Dinner Christmas in Penang
Looking for the best Christmas dinner in Penang for 2025? From beachfront resorts in Batu Ferringhi to heritage icons in George Town, Penang goes all out in December with festive buffet dinners, set menus, and Christmas Day lunches. Use this guide to match your mood—family-friendly hotel buffets, romantic set dinners, or casual last-minute dining near Gurney and Bayan Lepas.
Shangri-La Rasa Sayang
For a premium Christmas buffet dinner in Penang with true “holiday resort” energy, this is the classic pick. Expect palm-lined gardens, seaside ambience, and a festive spread built for celebration—holiday roasts, seafood, and a dessert counter that turns into its own event. Great for big family tables, visiting friends, or a special Christmas Eve dinner by the beach.
| Price level | $$$$ |
|---|---|
| Best for | Families, milestone dinners, out-of-town guests |
| Highlights | Festive buffets (24 Dec 2025–1 Jan 2026), holiday roasts, seafood, signature dessert spread; selected festive dinners include free-flow soft drinks and house beverages |
| Pro tip | Peak-time seating sells out quickly—reserve early if you want garden / window tables on Dec 24–25 |
| Address | Jalan Batu Ferringhi, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Penang |
Penang Marriott Hotel
A sleek, reliable option if you’re planning Christmas dinner near Gurney Drive. The hotel’s festive programme typically spreads across multiple venues, with a headline Christmas Eve buffet dinner and a Christmas Day lunch buffet. It’s a safe choice for mixed groups—seafood fans, roast lovers, and picky eaters can all build a plate they’re happy with.
| Price level | $$$ |
|---|---|
| Best for | Family groups, colleagues, visitors staying nearby |
| Highlights | Christmas Eve “Wonderland” buffet dinner at Sago (typically 6:30pm–10:30pm), plus Christmas Day lunch buffet and optional festive set menus |
| Pro tip | Choose lunch for a calmer pace; dinner usually has the fuller festive atmosphere |
| Address | 55, Gurney Drive, 10250 George Town, Penang |
Hard Rock Hotel Penang
If your ideal Christmas dinner in Batu Ferringhi comes with a buzz, this is a crowd-pleaser. Expect a festive line-up across the hotel’s dining venues—often including Christmas Eve buffet dining, set dinners, and a Christmas Day brunch-style celebration. It’s cheerful, photo-friendly, and perfect for groups who want Christmas to feel like a party.
| Price level | $$$ |
|---|---|
| Best for | Friends, families with teens, celebratory groups |
| Highlights | Festive dining offers typically include Christmas Eve buffet dinner (24–26 Dec 2025 shown in seasonal listings), plus set-dinner options for smaller groups |
| Pro tip | Go earlier for easier parking and less waiting—Batu Ferringhi gets busy on Dec 24–25 evenings |
| Address | Batu Ferringhi Beach, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Penang |
DoubleTree Resort by Hilton
A warm, easy-going choice for a family-style Christmas buffet dinner in Penang. The festive buffet at Makan Kitchen is known for crowd-friendly holiday roasts, seafood highlights, and desserts, often paired with seasonal entertainment. Great when you want “festive” without feeling overly formal.
| Price level | $$$ |
|---|---|
| Best for | Families, multi-generation tables |
| Highlights | Festive Dinner Buffet (often promoted with early-bird discounts in December 2025); classic holiday roasts, seafood, and seasonal sweets |
| Pro tip | If available, lock in early-bird deals before mid-December; request seating away from speakers if dining with young kids |
| Address | 56, Jalan Low Yat, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Penang |
G Hotel (Gurney / Kelawai)
A practical favourite if your group can’t agree. At G Hotel Gurney, Café 168 runs festive buffet dining across selected December dates—ideal for a convenient Christmas dinner in George Town. Meanwhile, G Hotel Kelawai is a strong option for hosting at home, thanks to December-long takeaway treats and roasted meats you can pre-order for Christmas.
| Price level | $$$ |
|---|---|
| Best for | Mixed plans (dine-in + takeaway), families hosting |
| Highlights | Café 168 festive buffet programme (selected dates in late Dec 2025) + Kelawai takeaway items like gingerbread, yule log, and roasted turkey/duck/chicken/lamb leg |
| Pro tip | Pre-order takeaway roasts and bakes early—popular items tend to sell out closer to Dec 24–25 |
| Address | Gurney: 168A Gurney Dr • Kelawai: 2 Persiaran Maktab, George Town |
Emily’s Steakhouse
Prefer a quieter, classic Christmas dinner in George Town without the buffet crowd? Emily’s is a cosy British-style steakhouse known for hearty mains—premium steaks, fish & chips, grilled lamb, and comfort-food sides—often paired with seasonal Christmas desserts. Ideal for couples or small families who want a warm, low-key celebration.
| Price level | $$ |
|---|---|
| Best for | Couples, small families, low-key celebrations |
| Highlights | Classic steakhouse Christmas dining in Penang with seasonal menu specials and festive add-ons |
| Pro tip | Seats are limited—reserve early for Dec 24–25 (prime dinner slots go first) |
| Address | 89, Muntri Street, 10200 George Town, Penang |
Amari SPICE Penang
A strong option for Christmas dinner in Bayan Lepas, especially if you’re staying near the airport side of Penang. Amaya Food Gallery typically runs a Christmas Eve buffet dinner and a Christmas Day buffet lunch—bright, comfortable, and built for variety, from seasonal carving favourites to desserts that feel properly festive.
| Price level | $$$ |
|---|---|
| Best for | Families, travellers, office groups |
| Highlights | Christmas Eve buffet dinner (24 Dec 2025, evening) + Christmas Day buffet lunch (25 Dec 2025, 12pm–3pm); early-bird promotions may apply before mid-December |
| Pro tip | Book in advance if you’re aiming for early-bird rates—these usually have payment deadlines |
| Address | 2, Persiaran Mahsuri, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang |
The Bungalow at Lone Pine
For a “holiday postcard” setting, Lone Pine delivers. The Bungalow is a nostalgic beachfront spot that’s popular for Christmas Eve dinner in Penang—think classic roast-and-sides comfort, festive desserts, and an easy, relaxed resort mood that feels special without being too formal.
| Price level | $$$ |
|---|---|
| Best for | Families, travellers, relaxed celebrations |
| Highlights | Christmas Eve buffet dinner at The Bungalow (24 Dec 2025, 6:30pm–10:30pm in festive promotions) with traditional roast elements and dessert favourites |
| Pro tip | Check for early-bird pricing windows (these are usually tied to booking by early December) |
| Address | 97, Jalan Batu Ferringhi, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Penang |
Eastern & Oriental Hotel (E&O)
If you want a truly classic Christmas dinner in George Town, E&O is the heritage icon. The dining experience is elegant, atmospheric, and feels like a yearly tradition—buffet feasts, refined service, and optional add-ons for those who want a more celebratory (and bubbly) night.
| Price level | $$$$ |
|---|---|
| Best for | Parents, anniversaries, “dress-up” dinners |
| Highlights | Christmas dinner promotions commonly run 24–25 Dec 2025 (evening), with optional free-flow beverage packages offered as upgrades |
| Pro tip | Reserve early for peak-time seating—this is one of Penang’s most popular festive dining venues |
| Address | 10, Lebuh Farquhar, 10200 George Town, Penang |
PARKROYAL Penang Resort
A smooth, all-ages favourite for Christmas dinner in Batu Ferringhi. Cinnamon Asian Kitchen is known for a broad buffet approach: festive roasts and seafood, plus local and Asian flavours so everyone at the table finds something they love. Great for families who want an easy, fuss-free Christmas meal with a proper holiday spread.
| Price level | $$$ |
|---|---|
| Best for | Families, multi-generation celebrations |
| Highlights | Christmas Eve buffet dinner (24 Dec 2025, evening) + Christmas Day buffet lunch & dinner (25 Dec 2025); festive drinks included in many packages (soft drinks / juices and a cocktail/mocktail) |
| Pro tip | Early-bird rates are often available before mid-December—book and pay early when possible |
| Address | Batu Ferringhi Beach, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Penang |
Gurney Plaza / Queensbay Mall (Food Hall Option)
Need a last-minute Christmas dinner in Penang without reservations? Big malls are the easiest plan. Gurney Plaza and Queensbay Mall have extensive food-and-beverage directories and food hall choices—so your group can mix and match (Western, Asian, Japanese, Korean, cafés, desserts) and still dine together in a festive, air-conditioned setting.
| Price level | $ – $$ |
|---|---|
| Best for | Families, casual meetups, last-minute plans |
| Highlights | Huge variety of restaurants and food hall stalls; easy for picky eaters and mixed budgets |
| Pro tip | Go earlier to avoid peak queues (especially Dec 24–25 evenings) |
| Area | Gurney Drive / Bayan Lepas |
Heritage Café Hop (George Town)
Want a Christmas plan that feels distinctly George Town, Penang? Skip the single-venue dinner and do a café hop instead. Start with brunch in a heritage shophouse café, then keep it simple with one dessert stop and one coffee stop. It’s relaxed, romantic, and perfect for travellers who want a festive day out without committing to a full hotel buffet.
| Price level | $$ |
|---|---|
| Best for | Couples, small groups, travellers |
| Highlights | Heritage shophouse cafés, brunch plates, seasonal pastries, dessert-and-coffee pacing |
| Pro tip | Plan 2–3 stops max so it stays fun, not rushed (some cafés may close earlier on public holidays) |
| Area | George Town (heritage zone) |








