Light up the tree, hang up your stockings, sing along to the melodious carols – Christmas is almost here! As the city shines bright, top-notch attractions and popular shopping destinations transform into a magical wonderland, everyone’s getting into the festive spirit.
While we’ll never get to experience the full “White Christmas”, you can bask in the warmth of Christmas as Singapore has plenty of exciting line-up of events that you wouldn’t want to miss. Be it with your loved ones or friends, no one will be left out! So prepare to snap insta-worthy photos!
For romance types: Christmas Wonderland
Christmas Wonderland, Singapore’s largest yuletide fair, received an outstanding response with 900,000 visitors during its inaugural event back in 2014 and it’s back for another appearance this year with much more to explore!
But, what’s Christmas Wonderland without its infamous display of Italian Luminarie light sculptures? You’ll be captivated by the massive structure with multi-coloured lights as it brightens up the ambience. Just like kissing under the mistletoe, this is the best time for you and your partner to share a romantic moment under the spectacular and beautiful lights while being serenaded by the choir performance.
At the majestic Spalliera, you will be able to experience “snow” during Blizzard Time (happening at 6.50pm, 7.55pm, 8.55pm, 10pm and 10.30pm daily). Also, look out for the Ice Palace where you’ll be able to ice-skate or slide down a 25m ice slide.
It doesn’t matter if you’re on your first date, or if you and your bae are looking for a special night out. The moment you stand under the magical lights of the 19.7m-tall Castel del Monte, the stresses of life will disappear.
Where: Gardens by The Bay
When: 30 Nov 2018 – 26 Dec 2018, 4pm till 11pm daily
Admission: $6 (30 Nov – 6 Dec), $8 (7 Dec – 13 Dec), $10 (14 Dec – 26 Dec); Book online for cheaper tickets
For thrill seekers: Marina Bay Carnival
In the heart of Marina Bay Sands, the Marina Bay Carnival is back again this festive season due to its overwhelming response after attracting 1.4 million visitors last year. With Prudential as the title sponsor, there will be new thrilling rides- more than 40 of them.
The atmosphere is all about nostalgia for us as it reminds us of an old-school retro theme park. Besides the rides, stand a chance to win plush toys from the fun-filled carnival games. Relive these classic rides first-hand, like The Viking and The Star Flyer which you can’t even find in Universal Studios.
Where: Marina Bay Event Plaza (Open space next to Marina Bay Sands)
When: 22 Dec 2018 – 24 March 2019; 4pm – 11pm daily (Extended to 2am on Christmas & New Year’s Eve)
Admission: FREE
Reliving your childhood: Disney Tsum Tsum
Apart from the Disney’s light-up along Orchard Road, Mickey and Minnie Mouse were some of the characters that made an appearance at Vivocity during the mid-autumn festival. Alongside Olaf and Dumbo, they will be making a comeback but this time round, you’ll be seeing them at a Christmas floral display held at Gardens by the Bay.
The “Poinsettia Wishes Featuring Disney Tsum Tsum” will be taking over the Flower Dome. You might want to keep your eyes peeled for Olaf among the snowy landscapes. The best part will be the tallest live Christmas tree in the Flower Dome which will be stacked with Mickey and his Tsum Tsum friends. With all the fairy lights and ornaments, you’ll be transported to the world of Disney.
Where: Flower Dome, Gardens By The Bay
When: 2 Nov 2018 – 2 Jan 2019; 9am – 9pm daily
Admission fee to the Flower Dome applies
For the shopaholics: Christmas Village @ Ngee Ann City, Civic Plaza
Orchard has always been known as a shopping paradise. The annual tradition of Orchard Road’s light-up rings in this year’s festive season. We’ll be seeing a new look this year as they partner with Disney bring to life some of its most famous characters; shopping malls along the stretch aren’t resting their laurels either, as they’ve stepped up their game to match.
Ngee Ann City will once again host the European-inspired Christmas Village this year, located at Civic Plaza. Over 25 pop-up stores will be making their way to Christmas Village with the presence of popular brands like UNIQLO, Owndays, OPPO and Häagen Dazs, just to name a few. This will provide an interesting shopping experience as these stores will market their product in a unique and interactive way.
So, if you’re shopping for Christmas gifts in town, you’ll probably want to drop by to check them out.
Where: Ngee Ann City, Civic Plaza
When: 15 Nov 2018 – 26 Dec 2018; Sun – Thurs, 11.30am – 10pm (Fri – Sat, 11.30am – 11pm)
Admission: FREE
For foodies: The Great Clarke Quay FEASTival
What better way to kick off this festive season than with food! The inaugural pop-up dining concept that’s happening at The Great Clarke Quay FEASTival will showcase an impressive repertoire of dining options where visitors can explore the myriad flavours offered street-style on Read Bridge, in a convivial outdoor setting or even overlooking the light-ups at Singapore River under the stars.
Before you get the party started, grab a meal along with your friends with signature dishes and curated cocktails ($10 – $32). Notable Asian dishes like Ramen Keisuke Lobster King’s noodle ($10) and Zouk’s RedTail Bar’s prawn twister with sweet Thai chili sauce ($12) are definitely must-tries.
And on the international food section, feast on Bizengyu Japanese-grade Wagyu ($15) from The Ranch or Marisco Seafood Paella ($10) from Octapas. Popular street foods like tacos, burgers and sausages are all included in the mix.
The Great Clarke Quay FEASTival indeed brings the very best of international food cuisines together in a street-food format. If you’re a foodie, this is the place to be.
Where: Read Bridge, 1B Clarke Quay
When: 5 Dec 2018 – 9 Dec 2018; from 6pm onwards
Admission: FREE
All of these places do share one thing in common and insta-worthy shots. So bookmark for that long-awaited Christmas celebration with your loved ones!
by Fazli Rahmat
