Nur SofiaImmerse in the warm spirit of Christmas as popular shopping destinations and top-notch tourist attractions transform into a magical winter wonderland for the joyous holidays. Whether you wish to ring in the festivities with your friends or your family, the line-up of attractions and events caters to the interests of both adults and kids. Nobody gets left out!
This specially-curated list will make your dreams (almost) a reality, with local Christmas-themed attractions bringing forth similar homely Christmas vibes that other Western countries proudly exude. Take your squad along and check them all off!
1. Christmas Village, Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza
Image credit: Carissa Wong
This glitzy European-inspired Christmas Village makes its debut this year alluding to the theme of “Endless Wonders”. There are more than 25 pop-up stores with exclusive brands such as Haagen Dazs, Starbucks, SK-II, Tiffany & Co. Live bands and carollers will also stage daily gigs, boosting the festive spirit as you indulge in retail therapy and a slew of amusement rides. After feasting on delicious Yuletide treats and shopping for artisanal gifts, swing by Hitachi’s Santa House and snap a selfie or two with Santa.
This year’s Orchard Road Christmas light-up has been shifted earlier to 3pm. Spanning 2.88 km from Tanglin Mall to Plaza Singapura, the entire stretch is decked in whimsical fairy lights and even features extravagant light-reflective tunnels. You have more reasons now to start your celebrations sooner than later!
When: 25 Nov to Christmas Day
Admission: Free
2. Christmas Eve Countdown Party, Orchard Road
Image credit: Orchard Road Business Association
Who does not love revelling in a spellbinding pyrotechnics display that instantly lights up the sky? Well, this year’s first-ever Christmas Eve Countdown Party promises nothing short of spectacular. Join other party-goers and be merry as you drink and dance this incredible night away! Featuring a stellar line-up of local bands, the concert will ensure you belt out to your favourite Christmas classics and English pop songs.
When: 24 Dec
Admission: Free
3. Christmas Wonderland, Gardens by the Bay
Image credit: Gardens by the Bay
This grand yuletide fair is making its fourth appearance this year right in the heart of Gardens by the Bay. The pièce de résistance here is none other than the captivating Italian Luminarie light sculptures! Be enthralled by how these multi-coloured colossal structures instantly brighten up the whole ambience.
Aside from the Festive Market, you should also check out the Arctic-themed Santa’s Grotto, hop on the thrilling carnival rides and skate under the stars. If you intend to visit the Conservatories as well, opt for the Christmas Bundle and enjoy massive savings!
When: 1 to 26 Dec
Admission: 8 to 14, 26 Dec – S$8/pax (On-Site), S$6/pax (Online)
15 to 25 Dec – S$10/pax (On-site), S$8/pax (Online)
4. Poinsettia Wishes at Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay
Image credit: Gardens by the Bay
How does a Nordic Noel sound like? This seasonal floral display features not only beautiful Christmas blooms but also replicates a typical Christmas village in Northern Europe. The towering conifer trees decorated with elaborate ornaments are also a sight to behold. The main centrepiece? A giant lavvu (cone-shaped tent structure used by indigenous Sami people) that does a brilliant job in creating a warm and cosy festive ambience for all.
Make sure you catch Santarinas and Wise Wee, the Gardens’ Bear Botanist during their festive dance and engage in a story-telling session with the Finnish Elves. Stroll leisurely around and admire the wintry landscapes that illuminate once the sun sets. To round up this magical visit, witness the Northern Lights projection that will complete this quintessentially Nordic Christmas experience. You might forget that you are actually still in Singapore!
When: 10 Nov to 8 Jan 2018
Admission: Standard – S$28/Adult, S$28/Senior, S$15/Child
Singapore Resident – S$20/Adult, S$15/Senior, S$12/Child
*Admission ticket is for both Flower Dome and Cloud Forest.
5. Savour: Christmas Wonderland, Gardens by the Bay
Image credit: Savour
Foodies, this one’s dedicated to you! Savour, in partnership with Christmas Wonderland, is hosting Singapore’s premier gourmet festival that will delight even the most sophisticated of gourmands. With delectable cheese tasting and a decadent selection of specially selected hams and turkey to whet your appetite, you can certainly have a sampler of what Christmas is going to taste like. Acclaimed celebrity chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants will be present to showcase their culinary masterpieces for an elevated dining experience. Wine and dine until you are absolutely full and contented!
When: 1 to 26 Dec
Admission: 1 to 14 Dec – S$25/pax (Single), S$96/4 pax (Group)
15 to 26 Dec – S$27/pax (Single), S$104/4 pax (Group)
6. A Universal Christmas, Universal Studios Singapore
Image credit: RWS Scoop
Universal Studios Singapore (USS) has always been a theme park chock full of fun. The Christmas version is no different and in fact, you can enjoy even more attractions and special performances courtesy of the festivities. From the new and improved immersive Santa’s Workshop, light-hearted musicals and Christmas-themed snacks (hello Santa Sundaes and Santa-Minion popcorn buckets), there is something to entice everyone.
Photo opportunities are also abundant with the park tastefully decked in Christmas decor. You cannot miss the staggering 15-metre Santa’s Christmas Tree House! Once the sun goes down, watch how the park lights up and be dazzled. Oh yes, did we forget to mention it might snow?
When: 1 Dec to 1 Jan 2018
Admission: One-Day Ticket – S$76/Adult, S$56/Child
After 5pm Admission – S$55/Adult, S$50/Child
*Check the main website for special promotions and discounts.
7. Merry Fishmas, SEA Aquarium
Image credit: RWSentosa
If you are heading for A Universal Christmas, why not check out Merry Fishmas at the neighbouring SEA Aquarium! The kids will be very thrilled upon entering this massive water wonderland that doubles as an excellent educational outing. As of now, there are five new fishy residents that you can try to spot: the Ornate Eagle Ray, Argentine Humphead, Mauritius Triggerfish, Honeycomb Cowfish and Bat Ray.
As part of the Christmas programmes, witness Santa’s elves feed the fish or pose with Mai the manta ray and Sam the hammerhead shark mascots. At Scrooge’s Recycling Workshop, discover how you can turn unwanted products into unique Christmas ornaments that can be personalised as meaningful gifts. Who knew a trip to the aquarium could be so rewarding and fulfilling!
When: 1 Dec to 1 Jan 2018
Admission: One-Day Ticket – S$34/Adult, S$24/Child, S$24/Senior
*Check the main website for special promotions and discounts.
8. Spanish-themed Christmas Dinner & Staycation, Park Hotel Alexandra
No Christmas celebration is complete without a good ol’ hearty feast. Located on the seventh floor, the Carvery is the Park Hotel Alexandra’s stalwart restaurant renowned for its indulgent meat buffet. They offer a comprehensive selection of flawlessly prepared, quality roast and this Christmas, you will be able to indulge in dishes like the crispy and mouthwatering Iberico Pork Belly Porchetta stuffed with Chorizo and Apple, the succulent Spit-roasted Chicken with Orange and Rosemary and on the weekends, their special 28-Day Dry Aged US Black Angus Prime Rib.
When: 4 to 30 Dec 2017
There you have it, these are the top eight places to bookmark for that long-awaited Christmas celebration with your friends and family! After all, ‘tis the season to be jolly.
