By Rebecca Wurd, on December 20, 2014

Things to do for Christmas in Singapore

Note: This post contains some information accurate for past events in 2014.

It could be your first Christmas at home in a while, or maybe you’re simply looking for new and exciting ways to celebrate this time of year with your loved ones. Singapore definitely has no shortage of Christmas events for you to dive into. We’ve rounded up three of the best Christmas attractions, events and adventures for you to enjoy in Singapore this magical December.

Yuletide Adventures on Orchard Road

Orchard Road is hosting Christmas on a Great Street all the way from 15 November through to 1 January 2015, so there’s no excuse to miss this stunning display.

Orchard Road has received a makeover, transforming from an everyday street into an enchanting wonderland that glitters in the night. You’re encouraged to get out your cameras and smartphones to help document this sparkling event, which features a dazzling array of lights dripping from arches, trees and buildings between Tanglin Mall and Plaza Singapura.

Stroll along the 2.2 kilometre stretch of road and stop for photo opportunities next to your favourite displays – many of the malls, hotels and other buildings along the street compete for the highly coveted prize of Best Dressed Building. The malls really go all out for this and we get to enjoy the spoils of spectacular Christmas facades. Orchard Central, Paragon and Forum are always great contenders.

Paragon

Orchard Road’s 2014 Best Dressed Building Contest Winner: Paragon (Judges’ Choice) and Orchard Central (Voters’ Choice).

It’s not just the lights that will enchant you. Orchard Street is also putting on street performances to enhance the very special atmosphere of this Christmas celebration. If you feel like squeezing in some shopping while you’re there, take advantage of the promotions that run throughout the precinct during this time.

Don’t miss the ‘snow’ at Tanglin Mall, which emulates a winter wonderland, and the breathtakingly beautiful lights at Centrepoint, Orchard Central and TangsNgee Ann City and ION Orchard erect giant Christmas trees each year, and the whole precinct is decorated with festive decorations.

Pedestrian Night on Orchard Road

Every first Saturday of the month, a stretch of Orchard Road is closed to traffic. That means everyone on foot can spill out onto the roads. There are some fun community events to jump into, such as street tennis and mass yoga!

Pedestrian Night for December has passed but you might still be able to catch the Christmas and New Year atmosphere on 3 January 2015.

For more information on Pedestrian Night: http://www.orchardroad.org/

 

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Christmas carols always give me the warm fuzzies. Don’t let your shopping list get in the way of stopping to enjoy the lovely sounds of Christmas carollers who perform at various malls. My personal favourite is Paragon, where they have jazz singers perform some truly classy renditions of Christmas favourites – dressed in suits and gowns, playing a beautiful bass or piano, and smooth voices. Simply lovely.

For the more traditional choir of carollers, you can make a trip to Tanglin Mall, Raffles Hotel or City Square Mall. If you’re steering clear of malls, it’s your last chance to catch more immersive Christmas magic at Gardens by the Bay. Christmas Wonderland @ Gardens by the Bay hosts performances surrounded by light scupltures from Italy, 2-century old Dutch Spielgeltent (mirror tent), an illuminated Casa Armonica gazebo and a European-style Festive Market. The last performance is on 21st December. Entrance is free. (Fees apply for entrance to the domes).

There are is also a Christmas Concert happening at Victoria Concert Theatre on 20 December.

Of course, there are carols in churches across Singapore as well. Ask your Christian friends when their church has its Christmas light-up or carolling nights, and join in the celebration of the original meaning of Christmas.

christmas-orchard-road

CCIS

Christmas takes on special meaning for many Christians in Singapore, and CCIS 2014 is the perfect way to recognise the religious and spiritual element of the holiday while having plenty of fun.

Standing for ‘Celebrate Christmas in Singapore’, CCIS 2014 is an annual Orchard Road event that was launched by Christians who wanted to share values of peace and joy during the festive season. This year it runs from December 18-25.

Bring the family down to enjoy musical acts, dances and other performances by both local and foreign performers. Two stages – one on the walkway fronting Wisma Atria and one on the top of the Plaza of Tong Building – will be presenting entertainment from 7:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. Don’t miss mass carolling, which is set to take place on Christmas Eve with a mass choir. And on Christmas Day itself you can enjoy the Christmas Concert on the Road, where there will be not only a Christmas concert but also a mass workout.

Christmas Musicals and Pantomimes

Escape the heat with a selection of Christmas pantomimes, musicals and singalongs in Singapore this December. Take the little ones along to Junior Claus, presented by Singapore Repertory’s Theatre’s The Little Company. The show follows Junior Claus, heir to a North Pole empire, and Grumpo the greedy elf who sets out to ruin Christmas forever. It’s up to Junior and his friends to save the festive season, and there’s a deeper message of cherishing loved ones over material possessions that will no doubt be a timely reminder for all guests. The show wraps up on 14 December, so get in quick.

Hear the Singapore Symphony Orchestra take on classic carols with their Christmas Concerts, taking place at the Victoria Concert Hall from 11-14 December. Listen to your favourite festive tones played in all their glory, with the gorgeous Singapore Symphony Children’s Choir adding an extra special touch of magic.

Christmas with the Kids

Take the kids to The Rink @ J Cube to skate with Santa or Olaf, the adorable singing snowman from Disney’s hit movie Frozen.

When:

12 – 23 December, 12:45 – 2:45 PM – Olaf the Snowman on Ice

12 – 23 December,  5: 15 – 7:15PM – Santa on Ice

You could also take a family Christmas outing to the National Museum of Singapore, where you will be greeted with snow at the entrance on 20 and 21st December. On 20th December, the kids can get their faces painted with Christmas designs and enjoy a screening of Muppets Most Wanted. Across the museum there will also be bands performing, a Christmas flea market and entertainers walking around on stilts.

The Christmas Feast

It’s not all about shopping. Christmas is about sharing in the joy of the season with family and friends. So get together for a Christmas feast complete with turkey, wine and Andy Williams Christmas songs. Don’t forget the Christmas ham, cranberry sauce, Turkey stuffing, lots of wine and sparkling juice for the kids.

And of course, the gifts under the tree. If you have a big group gathering, organize a random gift exchange, a Secret Santa gift exchange or start your own fun version!

Christmas Salsa

If you like your Christmas a little more spicey, head to the Fullerton Hotel for the Latino-style Festival Under the Stars. The event taking place on 27 December 2014 includes a BBQ buffet, cocktails and salsa dancing under the night sky at the East Garden of the classy Fullerton Hotel.

 

Christmas Staycation Feast

From 1 December 2014 to 1 January 2014, Capri by Fraser serves irresistible Christmas feasts. Christmas pudding, roasted turkey with stuffing, honey baked ham, seafood, rack of lamb, champagne, risotto, duck confit….Oooh la la! There’s a different spread available on different days, at each of these options listed below:

  • Festive Buffet Lunch
  • Festive Semi-Buffet Dinner
  • Festive Sunday Brunch & Christmas Day Lunch
  • Christmas Eve & Christmas Day Dinner
  • New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day Dinner

Check out the website here for more details

 

If you’re a foodie looking for a Singapore Staycation at Christmas, Capri by Fraser also has a special Christmas Cook-in Staycation offer which would be perfect for you. When you check in after booking this special offer, you will get:

  • Ingredients for a 3-course meal at the kitchenette in the room
  • Daily buffet breakfast for 2
  • 15% discount at Caprilicious
  • Complimentary limited edition welcome mascot
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Complimentary daily scheduled airport shuttle

 

Have a holly jolly Christmas Singapore!