storey high vertical scroll that transforms the olden charm of a traditional ink painting, into a majestic three-dimensional spectacle.
Mall manager Sylvester Soh described the entire setting as a visual metaphor for forward energy, constant growth and rapid advancement, values deeply desired during Chinese New Year.
“Besides the horse, we also wanted to honour classic cultural imagery, translating it into a dynamic landscape that feels uplifting for visitors who celebrate the season with us,” he said.
Sunshine Central also took on the “Galloping Into Prosperity” theme, presenting a festive courtyard that artfully celebrates the incoming zodiac animal.
Wander among the pavilions and you will find a golden horse majestically posed atop a floral platform, ready to stride ahead.
Lanterns classic and modern, cherry blossom trees, intricately carved screens and gilded motifs enliven things further.
Shoppers exploring Queensbay Mall’s vast and symbolic ‘Spring Returns, Joy Unbound’ festive landscape, featuring a towering scroll and cutesy horses, among other classic cultural imagery.
Sunshine Group marketing communications senior manager Bryan Wong said they drew inspiration from the five timeless Chinese arts of music, strategy, calligraphy, painting and tea.
“Through visual storytelling and cultural symbolism, we elevate the festive environment beyond mere decoration, instead offering visitors a sensory journey rooted in heritage,” he said.
Straits Quay Retail Marina’s “Steeds Bring Fortune” display is crowned by a grand 9m-tall golden fortune tree – its branches laden with gold coins and ingots.
Below it, a golden horse pulls a cart filled with more treasures, which mall senior manager Wong Siew Hui said was designed to symbolically shower visitors with abundance and prosperity.
“We wanted to give traditional Chinese New Year symbolism a resplendent modern twist.
“These cherished symbols of wealth not only radiate auspicious energy but also provide lovely photo moments for visitors to capture festive memories,” she continued.
Tradition reimagined
Not every mall is galloping in the same direction, with some choosing to honour other classic symbols and folk traditions instead.
Gurney Plaza’s “Luminous Flair of Prosperity” decorations celebrate China’s historic Fish Lantern Festival which is believed to date back some 600 to 800 years.
Be amazed by the sight of gravity-defying fish glowing and gracefully swimming upstream, encircling a majestic 10.5m-tall pagoda.
Nearby, a pair of giant fish lanterns hover against an illuminated Chinese ink painting landscape of mountains and streams, while many other smaller ones swim in lotus ponds.
Mandarin orange trees bloom among arrays of lanterns inscribed with auspicious calligraphy. Overhead, representations of the Chinese character for “spring” glow brightly.
CapitaLand Investment Malaysia northern and east coast malls general manager Peter Chan said the idea was to cast a spotlight on lesser-known aspects of Chinese folk culture.
“The Fish Lantern Festival is particularly celebrated in ancient villages like Wangmantian and Zhanqi in the Huizhou region of Anhui Province,” he said.
A stairway leading to the opulent pagoda at Gurney Paragon Mall’s ‘Blooming Abundance’ display is lush with flowers and batik-inspired accents.
“You’ll see fish-shaped lanterns paraded through the streets, symbolising prayers for good harvest, fortune and prosperity.
“By designing our setup around it, we hoped to spark curiosity and promote a deeper appreciation of culture, while staying true to the spirit of the season.”
Gurney Paragon Mall ushers in Chinese New Year with a “Blooming Abundance” display based around florals, traditional motifs and a unique, blue-and-red colour palette.
At its heart is an opulent pagoda representing stability and upward growth. Visitors can even ascend a flight of stairs to get a closer look at its ornate carving and batik-like prints.
Around it, lush cherry blossom trees evoke the wonders of springtime. There is also a mirrored chamber filled with lanterns and a mini courtyard with lighted panels.
Hunza Group mall owners executive director Khor Tze Ming said the batik elements and colours were a nod to the upcoming Hari Raya season and Penang’s Peranakan heritage, respectively.
“We aimed for a seamless blend of tradition and modern elegance, celebrating cultural continuity while allowing visitors to connect and enjoy.
1st Avenue Penang’s ‘Huat Voyage!’ features a traditional junk laden with treasures.
“The theme reflects our hope that 2026 will be defined by growth, innovation and positive transformation for all,” she said.
1st Avenue Penang is inviting shoppers to embark on a “Huat Voyage!” through good fortune and prosperity.
There may not be a sea in sight, but visitors will be wowed by a traditional junk laden with golden treasures.
Its red sails, bearing auspicious characters, are primed and ready for the next journey.
Delicate peach blossoms, red lanterns and rustic structures have also been added to create an immersive setting that symbolises blessings, abundance and venturing into prosperous times ahead.
Visual splendour
Across the border in Kedah, Aman Central is making waves with its “Vitality Oriental” display that fuses classic Chinese aesthetics with contemporary style.
A symbolic river flows through the space, leading one from an archway to a pavilion, a giant gold coin and a walkable bridge, representing a journey of progress, new beginnings and coming fortune.
The centrepiece stage is backed by a glowing mountain, alive with colourful flowers.
Decorative fans, lattices and other floral arrangements offer further photo opportunities.
Straits Quay Retail Marina’s ‘Steeds Bring Fortune’ display symbolically showers visitors with abundance and prosperity.
Overhead, vertical accents in the form of Chinese knots and red streamers, add depth and grandeur.
Aman Central marketing communications assistant general manager Ken Chin said the goal was to create a space that went beyond visual appeal.
“We wanted visitors to feel the energy of the season, share joyous moments with loved ones and embrace the spirit of new beginnings together,” said Chin.
“Every element was thoughtfully considered to reflect vitality, optimism and continuity, inviting everyone to immerse themselves in a truly festive experience.”
Driving tourism, retail
For Tourism Malaysia northern region director Abdul Hadi Che Man, such events are especially timely for Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026).
The campaign, he said, is not just about attracting international visitors, but also strengthening urban tourism, cultural tourism and community-driven experiences across all regions.
And Penang, with its unique blend of heritage, creativity and year-round festivities, plays a key role in that national vision.
Abdul Hadi described cultural festivals as a pillar of experiential tourism for allowing visitors to engage in unique performances, workshops, activities and more.
“These rich programmes show how retail spaces can go beyond shopping and become vibrant platforms for cultural appreciation, community engagement and meaningful experiences.
“So come immerse yourselves in the sights, sounds and flavours of the season, and let such occasions be part of your holiday journey,” he urged.
