Reviving tradition: Guests taking wefies together against the 6m-tall red and gold Christmas tree during the lighting ceremony. — JEREMY TAN/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Christmas carols and lively chatter resonated across Eastern and Oriental (E&O) Hotel, Penang’s acoustic dome once again after a two-year hiatus.
Around 300 guests gathered for its first physical Christmas tree lighting ceremony since the pandemic, resuming a tradition that had been a staple of the state’s social calendar for decades.
With lots of scrumptious canapes and tipple to go around, the crowd comprising hotel guests, business associates, expatriates and local socialites were all in good spirits.
A small ensemble from the Penang Philharmonic Orchestra serenaded them with classics like Jingle Bells, Joy to the World and We Wish You A Merry Christmas.
The dimming of lights set the scene for the night’s main event – the centrepiece Christmas tree with glistening red and gold ornaments coming alive with thousands of twinkling lights.
Complemented by giant red gift boxes, the 6m-tall conifer attracted lots of selfie-taking throughout the night.
Hotel general manager Alison Fraser found the joyous atmosphere incredibly heartening, as the community could return to socialising for the holiday season.
“It has always been a joy to celebrate the lighting ceremony with everyone here at the hotel. Not having the chance to do so for the past two years made it feel like something was missing.
“On behalf of our team, we would like to wish everyone in Penang a Merry Christmas and a successful 2023,” she added.
