MELAKA: The national-level Christmas celebration is expected to draw some 10,000 visitors at the Proclamation of Independence Memorial here tomorrow night.
Tourism Malaysia senior director of domestic & events, Datuk Ammar Abd Ghapar said preparations are fully completed, with participants carrying out rehearsals today as Melaka plays host to the celebration which will officially begin at 8.30pm tomorrow.
"We are ready with decorations, stage performances, exhibition booths as well as food. We are just doing the final touches today and rehearsing for the event tomorrow.
"The venue has been decorated with a sea of green and red, in line with the colours of Christmas to enliven the atmosphere," he told the New Straits Times here today.
The event, organised by Tourism Malaysia under the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, will feature a series of activities which include exhibitions and demonstrations by 11 agencies under the ministry. Also on the cards are a Christmas idol competition, fashion recycle competition and performances by local artistes.
The highlight of the event is a lucky draw, with 100 prizes to be won. Apart from a motorcycle as the grand prize, other prizes include travel packages within Malaysia, and electrical items.
"Guests must register between 2pm and 8pm to qualify for the lucky draw," he said.
Other highlights include a 'meet and greet' session with Santa Claus as well as performances by artistes including Datuk David Arumugan, Dasha Logan, Douglas Lim, Beatbox, Shanel Shanty, Hael Husaini and Dewi Liana.
"We will also be preparing 20 booths showcasing 50 Malaysian delights as well as some Portuguese cuisine including asam pedas, bubur lambuk and kuih keria," he said.
The Christmas celebration will begin as early as 11am for visiting guests, with a series of performances by artists, buskers and entertainers scheduled at 2.30pm.
The official event will begin at 8.30pm, launched by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, followed by an official Christmas performance by the Department of Culture, Arts and Heritage.
The event ends at midnight.