Media

Penang, 1 December 2016 – The six-metre towering Christmas tree came to life as it was lit up amid much fanfare at the island’s heritage landmark Eastern & Oriental (E&O) Hotel.  

On the count of three, some 500 guests cheered and applauded when the tree—which took hotel staff no less than 18 hours to adorn with 5,500 twinkling fairy lights, candy canes and shiny bells in brilliant festive hues of red and gold—illuminated the lobby.

Guests including expatriates, in-house hotel guests, corporate clients and government representatives added to the festive mood.

E&O group hospitality and lifestyle director Michael Saxon said the annual tradition of lighting up the Christmas tree was a customary practice since 2003.

“It has always been a great honour and pleasure for us to celebrate the spirit of Christmas in the company of our guests and business partners.

“Just like the Christmas tree that is evergreen, the hotel strives to be ever excellent.

“This is also the season to be grateful and I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our guests and business partners for their loyal support,” he said.

 Guests were treated to cocktails and canapes throughout the evening.

 Saxon, together with all the guests and hotel staff members, also belted out Christmas carols with the warm notes reverberating across the 131-year-old heritage hotel’s echo-dome lobby.

 Children were especially thrilled upon receiving the season’s goodies when Santa Claus made his surprise appearance.

 They were later entertained by some interesting activities at the Kids’ Corner set up at Sarkies restaurant.