With the visual spectacle that is Christmas in Singapore, we begin to settle in this manufactured spirit of the yuletide exactly like how a Singaporean should — with a dash of nonchalance. But perhaps we’re being too harsh, when else can we see Orchard Road light up and giant fake trees in front of malls? Get into the mood, by checking out some of things that might make you be singing carols again.

Christmas Wonderland at Gardens By The Bay

Photo: Gardens By The Bay Facebook page

Sans the obvious temperature of the air, they’ve managed to replicate the vibes of a European Christmas night market at the town square. Singapore’s biggest yuletide fair is back for its second year featuring gigantic sculptures of light and charming festive markets alongside carnival games. Oh, and there’s snow too… but it’s made of soap.

OC Christmas Music Sessions

Photo: Bandwagon Facebook page

What’s Christmas without the music? In case you didn’t know, local music startup Bandwagon have organised a series of mini-concerts in Orchard Central that will be ongoing on throughout the eve and on Christmas Day itself. Sultry songstress Eugenia Yip (of Riot !n Magenta fame) is up tomorrow while indie-rock darlings Pleasantry will be ending the whole thing with a bang on Christmas day.

An Arctic Christmas at Snow City

Photo: Snow City Facebook page

It’ll be a white Christmas in sunny Singapore this year after all — indoor snow centre Snow City has completed a major revamp since it opened 15 years ago. Igloos, real snowfall, freezing temperatures and bobsleds at the ready to make your Christmas experience as Arctic as possible.

Merry Fishmas

Photo: SEA Aquarium Facebook page

If being on land is too mainstream for you then how about the ocean? The SEA Aquarium are celebrating with ‘Merry Fishmas’ that features a Christmas tree made from plastic bottles around the island and a scuba-diving Santa (and hopefully his little shark elves too).  

Take a ride on the Downtown Line 2

Photo: Khaw Boon Wan Facebook page

And then to escape from all the Christmas, hop on the new Downtown Line 2 from 27 December onwards. No better way to celebrate the Christmas spirit than relishing this new blessed gift for us all.