By Vincent D’Silva

JOHOR BAHRU: Amari Johor Bahru ushered in the festive season with an evening of understated splendour and heartfelt celebration, hosting its annual Christmas Light-Up and Festive Buffet Preview at Level 6 of the hotel.

Invited guests were welcomed into a world of seasonal elegance, where warmth, refinement and culinary promise set the tone for the weeks ahead.

The celebration commenced at 6pm in the hotel lobby, anchored by a majestic 13-foot Christmas tree that rose as the symbolic heart of this year’s décor. Dressed in hues of green and gold, accented by Amari’s signature orange, the festive installation reflected a modern interpretation of tradition.

Notably, this year marks the first time all Amari properties have adopted a unified Christmas colour palette, reinforcing a shared brand identity across the region while retaining each hotel’s individual character.

A poignant highlight of the evening was the official light-up ceremony, led by Amari Johor Bahru’s General Manager, Pauline Chua, together with Zaim Zarkasha Zamani, representing UMLand Berhad.

In a gentle yet theatrical moment, the guests of honour unveiled an illuminated presentation box, symbolising the spirit of giving and the beginning of the festive season. Almost instantly, the lobby was bathed in a warm, golden glow as the Christmas tree came to life, drawing smiles and applause from the gathered crowd.

The moment was enlivened by a spirited, retro-themed dance performance by students of Sekolah Seni Malaysia Johor, who delighted the audience with classic Christmas melodies reimagined through vibrant choreography.

Following a commemorative group photo, guests were invited to Amaya Food Gallery for an exclusive preview of the hotel’s Christmas Eve and Christmas Day buffet offerings.

The showcase reflected both culinary finesse and cultural sensitivity, featuring traditional festive roasts including beef, chicken and classic Christmas turkey, alongside artisanal sweet treats. Complementing these were carefully curated local dishes that introduced a distinct Johorean flavour, adding depth and regional character to the festive spread.

The evening’s ambience was further enriched by the melodious voices of Kelab Belia Setiakawan, whose harmonious carol renditions evoked nostalgia and seasonal joy. Guests were seen quietly humming along, some gently swaying to familiar tunes, as conversation and laughter flowed easily through the dining space.

In her address, Chua reflected on the meaning behind the celebration. “This evening embodies the spirit of Amari Johor Bahru — bringing people together through warmth, community and genuine hospitality,” she said.

“Our team has thoughtfully curated a festive experience that balances elegance with cultural soul, and we look forward to welcoming guests to celebrate Christmas with us in the coming weeks,” she said.

Chua also expressed gratitude to the guests, comprising business partners and media personnel, for their loyal support over the years.

“Christmas is a season of togetherness and gratitude,” Chua said as guests admired the glowing display. “We want every visitor who walks through our doors to feel the joy and comfort of the festive season.”

Sharing insights into the festive menu, Executive Chef Hairi Rahman explained the philosophy behind the culinary offerings.

“Our Christmas buffet is a meeting of worlds — timeless festive classics paired with the rich, comforting flavours of Malaysia,” he said.

“We hope our guests will rediscover the familiarity of traditional roasts while exploring local dishes that represent Johor’s vibrant food heritage. It is, above all, a celebration of nostalgia and discovery,” he said.

The evening concluded on a cheerful note with a lucky draw, where five guests walked away with festive gifts, before the event drew to a close at 8.30pm. Attendees departed with not only fond memories, but also an enticing glimpse of the celebrations that await at Amari Johor Bahru this Christmas.

For many, the evening marked the unofficial beginning of Christmas — a reminder that even in a bustling city, moments of beauty and connection still matter. At Amari Johor Bahru, it was not merely the lighting of a tree, but the lighting of spirits as the holiday season begins to unfold.

As the evening unfolded into a festive buffet preview, she shared a final sentiment that lingered with many attendees.

“Christmas has a way of lighting not just spaces, but spirits,” Chua said. “If tonight brought even a little warmth, comfort, and joy to those who joined us, then we’ve already captured the true essence of the season.”

Amaya Food Gallery will host its Christmas Eve Buffet Dinner on December 24, 2025, from 6.30pm to 10.30pm, priced at RM198 nett per adult, RM138 nett per senior citizen and RM98 nett per child.

The festivities continue with the Christmas Day Buffet Lunch on December 25, from noon to 3pm, at RM138 nett per adult, RM98 nett per senior citizen and RM68 nett per child. Christmas Day Buffet Dinner will also be available from December 25 to 27, from 6.30pm to 10pm, priced at RM178 nett per adult, RM128 nett per senior citizen and RM88 nett per child.