Rachel Yohannan

December in Singapore sure hits different. The streets light up, everyone’s in that year-end holiday mood, and there’s a buzz in the air as we go about shopping for gifts for loved ones. To soak in the yuletide vibes all in one place, an outing to a Christmas market does the trick – they’re a happy spread of trinket-filled stalls, food kiosks dishing out seasonal treats, live shows by talented performers, carnival games and more, all set against twinkling decorations that create a magical atmosphere. Read on for our pick of the best Christmas markets in Singapore in 2025, each with plenty of fun for the whole family. RECOMMENDED: The best places Christmas events in Singapore and  The best Christmas log cakes to get in Singapore this year    

Whether you’re a visitor planning your very first visit to Singapore, or a Singaporean mapping out a special occasion in the city, choosing a hotel in Singapore is an important (and sometimes overwhelming) task. With so many spectacular stays to choose between – from the world-famous Raffles to new boutique stays like 21 Carpenter – it can be challenging to decide which is best for you. To help you determine which hotel to book for your next visit or staycation, our team of local editors (including Time Out Singapore Editor Cheryl Sekkappan, Regional Content Director for Time Out APAC Nicole-Marie Ng and local writer Dewi Nurjuwita) have tried and tested the city’s top-ranking hotels to determine which are worth your time.The list has been overseen by Winnie Stubbs, Travel and Hotels Editor APAC and self-confessed hotel obsessive. Each hotel has been chosen based on amenities, design and proximity to the city’s highlights – with many hotels on the list within walking distance of the best restaurants and bars in Singapore.Read on for our guide to the very best hotels in Singapore right now. RECOMMENDED: The best Singapore attractions to visitThe best rooftop bars in SingaporeAirport hotels in SingaporeThe best luxury hotels in Singapore At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on to

Mariah Carey has defrosted, and the island is lit aglow with thousands of twinkling lights and towering trees. Yes, the Christmas season is here once again to close off another year. While we can only dream of a white Christmas in these tropics, the festivities in Singapore are no less magical with stretches of magnificent street decorations, scheduled ‘snowfall’ sessions, and even themed set-ups featuring your favourite characters from Disney and Sanrio. Go on and chase those lights at these best places to see Christmas decorations in Singapore in 2025. RECOMMENDED: The best Christmas 2025 events in Singapore and The best Christmas log cakes to get in Singapore this year  

This list is from 2024. Our latest ranking for 2025 is live here. Ticking off the main tourist attractions on a city break is all well and good, but it’s only when you veer off down a side street or stumble across a leafy avenue that you really get a glimpse of a city’s true character. Streets are the heart of local life; they’re where communities come together, where new local businesses become go-to staples and where urbanites go out, hang out and have fun.  So what are the world’s coolest streets worth a stroll right now? To find the answer, we reached out to our global team of local expert editors and contributors, who each made a case for the coolest street in their city. We then narrowed down the selection to create a definitive ranking of the best avenues, thoroughfares, backstreets and boulevards on the planet. And so you have it: the coolest streets in the world’s best cities. Over the last few years, street life has gone through something of an evolution. Outdoor drinking and dining, at one point a temporary measure, has become a staple on many of the streets on our hotlist; only bolstered by green initiatives like pedestrianisation and low-traffic avenues. In other words, these streets have become much more walkable and pleasant places to spend our time. On every street on this list, there are bold, creative new ventures in food, drink, nightlife and culture: from listening bars to repurposed heritage buildings, these streets are where you’ll find a city’s most ex

Although not widely celebrated by Singaporeans, the occasion of Thanksgiving has an essence that’s borderless: Being grateful for both the big and little things, and gathering in the company of your loved ones over a delicious meal. Relatable enough. Whether it’s an existing tradition in your family or otherwise, there’s no harm in partaking in the festivities and carving into a stuffed turkey together, just like how they do in those Hallmark holiday movies. Who could say no to that? Consider Thanksgiving a nice prelude to Christmas, since it occurs on the fourth Thursday of November each year – this year’s is on November 27, 2025. Besides, the seasonal autumn flavours often seen in Turkey Day spreads are always a palatable plus. Here are the six best restaurants in Singapore for a hearty Thanksgiving get-together. RECOMMENDED: Check out this list of restaurants in Singapore recommended by the Time Out team for 2025 and The best new restaurants in Singapore

Also known as the Festival of Lights, Deepavali (or Diwali) is an annual religious celebration for Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains in Singapore. For those who are still unfamiliar, here's an in-depth guide on everything you need to know about the occasion, from its origins, to how it's celebrated in the Little Red Dot, and where you can get in on the celebrations regardless of your background.We've also compiled some tips on house guest etiquette if you've been invited to a friend's Deepavali open house party for the first time and aren't sure of what to wear or bring. RECOMMENDED: The best Indian restaurants in Singapore and the ultimate guide to Little India

This list is from 2024. Our latest ranking for 2025 is live here. In 2024, what exactly makes a neighbourhood cool? Craft breweries, natty wine bars and street art are well and good, but the world’s best, most exciting and downright fun neighbourhoods are much more than identikit ‘hipster hubs’. They’re places that reflect the very best of their cities – its culture, community spirit, nightlife, food and drink – all condensed in one vibey, walkable district. To create our annual ranking, we went straight to the experts – our global team of on-the-ground writers and editors – and asked them what the coolest neighbourhood in their city is right now, and why. Then we narrowed down the selection and ranked the list using the insight and expertise of Time Out’s global editors, who vetted each neighbourhood against criteria including food, drink, arts, culture, street life, community and one-of-a-kind local flavour. The result? A list that celebrates the most unique and exciting pockets of our cities – and all their quirks. Yes, you’ll find some of those international hallmarks of ‘cool’. But in every neighbourhood on this list there’s something you won’t find anywhere else. Ever been to a photography museum that moonlights as a jazz club? Or a brewery with a library of Russian literature? How about a festival dedicated to fluff? When communities fiercely support and rally around their local businesses, even the most eccentric ideas can become a reality. And that, in our eyes, is

The good thing about working in Singapore’s Central Business District is that you’re never short of food options. And on weekdays, there’s that added perk of set lunches, often at value-for-money prices. Whether you’re bonding with your favourite colleagues during break time or entertaining clients, these CBD restaurants offer some of the best business lunch sets in town – with prices starting from just $18. Even if you’re not planning a meal with work associates, these set lunches are worth taking leave for on a random weekday where you simply feel like treating yourself. RECOMMENDED: The best new restaurants in Singapore and the best happy hour deals in the city

It’s time to live life in the fast lane – the Grand Prix™ Season Singapore (GPSS) is back from September 26 to October 5, revving up with even more thrills beyond the race track. Besides cheering on your favourite speedsters zipping through the circuit, there are also plenty of things to do to immerse yourself in the buzz. With one-of-a-kind experiences that roll out just once a year during race week, you’ve got every reason to explore the city before – and even after – the final checkered flag waves. We’re talking 10 days of exciting experiences covering everything from parties at the hottest clubs to exclusive F&B deals, plus unique retail pop-ups and limited-edition merch drops – there’s bound to be something for everyone, no matter your speed. Here are the best spots to hit up this GPSS 2025, and all the activity highlights you shouldn’t miss. For the full lowdown, download your ultimate guide to the season.

There’s never a bad time for ice cream – especially not in Singapore’s unforgiving tropical heat. An abundance of ice cream parlours are dotted all around the island, and we’ve got the scoop on which are most worth your calories. From a gelato café with tea-based flavours, to a late-night joint that opens till 2am, and a homegrown chain we grew up with and still love dearly – here are the best ice cream stores in Singapore for a cool indulgent treat. RECOMMENDED The best guilt-free ice cream in Singapore and the best soft-serve ice creams in Singapore  

Our mums are superstars all year round, but this is the one time of the year where you have the perfect excuse to show extra appreciation toward her. Other than treating her to a delicious Mother’s Day meal or planning a Mother’s Day outing with fun bonding activities like jewellery workshops or strolling through a flower display, you can add a sweeter note to the occasion by blessing her with a thoughtful treat. These local bakeries and dessert stores in Singapore are whipping up special Mother’s Day treats, ranging from cute macarons to a warabimochi cake and even pistachio mille crepe inspired by the latest Dubai chocolate trend.  RECOMMENDED: The best cake shops in Singapore and The best florists in Singapore for any occasion

As far as local landmarks go, Raffles Hotel Singapore is by far one of the most iconic – and not just for its grand postcard-worthy exteriors. Though impeccably well-maintained, this five-star hotel retains its classic colonial charm harking back to the 1800s, and staying here is a premium experience right from the moment you encounter their unmistakable doormen. Plus, it's just been crowned the 17th best hotel in the World's 50 Best Hotels 2023 list, ranking a few spots above Capella, which gives you all the more reason to check it out. Even if you haven't booked one of their luxury suites, there's still plenty to explore within the hotel's sprawling grounds, from its gorgeous lawn area, to the marvel-worthy architecture, and its in-house lifestyle destination, Raffles Arcade. Read on for our guide on the best of Raffles Hotel.

Christmas fairytales come to life at Marina Bay Sands Singapore, with this year’s festive decor following a Nutcracker theme – referencing the classic Christmas adventure we all know and love. But it’s not ‘B’ for ‘book’ nor ‘ballet’ this time. It’s ‘B’ for ‘butler’, as in MBS’s dedicated troop of butlers – Singapore’s largest – who are always ready to assist visitors and guests’ every query with a smile and peak professionalism. The sprawling Marina Bay Sands compound is now home to nearly 190 Christmas trees, and among them stand 88 nutcracker butlers as homage to these key but oft-overlooked staff members of MBS. Making a comeback at The Shoppes is a whimsical ‘forest’ of floating Christmas trees, as though straight out of our dreams. Except, this enchanting sight isn’t a ‘pinch me’ hallucination – it’s real life, and you’ll be able to witness it till December 29, 2025.  The Christmas magic dials further up a notch with The Nutcracker Butlet’s Concert, a twinkling fairy light show at this levitating forest at 7.30pm and 8.30pm daily, with lilting music and immersive LED animations on 16 screens as the backdrop. The show runs for just five minutes at a go, so plan your visit in time to catch its epic blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments. But don’t just stay indoors, because the experience extends outside with a gold-hued light-up of the building’s facade, along with nutcracker-themed projections on the lotus-shaped structure of the ArtScience Museum. Take note: The outdoor disp

We're closing out October and can already smell Christmas in the air – especially with news about the return of Singapore's biggest year-end market. The World Christmas Market 2025 returns this December as Togetherland, running from December 11 to January 4 at Bayfront Event Space with an exciting Santa sack of activities and events. There'll be lots to explore at Togetherland, which unfolds across nine zones to the theme of "A Christmas Constellation". Each zone is named after one of the Reindeer Hosts, featuring a lively musical, artisanal bazaar, community initiatives, and family attractions.  The clear highlight is Dancer's Magical Playground, a commissioned Christmas musical with a line-up of live performances under a canopy of stars. After singing along to cheerful Christmas carols, you can pick up handcrafted Christmas gifts and social-impact creations at Prancer's Star Bazaar. And because Christmas is all about feasting, you can bet on an impressive spread at Togetherland: modern dining and themed cocktails star at Dasher's Festive Feast, while fine cheeses, wine, chocolate and festive bakes await at Comet's Global Market.  The very first World Christmas Market had a popular Candy Cane Lane – and we're chuffed to say it's back. Get your cameras ready for illuminated candy cane installations, real Christmas trees, and expanded photo installations. And in the Christmas spirit of giving, visit Donner's Heatrlight Haven, where you can meet charities and social enterprises

The festive season is upon us, and you know the drill: Christmas Wonderland is here to bring cheer to Gardens by the Bay for yet another magical edition, starting from November 29, 2025. Presented in collaboration with Trip.com, this massive outdoor Christmas market and carnival has been ranked as one of the best in the world by CNN Travel. While the event is returning to its usual location at the Supertree Grove, this year’s iteration will also sprawl across The Meadow – so expect it to be even more exciting than you’ve ever experienced. One of the main highlights of Christmas Wonderland in Singapore is its annual Spalliera illumination displays, expertly crafted by Italian artisans. Revellers can look forward to frolicking beneath those magnificent structures as powdery white “snow” falls all around. Get further into the Yuletide spirit with carnival games and rides, carolling performances, and tasty Christmassy treats from a mini food village – just like the ones seen at those classic Christmas markets in Europe. A little birdie also told us that there will be a flying Santa making an appearance this year. Christmas Wonderland will be running from November 29, 2025 to January 1, 2026, from 6.30pm to 11pm daily. Ticketing information, including prices, will be available from November 13 onwards. Find out more here. 

Christmas on a Great Street – Orchard Road’s annual year-end light-up – is back once again to blanket our shopping belt in sparkling Yuletide magic. Those with sharp eyes might already have noticed some baubles and bits being strung from Orchard’s lamp posts, but things are about to get more dazzling with the flick of the switch on November 8. Running till January 1, 2026, this 55-day festive display stretches all the way from Tanglin to Dhoby Ghaut. That’s 3.1km worth of sights to soak in. This year’s colour theme features soft, elegant hues of rose gold, gold, and silvery white. But because it’s SG60, local motifs like Merli the Merlion and the iconic dragon playground will pepper the area with more vividness. In lieu of the usual sleigh, Santa’s reindeer will be pulling a trishaw instead – a cute nod to our past. As you’re strolling along, make a point to stop and look up at the facade of Hilton Singapore Orchard for a mesmerising 3D projection mapping show. Spirits will run high at not one but two Christmas villages. The one outside Ngee Ann City will feature carnival games, rides, and a revamped Christmas market with tasty bites and a craft beer bar. Gather around the 14-metre tree for nightly "snowfall", and don’t miss the weekend evening live performances starring Jill-Marie Thomas, Singapore Idol alumni Mathilda D’Silva and Maia Lee, and more. Over at Shaw House, things are more child-friendly with a Kiztopia Christmas Market featuring milder rides and claw machines.

If you’re down to get edgy, mark your calendar for DnA Fest – an unexpected collision of different arts disciplines, served with a side of sass. Sit back for a screening of The House of Janus – a modern film take on Henry Purcell’s opera Dido and Aeneas – starring and directed by Ong Keng Sen who’s also responsible for local comedy hit movie Army Daze. Or, get wild with Dido & The Belindas, a vibrant drag spectacle featuring none other than queen Becca D’Bus. End it off with Afterparty, an underground ballroom event with flashy runway battles and wicked beats. Find out more here.

It’s all things K-culture at Hallyu Weekend, a three-day festival packed with music, dance, and merch. Dance trainer DJ Blink from SM Entertainment will be hosting a free K-pop party with the hottest beats, while Jam Republic’s skilled choreographers will be conducting a dance workshop suitable for all levels. Dreaming of being the next big thing? Try your luck at auditions for KQ Entertainment – the same company responsible for world-famous groups like Ateez. If you’d rather be by the sidelines, watch the finalists of the Dance Dance Hallyu competition battle it out, or simply drop by the K-Culture Market to score some loot featuring your biases. Find out more here.

Thanks to Emerald Hill – a spin-off of popular Mediacorp series The Little Nyonya – Peranakan fever is sweeping over Singapore, and Sentosa is also getting in on the fanfare. From now till the end of August, hop on over to the scenic island and experience a cultural immersion like no other with kebaya rental, Nyonya-inspired afternoon tea, and heritage craft workshops where you’ll learn the art of tile painting and floral embroidery. But the grand highlight? Larger-than-life installations of giant beaded slippers, tingkats and teapots, and a kaleidoscopic replica of a Peranakan shophouse with nightly light shows. Find out more here.

Enjoyed the cute fruit-themed exhibition at Heartware Store & Gallery a couple of months back? The art space at Joo Chiat is now hosting Japanese artist maitoparta’s first solo Singapore showcase titled Itadakimasu! – featuring her signature kooky-looking wooden sculptures all handpainted in bright colours. There will also be exhibition-exclusive posters, plushies, bag charms and more, and pretty much everything you see displayed will be for sale. Be quick, because some of them are one-of-a-kind, with no remakes. Entry is free. Find out more here.

Grab your picnic mats and baskets and make a date for a musical soirée at the Botanic Gardens – because the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) is gracing the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage with a free concert. Lounge on the lawn surrounded by lush foliage, and be serenaded with classical tunes composed by the likes of legends Brahms and Mendelssohn, as well as Singapore’s very own Lee Jinjun. Among the mix, look forward to the first movement of Beethoven’s iconic ‘Symphony No. 5’ – a number you should recognise by its grandiose melody, even if not by title. Pets are welcome too. Find out more here.

Seen a long queue outside Mandarin Gallery lately? That would be the line for the purchase of Singapore-exclusive blind boxes and other paraphernalia at the ongoing Pop Mart Summer pop-up. Even if you’re not down to splurge on collectible toys, it’s still worth stopping by to check out the larger-than-life installations featuring Dimoo, Labubu, Hirono and the gang. Parked right outside the mall next to the Peranakan-inspired container store are character standees alongside nostalgic local icons like the dragon playground and a rickshaw. But wait, there’s more – head into the mall for even more Pop Mart photo spots, featuring HDB block facades and traditional kueh. Hint: The fun doesn’t just stop on the first floor.

*Scape knows what’s up when it comes to the cool crowd. Its latest youth-centric event, It’s Giving Fest, is turning up the heat with a solid mix of music, food, wellness and games. Groove to live performances by homegrown music talents including Benjamin Kheng, Shye, and Tasha Low, or get your muscles moving with pilates and K-pop workouts – all for absolutely free. Or, team up with your fave local stars like Annette Lee and Zhang Ze Tong in a celebrity telematch showdown for laughs and prizes. Add some new treasures to your collection at the flea market and celebrity charity auction, snap some photo booth keepsakes, and when you’re hungry after all the action, stop by the food truck for burgers and other festival grub. It’s two days of non-stop fun – check out the full event line-up here.

Get swept up in a fairytale of gallant knights and castle landscapes with Rose Romance at Gardens by the Bay. This year’s edition of the Flower Dome display takes you back in time to old England, paying homage to the legend of King Arthur with scenes of Camelot brought to life. Spot the mythical sword of Excalibur, take your spot at the Round Table, learn about the history of British castles, and stroll through paths lined with thousands of beautiful roses in various species and hues. Also on display are icons of England’s more modern eras – from red telephone boots to mailboxes and royal palace guard uniforms. Find out more and book your tickets here.    

National Gallery Singapore isn’t just our country’s largest and oldest museum. It’s now also Asia’s official first Healing Arts Centre of Excellence, as declared by Jameel Arts & Health Lab and the World Health Organization (WHO). That all sounds like quite a mouthful, but we’ll break it down for you. What this essentially means is that our leading museum will act as a key partner when it comes to health- and wellness-related initiatives, including those for underserved communities, such as people with dementia or disabilities. Other arts organisations that share this status with the National Gallery include the prestigious Carnegie Hall and Scottish Ballet – and that should tell you everything you need to know about the significance of this designation. As part of this comes the launch of Healing Arts Singapore. Jointly helmed by the National University of Singapore’s Centre for Music and Health Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA), and the University of the Arts Singapore, this long-term campaign aims to fuse the arts with healthcare in Singapore, before its efforts are amplified in the region. Some ongoing initiatives at National Gallery Singapore, created with inclusiveness in mind, include: a slow art audio guide to boost mindfulness and a sense of calm; a Hands-on Learning and Development (HOLD) collection with tactile components for the blind and partially blind; and a Gallery Wonders programme that offers complimentary transport and

There’s no need to cross borders for City Square Mall in Johor Bahru – we have City Square Mall at home. And if there’s any greater incentive to revisit the shopping mall connected to Farrer Park MRT station, it’s that it just went through an extensive makeover – a two-year one that cost $50 million, to be exact. And it’s not just one for appearances, because other than rocking a sleek new look, the 16-year-old building has also been expanded in space, with over 30 new brands to peruse across its total area of 730,000 square feet. Photograph: Giggle Jungle Suspended net playground Airzone remains across Levels 2 to 6 of the mall, but young ones get an additional dose of fun with Giggle Jungle by Yooland, a massive jungle-inspired indoor playground with obstacle courses, sand play, bouncy trampolines, rock walls and ball pits to dive into. The food court on Level 4 has been replaced by Gastro Square, a food village which counts Vietnamese flame-grilled chicken chain Chickita and Michelin-recognised hawker stall Kok Sen Restaurant as some of its tenants. But don’t mourn the OG food court, because it still exists at its new Basement 3 location. Other new eateries to try at the revamped City Square Mall include modern Australian bistro The Fat Sparrow; Daydream Desserts with loaded thick toasts and Japanese-style souffle pancakes; and Korean barbecue restaurant Aunt MyeongDong, among plenty others. Photograph: Daydream Desserts Outside the mall, next to the playground, sits a

This might just be the best Christmas gift for Sanrio fans. Tea chain Chagee has just teamed up with the Japanese character brand to come up with the most adorable Hello Kitty collab ever. Featuring a specially crafted beverage and limited-edition merchandise collection, this kawaii tie-up will be rolled out in Singapore on December 12, 2025, as well as in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, and The Philippines. But before you get your paws on the Hello Kitty collectibles, be prepared to guzzle down multiple cups of Chagee’s new drink – cocoa oolong milk tea ($5.20 for regular, $6.20 for large) – because the merch requires a purchase in order to be redeemed or bought. According to Chagee, this collab-exclusive bevvy is made using premium oolong from the Wuyi Mountains in China, which is said to be mellow, smooth, and possess a natural sweetness. The chocolatey tea concoction is perfect for getting into the festive mood, if you ask us. As the cherry on top, it'll come in a Hello Kitty cup and thermal carrier bag which you are can take home and reuse. Photograph: Chagee On to the merch. Don’t expect the usual bright pinkish colour tones that often come associated with Hello Kitty and Friends. To match the colour palette of the milk tea drink, hiyake Kitty (tanned Hello Kitty) will be making a rare appearance, dressed in a sophisticated yet cute black-and-white outfit, with brown heart shades to match. Full list of Chagee Hello Kitty merch in Singapore and how you can get them: Sn

One of the main highlights for many of us at each National Day Parade is watching the Singapore Air Force's Black Knights soar through the skies with their impressive fighter jet displays. But turns out, you don’t have to wait for August 9 to roll around in order to marvel at such a sight. The Singapore Airshow is back for its 10th run at Changi Exhibition Centre in February 2026, and tickets for public sale are now available for purchase. While the airshow is a six-day event running from February 3 to 8, members of the public are invited to visit on the last two days, February 7 and 8, with the rest of the dates reserved for industry insiders and trade programmes. Aside from aerial displays by our very own RSAF that’ll get everyone ooh-ing and ahh-ing, there’ll be a whole fleet of planes from all over the world showing off their contrails up high. There will also be on-the-ground displays of both military and commercial aircraft and helicopters, some of which you’ll be able to enter, explore, and even have your own cockpit moment in. Tickets for adults cost $39, while those for children aged three to 12 years old are priced at $19. Find out more about Singapore Airshow 2026 and get your tickets here. READ MORE Admire kooky circus-themed waxworks by American candle artist Janie Korn at this free-entry exhibition 2 Moulmein Road to be transformed into a lifestyle hub with cafés, sports facilities, and more Clarke Quay launches free shuttle buses with pick-ups till as late as

Most would think of candles simply as items used on birthdays, or to make one’s home smell fragrant with aromatherapy scents. But for American artist Janie Korn, they’re a form of art – and she’s just created a whole mini circus world through the oft-overlooked medium of wax. Admire her intricate hand-carved and handpainted pieces at Cirque Korn, her first Singapore solo exhibition that’s currently on display at one of our favourite independent art galleries, Heartware Store & Gallery in Joo Chiat. Photograph: Heartware Store & Gallery Though she first started out with ceramics, the self-taught Korn eventually explored working with wax, and has since made a name for herself with her whimsical candle creations, which she calls ‘magic candles’. From animals to elaborate houses and castles, and even Sailor Moon’s magic wands, Korn has transformed the unassuming candle into precious one-of-a-kind sculptures of varying sizes. With her signature painting style and usage of soft tones, her sculpted candles almost appear like 3D watercolour paintings. Every piece is fully functional, but of course, most wouldn’t want to put flame to wick and have her beautiful designs melt away. Photograph: Heartware Store & Gallery At Cirque Korn, it’s a chaotic, colourful scene of clowns, ponies and poodles doing tricks, and flexible acrobats stacked atop each other. These pieces are displayed on stands made to look like circus tents, with a larger podium in the centre for the main set-up. Abov

Another vibrant lifestyle hub is springing up in Singapore in the near future, promising new experiences and community spaces for all to gather. This one’s located at 2 Moulmein Road, where over 40 state-owned buildings currently sit. These used to be part of Middleton Hospital, which first opened in 1913, and later on became the Communicable Diseases Centre (CDC) before closing in 2018. But forget the compound’s slightly morbid past. Come early 2027, this sprawling 91,000-square-metre, greenery-filled plot of land will be completely transformed into a lifestyle hangout with restaurants and cafés, sports and wellness facilities, family-friendly communal areas like playgrounds and park nodes, as well as pet-friendly areas, according to Country City Investment Pte Ltd, who will be spearheading this refresh. This is the same company that revamped a series of former military barracks into the Dempsey Hill that we know and love today, so we already have high hopes for this project. Photograph: Singapore Land Authority This isn’t the only historic site in Singapore that’s getting a makeover. 20 colonial houses at Admiralty will be transformed into serviced apartments, while the old Sembawang Shipyard will also be turned into a mixed-development hub with waterfront homes and public recreational spaces. Meanwhile, Singapore’s last Teochew mansion is now restored with a gallery and Japanese-French fine-dining restaurant. The new lifestyle destination at 2 Moulmein Road is expected t

While thousands and thousands of Christmas lights turn this Little Red Dot into a sparkle fest, our skies are also putting in their due work to bring us some extra magic. This December, sky-watchers are in for a special treat to end off the year with not one, but two meteor showers occurring within a week of each other. Weather permitting, these clusters of shooting stars will be visible to the naked eye, so keep your eyes on the skies and you might just catch a glimpse. Don’t forget to make a wish! First up is the Geminid Meteor Shower. Though currently active till December 20, the Geminids will peak on December 13 and 14, so those are the dates you’d want to take note of. You’ll have to stay up for this, as the Science Centre Singapore advises that it’s best viewed at around 12am – with the perfect combination of good weather, dark moonless skies, and of course an ideal viewing location devoid of bright city lights. Following that is the Ursid Meteor Shower, peaking on the night between December 21 and 22. The most ideal time to try catching the Ursids is during the pre-dawn hours, before sunrise. Between the two, the Geminid Meteor Shower will be more easily viewable, as you can expect to see up to 120 meteors per hour during the peak. According to the Science Centre, “The Geminids are often bright and intensely colored, but due to their medium-slow velocity, persistent trains are not usually seen.” On the other hand, only five to 10 meteors are usually seen during the Urs

Move over, Spotify Wrapped. Google has just released its Year In Search list, an annual round-up of the talk of the town – and much like Singapore as a society itself, our local list of top-trending search results is a colourful mixed bag. From AI and new events and attractions to the screen titles that have caught the most eyeballs, read on to find out what’s kept everyone curious and yapping in Singapore over the course of 2025. Last year’s list saw the cheeky looking Pop Mart character Labubu emerge as one of the top five overall search results, and boy are we glad that’s over. In fact, it seems like Singaporeans might be tightening their belts, with mortgage quotes, SG60 vouchers, and CDC vouchers making some of the most Googled topics for local news. That’s not to say that they aren’t looking to spend on shiny new toys – the iPhone 17 has also seen a high volume of searches, just like the iPhone 16 in 2024. Photograph: Google On the pop culture front, Korean entertainment remains highly popular, with Netflix shows Bon Appétit, Your Majesty, survival thriller drama Squid Game, and When Life Gives You Tangerines dominating the list. For movies, it’s an assortment of live-action and animated films that have captured our attention spans, with the highest-ranking one being Mission Impossible. And, surprise, surprise – KPop Demon Hunters with its infectious theme song ‘Golden’ is one of them too, along with How to Train Your Dragon, Thunderbolts, and Superman. Photograph: G

If your only plans for the end of the week are staying at home and doomscrolling, it’s high time to get off your bum and shake up that sedentary routine. There’s so much happening in town on weekend nights, and no, we’re not taking cries of “it’s too far” and “I’m lazy to travel” as excuses – because CapitaLand has just launched a brand new shuttle bus service which operates between hotspots in town, CQ @ Clark Quay itself, and residential areas. Plus, with the day-to-night venue recently undergoing a massive revamp, there’s no reason why you should hole yourself up instead of exploring every corner of this vibrant precinct. It sounds almost too good to be true, but the CQ Night Shuttle is absolutely free to board, with looping pick-ups and drop-offs between the lifestyle hub and various points in town between 11pm to 3am. These include Somerset MRT, Ion Orchard, Ascott Orchard, Plaza Singapura, and Raffles City. Forget about your usual bedtime, because as long as you can easily zip around without forking out on cab fare, the night is still young as far as we are concerned. What about getting home, then? That’s all accounted for as well, provided you stay in the east or west. After the clubs and bars in CQ have closed for the night, the shuttle bus embarks from Clarke Quay 4am with direct one-way routes to Tampines MRT station and Westgate in Jurong. Even if you don’t live in either corner of the island, having one leg of your commute covered by the shuttle’s town loop is alr

In case you haven’t heard, we’re getting a wonderful six long weekends next year, and you know what that means: Time to pencil in some quick getaways so that there’s always something on the horizon to look forward to. According to insights by travel booking site Traveloka, short holidays or ‘microcations’ are on the rise these days, with 60 percent of searches from Singaporeans centred around short-haul destinations. Most popular are Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, and if you’re already itching for fresh adventures around the region in 2026, here’s some good news: Traveloka’s 12.12 Super Sale is currently ongoing, with a slew of hot travel booking deals from now to December 12, 2025. Some unmissable highlights:  Buy-one-get-two-free hotel deals at 3pm daily $1,200 coupons at 12pm and 3pm daily Midnight flash sales with up to $120 off flights and hotels Midnight Flash Sales: Up to $120 off flights and hotels during midnight flash sales Additional 12 percent off hotels and travel activities booked from December 10 to 12 Happy hour flight deals with up to $280 in stackable coupons from December 10 to 12 Fastest fingers first – the timed coupon drops are especially sought after, so you’ll want to be on standby minutes before the clock ticks down. Traveloka also reports that local attractions and activities, such as Harry Potter: Visions of Magic and the new Singapore Oceanarium saw the highest volume of bookings this year. Good news for those looking

It’s the era of pistachio everything right now, all thanks to the viral Dubai chocolate that’s inspired by kunafe (also known as kunafa or knafeh), a Middle Eastern dessert. While this sweet, buttery, pistachio-topped treat typically comes with a cream cheese filling, Fix Dessert Chocolatier put their own spin on it by encasing crispy kataifi pastry and decadent pistachio cream within chocolate bars – and the rest, as we all know, is history. Plenty of dupes have sprung up on the market, but the real Slim Shady is finally within reach. Flying in all the way from Dubai, Fix Dessert Chocolatier has landed at Singapore’s Changi Airport for a limited-time pop-up, with five of their signature flavours in tow. This, of course, includes the hot-selling ‘Can’t Get Knafeh Of It’ slabs. Others to try include ‘Pick Up A Pretzel’ and ‘Mind Your Own Buiscoff’, which probably don’t need any explanation. Each chocolate bar is priced at $34.90. The only catch? Fix Dessert Chocolatier’s Singapore pop-up, which remains open from 6am to 12am daily until January 30, 2026, is located at the transit area of Changi Airport Terminal 1. This means that you’ll need a flight booked within this period – or will have to enlist the help of someone who’s travelling soon – in order to get your hands on this highly raved indulgence. Find out more about Fix Dessert Chocolatier here and learn more about its pop-up in Singapore here. READ MORE The first Hibiki whiskey concept restaurant outside Japan opens in S

Exciting new waves are about to rock Singapore’s seas just before the year ends. The Ritz-Carlton’s cruise arm is launching its Luminara superyacht this month, and our sunny island has been chosen as its home port. What this means is that a schedule of all-new sea adventures embarking from or docking in Singapore are now an option – all with an unmatched level of luxury and class. This comes months before the launch of the new Disney Adventure Cruise embarking from Singapore, which has since been delayed to March 2026 instead of its original planned date in December 2025. The first thing you should know about the Ritz-Carlton’s Luminara yacht? Windowless underground rooms aren’t an option here. All cabins are spacious suites with their own private balconies, with ocean panoramas never far from view. That should give you an idea of the level of luxury you’re dealing with. Even the lowest tier comes with a king bed, a double vanity bathroom, 24-hour in-room dining, and a complimentary minibar stocked based on your liking. The Luminara boasts a total of six dining concepts, including a premium Korean concept and a chill pool bar where you can lounge by the pool while sipping cocktails. Relax with amenities like the Ritz-Carlton Spa, a gym with personalised nutrition guidance, an open-deck bar, and social lounge. Now, brace yourselves for the prices: The cheapest route on the schedule so far is a one-way, nine-night voyage, starting from Colombo, Sri Lanka and landing in Singapor