Ushering in a new year with uplifted energy is key to any fresh start, so it’s no surprise that these countdown spots will leave you excited for the year 2020.

1. Auto City

Dubbed as the biggest celebration in mainland Penang, Auto City’s New Year’s Countdown will inspire you to start 2020 off with a bang. Groove to the beats of HKL Music Academy, Aquilave & Hossann Live Band, and say hello to Miss Auto-City Champion Ms Ke Xin among other artists, plus keep your eyes fixated on electrifying live performances as well as a series of electrifying fireworks. Don’t forget to shop at the ‘Shop In’d Park’ night market and fend off your hunger where the food trucks await.

Venue: Auto City 

Time: 8pm onwards

2. Straits Quay

This gorgeous marina is no stranger to a thrilling New Year’s Countdown. Witness diverse crowds of revellers staking out their spots before the Promenade’s floating stage, which overlooks the ocean. While the 6-minute long firework display at midnight serves as the main pull factor, other scoring points lie in the pulsating performances of S.O.D, LED dances and New Year promotions in various restaurants within the mall.

Venue: Straits Quay Promenade

Time: 8.30pm onwards

3. Eastern & Oriental Hotel

Thinking of a good place to dine at can be quite a dilemma, especially on New Year’s Eve, as you would expect the whole trifecta – tasty food, timeless ambience, and top-notch wines. Brimming with colonial elegance, E&O Hotel will be running two dining sessions. Book at Sarkies for a special buffet dinner that includes live band performances and holographic party packs, and after 10 pm, gear up for the countdown with champagne, oysters and caviar at the veranda. Keep your cameras ready while basking in the seafront breeze, because once the clock hits midnight, you will be able to marvel at the fireworks show held at Straits Quay. 

Venue: Sarkies and Farquhar Bar

Tel: +604-222 2000

Time: 6.30pm onwards

4. The Top

Say sayonara to 2019 at a skyline level. Yes, you read that right. Located on the 68th floor of Komtar, The Top does not only guarantee impressive views but has also set a benchmark of its own for New Year’s countdowns. Expect a celebration filled with dazzling lights, dance, and music performances, and to open your 2020 account with awe, a jaw-dropping fireworks show! Even better, you can also spot other fireworks shows across the island.

Venue: The Top, Komtar

Book online: thetop.com.my

Time: 8pm to 1am

5. Gurney Paragon

“Don’t play play” – this catchphrase is nothing new to Malaysians, as we grew up watching the hilarious television series, Phua Chu Kang. The famous character, recognised in yellow boots and huge facial mole, was portrayed by actor and comedian Gurmit Singh, who will be joining the New Year’s Countdown Party at Gurney Paragon. Beyond the promise of good laughter, Hitsune Miku’s pop music and other exciting live performances will keep the partying vibes up at Festive Square.

Venue: Festive Square, Gurney Plaza

Time: 7.30pm

6. Neon Paradise New Year Countdown

Beach parties are the best kind of parties, and here’s one to affirm the statement. From the team that brought you the Rainbow Music Festival 2019, they are now back with Neon Paradise New Year Countdown. Put your hands up with colourful glowsticks to the pumping beats of big names such as Sada Borneo, MizzKiya and Cassie D, collect mystery gifts and simply enjoy the charm of the sandy strip. If you’re too tired to drag yourself back home, check out the promo rates at Rainbow Paradise Beach Resort.

Venue: Rainbow Paradise Beach Resort

Book: Agoda

Website: www.rainbowparadisebeachresort.com

Time: 5pm until 1am

7. Jazz Hotel

Roll back the years to welcome the new year at Jazz Hotel. This relatively new hotel invites you to its New Year Dinner Buffet with the theme: 1920’s Night of Al Capone. Not only would you look sharp on your next profile picture, but you also stand a chance to bag the best-dressed award. Also, if you hold yourself to be a Japanese food lover, their Japanese outlet Kitano has a special Kaiseki dinner with free-flow sake and sochu. Once done with food, the party continues under the stars at level 8 with a symphony of games, music performances and of course, a convivial countdown.

Venue: Jazz Feast Restaurant

Website: www.jazzhotelpg.com

Time: 7pm to 2am

8. Gurney Plaza

For years, this long-standing shopping mall has been a top spot for most occasions, and the New Year is no exception. First up, eat to your heart’s content at well-known restaurants that shower you with New Year specials. Then dance the night away to DJ Chan’s live spinning and live band performances. The alfresco area isn’t just confined to beats, as plenty of fun games are in line too, particularly an amazing magic and illusion show. 

Venue: Alfresco Area, Gurney Plaza

Time: 8.30pm

9. Queensbay Mall

When you’re done bombing your social media feeds by storm with its Christmas setting, Queensbay Mall aims to impress yet again with a wonderful New Year Countdown Celebration, themed “Shine into 2020”. From DJs to live bands, flashy LED dancers to stilt walkers, a snow shower to a firework showdown by the sea, embrace 2020 with a wide smile. Better still, entry is free!

Venue: Outdoor VIP Car Park

Time: 8.30pm onwards

10. Hard Rock Hotel

Hard Rock Hotel is one of the most attention-grabbing spots when it comes to parties, and it’s only more so at New Year’s Eve. Head to the poolside after gobbling down Hard Rock Cafe’s signature burgers as DJ Anna and a series of live band performances lure you to party like never before. When the clock signals the arrival of 2020, fireworks set the sky alive in the most enchanting way. 

Venue: Hard Rock Hotel Poolside

Website: penang.hardrockhotels.net

Time: 7:00 pm onwards

11. Lexis Suites

Tucked away at Teluk Kumbar, Lexis Suites Penang is hosting an ‘Epic Countdown Event 2020’ to welcome the new year. There will a delectable buffet spread, paired with performances by Mirrorman and Geno Rhythm, and other exciting games and quizzes. Then, get right in the thick of the action at the Sky Terrace on the 24th floor, where you’ll be accompanied by the live band and gorgeous views of the ocean before calling it a New Year. On a side note, the cocktails are not to be missed. 

Venue: Hibiscus Grand Ballroom and Sky Terrace 

Website: www.lexissuitespenang.com

Time: 6.30pm to 10.00pm, 10.00pm to 1.00am