I’m in love with the season of Christmas. Some might even call me obsessed. There’s almost nothing as magical as the luscious tall trees decked out in shiny baubles and fairy lights, or the fairy lights draped from one building to another. Throw in Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ and a comforting cup of hot chocolate, and I’m one happy gal.
To help you have your own unforgettable Christmas, we’re sharing a few magical things you can do with your family, gal-pals or the love of your life:
Bonus: They’re all purse-friendly too, some even free of charge, which means more warm and fuzzy Christmas treats to splurge on. Yay!
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There’s nothing as spectacular as a big Christmas tree dressed up with glimmering baubles, twinkly fairy lights and baby blue gift boxes. This year at Ngee Ann City, Tiffany & Co. presented its 4-storey high Christmas tree, decked out with decorations all around it. Making another special appearance is the iconic Tiffany bow.
If the ethereal light doesn’t draw you in, you’d want to make your way down to catch this beautiful tree before it leaves on 1 Jan. Be sure to snap a picture or two at the new addition – a Tiffany-themed GIF Photo Booth, with some of its blue boxes to help make the memory extra special.
Where: Ngee Ann City
When: Now – 1 Jan 2018
Price: Free
Stepping into Quayside is always a lovely treat for the senses. After all, isn’t not that often that we go to countries where yachts are right in front of us and it’s all easy breezy.
The Christmas Carnival is perfect for those who want some quiet festivities, away from the bustle of the city area. It’s also perfect for the family with its list of activities.
A crowd favourite: Uncle Ringo, an amusement and theme park, in Christmas edition! At the Fountain Plaza, there’s inflatables and carnival games – all Christmas-themed, of course. There’ll also be a train for you and your little one to take a ride around the festive village. Over at Santa’s Sleigh, bubbles will float around every 15 minutes. Of course, you can snap a picture of you and your little ones for everlasting memories.
If you’re hungry, head over to one of Quayside Isle’s restaurants or cafes and dine in. It makes for an idyllic evening full of laughter and joy with the family, or with your gal-pals.
Where: Quayside Isle, Sentosa Cove
When: Every Friday (5pm-9pm), Sat and Sun (12pm-9pm) ‘till 31 Dec
Price: Free admission
Every year the streets of Orchard are decked out in Christmas decorations. This year is no exception. For the first time ever, sub-arches have been created alongside the main arch, between Tanglin and Somerset. What this means is that there’s more festive decor for us to admire!
A fond memory a few of us hold dear to us is the memory of driving down Orchard Road and really, nothing beats it. So one of these nights, take a drive down the famous shopping street and be struck with wonder.
If you’d rather not be stuck in the bustle on the streets, take a stroll through later at night.
Where: Orchard Road
When: Now – 31 Dec
Price: Free
After doing your Christmas shopping pop on over to the Bugis Junction courtyard and admire the tall, enchanting dancing ballerina.
A product of the collaboration between Bugis +, Bugis Junction and Cinique, the ballerina is spectacular enough to stop people in their tracks in the day. But at night, it casts and ethereal glow that draws in people in awe.
Young or old, you would be filled with wonder. For an even more cosy setting, grab a hot drink from a nearby cafe and sip on as the ballerina spins.
She’ll only be there for Christmas season so catch her while you can.
Where: Bugis Junction outdoor plaza
When: Now – Dec 25
Price: Free
Singapore’s first and largest creative retail playground. Organised by the same brains behind the annual Artbox, Flashbang is a multi-sensory event that has 120 regional and local food, as well as retail vendors.
Two things make Flashbang worth it – it’s versatility and ability to attract different crowds, and it’s neon-glow that brings to life its unusual venue of an open-air carpark.
If you’d rather go out in the day, you’ll find workshops and experiential virtual-reality installations to leave the little ones awestruck. At night, it transforms into a vibrant space with neon-lit spots that are perfect for Instagram shots.
Through the day local buskers, DJs and Christmas hits belt out, so you’re entirely entertained through your day there. If you’re there on Christmas Eve, you might want to drop by for their countdown.
Plus, the entire market features cashless payment options, such as NETS and GrabPay, so you don’t need to worry about withdrawing money.
Where: Open-air carpark at Grange Road, behind 313@Somerset
When: Now – 30 Dec. Day activities from 3pm-7pm and night activities from 7pm-11pm
Price: Free admission
We’ve all seen Pandora’s 20m high rose-gold tree outside ION Orchard. Well after snapping a pic or two, hop on the Grand Ion Orchard Express.
It’s just like what you’d see in the movies – an English train with smoke rising from its chimney. The station is decked out in presents, hot air balloons, and of course, what would Christmas be without the Christmas trees. Be sure to bring along your camera so that the moment will truly be unforgettable.
Then, hop off and bring the little ones for a picture with Santa Claus and Santarina. To add to the memories, 100 pieces of Polaroid prints will be given out during each session, on a first-come first served basis.
Where: ION Orchard
When: Various timings, available here
Price: Free
The first of its kind. It’s Singapore’s largest family-friendly carnival.
With over 40 thrilling rides and games, there’ll be tonnes of memories (and maybe prizes too) for you to bring home. Many of the attractions have been brought into Singapore from European countries like the United Kingdom, Germany and Italy.
There’s something for the thrill-seekers, kids and foodies too – there’s a whole array of food choices, from Michelin-star dishes to Japanese street cuisine. Try your hand at one of the dozens of carnival stalls and win a plush toy – there’s over a million prizes ready to be won.
For Christmas and New Year’s Eve (24 Dec and 31 Dec), the Prudential Marina Bay Carnival will open an hour earlier, which means another fun-filled hour to enjoy.
Where: The Promontory at Marina Bay
When: 15 Dec 2017 – 1 April 2018, 4pm-11pm (opens at 3pm on Dec 24 and Dec 31)
Price: Free admission, various prices for respective attractions
Back for its fourth installment, Gardens by the Bay’s Christmas Wonderland is back, brighter and merrier than ever. Just like its previous editions, a European-styled market selling delicious food and drinks are ready to wow you.
Though they may be a bit pricier than usual, some of them come in bigger portions, so it’s great if you go in a group of friends or family.
Once you’ve got all your treats, take a seat at the field in front of the Supergrove, which has been magically lit up with lights to resemble a tent. You’ll want to listen out for the Garden Rhapsody, which has its own Christmas edition filled with familiar festive tunes, accompanied by the Supergrove trees that light up to the beat.
It’s a truly magical experience you wouldn’t want to miss.
Where: Gardens by the Bay
When: Now – 26 Dec, 4pm-11pm
Price: $6 – $10, depending on when you purchase the tickets and from where
If walking in the heat isn’t your thing or you need some cooling down after Christmas Wonderland, then you’ll want to pop on over to the Conservatories and experience a Nordic Christmas.
The Flower Dome has been transformed into a wintry wonderland, with a traditional tent at the heart of the dome. Christmas trees, poinsettias and other festive flowers and plants mark the joyful season not to be missed. Santa’s presence has been left throughout the Dome – his letter room where he gets wish lists from children, and even a toyshop manned by elves.
Seeing Santa would be a dream come true for the little ones, but for us, the enchanting Northern Lights will capture our attention at the top of the dome.
It’ll be impossible to hide your smile when you look back at your memories here.
Bonus tip: You can get a bundle ticket here one admission into a Conservatory and Christmas Wonderland for less than $20.
Where: Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay
When: Now – 8 Jan 2018,
Price: $12 for adults, $8 for children/ senior citizens
Located right in the heart of Orchard Road, the Endless Wonder Christmas Village is the place to be on Christmas Eve.
This is the first edition of the Christmas Village with a duplex carousel, the first of its kind. You can also pop into Santa’s house, or head to one of the 25 pop-up stores from popular brands like Starbucks, Fish & Co., Royal Selangor and more. Adding a little twist to the Christmas Village is a food truck and amusement rides to stay entertained.
Local acts will be performing on the stage through the event, and on Dec 24, the first-ever Christmas Eve Countdown Concert will be held. You can expect an extensive line-up of local artists, who will be performing Christmas classics.
Did we mention that the Christmas Village is decked out to with all things festive? It’s the best way to welcome Christmas, if you ask us.
Where: Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza
When: Now – 25 Dec, Sun to Thurs (11am-10pm), Fri to Sat & Christmas week (11am-11pm)
Price: Free admission
(Text by ‘Alyaa Iman Imran, Her World Plus / Additional reporting by Natalya Molok)