The most Instagrammable places across Bangkok this Christmas

‘Tis the season to be jolly and strike a pose with all the Christmas trees popping up around town. The celebratory sentiment is definitely here as we’ve all been starved for festivities during these past few years. Thai malls have always been crowd-pleasers when it comes to festive decorations, so you can most likely expect fanciful decorations wherever you go. Here’s what Bangkok’s biggest names have put up this year, some which should be applauded for their eco-friendly thoughtfulness.

Siam Paragon

Playful yet sleek, Siam Paragon literally brings Thailand’s ‘Land of Smiles’ catchphrase to life with their Smiley collaboration. Besides their slick, silver Christmas tree, the Parc keeps it classy with humongous Smileys in golden and purple tones – sprawled across fairy light tunnels and a golden tuktuk. It is also the 50th anniversary of the iconic smiling symbol and this display is the one and only largest collaboration with Smiley in Southeast Asia. If you’re a fan of this smiling entity, make time for the art exhibition and local brand product collaborations with Smiley inside Siam Center. All the more reason to smile.

ICONSIAM

Head to ICONSIAM for what looks like the most Thai Christmas tree ever. It takes inspiration from the bai sri su kwan ceremony, which is a blessing ceremony from the Isan region to bestow prosperity and happiness to a person or place. The Christmas tree is a mish-mash between a traditional fir tree and a bai sri centerpiece, which is made of pandan leaves and looks similar to a krathong (a lotus shaped float). These bright lights are sure to usher in auspicious fortune and good luck for visitors, after the tough pandemic that everyone has weathered. What’s even better is how these lights are smart solar lights. Clean energy of 9,915 watts, equivalent to 1,840 bulbs, is produced here, all of which serves to reduce greenhouse gases and electricity usage.

Central Embassy

Fittingly named the Bubbly Green Pyramid, Central Embassy’s offering is the largest inflatable Christmas tree artwork in Southeast Asia, standing at 13-meters tall. Its eco-friendly nature doesn’t make it any less appealing, as it is decked with festive bows and twinkling lights. The installation is created by French artist Cyril Lancelin, best known for his immersive structures made of inflatable parts. Throughout the mall, you’ll also find wondrous shiny tunnels and Cyril’s own version of a very slim Santa. The floating inflatable Santa Claus and other slim cuties, such as a reindeer and snowman, all make for adorable backdrops for your ‘Gram.

CentralWorld

It’s always the first place of recall when it comes to festive decorations, thanks to the epic and spellbinding degree they go for at CentralWorld. Boasting to have the tallest tree in all of Southeast Asia – which is 40-meters tall – this year’s decorations feature the world-famous Line Friends characters. Besides millions of bright lights outside on the square, you’ll also be met with these photogenic Line characters dressed in Santa outfits both indoors and outdoors throughout the mall. The festive theme park and gift markets on the squares also prove to be worthy photo opps, but if you’re looking to create catchy videos, their Zynchronize Musical & Lighting show on the panOramix Screen happens every day at 7.05pm until January 1st, 2023.

Emporium EmQuartier

When in the heart of Sukhumvit, the place for the best Christmas backdrops is surely the Emporium/EmQuartier district. This year, the malls have erected their decorations under the theme of a cute and colorful village, packed with Thailand’s national animal getting some retail exercise. That’s right, pastel-colored elephants are all over the shopping center with their shopping bags for a touch of festive cheer. Besides their main tree decked with neon lights that stands at 20-meters tall, the other highlight is their outdoor tunnel, which is gorgeously decorated with metallic baubles and bright lights.

Gaysorn Village

Whisk off to ancient Rome with Gaysorn Village’s Christmas decorations that take inspiration from the winter solstice festival, Saturnalia. It is believed that the customs from this festival is likely to have influenced or morphed into the seasonal celebrations of Christmas later in western Europe. The Roman tradition is all about gift-giving, banquets and full-on partying, but Gaysorn adds a dreamy touch to the festivities with flurries of butterflies and a candle square. At the Cocoon right in the heart of the mall, a Butterfly Cave has been erected. Not only do the fanciful swirl of yellow butterflies form a tree-like installation, they also bring with them a sweet, lovely aroma that fills the air. It’s a wondrously uplifting symbol of hope and soul regeneration for next year.

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