GEORGE TOWN: There’s nothing quite as infectious as the smile of children, and those who witnessed a Christmas tree being lit up here got their fair share.

       A group of children from the Crystal Family Home and The Salvation Army were giggling with joy during the event at TheTop in Komtar.

       During the ceremony, guests got to experience what looked like a winter wonderland with snow falling from the ceiling.

       They were also treated to dance performances by Santarinas and musical performances from an orchestra that entertained the crowd with classics like Silent Night, Jingle Bells, and even the unconventional The Final Countdown.

       Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was present with his wife Tan Lean Kee, said businesses in Penang were gradually returning to normal.

       “Hotels here are getting reservations and shopping malls are swarmed with shoppers. The traffic in the state has increased as well.

       “All this has given us the motivation to continue to seek new and creative ways to boost our tourism and hospitality industry,” he added.

       TheTop operations director Kevin Lai said they were happy to welcome everyone back to the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.

       “We recently reopened and it is nice to see everyone back here again,” he said.