Although we don’t experience winter here in all its snowy glory, Singapore does put considerable effort into making its locals feel the Christmas spirit, with streets and shops covered with lights and fir trees adorning every corner. The month of December is also sprinkled with an assortment of Christmas-centric events that can be wonderful for family time, date nights or even your own personal experience. It’s packed full of fun activities, good food and jingly tunes!
If you’re looking for a way to spend your time (besides the feasting) this Christmas, here are some suggestions on what you could do to get your festive mood on. With the year coming to an end, we say go all out and have some fun with the kiddos. Here are 16 events to mark down in your calendar this December:
READ NEXT
Text: Cherrie Lim
Catch some snow in the city without seasons at Singapore’s most anticipated year-end event, Christmas Wonderland. Back at Gardens by the Bay for its sixth year, come for the all-time favourites and stay for the new ones dotted throughout the fairground.
Making a comeback this year are the Yuletide Sessions and Christmas Caroling under the 21-metre Spalliera. With performances by Inch Chua, Jana Ann, Joy Alexis and others this year, bask in festive joy with some treats from Christmas Village’s quaint European-style huts.
Be sure to snap plenty of Insta-worthy shots throughout your entire journey through Gardens by the Bay with over 40 majestic luminarie light sculptures – just don’t forget to get one with Blizzard Time (presented by Häagen-Dazs) in progress as the Christmas magic shines through!
When: 29 November – 26 December 2019
Where: Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
Entry: $6 – $10. Click here for more information.
Winter isn’t always accompanied by barren trees and the absence of colour. Take a trip to the Nordic countries at Garden by the Bay’s Poinsettia Wishes floral display where you can take sight of beautiful flora and foliage amidst white snow.
Crafted with creative direction by the Ambassador of Denmark to Singapore, Her Excellency Dorte Bech Vizard, the enchanting dome captures noteworthy architectural attractions of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden with a Christmas touch. You won’t be disappointed by the Poinsettias either – with a grace of colours such as red, white, pink and yellow, the plants and flowers will complement the serenity of a Nordic Christmas with their lively pop of colour.
When: Now until 5 January 2020, 9am – 9pm
Where: Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
Entry: Admission charge to Flower Dome applies. Standard for Two Conservatories at $28; Singapore Resident for Two Conservatories at $20. Click here for more information.
The Great Christmas Village, which used to be housed at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza, is now bigger and better than ever. The sprawling event now takes place over three locations along Orchard Road — *SCAPE, Grange Road Car Park and Shaw House Urban Plaza — with exciting activities and promotions for everyone. Take your pick from more than 30 carnival rides and game booths, a food village, nightly stage performances and more.
When: Now until 26 December 2019
Where: Various locations along Orchard Road
Entry: Free admission, with fees for selected activities. Click here for more information.
For yet another year, Tanglin Mall has transformed their entrance into a beautiful Christmas escapade, so be sure to make a stop there when you’re in town.
This year’s theme is Garden Wonderland, with lots of joyous things to partake in, such as Christmas Carolling (on Dec 14, 15, 21 and 22) a Santa Village (every weekend from Dec 1 to 22) and a Christmas Market (Dec 16-22, 11am to 9pm) featuring a range of unique handmade gifts by local brands, eco-friendly products and more.
Of course, kids will surely love getting to dance under an avalanche of artificial foam snow, which occurs in 15-minute intervals every evening, from 7.30pm to 8pm on weekdays and 7.30pm to 9pm on weekends.
When: Until 1 January 2020
Where: 163 Tanglin Rd, Singapore 247933
Entry: Free admission! Click here for more information.
The Sports Hub Community Play Day is back with fun and games for the whole family, with a focus on giving back to society. The young and young-at-heart can enjoy playing candy-themed games at the Christmas carnival, pick up some new skills at the Christmas Craft Workshops and even participate in a Dress-up Photo Booth (costume rentals available too).
Get moving with a range of exciting activities like sporting stations (you’ll need to form a team of two to five people), Augmented Reality exergaming (that’s exercise + gaming) and zumba for kids. There’s also the sixth edition of Santa Run For Wishes, where all proceeds will go towards Make-A-Wish Singapore, which grants wishes of children with critical illnesses.
When: 7 December 2019, 12nn t0 9pm
Where: OCBC Square, Singapore Sports Hub
Entry: Free admission! Click here for more information and to register for the run.
For two-and-a-half weeks in December, the gorgeous Capitol Kempinski will transform into a jolly European-themed Christmas market, complete with a skating rink and artificial snow that the kids will fall in love with. The outdoor plaza will house over 50 booths selling festive treats, clothing, jewellery and more for the gifting season.
Be amazed at the six-metre tall Capitol Kempinski Singing Tree standing in the centre of the festivities, where there’ll be carolling every evening at 7.30pm and 8.30pm every evening to get you into the festive mood.
If you’re feeling hungry, head indoors to the Arcade, where there will be more booths selling treats from the various restaurants and other vendors.
Afterwards, hop over to CHIJMES for some family photos as the Lawn will be filled with Insta-worthy Light Props, while Christmas motifs and greetings will be projected onto the back of CHIJMES Hall.
When: 6 to 24 December 2019
Where: The Capitol Kempinski, 15 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178906
Entry: Free admission! Click here for more information.
As timely as it gets, Changi Airport is welcoming visitors with Frozen Wonderland featuring aspects of Frozen 2, which was just recently released in November. Happening across all the terminals of Changi Airport, set foot into Elsa and Anna’s storyworld this Christmas and meet the characters in an icy and even foresty landscape – including a three-metre tall Olaf at the Terminal 2 departure hall.
If you and your kids are Frozen fans, come by for the meet-and-greet over the weekends and bring home a printed photo with Elsa, Anna and Olaf home for free! If you’d like more photo opportunities, you can even head down to Terminal 3 for the daily Light and Snow show where you can be photographed with your family against pretty Christmas scenes.
When: Now until – 5 January 2020
Where: Various locations in Changi Airport, Airport Blvd
Entry: Free admission! Click here for more information.
Those who want something more than standard Christmas lights can take a gander at what Sentosa has in store for visitors this December. Put together by Space Objekt at Sentosa Cove Village, Island Lights is coming back this year with seven interactive light art installations by local and international artists. One such installation features a seesaw set flanked by neon illustrations (pictured above), named Candy Quarts by Tina Fung and Reza Hasni.
If you’re making the trip to Sentosa, we suggest planning so you can weave in the movie screenings and performances to make the most of your time there!
When: Now until 31 December 2019, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Where: Sentosa Cove Village
Entry: Free admission! Click here for more information.
There are other ways to appreciate Christmas besides gaping at Christmas décor. For one, you could sit back and enjoy a play by veteran actors like Clive Francis, who’s making his debut with this very show.
Straight from London, the British Theatre Playhouse and The British Club have joined hands to welcome Clive Francis to perform his adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens in a one-man presentation. Catch the phenomenal performance of this classic festive story for a different kind of Christmas this year!
When: 13 & 14 December 8pm; 15 December 5pm
Where: Elizabeth Suite, The British Club, 73 Bukit Tinggi Rd, Singapore 289761
Entry: Member Gold Seat at $42+, Platinum Seat at $52+; Non-Member Gold Seat at $61+, Platinum Seat at $71+. Click here for more information.
If thought-provoking one-man shows aren’t your thing, you can always go for something more fantastical. Catch the adaptation of Raymond Brigg’s The Snowman with your family to embark on a magical journey to find Santa Claus, along with the tune of Howard Blake’s “Walking in the Air”!
Fusing music, dancing and even flying, the show is presented by ABA Productions and Birmingham Repertory Theatre of the UK – so expect to gape at the top-notch performance from this world-class live show who have seen the crowds of London’s West End. Be delighted with touching portrayals of friendship and an aesthetic treat of over 60 incredible costumes.
When: 12 – 15 December 2019. Thursday and Friday 7pm; Saturday and Sunday 11am, 3pm and 7pm
Where: Esplanade Theatre, 1 Esplanade Dr, Singapore 038981
Entry: $48 – $138. Click here for more information.
Known as “the world’s newest children’s sensation” is brainchild of Stevie Nicholson, former member of Australian children’s musical group Hi-5, The Superdudes. Get fun and laughter out of this production perfect for families and children three years old and above with original music, as well as a ton of singing, dancing and audience participation.
Young ones can also meet Santa and the cast after the show for a photo opportunity!
When: 6 – 8 December 2019. 6 December 5pm; 7 & 8 December 11am, 2pm and 4.30pm
Where: SOTA Drama Theatre, 1 Zubir Said Dr, Singapore 227968
Entry: Tickets from $45, plus $4 handling fee. Click here for more information.
Carnivals are wonderful for spending fun family time, especially with everyone’s childhood gem Uncle Ringo. On top of its classic brandish of rides, games and food this year, it’s also bringing an exhilarating addition this year with the debut of The Great Circus of Europe in Singapore!
Showcasing a line-up of performers from eight different countries, you’ll be able to catch awe-inspiring sights such as acrobats performing heart-racing choreography and bikers riding seven metres above ground. This makes for a good conversation on the way home after you’ve exhausted yourselves on other carnival activities.
When: 20 December – 1 January 2020.
Where: Bayfront Event Space at Marina Bay, 12A Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018970
Entry: Tickets to The Great Circus of Europe at $70 – $150. Click here for more information.
It’s a pain to buy Christmas presents for people you don’t quite know. Instead of going in and out of gift shops offering snow globes, photo frames and paper weights nobody really uses, consider heading down to the single day Christmas Market for some gift idea inspo.
The Villa Fiesta Christmas Market is assembling a pick ‘n’ mix of local and international artisanal providers in celebration of the gift-giving holiday, so browse around and pick up unique gifts and festive treats hard to find anywhere else!
When: 15 December 2019
Where: The Villa, 1 Cluny Road, Ginger Garden, Singapore Botanic Gardens (via Tyersall Avenue), Singapore 259569
Entry: Free admission! Click here for more information
What’s the end of the year without the special appearances of cartoon characters? Bring your little one’s favourite story to life this holiday as Catboy, Owlette and Gekko from PJ Masks save Christmas from supervillain Romeo! Besides the masked crusaders’ first show in Asia, look forward to workshops, tea party sessions, a mini-flying fox and games for a day of fun all at NEX, where you can conveniently buy your essentials for Christmas in the biggest shopping mall in the North-East region of Singapore.
If you do, make sure you download NEXrewards on your mobile phone to stand a chance to win a DysonV11 Absolute, Dyson Pure Cool Advanced Technology Tower TP04 and a Dyson Airwrap.
When: 29 November – 8 December 2019
Where: NEX, 23 Serangoon Central, Singapore 556083
Cost: Free admission! Click here for more information.
As part of the LINE FRIENDS World Tour, Lot One now harbours the treasures of Egypt within a festive maze waiting for you to uncover. Gather friends and family to join Brown, Cony, Choco and Sally in completing missions and solving puzzles to collect clues to Sphinx’s riddle. If you manage to do so, you might just win a gift of STAR$. The maze is also laced with bonus rewards, so keep your eyes peeled throughout the quest!
When: 9 & 10 December 2019, 11am – 10pm (last entry at 9.45pm)
Where: Atrium Level 1, Lot One, 21 Choa Chu Kang Ave 4, Singapore 689812
Entry: Spend $50 (maximum 3 combined same-day, same-mall receipts) to redeem a maze pass; 2 maze passes when charged to American Express CapitaCard. Click here for more information.
If travelling overseas (especially to faraway places out of Asia) is a farfetched idea this holiday, take a small trip down West instead to experience the gems of Antarctica in Singapore’s first Igloo Playground. There, you can immerse yourself in a pool of glowing ‘snowballs’ and marvel at the Aurora Australis (Southern Lights) while your young and brave can attempt to scale the icebergs. That’s one way you can make quality time with your family wintry!
When: 16 – 22 December 2019, 12pm – 9pm
Where: Atrium Level 1, JCube, 2 Jurong East Central 1, Singapore 609731
Entry: Spend $30 in a single same-day receipt for an entry pass (2 entry passes for charges made with American Express CapitaCard); Spend $15 in a single same-day receipt when you present a minimum spending of $15 receipt(s) from Westgate or IMM for CapiStar Members. Click here for more information.
*Recommended height of 90cm for entry and limited to two redemptions per member per day.
READ MORE: 9 Budget-Friendly Places To Stock Up On Winter Wear (Plus Buying Tips)
Many of us can’t resist how cute the LINE FRIENDS are, with our obsession growing from collecting stickers to buying their merchandise now. If you need to get Christmas shopping done, you can try and get it done at Jurong East where the three malls are just a stone’s throw away from each other. You’ll be rewarded with a photo with Brown and Cony for your effort with just a minimum spend of $30, and if that’s not enough, visit the malls’ LINES FRIENDS installations for selfies with the characters!
When: 7, 8, 14 & 15 December, 3pm and 5pm
Where: Courtyard Level 1, Westgate, 3 Gateway Dr, Singapore 608532
Entry: Spend $30 in a single receipt. Click here for more information.
If you’re searching for ways to engage your child beyond the screen, you can try some exposure to art and literature. Centralised around the narrative of Mr Dragon, look forward to meeting fantastical creatures and solving puzzles to expand your child’s creativity in an immersive installation, interactive story trail and other weekly programmes.
Choose to also visit on a Friday afternoon for lunchtime concerts, drama performances and craft activities. There are also special interactive kid tours around the museum, and for those interested in some self-help boost, Harvard’s Project Zero will be in action to teach thinking routines and educational strategies.
When: Mr Dragon’s Great Escape until 29 December 2019; Fun-tastic Fridays 6, 13 & 20 December 2019, 12pm – 5pm
Where: Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Pl, Singapore 179555
Entry: Free admission! Click here for more information.
If Disneyland is the happiest place in the world, the closest alternative we can get here is Universal Studios Singapore. Experience the most wonderful time of the year here as they gear up for Christmas with all-new shows, festive décor and even dazzling fireworks.
This year brings forth Gru, Lucy and the girls from the Despicable Me family at Hollywood, along with the Minions donning Christmas outfits. A line-up of other amazing attractions such as a 3D projection and light display and dancing Madagascar penguins await you, so snatch those tickets before they run out!
When: 2 December 2019 – 1 January 2020. Park hours extended till 9pm and 10pm on select nights.
Where: Universal Studios Singapore, 8 Sentosa Gateway, 098269
Entry: Regular Admission to USS. Singapore Resident Anytime at $75; Off-Peak at $69. Singapore Residents will receive a free Digi Photo worth $15 with purchase of two adult one-day tickets. Click here for more information.
Witness the colours of Christmas play out on the ocean at S.E.A. Aquarium while being shed light on the telltale signs climate change has on marine life. The luminosity of the ocean can be a good indicator of climate change and global warming, and this year, the S.E.A. Aquarium has collaborated with a series of artists who can best convey the adverse effects and condition of our earth.
Be aware and inspired for change through four installations featuring UV torches and hidden messages by Band of Doodlers, beautiful light-art installations signalling dangerous plankton growths and many more through this family-friendly learning experience.
When: 30 November 2019 – 1 January 2020
Where: S.E.A. Aquarium, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, 098269
Entry: Singapore Resident Anytime at $36; Off-Peak at $30. Singapore residents and families can enjoy an online promotion of $78 (UP $98) for a Glowing Ocean Family bundle, which includes two adult and one child one-day tickets. Click here for more information.
READ MORE:
11 Fun Things To Enjoy In Singapore That Are Absolutely FREE Of Charge
We Bet You Didn’t Know These 23 Places In Singapore Offer FREE Parking
Explore The Great Outdoors With Your Kiddos At These Animal & Veggie Farms