There’s no doubt that Christmas is an enchanting time of year. If you’re an expat spending Christmas away from your homeland, Singapore offers a delightful array of ways to immerse yourself in the festive spirit during this special time.
So, whether you’re seeking family-friendly activities to keep your loved ones busy, or a serene retreat to unwind or relax, continue reading to discover six lovely ways to celebrate Christmas in the Lion City.
1. Attend the Christmas Wonderland
The Christmas Wonderland, a dazzling event held at the Gardens by the Bay, is one of the highlights of the festive period in Singapore.
This holiday spectacle features a plethora of must-see attractions, such as light displays, stage performances, and a lively fairground setting with carousels, bumper cars, and classic carnival games.
Additionally, there are plenty of opportunities to get your Christmas shopping done at the iconic Mistletoe Alley Market. Here, you can browse a range of food and beverage stalls that serve seasonal delights, and several huts selling an array of Christmas products that make for the perfect gifts.
If you’re looking for an extravagant festive experience in Singapore, then the Christmas Wonderland is certainly the place to be between 1 December 2023 and 1 January 2024.
2. Take part in events at Sentosa
Sentosa is an exciting and vibrant place to visit at any time of the year, but the island especially comes alive during the Christmas period.
Indeed, you and the family could visit Universal Studios, which hosts a grand parade named “Santa’s Circus Extravaganza” featuring eclectic floats and performers. While you’re there, you could also experience the exciting rides at the theme park.
If you prefer a more sensory experience, you could visit the Wings of Time on Siloso Beach. This light show is set in the open sea, and includes dazzling multimedia effects, 3D projection mapping, and laser shows, all of which promise to captivate audiences of all ages.
3. Stroll through one of the city’s Christmas markets
Christmas markets are a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit, and Singapore is host to many of these eclectic markets.
The Kempinski Hotel Bahia hosts the Kempinski Christmas Market, offering gastronomic festive delights, hand-crafted gifts, and exquisite jewellery, all of which could make the perfect gifts for your loved ones.
The market is also home to regular choirs, a favourite Christmas tradition in Singapore, so you can listen to festive songs throughout the day while shopping.
Alternatively, you could visit the Christmas edition of the Makers’ Market at Tiong Bahru Plaza. Here, you’ll find a variety of vendors selling seasonal artisanal products you can’t find anywhere else.
4. Experience wintry weather at Snow City
If a dusting of snow puts you in the festive spirit, you’ll love the sub-zero environment at Snow City in East Jurong.
Here, you can explore the snow chamber, home to fields that are always covered in around 150 tonnes of snow, allowing you and your family to create snow angels to your heart’s content.
For thrill-seekers, the three-story building also features a 60-metre slope that is perfect for downhill tubing as well as icy bumper rides suitable for children and adults alike.
For a more tranquil experience, you could take in the sights of the impressive ice sculptures located at the centre of Snow City. There truly is something for everyone at Singapore’s own Arctic experience.
5. Celebrate the holiday at a Christmas Eve street party
If you wish to count down to the big day while celebrating all things festive, you could visit the “Christmas on A Great Street” event on Orchard Street.
As well as the captivating Christmas lights that adorn the street, Singapore’s first-ever Christmas Eve street party is taking place on 24 December, and it promises to be a lively event.
The entire street will be closed from 6 pm onwards to make way for feature performances, food trucks, and plenty of Christmas carolling, allowing you to bring in the festive season in style.
There will be three Christmas Villages to choose from this year – two more than in 2022 – all of which will be home to exciting carnival rides and games, pop-up shops, and plenty of food and drink kiosks.
6. Indulge in a Christmas feast
You don’t need to attend a grand event for a dose of the Christmas spirit. Sometimes, a meal at an elegant restaurant can help to put you in the mood, and Singapore has no shortage of world-class eateries.
You could enjoy a festive afternoon tea in Raffles Hotel’s Grand Lobby, featuring mince pies, fruit cakes, and, of course, a selection of champagnes.
If you’re seeking a more traditional Christmas dinner, Lawry’s The Prime Rib could be the answer, as this crowd-favourite restaurant serves a number of festive favourites across a six-course meal.
Alternatively, if you’d rather experience Christmas dinner with an Asian twist, it may be worth visiting Hai Tien Lo at the Pan Pacific Hotel. Here, you can taste exquisite Cantonese fusion dishes, such as deep-fried aubergine with foie gras, or Alaskan crab meat.
Get in touch
If you would like some help managing your finances over the festive period, then we can help.
Either contact your financial planner directly, email us at hello@ascentawealth.com or fill in our online contact form to organise a meeting and we’ll get in touch.
