As cheerful and celebratory as the onset of Christmas vacations might be, nothing spells Christmas more than snowflakes. A white winter may be an ambitious thought in many places, but not particularly, if you’re in Macau. A programme by Cotai Resorts, Winter at Cotai Strip aims to recreate the magic of snow, with added grandeur of course — or a sprinkle of fairy dust, if you will. Sprayed generously with snow-like flakes, the strip is made to resemble a white winterscape. Add to that a 3-D light and sound spectacle — ‘Seasons of Wonder’. A larger-than-life light and sound show, it leaves you feeling like a part of a magic kingdom. Supported by digital video mapping technology, the images are projected onto the Venetian Macau’s 43,000 square feet façade.
Apart from this, the strip also includes an outdoor ice rink, live entertainment and an outdoor gondola ride that is usually an indoor activity. The strip is also peppered with stalls that sell Christmas goodies and candy, keeping up with the festive fervour.
As an extension of the icy winter programme, guests will also have an opportunity to witness Asia’s largest ice sculpture exhibition, ‘Ice World’.
Supported by the Macau Government Tourist Office, this year’s Ice World, with the DreamWorks gang brings to visitors some of the most popular characters from DreamWorks Animation in more than 1,600 sq m of space, kept at a chilly — 80C degrees Celsius. The exhibition houses characters from animated films, such as Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and How To Train Your Dragon. It makes for a lovely photo opportunity if you can brave the cold to manage a quick click. And there’s something you must try if you enter Ice World: the ice slide.
If you’re planning a family holiday with children, you might want to sign up for ‘Shrekfast’ — breakfast with the adorable ogre along with his other DreamWorks friends. From Panda-shaped dimsums and gingerbread man among other delicious treats, Shrekfast gives guests a chance to pose and interact with the characters.
If it’s getting too sugar-coated an experience for you, there are the casinos, of course. A drink and a game of Blackjack should do the trick. Apart from the luxury experience at the Cotai strip, visitors can indulge in touristy fare at old Macau that boasts of rich culture and history. The Portuguese influence on architecture makes for an interesting walk on the streets of old Macau. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, you must try bungee jumping here.
The Macau tower sky is one of the tallest bungee stations in the world. Stop by for street shopping while there. They’re not big on bargaining, but if you scout closely, you might find just the right memorabilia to bring back home to place on the living room mantlepiece.
