You’ve been hearing the songs in the stores, the Christmas menus are coming and everywhere you go, ‘lil Christmas trees are starting to pop up – the yuletide is upon us. Hate it or love it, we are all going to have to put up with this till the end of the year so just embrace the Christmas feels and let’s welcome the holiday season in sweaty Singapore at these spots.
Christmas on a Great Street
Where: Orchard Road
The annual Christmas light-up has been an essential part of Christmas in Singapore. Take a stroll down the famous shopping street and check out the main street decor – and also the individual malls. This year, keep your eyes peeled for Dior Christmas tree at ION Orchard, the traditional giant tree at Ngee Ann City that is flanked by Ralph Lauren bears, and Christmas-themed “tunnels” in front of some of the malls. We don’t know what the busking arrangement is currently but there’s bound to be some carolling going on over the weekends. Fun activity to do: trek the malls with friends and end the day rating your favourites over dinner.
Holly Jolly Christmas
Where: Capitol Singapore & CHIJMES
Every year, these two venues team up to put up a Christmas event that will see carolling sessions at the singing tree in Capitol Singapore, Christmas concerts, “snowfall” at Capitol Singapore, light projections on the facade of CHIJMES and the Christmas marketplace to shop for a gift. Check out the full timetable of events and happenings at these two iconic places in town online.
Christmas Wonderland
Where: Gardens by the Bay
If there’s any place that can make you forget we’re in tropic conditions in December, it’s Christmas Wonderland. The stunning Spalliera lights are something to marvel at and with six festive fun zones this year, there’s plenty of reason to stick around after you’re done with the pretty pics. Pick up a festive tchotchke at the marketplace or go for a spin on the double storey carousel.
Read more: Christmas Wonderland waltzes back to Gardens by the Bay in December
Changi Festive Village
Where: Changi Airport and Jewel Changi Airport
The best thing about the holiday season is actually going for a holiday which makes the airport the perfect happy place to be. Lucky for us, Changi Airport really is one of the nicest airports you’ll visit. Whether you’re flying off to a real winter wonderland or not, all are welcome to celebrate Christmas at the airport. To promote the upcoming release of the new Avatar film, both Changi Airport and Jewel take on oceanic hues for its decor. The light show at Jewel will showcase dreamy blues and turquoise lighting and bioluminescent light installations are placed all over the Canopy Park. Even the dino-themed Changi Airport Park Connector will also light up in glowing lights during this period.
Chinatown Christmas Festive Market
Where: Pagoda Street, Chinatown
On Dec. 17 and 18, Pagoda Street in Chinatown will turn into a festive market with some help from Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped and Singapore Red Cross. Take part in activities and workshops, check out retail booths to do some last-minute shopping and carolling by the visually handicap. And if walking around tires you out, you can also get a quick massage at this festive event.
Photo: Universal Studios Singapore
A Universal Christmas
Where: Universal Studios Singapore
Celebrate the holidays meeting-and-greeting with familiar characters like the Minions, the Muppets and more and then run along to the rides and scream your head off on the rollercoasters. The Christmas programme which runs till Jan. 2, 2023 includes stage shows, Christmas songs and also parades.
The Christmas Store
Where: Any Tangs department store
Like Bloomingdale’s in New York City and Selfridges in London, Tangs is a key shopping destination when Christmas comes by. If you’re planning to do up the house for the holidays, get some inspiration from the Christmas decorations in the store itself. Take your pick from red ribbons in crushed velvet, elf ornaments, scented candles to make the home even more cozy and more.
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