Christmas in Malaysia

Although most people think of Malaysia as a Muslim country, which it is, it has an extremely diverse population living in harmony and celebrating different religious events together regardless of their personal faith. About 50% of the population of Malaysia is made up of Malay Muslims, while the other half includes a large number of Chinese, Indians, indigenous peoples, and many others, 7% of which are Christian. Christmas is a public holiday in Malaysia and people of all faiths get together to celebrate on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.


Christmas day usually begins with families going to church, and then having an "open house" where family and friends can stop by throughout the day. Shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur are decorated with huge Christmas trees, lights, and Christmas scenes, as are hotels and other places throughout the city.