11 Family-Friendly Christmas Events To Celebrate The Holidays

Ho ho ho. It’s the most magical time of the year. And although the thirty-degree monsoon heat doesn't quite bring that wintry feeling, you’ll find malls and attractions in Singapore all decked out with twinkling fairy lights, baubles, wreaths, and of course, towering Christmas trees around every corner. 

Whether you're out for a holiday shopping spree, enjoying a seasonal treat, or just soaking in the festive vibes, there's no better time to spend time with the whole family. This is your guide to all the magical things happening in Singapore this holiday season, from yuletide fairs to themed Christmas events.

1. Christmas Wonderland 2024

Singapore’s biggest yuletide fair, Christmas Wonderland, is back. This year, it’s even bigger than ever with mesmerising light displays, carnival rides, and over 20 F&B outlets. Kids will love the daily “snowfall” experience at Blizzard Time, set against the stunning Spalliera light display, and festive performances by local talents. Say hello to Father Christmas at Santa’s Village, ride the Venetian double-storey carousel, and explore dazzling light installations like giant ornaments and an enchanted forest.

Don’t miss interactive carnival games, a festive train ride, and the magical Garden Rhapsody light and sound show, where Supertrees dance to Christmas classics. Before leaving, tuck into festive treats at the ELFresco dining area and shop for gifts at Mistletoe Alley.

When: Nov 29 , 2024 to Jan 1, 2025, 6.30pm to 11pm
Where: Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
How much: From $9
More info: christmaswonderland.sg

2. Christmas On A Great Street

Orchard Road has transformed into a magical wonderland with dazzling light displays, festive villages, and exciting activities for the whole family. This year’s theme, “Firefly Garden,” brings a whimsical touch, featuring iconic Christmas elements like stars, bells, and dazzling fir trees amidst arches of pine and holly. Don’t miss the “wave-like” beams of light that mimic the enchanting dance of fireflies, adding mystery and inspiration to the festive atmosphere.

At the Great Christmas Villages, families can indulge in rides, games, and festive treats. At Shaw House Urban Plaza running until 5 January 2025, enjoy carnival challenges, claw machines, and festive merchandise. Then swing by Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza (until Jan 1, 2025) to catch live performances by local bands, savour bites from food trucks, and experience the nightly snowfall around the 14m-tall Mastercard Priceless Christmas Tree.

Then, end the evening with a walk under the mesmerising 3.1-km stretch of Orchard Road’s Christmas lights, illuminating the streets nightly until New Year’s Day.

When: Until 1 January 2025
Where: Orchard Road
How much: Free with ticketed activities
More info: christmas.orchardroad.org

3. Twinkle & Treats: A Sweet Christmas at Plaza Singapura

Step into a whimsical winter wonderland at Plaza Singapura’s Pinkmas. From now till Dec 25, there are plenty of exciting activities for the entire family. Snap unforgettable photos in a human-sized snow globe, explore Singapore’s largest ice cream-inspired igloo, and dive into the Igloo Sprinkle Pool surrounded by pink Christmas trees. The little ones can also keep their hands busy with a Dessert Squishy Painting Workshop, perfect for creating personalised festive gifts.

Get your cameras ready for dazzling light shows every weekend evening until mid-December, which will light up Plaza Singapura’s 170-metre frontage in pink holiday cheer. While you’re there, enjoy indulgent ice cream treats, like Brown Butter Pecan or dairy-free Strawberry Sorbet, and make festive wishes in the enchanting Pinkmas Forest.

Plus, look out for projection reward codes during the light shows to redeem exciting prizes, or enter the Pinkmas lucky draw to win MOIC annual passes. Trust us, this is one event you won’t want to miss. 

When: Nov 22 to Dec 25, 2024
Where: Plaza Singapura
How much: Free
More info: capitaland.com/sg/malls/plazasingapura/en/events/twinkle-treats-asweetchristmas.html

4. Christmas celebrations at Changi Airport & Jewel

In the East, Jewel and Changi Airport are brimming with holiday cheer. Look forward to not one, but two magical events for families and Disney fans alike.

At Changi Festive Village, Hello Kitty takes centre stage to celebrate her 50th anniversary. Visit Terminal 3’s Hello Kitty Festive Wonderland to marvel at an 8m-tall Hello Kitty topiary and glide down a 7m-long rainbow slide. The fun continues at a carnival in the T3 Arrival Hall, with nine zones filled with themed games, rides, and creative workshops. The young ones will love exclusive weekend meet-and-greet sessions with Sanrio favourites and experience daily snow shows for a touch of winter magic. 

Over at Jewel Changi Airport, step into a Disney Cruise Line-inspired festive wonderland at Canopy Park. Explore the Disney Imagination Garden in the Hedge Maze with Mickey Mouse-shaped topiaries and Sorcerer’s Apprentice Mickey. You can also visit Baymax from Big Hero 6 at the Foggy Bowls, set against a San Fransokyo-inspired backdrop, or admire the 4m-tall Disney Cruise Line ship funnel replica at the Petal Garden. Plus, miss the chance to win a dream Disney cruise by joining a stamp quest!

When: Until Jan 2, 2025 (The Gift of Disney Cruise Line at Jewel) and Feb 16, 2025 (Changi Festive Village)
Where: Changi Airport and Jewel Changi Airport
How much: Free and ticketed events
More info: changiairport.com/en/happenings/events-directory/changi-festive-village.html

5. A Universal Christmas at Universal Studios Singapore

This holiday season, Universal Studios Singapore transforms into a spellbinding winter wonderland with A Universal Christmas. This year’s Wicked theme invites visitors into the magical world of Oz.

Step into Emerald City and interact with life-sized sets inspired by the film. The kids will get to meet beloved characters like Elphaba, Glinda, and the Wizard himself. And if they’ve always wanted to be part of the movie, the Emerald Beautification Salon offers themed makeovers starting at $30, featuring face paint, hair styling, and nails inspired by the famous witches.

Don’t miss exclusive Wicked-themed merchandise including pink-and-green t-shirts, mirrors, and keychains, as well as costumes of The Wizard and Madame Morrible, displayed at the Universal Studios Store. Meanwhile, themed food and drinks bring the Land of Oz to life, offering treats to match the festivities.

The magic doesn’t end there. Santa’s Magical Mechanical World enchants with whimsical gadgets, roving elves, and snowfall, while the DreamWorks Animation Holiday Spectacular features a dazzling projection show starring Shrek, Trolls, and other animated favourites. Cap off your day with a spectacular fireworks display over Lake Hollywood, accompanied by a festive soundtrack.

When: Nov 29 to Jan 1, 2025
Where: Universal Studios Singapore
How much: From $62 per child and $83 per adult
More info: rwsentosa.com/en/play/universal-studios-singapore/a-universal-christmas

6. Sentosa Presents: A Big, Big World

Universal Studios Singapore aside, the rest of Sentosa Island is set to turn into an immersive festive wonderland with three distinct and unique whimsical realms across Resorts World Sentosa, Sentosa Sensoryscape, and Palawan Beach. There’ll be a diverse array of experiences including exclusive retail offerings, interactive installations, and day-to-night activities.

Over at Resorts World Sentosa, explore four uniquely themed zones inspired by England, France, Germany, and Japan, each with larger-than-life installations like an 8.5m hot air balloon and a 7.8m cuckoo clock. Enjoy stunning sights, such as the Eiffel Tower on a 10m LED pyramid, light displays with origami reindeer, and festive carols from a cappella groups like The A Cappella Society, Vox Camerata, and The Outside Edition.

At the Sentosa Sensoryscape, guests are invited to cannonball right into their dreams with Cloud Swing Dreams, whimsical giant fluffy swings. By night, ImagiNite transforms Sensoryscape into a vibrant dreamscape, with interactive light projections and augmented reality. Also expect a line-up of street performances such as K-pop dance contests, local buskers, and fun activities like balloon sculpting and storytelling.

7. Snoopy Beagle Scouts at Festive Wild-erland

Craving for some quality time with animals this Christmas? Mandai Wildlife Reserve invites families to a Peanuts-themed adventure with Festive Wild-erland. Explore Singapore Zoo and Bird Paradise through interactive trails featuring Snoopy and the Beagle Scouts, where kids can earn badges and discover wildlife fun facts.

At Singapore Zoo, young explorers can follow the Beagle Scouts trail to learn about animal habitats, including orangutans, and enjoy a memory game via the Mandai app. Over at Bird Paradise, kids will spot Woodstock lookalikes while learning about birds’ nesting skills.

There’s more fun in store with themed photo ops featuring Snoopy’s iconic red doghouse and Peanuts characters. Don’t miss meet-and-greets with Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and Lucy, or unleash your creativity with Peanuts comic strip workshops. Families can also design enrichment toys for birds and sign up for Glamping in the Wild for a Snoopy-themed camping experience and close animal encounters.

From 20 to 22 December, Mandai Wildlife West transforms into a Christmas market with festive stalls, workshops, and live performances for a merry time.

When: Until Jan 5, 2025
Where: Singapore Zoo and Bird Paradise
How much: Free and ticketed activities
More info: mandai.com/en/things-to-do/whats-on/events/festive-wilderland.html

8. A Christmas Candyland Takeover at Singapore Sports Hub

Step into a sweet wonderland at the Singapore Sports Hub this December! Over two festive weekends from 4pm to 10pm, Christmas Candyland will bring holiday magic to life with larger-than-life decorations, roving acts, and a sprinkle of Christmas cheer for kids and families.

Kids can meet Santa Claus and Santarina for a festive snapshot, explore giant gingerbread installations, and enjoy dazzling light displays at Kallang Wave Mall and the Riverside Walk. Plan some family-bonding time by trying your hands at the Christmas-themed games, enjoying live performances by local bands, or capturing memories at the Digital Light Painting Photobooth. 

When: 16, 17, 23 and 24 December 2024, 4 to 10pm
Where: Singapore Sports Hub
How much: Free
More info: sportshub.com.sg

9. Christmas Rendezvous at Capitol Singapore & Chijmes

Another magical place to soak in the festive cheer is downtown — at Capitol Singapore and Chijmes. From Dec 1 to 25, there’ll be a European-themed Christmas Market hosted at the outdoor plaza with stalls and booths stocked full of trinkets and handcrafted gifts that will make for the perfect last-minute gift. Plus, if you happen to visit the market on Fridays, Sundays and Christmas Day itself, your ears will be treated to the sweet carolling by Voices of Singapore and The Original Folks.

Every evening from 7pm to 10pm at Capitol Singapore will also be a snow-filled affair at the Outdoor Plaza, so you can still get your winter fix even if you’re not jetting off to Hokkaido for the holidays.

When: Until Dec 25, 2024
Where: Capitol Singapore and Chijmes
How much: Free
More info: capitolsingapore.com 

10. Pop into Christmas Joy at Suntec City

The Bounce Bonanza at Suntec City is one of the best respites for you and your kids after a long day of shopping. The atrium at Tower 1 and 2 has been transformed into a wonderland full of bouncy castles including an inflatable 5m-tall tower and obstacle course that kids aged four to 12 would love. 

After they’ve conquered the obstacle course, the little ones can then go to either the ball pit or the enclosed snow globe to take a breather.

FYI, you’d have to book a time slot to play in the Bounce Bonanza and it’s only limited to Suntec+ members, with two kids and 20 minutes of playtime limited per member.

When: Nov 20 to Dec 25, 2024
Where: Suntec City, Tower 1 & 2 Atrium
How much: Free for Suntec+ members
More info: sunteccity.com.sg

11. A Sustainable & Enchanting Christmas at City Square Mall

There are tons of Christmas stories worth telling, and who better to do that than Santa himself? This December, Santa will make an appearance at City Square Mall’s fountain square to regale the crowd with fantastical stories from children’s storybooks about the holiday season. And in the spirit of giving, there’s also a donation drive for pre-loved children’s books to spread the wonder of literature with other families who have yet to hear about classic children stories.

After being enthralled, you can bring your kids to see the eco-friendly Christmas tree that was created from more than 400 Meiji bottles that were upcycled into lamps. There’s also a fun mini-challenge to guess the number of Meiji milk bottles used to create the tree, with three lucky winners with the correct guess walking away with $50 worth of Meiji products.

When: Now to Dec 29, 2024
Where: City Square Mall, 180 Kitchener Road, Singapore 208539
How much: Free
More info: facebook.com/@citysquaremall