Among the many popular travel destinations that have risen to the fore in China, Macau stands as a city like no other. Nestled along the southern coast of the country, this vibrant destination reflects a unique marriage of cultures, retaining both its Portuguese colonial charm and Chinese cultural heritage.
Macau is celebrated for its historic architecture, world-class dining, and lively entertainment. From the cobblestone streets of its UNESCO-listed historic centre to the glittering luxury of its expansive resorts, this is a destination that invites exploration, immersion, and indulgence.
During Chinese New Year, Macau takes on an even more enchanting allure. Streets come alive with festive decorations, lion dances, and bustling stalls filled with lucky symbols and traditional delights. The iconic Macau Tower sets the backdrop for a stunning fireworks display, whilst the annual Golden Dragon Parade shares blessings of good fortune for all.
Whether you’re seeking cultural immersion or modern festivities with your beloved family, Macau beckons with diverse attractions to ring in Chinese New Year. And at the heart of many of these family-friendly attractions is the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau.
A destination resort for the whole family
Complete with five-star hotels, upscale shopping malls, and exquisite dining venues, Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau is an integrated luxury resort for visitors of various ages and interests. Located in the Cotai area, the resort’s architecture draws inspiration from European buildings of the Neoclassical to Belle Époque periods, blended with traditional Chinese motifs in ode to the cross-cultural heritage of Macau.
Snoopy installations galore
Snoopy Winter Holidays will be taking over the resort until 16 February.
One of the many Snoopy installations inside the resort.
A Chinese New Year-themed Snoopy installation at the lobby of Grand Palace Resort Macau.
The Peanuts-themed menu at GLP Lobby Lounge.
Fans of the Snoopy franchise will have plenty of photo opportunities all around Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau this festive season. As part of the Snoopy Winter Holidays event happening from now until 16 February, larger-than-life characters such as Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and Woodstock decorate the lobbies, garden, and outdoor areas of the resort – dressed in festive attire to fit the occasion.
There will also be meet-and-greet sessions with Snoopy and Charlie Brown – perfect for families with young kids. Plus, visitors can drop by the pop-up store within the resort to bring home souvenirs, including tote bags and exclusive Macau-only products. Don’t miss the photo booth, where you can snap away and customise Snoopy-themed photo frames to immortalise your Macau memories!
In conjunction with the Snoopy Winter Holidays event, GLP Lobby Lounge will be offering an exclusive Peanuts-themed menu featuring Western dishes such as a burger, sandwich, and spaghetti, as well as limited-time pastries. To pair with the food, the special beverage menu has a selection of hot and cold drinks like Lucky Snoopy Latte and Snoopy Soya Orchid Milk Tea.
A lush European-inspired oasis
Jardim Secreto, located on the third floor of Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau.
A giant Snoopy installation at Jardim Secreto.
This serene sanctuary features elegant pavilions and colonnades.
One scenic spot where you’ll find Snoopy characters making appearances is Jardim Secreto, the resort’s tranquil rooftop oasis. Located on Level 3, this verdant sanctuary boasts an European-style garden with mazes, lush lawns, and elegant pavilions and colonnades. (It’s no wonder why Jardim Secreto is popular for wedding ceremonies and photoshoots!)
New interactive exhibition
The NAKED OCEAN Exhibition at Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau.
One of the interactive areas within the NAKED OCEAN Exhibition.
A souvenir shop offering thoughtful gifts by local brands and artisans.
Another exciting attraction to check out is the NAKED OCEAN Exhibition, revealing the beauty of the underwater world through light and shadows. Brought to you by a collaboration between SJM Resorts and Japanese creative company NAKED, INC, this immersive exhibition features eight themed areas that incorporate dynamic oceanic projections, interactive displays, and captivating visual installations.
In one zone, visitors can guide the lightbulbs of anglerfish to reveal the mysterious creatures that lurk in the depths of the ocean. In another, an immersive projection of underwater life inspires awe while neatly showcasing SJM Group’s iconic properties and Macau’s famous landscapes. There’s even a themed cafe and souvenir shop offering thoughtful gifts by local brands and artisans. Ticket prices for the exhibition start from only MOP158.
Dining venues for everyone
When it comes to dining options, there’s no need to step out of the resort with over a dozen restaurants to satisfy every palate.
The Grand Buffet features a plethora of Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisines.
Live cooking stations at The Grand Buffet.
The lush entrance of Palace Garden.
One of the themed private rooms inside Palace Garden.
Peony King Tiger Prawn.
Those with large appetites will enjoy the resplendent spread at The Grand Buffet. Take your pick from a plethora of Chinese and Southeast Asian cuisines, with live cooking stations, noodle and salad bars, and an assortment of pastries and desserts set to tantalise the taste buds.
For refined palates, the Palace Garden comes highly recommended. Before you arrive at your table, the garden-themed entrance extends a warm welcome into its beautiful space, highlighted by traditional Suzhou embroidery showcased in a bespoke 35-metre-long mural alongside grand installations of custom-made embroidery fans. As for families with young children, five individually themed private dining rooms promise to impress, providing an intimate dining experience for you and your loved ones.
Expect authentic Cantonese and Taishi fare from the menu, featuring signature dishes like Premium Partridge Bisque and Peony King Tiger Prawns. The Palace Garden will also be offering a Chinese New Year special menu from 29 January to 7 February, with standouts including the Yellow Croaker steamed with Yunnan Ham and Shiitake Mushroom in Huadiao Sauce.
Modern retail experiences
The NY8 New Yaohan is an East-meets-West shopping wonderland.
The Kid's Cavern is a fun-filled themed zone within NY8 New Yaohan.
The cdf Macau Grand Lisboa Palace Shop has various retail zones.
Immersive digital displays enhance the shopping experience.
Searching for a spot of shopping while you’re in Macau? The Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau is home to not one but two department stores for all your needs.
The cdf Macau Grand Lisboa Palace Shop has various retail zones offering more than 170 of the world’s most desirable clothing, accessories, watches, jewellery, perfume, and cosmetics brands. Giant digital displays and installations adorn the store, enhancing the ultra-contemporary shopping experience.
On the other hand, you’ll find an array of Macau-exclusive products at NY8 New Yaohan, an East-meets-West shopping wonderland. Located on the resort’s second floor, it consists of four exciting key areas: a deluxe supermarket carrying fresh international produce, groceries, and wine; a stylish lifestyle zone offering fashion, digital electronics, and home décor; the Kid’s Cavern, a fun-filled themed zone with children’s clothing, accessories, and toys; and the Palace Gourmet area, offering premium products for epicureans.
Cultural sights to behold
The Ruins of St. Paul is one of Macau's top tourist attractions.
Flags of Macau and China hang over Senado Square.
Views of Macau's city skyline from The Chapel of Our Lady of Penha.
If you’re keen to explore Macau’s cultural sights, complimentary shuttles from Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau will take you straight into the heart of the city’s historic centre. From there, globally renowned spots like the colourful Senado Square are just a short walk away. One must-visit attraction is the Ruins of St. Paul, a 17th-century Jesuit complex with a surviving façade that references the city’s Portuguese colonial heritage.
Another highlight is the Macau Tower, featuring an observation deck that offers arguably the best vantage point of the city. Alternatively, head to The Chapel of Our Lady of Penha at the top of Penha Hill for breathtaking panoramic vistas of the city – including the iconic landmark and the city skyline.
Luxurious accommodations
As for accommodation, the Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau offers three distinctive five-star hotels, including two fashion-branded under one roof. The contemporary, Chinoiserie-inspired rooms and suites at Grand Lisboa Palace Macau are ideal for families, thanks to their spacious interiors that start from 60 square metres.
Each room is furnished with ornate East-meets-West elements, interpreting Macau’s heritage patterns and motifs in wood, porcelain, and vibrant lacquer materials with bronze metal accents. Bespoke art pieces further accent the walls, depicting old and new Macau. All rooms and suites include exceptional in-room amenities and boast gorgeous views overlooking Cotai or Jardim Secreto.
Suffice to say, Macau awaits with a wealth of memorable experiences this Chinese New Year – what better way to spend the festive holidays? To learn more about Grand Lisboa Palace Resort Macau and its offerings, visit grandlisboapalace.com.
Photography: Imran Sulaiman