Ring in the New Year at the Visit Malaysia 2026 Countdown Festival

Kuala Lumpur is set to welcome 2026 in spectacular style with the Visit Malaysia 2026 Countdown Festival, taking place at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur on 31 December 2025. Jointly organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and The Fame Events, this landmark New Year’s Eve celebration marks the official launch momentum for Malaysia’s much anticipated tourism year.

Blending cutting-edge entertainment with cultural pride, the festival promises an unforgettable countdown experience that reflects Malaysia’s creativity, diversity and unity on the world stage.
A New Year’s Eve Countdown Like No Other

The main countdown celebration begins at 7.00pm, building towards an electrifying midnight moment in the heart of Bukit Bintang. Visitors can look forward to a fully synchronised showcase of pyromusical fireworks, immersive laser projections, and a headline-grabbing 3D anamorphic visual experience.

Stealing the spotlight will be Visit Malaysia 2026’s beloved Malayan Sun Bear mascots, Wira and Manja, who will make a special appearance to welcome the crowd into the New Year, setting the tone for an exciting year ahead for Malaysian tourism.

 
Star-Studded Performances Celebrating Malaysian Talent

One of the highlights of the Visit Malaysia 2026 Countdown Festival is its impressive live entertainment line-up, featuring some of the country’s biggest and most exciting names. Audiences can expect powerful performances by Shila Amzah, Aina Abdul, Belle Sisoski, Vanessa Reynauld, Kidd Santhe, The Kuans, KLP48, Rezza Shah, Nazu, Danson Ooi, Euzen, and Penny.

From contemporary pop to cultural showcases, the performances reflect Malaysia’s vibrant creative scene and offer something for every music lover as the countdown to midnight approaches.
A Week of Festivities Across Kuala Lumpur

The celebration extends beyond New Year’s Eve itself, with a series of curated events across Kuala Lumpur offering visitors a deeper connection to Malaysia’s heritage and creative spirit.

 
VM2026 Bazaar at Pavilion Bukit Jalil
26 to 31 December 2025 | 10.00am to 10.00pm

Featuring over 30 local entrepreneurs, the VM2026 Bazaar showcases Malaysian food and beverage brands, artisanal crafts, homegrown labels and unique gifts. Interactive experiences, including a virtual reality showcase, add a modern twist to this vibrant marketplace.

 
VM2026 Arts & Culture Showcase at Fahrenheit 88
27 to 31 December 2025 | 10.00am to 10.00pm

This immersive cultural showcase invites visitors to experience Malaysia’s heritage through hands-on activities such as batik art, porcelain making and wau decoration. Traditional wear rentals allow visitors to celebrate in heritage style, while curated merchandise, stamp redemptions and surprise flash mobs by Wira and Manja add to the festive atmosphere.

Live DJ Sets and Street Performances
From 27 to 30 December, ten iconic local DJs will take over Pavilion Kuala Lumpur’s Crystal Fountain nightly from 9.00pm to 10.00pm, with a special DJ session on 31 December at the countdown main stage from 3.30pm to 4.30pm.

Street energy continues with flash mobs and buskers at the Bukit Bintang Crossing on 28 December and at Pavilion Crystal Fountain on 30 December, bringing music and movement to some of Kuala Lumpur’s most recognisable locations.

 
A Key Moment for Visit Malaysia 2026
Designed as a bold representation of Malaysia to the world, the Visit Malaysia 2026 Countdown Festival is the first major public milestone leading into the national tourism year. The event is expected to draw both local audiences and international visitors, reinforcing Kuala Lumpur’s position as a dynamic global city.

The festival is supported by Tourism Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur City Hall, with strategic partners including Istana Budaya, the National Department for Culture and Arts, the Department of National Heritage, and the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation.

 
Travel Advisory for New Year’s Eve in Bukit Bintang
Traffic Diversions
To ensure a smooth and safe celebration, traffic management will be implemented around Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.

29 to 31 December 2025
One lane between the JW Marriott Hotel junction and the Sephora junction will be used for event preparations from 12.00 midnight to 5.00pm.

31 December 2025
The road between Jalan Raja Chulan and the Bukit Bintang crossing at Jalan Sultan Ismail will be fully closed from 5.00pm until 2.00am on 1 January 2026.

Alternative routes will be available via roads connecting The Westin Kuala Lumpur and JW Marriott Hotel, with access to Jalan Palmer, Jalan Imbi and Jalan Walter Granier. Pavilion Kuala Lumpur car parks will remain accessible, and MRT and LRT services will operate extended hours into the early hours of New Year’s Day.

 
Welcoming 2026 Responsibly
As thousands gather to usher in the New Year, visitors are encouraged to help keep Bukit Bintang clean and welcoming. Additional waste management measures will be in place, and guests are reminded to dispose of rubbish responsibly using the bins provided. These efforts support Kuala Lumpur’s image as a world-class destination as Malaysia steps confidently into 2026.