1. Paragon

Paragon is the undisputed winner with three quarters of those polled saying it is their favourite.

Tourist Joel Storm, 22, a driver from the US, said: 'It looks like (a) number one (choice), without trying too hard.'

The main attractions for Paragon's Christmas decoration this year are the 22pieces of 3m-tall mannequins dressed in lavish, bauble-like gowns.

There is also a 12m tree at the main entrance.

Swags along the corridors and walkways are also filled with big baubles in rich colours of burgundy, gold and champagne.

Ms Ina Se, Paragon's advertising and promotions manager, said: 'We have always given a lot of emphasis on decorating the shopping centre during the festive seasons.

'We believe that it will enhance the festive atmosphere and shopping experience at Paragon.'

2. The Centrepoint

A close second is The Centrepoint, which has won many accolades in previous years.

Shoppers like the chic crystal pieces on pillars and the fairy lights.

Australian Leonie Murray, 60, a nurse, felt that the crystal pieces were 'gorgeous'.

Mr Timothy Loh, 29, a senior sales executive, said: 'Centrepoint is always a top-favourite. This year's decoration is also very classy.'

Ms Wendy Low, general manager of Frasers Centrepoint Malls, said they had used environment-friendly LED lights with crystallised beads to conserve energy.

'The intricate detailing that went into our lighting gives The Centrepoint the same, if not more elegant feel this year,' she said.

3. Tangs

The eye-catching display of a lit-up cottage adds a quaint touch to this year's festivities.

Household items, such as forks, are also creatively used in the decoration - as a mannequin's earrings and accessories.

Homemaker Deidre Merdel, 36, said: 'I like it, because it has lots of lights. It's very festive.'

Ms Cindy Tong, Tangs' assistant vice-president of visual merchandising and store planning, said that they wanted to create a surreal effect this year.

For instance, Toyland is made into a house with odd shapes and slanted roofs.

The Tangs' team also recycled most of the props for the store and window displays, and used reflective materials to save electricity.

4. Takashimaya Shopping Centre

It wins praises not for its outdoor decoration but for its indoor Christmas tree.

Many shoppers like to take photos at the 16m-tall Christmas tree in the main atrium.

It is partially powered by solar panels and lit by energy-saving LED lights.

Mr J C Butler, 27, liked the 'huge tree' because it was more in line with Christmas traditions, while accounts executive Mervyn Sng, 22, liked how the tree brightened up the mood even though it is 'simple and elegant'.

Shoppers also like the 'Love Bear' tower at the mall's main entrance, saying that it looked very adorable and cute.

This article was first published in The New Paper on Dec 7, 2008.