It’s the most wonderful time of the year — filled with festive food markets, twinkling lights and Yuletide tunes. Yes, Christmas is almost here, and we’re pretty much ready to stuff our faces with turkey, cakes and cocktails. But before all the indulging occurs, immerse yourself in the Christmas spirit at these family-friendly festivals, glittering light shows, shopping fairs and more.
A Very Asian Christmas
Dec 12, 6pm-9pm at NATIVE, 52A Amoy St. Free.
Stroll into the newest watering hole at Amoy Street for an evening of Asian-inspired Christmas cocktails based on Paper Lantern’s Sichuan pepper gin. Organised by The Minute List.
Celebrate December
Dec 1-8 & 12-31 at various venues at Esplanade. Free.
Expect loads of jolly performances and merrymaking at the waterfront venue, alongside interactive storytelling sessions, puppetry programmes and craft activities. Names like The Voodoo Sound, MOTUS, Brass Nation and SISAY will bring the beats, so join in the fun and groove your way towards 2017.
Christmas Carousel Market
Dec 3-4, noon-9pm at Capitol Piazza. Free.
It’s all about locally-produced, handmade products at the second edition of this market by The People’s Avenue — meet the passionate makers behind each of the 40 labels here and pick up gifts so you can tick items off your Christmas list.
Christmas Farmers’ Market
Dec 3, 9am-2pm at Loewen Gardens. Free.
Get your dose of fresh produce, baked goods and coffee brews at the chillax Saturday market.
Christmas Market at The Hive
Dec 16, 6pm-10pm at The Hive Singapore. Free.
Indulge in a bout of late night retail therapy at this co-working space, where you can get your hands on homeware, snacks and accessories by vendors like Charly, Lulo, Mint & Ordinary and Morning June. Then chill out at the rooftop Open Air Cinema Club, where you can catch a screening of The Grinch ($15, includes a drink and a snack).
Christmas Wonderland 2016
Dec 2-Jan 1, daily 3.30pm-11pm at Gardens by the Bay. Tickets from $4.
Although you’ll have to pay admission fees for the first time to the festival, it’s still pretty worth it to immerse yourself in festive vibes, Christmas carols and, of course, fake snow. Spread across the humongous fairgrounds are Sculptures of Light, an Ice Palace, a Hi-5 Funtastic House, Christmas trees, carnival games and loads more. Even the website’s all dazzled out with Yuletide tunes and, yes, snow.
Keepers Christmas Feast
Dec 2 & 3, Fri 10am-7pm, Sat noon-7pm at #02-03 National Design Centre, 111 Middle Rd. Free.
Drop by local lovin’ space Keepers for a stylish selection of designs, crafts and goodies made by homegrown talents. Brands on display include Binary Style, Carrie K, Onlewo, Paper Bunny, Secret Mermaid, Straits Preserves and The Fingersmith Letterpress.
MAAD Christmas Popup
Dec 2, 5pm-11.30pm at Red Dot Design Museum Singapore. Free.
The monthly market revs its Christmas spirit into high gear with plenty of handmade trinkets and knick knacks for you to sweep up as gifts for your loved ones.
Makers’ Market — X’mas Edition
Dec 9-11, Fri 5pm-10pm, Sat & Sun 1pm-9pm at Outdoor Plaza of Capitol Piazza. Free.
Capitol Piazza is totally into the festive season — here’s another market where you can kick start your Christmas shopping with an array of vintage collectibles, apparel by local fashion labels and pretty accessories.
Merry Medley
From now till Jan 5, daily 9am-9pm at Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay. $12-$28.
Snuggle up to that special someone (or your bestie) as you breathe in the crisp, cold air filled with the woody scent of Christmas, and marvel at the decorated trees, toy soldiers, snow globe and cherubic choirs surrounding you.
Naiise Camp Christmas
Every Fri-Sun, noon-9pm from now till Dec 24 at L7, 66 Kampong Bugis. Free.
Strap on your hiking boots, ’cause you’re going camping at the Naiise pop-up. Nestled in an industrial warehouse space, the store offers festive activities such as a Wishing Christmas Tree, where you pen your wishes down for others to grant; a Scout Trail for you to earn badges like Master Chef and Chief Shopper by completing various tasks; and a terrarium workshop by Knovus. Also look out for coffee and chocolate by Fawr + Co, superfood bowls by MA’ONA, baked goods by Sarah’s Loft and lots more through the weeks.
OFC Social Market #7 — Festive Edition
Dec 3 & 4, Sat 11am-4pm, Sun 11am-5pm at Open Farm Community. Free.
OFC’s market goes the Christmas-y route with festive specials by all its local vendors.
Plentyfull x Little Farms — Christmas Market
Nov 23-27, 10am-10pm at Plentyfull, Millenia Walk. Free.
Stock up on fresh produce and wholesome snacks at new eatery Plentyfull’s farmers’ market, where there’ll be gourmet Christmas dishes and seasonal groceries to help you prepare that once-a-year festive meal.
Public Garden Christmas 2016
Dec 10, 11, 17 & 18, 1pm-7pm at L3, F1 Pit Building. Free.
When it’s a market by Public Garden, you know it’s gonna be awesome. Pop by on one of the Saturdays in December for a massive range of indie labels displaying quirky and unique home decor, jewellery, artworks, apparel, knick knacks and more.
Return to Wonderland Christmas Market
Nov 28-Dec 4, 11am-8pm at L1, South Galleria, Millenia Walk. Free.
Get your style on at the week-long fair, which features handcrafted goodies by homegrown artists and designers.
Santa’s All-Star Christmas Celebration
Dec 1-Jan 2 at Universal Studios Singapore. Adults $74, children $56, seniors $36.
Visit the Sentosa theme park for a day of Christmas cheer, with highlights like Universal Journey — it’s a totally new, Guinness World Record-breaking light display — as well as snowfall, fireworks, a Santa’s village and a musical production.
SCAPE Naughty or Nice
Dec 9-10, 11am-9pm at SCAPE Carpark & Playspace. Free.
SCAPE steps into Santa’s shoes this Christmas to find out if you’ve been ‘naughty’ or ‘nice’ all year. There’ll be gift-making workshops and loads of gifts you can get for your Secret Santa, with appearances by names like Beans to Bars, Neo Tokyo Project, SoapLah, The Joy Troopers and The Saber Authority.
Sentosa’s 90 Days of Fun
From now till Jan 2 at various venues in Sentosa. Free.
There’s tons to do in Sentosa over the next month — activities include a bubble and light show at Quayside Isle’s Fountain Plaza, the Trolls edition of Merlion Magic Lights, a carnival and Christmas market at Quayside Isle, and music performances at the Merlion Plaza.
Sentosa Cove Holiday Market
Nov 25 & 26, 5pm-10pm at Sentosa Cove Village. Free.
Spend an evening by the picturesque waters of Sentosa browsing through artisanal goods by indie brands and marvelling at the ONEº15 Christmas Boat Light Parade, where decorated yachts line the marina. And in the spirit of giving, you can offer up items like rice, pasta, dry snacks and canned food to the food donation drive by Food from the Heart.
The Fair — Christmas 2016
Nov 30-Dec 1, 10am-6pm at Pan Pacific Orchard. Free.
Head into town to check out a curated selection of goods by almost 50 indie brands from around the world. They’ve got everything from designer jewellery to art pieces to home decor.
The Yard Christmas Festival
Dec 11, 9.30am-8pm at The Yard, #01-03 Bestway Centre. $15.
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill Christmas fest — it features gymnastics performances, trampolining sessions and parkour displays at the sports space. Besides watching the acrobatic stunts, you can fill your belly at food trucks and wine tastings, then shop your heart out at stalls by more than 50 labels, including Matter, Silk Flowers, Ribbon and Roses, FitLine and Indi Nyah.
