Rachel Yohannan

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

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

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.

Whether you're a regular runner or just looking to get moving, Singapore has no shortage of scenic trails that make your time outdoors worth it. From quiet nature trails to breezy coastal paths, we’ve rounded up some of the best running routes across the island. So lace up, head outside and get a dose of fresh air.  If you’re looking to soak in the fresh air and stunning scenery while testing your fitness limits, sign up for Singapore T100 and challenge yourself on April 5 and 6 at Marina Bay. RECOMMENDED: The best nature trails in Singapore and The best hiking trails and spots in Singapore  

People who don’t live in cities will tell you they’re busy, lonely and expensive places. But there’s a reason so many people choose to live in them: with world-class art and culture, unbeatable food and nightlife, buzzing neighbourhoods and a dizzying amount of stuff to do and see, there’s simply no better place to be.  Every year, we take the pulse of city living by quizzing thousands of locals across the planet about life in their hometowns. This year, more than 18,500 city-dwellers shared their insights on everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall city vibe. When urban living can sometimes feel isolating and costly, this year we wanted to get a sense of what, exactly, makes a city feel like home. Sure, the nightlife is great, but is the city safe and walkable? Is good quality food and art available at a reasonable price? Is it easy to make friends, find love, and access nature?  Livability was a key factor in our ranking this year. But a great city to live in is, naturally, a great city to visit. So, along with the thousands of responses from locals around the world, we asked Time Out’s global network of city experts to vote on the places they think are particularly exciting right now. After crunching all that data, here we are: Time Out’s definitive ranking of the world’s best cities in 2025. Read on to see how your hometown fared… RECOMMENDED:🛍️ The coolest neighbourhoods in the world right now🌎 The best things to do in the

You know that the Chinese New Year festivites are starting to get in full swing when you see our island lit up with stunning lanterns and striking red and gold garlands. This year, plenty of serpent-themed decorations are slithering their way across our streets and coiling around every corner to herald the year of the snake. Ready to slide right into the lively bustle of the season? There's no better way than to do so by soaking it all up at these best Chinese New Year light-ups spots for 2025. RECOMMENDED: The best Chinese New Year events in Singapore and Best Chinese New Year 2025 light-ups and displays in Singapore

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.

*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.    

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.

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.

Myth broken: Sensitive skin can be exfoliated – you just have to do it the right way. Learn all about this firsthand at the Cetaphil SkinLabs pop-up, where you’ll get to try the doctor-approved skincare brand’s all-new Gentle Exfoliating SA range. Happening from now till June 29, the experiential event set across two floors of a cosy shophouse includes plenty of interactive highlights like complimentary hand massages and skin analysis, products at 30 percent off, edgy photo spots, denim tote bag customisation, and free travel-sized bottles of skincare. To upgrade your experience, sign up for a yoga session or expert talk during the weekend. These cost $15 to attend, but come with a complimentary Cetaphil goodie bag worth $50 – so that’s more than good bang for your buck. The new Cetaphil Gentle Exfoliating SA range uses an effective yet gentle triple blend of chemical exfoliants to dissolve dead skin cells, treat dullness, and smooth out any unevenness – all without the abrasiveness. This makes it suitable for all skin types, even those with sensitive and irritation-prone skin. There are currently two products in this line: the Gentle Exfoliating SA Cleanser ($17.25) and Gentle Exfoliating SA Lotion ($22.90), both of which come in sizeable 236ml bottles and can be used on both the face and body. The Cetaphil SkinLabs pop-up is located at 265 Beach Road, and is open from now till June 29 from 11am to 8pm. Entry is free. Find out more via Cetaphil’s Instagram page.

You’re probably thinking of the traditional Singaporean toast spread, but don’t be mistaken – this isn’t a mod-Sin establishment. Instead, Kaya is short for ‘izakaya’, so expect Japanese flavours with a bold modern twist. The restobar is located within The Standard, Singapore, a new boutique hotel in Orchard with Hollywood roots and art in every corner. The vibe  Forget the typical gritty smoke-filled izakayas where patrons are crammed in shoulder to shoulder. Kaya at The Standard is roomy and elegant with botanical wallpaper, rattan chairs, and plants cascading from the ceiling – mid-century meets tropical, if you will. For a more casual vibe, opt to sip and dine at the chill outdoor patio that’s shrouded in greenery. The food  Brace your palate for Japanese flavours like you’ve never experienced before. You can’t go wrong by starting with sharing a refreshing pakuchi salad ($14), a simple but addictive poached chicken and cabbage salad topped with cilantro, shiso and ume dressing. The ash karaage ($18), charcoal-grilled oyster-yaki ($32) and burrata no shoyu ($22) with honey shoyu jam and renkon chips are also good choices to split before digging into an indulgent kani meshi nabe ($68) – a stone pot rice dish brimming with snow crab, ikura and uni creme. Don’t leave without trying the sweet potato mont blanc ($16), the perfect autumnal treat of three types of Japanese sweet potato, pistachio sponge and chestnuts. The drink  Creative Japanese-inspired versions of classic coc

Relive the magic of your childhood days with a new Peter Rabbit-themed afternoon tea experience that's hopped its way into Singapore for a limited period of time. In homage to the beloved storybook series by acclaimed children's author Beatrix Potter, each indulgent set comes with sweet and savoury English garden-inspired nibbles – including those shaped like apples, a pot of flowers, and blueberry basket – and adorable themed decor that you can take home as souvenirs. Special care has also been taken to include bunny-friendly ingredients, such as soft seeds, fruits and vegetables. Best of all, you get to enjoy all of this in an elegant lounge on the 70th floor, with sweeping views of Singapore's landmarks and surrounding seas as a backdrop. Find out more about our experience at this Peter Rabbit afternoon tea.

Orchard Road’s newest hotel has recently opened to welcome guests, and it’s one with Hollywood roots. With a name like The Standard, there can only be one of two outcomes – it either sets the, well, standard for other hotels in Singapore’s central shopping district, or risks falling short of its ambitious name in an unfortunate case of irony (see also: café in Singapore called Average Service). Upon Googling images of the hotel along Orange Grove, I was initially a tad doubtful. I could already tell that this wasn’t a particularly sprawling hotel, and while modern as advertised, it didn’t seem to have any standout features – no gym, club lounge, spa and the like. Yet, curious to find out what exactly it is that makes The Standard brand so popular around the world with a presence in more than 10 cities including New York, Ibiza, and Miami, I packed a bag for a one-night stay with no expectations. The short verdict? Whoever was doing the initial stock photography for the hotel certainly didn’t do it justice, and there’s lots more to discover in person. Read on for our full review of The Standard, Singapore. About The Standard hotel group Photograph: Rachel Yohannan for Time OutThe very first Standard Hotel was unveiled along the Sunset Strip in Hollywood back in 1999. That debut branch has since closed as of a couple of years back, but the brand now exists in multiple cities. Each Standard property has its own unique touches, so no two are the same. For example, the one in Lond

Upcoming weekend jaunts to Johor Bahru are looking more exciting than ever. While we anticipate the expansion of City Square Mall to be complete by the end of 2027, featuring a new hotel, adventure park, and wellness hub, something else is closer around the corner: the brand-new SKS City Mall JBCC. Set to open in 2026, this massive shopping centre is located less than five minutes from the checkpoint via car. It offers direct access to the recently opened Sheraton Johor Bahru, making it a perfect pick for an all-in-one holiday ‘home base’. You’ll probably have worked up an appetite after crossing the Causeway. Some food options at SKS City Mall JBCC include traditional Malaysian eatery Tea Garden; chewy cookies from All About Chew; bagel store Palates & Bagel; Penang bakery Ming Ang Confectionery for flaky heong peah pastries; Zus coffee; and kueh lapis specialty store The Lapiserie. Photograph: Universal Citywalk Osaka If you often find yourself getting sucked into Japan’s drugstores, you’ll be thrilled to learn that Matsumoto Kiyoshi (aka Matsukiyo) will be opening at SKS City Mall JBCC. No more plane rides needed to stock up on all your beauty and wellness must-haves. There’s also KKV, boasting shelves piled high with adorable plushies, blind boxes, stationery, and quirky home items. And if your little ones start getting restless, pop into Jungle Gym. Its name says it all – it’s a giant indoor playground full of ball pits, inflatables, and interactive gameplay to help ch

Figuring out your next meal in Singapore is always tough, simply because there are so many cuisines and a whole plethora of amazing eateries to gobble your way through. But if you’re on the hunt for a top-rated dining experience that you can’t go wrong with, perhaps zooming in on the recently revealed Top 100 Restaurants of the World 2025 list can help narrow down the search. As part of the selection by Luxury Lifestyle Awards – which highlights “the world’s most exceptional restaurants, where culinary innovation, artistry, and passion create unforgettable gastronomic experiences” – five venues from Singapore have been identified as the best of the best, with the global selection covering a total of 45 countries. The list isn’t simply about picking luxury restaurants that are known for their brand names; it’s also very much about “exceptional standards in cuisine, service, ambience, and innovation”, fusing tradition and modern food artistry. Singapore’s winners are all incidentally housed within five-star hotels – our world-famous MBS included – so visitors to the island-city might want to eye these places of accommodation to kill two birds with one stone. As for locals, these restaurants are an easy choice if you need an impressive spread for celebrations and special occasions. Photograph: PARKROYAL Best restaurants in Singapore 2025, according to the Luxury Lifestyle Awards Ginger at PARKROYAL on Beach Road, Singapore  Mosella at Pan Pacific Orchard  SanSara at Grand Cop

Another year is drawing to a close, and we’re eager to send off 2025 with a bang – and there’s no better way to do so than with a round of countdown fireworks and pumping beats. No matter where you plan to be with your loved ones this December 31, there are plenty of NYE countdown events happening across Singapore, ranging from big bashes in town to cosier family-friendly ones in the heartlands. Read on for the lowdown. Where are the New Year’s Eve countdowns in Singapore’s town area? The largest NYE countdown event this year is an epic one at Singapore Sports Hub, headlined by Korean pop group Super Junior, who will be performing alongside homegrown musicians including Benjamin Kheng, DJ Farah Farz, and more. As a special treat, there will be a whopping 35 minutes of dazzling fireworks throughout the span of the high-octane party. Another large-scale one in town is the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2026, which includes live music at Esplanade, light art projections on the facade of The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, designed by artists with disabilities, festive showcase Togetherland by World Christmas Market, and, of course, all these will culminate in a spectacular burst of fireworks. There’s also a countdown at CQ @ Clarke Quay, featuring music by homegrown bands and DJs, drone shows along the Singapore River, and art installations. Will there be heartland fireworks for New Year’s Eve 2025? Yes, there will be seven sites with neighbourhood celebrations on December 31, and al

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. Photograph: Marina Bay Sands 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 Muse

After roaring success last year, Gardens by the Bay’s Christmas Train Show is making a comeback at the Flower Dome on November 23 for 2025’s festive season – with this time’s bigger than its debut edition. With almost 20 model trains on a rotating schedule, the train display, inspired by the American Christmas tradition, will feature 145 metres of tracks weaving around and across each other this year. Watch as the trains chug through iconic American landmarks, including the Statue of Liberty, Grand Central Terminal, the Golden Gate Bridge, and more, set against the backdrop of vibrant, festive botanicals like poinsettias and holly. Over 50 types of Christmas trees complete the Yuletide scene, some of which stand as tall as four metres. Lending a cosy atmosphere to this magical setup are luminaries measuring 7.5 metres tall, perfect for that romantic ‘under the mistletoe’ moment with a loved one. Because it’s SG60 this year, a specially designed G-scale SMRT train – that is, a model train with a 1:22.5 proportion – will also glide its way through wooden handcrafted replicas of familiar Singaporean structures like the dragon playground, GBTB’s Supertrees, and conserved shophouses. These are all crafted from recycled materials by Roger & Sons, a local, family-run woodworking business. Gardens by the Bay’s Christmas Train Show will be running at the Flower Dome from November 23, 2025 to January 4, 2026, from 9am to 9pm daily. Entry tickets start from $12. Find out more here. READ

Melodies from the Isle of Berk take flight, with another chance for you to catch Dreamworks’ How to Train your Dragon on the big screen once again – but this time with a live symphony playing all the accompanying soundtracks for a heightened experience. Whether you’re a fan revisiting the fantasy tale featuring adorable dragons Toothless and Hiccup, or are catching the award-winning animated film for the very first time, this immersive screening cum orchestra concert will elevate your viewing experience like never before. Scheduled to be held at the Esplanade Concert Hall on January 17, 2026, at 8pm, the two-hour show (inclusive of a 10- to 15-minute intermission) will feature Singapore’s very own talented Metropolitan Festival Orchestra (MFO), and is presented by 54 Entertainment together with Singapore Street Festival. Standard tickets are priced between $88 and $168 depending on your seat category, while restricted view tickets cost $68. Early bird sales are from November 13 to December 15, 2025. Do note that while the movie is rated “G”, children aged below five years are not permitted to attend. Find out more and book your seats here. READ MORE An immersive 'Kpop Demon Hunters' pop-up is coming to Singapore this December Disney takes over Changi Airport and Jewel with a carnival, light and music showcase and more ‘Beatlemania on Tour’ is bringing your favourite timeless hits to Singapore in May 2026

You may or may not have heard of Panpuri – a luxury Thai wellness brand with a special focus on fragrances. Regardless, you’ll be drawn right in once you lay eyes on its stunning new boutique at Orchard. Fittingly, the brand’s debut in Singapore sees it opening a space that’s inspired by none other than the Vanda Miss Joaquim, our national flower. Dripped out in a deep, sensual shade of purple to channel the orchid, the scent atelier oozes quiet luxury – the kind that makes you feel an instant calm. That’s exactly what trawling through the store is supposed to be like, as it was conceptualised with a sensorial aspect in mind, in collaboration with local design studio Pupil. According to Pupil, the aim was to create “a sanctuary where design and fragrance converge to engage the senses”, so don’t be surprised to feel yourself walking out of Panpuri’s doors feeling more refreshed than when you first wandered in. While fragrances take centre stage, Panpuri also carries a range of wellness-focused beauty and body products, all made using clean and cruelty-free formulas. Panpuri’s Singapore boutique is located at #B1-51 of Takashimaya Shopping Centre, open daily from 10am to 9.30pm. Find out more here. READ MORE A new grocer-dining concept just opened in Dempsey, and it's even got Erewhon-inspired smoothies Christmas Wonderland returns to Gardens by the Bay with dazzling lights, a carnival, a food village – and a flying Santa An immersive 'Kpop Demon Hunters' pop-up is coming to Si

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. Photograph: Christmas Wonderland 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. READ MORE Disney takes over Changi Airport and Jewel with a carnival, light and music showcase, and more An immersive 'Kpop De

Imagine saying hello to the new year while partying it up to K-pop royalty – that’s precisely what you will be doing at Countdown 2026. The annual New Year’s Eve bash, held at the Singapore Sports Hub this year, will be headlined by Super Junior, one of the OG boybands of the Korean pop scene. But don’t skip out if you’re not one for oppas and their slick synchronised dance moves. Other artistes performing at this star-studded event include Chinese singer Cheng Huan, as well as plenty of our own talented crooners such as Benjamin Kheng, Tabitha Nauser, Iman Fandi, and DJs Inquisitive and Farah Farz. Topping it all off – a grand explosion of fireworks once the clock strikes twelve. In total, there will be four bursts of pyrotechnics during the concert, with the first one starting at 9pm. It's the best way to enter 2026, if you ask us.  If you wish to be part of the festivities while staying slightly further away from the throng, enjoy an exclusive experience at the all-new Singapore Sports Hub Beach Club instead, where you’ll get to watch the live feed of the countdown concert against the backdrop of fireworks. This is priced at $100 for a group of four, which works out to $25 per person. On the other hand, tickets to Countdown 2026 cost just $10 per head and each comes with a goodie bag containing water, a poncho, and a packet of chips. Do note that this will be a fully free-standing event, so comfortable shoes are a must. Tickets are now on sale via Ticketmaster, so don’t wa

Like many others, your first taste of a macaron might have been from Ladurée, a luxury French pastry brand that used to have a store in Singapore. Unfortunately, the brand exited the island in 2020 after seven years of operation – but you’ll soon be able to say “bonjour” to it once more with its pastel-drenched comeback. From November 18, 2025 to January 11, 2026, catch Ladurée’s pop-up kiosk at Ion Orchard’s Level 1 atrium for a taste of its sweet morsels, including macarons ($4) in classic and newfangled flavours; chocolate-covered marshmallow bears; cookies and more. Some items are sold by the box, which makes them the perfect addition to any Christmas gathering, or an easy yet foolproof choice for a festive gift. But wait, this isn’t clickbait. Ladurée’s comeback isn’t a temporary flirt with our taste buds. The Parisian brand is taking things slowly and easing into the swing of things before opening a permanent retail store in Singapore next year.  Apart from its bite-sized treats in a rainbow of flavours, Ladurée is also known for its fancy store decor, as well as lifestyle goods, like tote bags in its signature apple green, and even cosmetics. And to think – all these came about simply because of how widely loved its desserts are. With such a lead-up to the macaron specialist’s sweet return, we’re not expecting anything less than the full suite of offerings. As for those who are not yet acquainted with the brand? Well, you’re in for a treat. READ MORE Paraphrase: A tiny

Distance is never an issue for us Singaporeans when it comes to JB jaunts. Whether the latest spot to check out is somewhere near KSL or all the way at Mount Austin, nothing will stop us when we’ve already queued for two hours in a checkpoint jam. And with JB’s cheap taxi fares? We can literally go anywhere. Which is why the good ol’ JB City Square Mall, which used to be the default easy choice before trendier TikTok-worthy spots appeared, might have fallen off your radar in the past couple of years. But that might just be the next ‘it’ place in two years, as the mall right by the Causeway is set for a massive revamp by the end of 2027.  Photograph: Allgreen Properties This won’t just be a quick visual spruce-up or replacement of tenants – it’s a whole major transformation. Johor Bahru City Square Mall will be expanded in floor space to accommodate more than 300 stores – that’s at least 50-odd more than the current 247.  Along with this comes a slew of apartment-hotels – perfect for those who enjoy making a whole weekend of their JB adventures. There will also be a kid-focused adventure park, and a wellness hub with spa, beauty, and health-related offerings. Could our own upcoming wellness attraction at Marina South be facing competition? Either way, one thing’s for sure: City Square Mall isn’t going to remain a mere cab-hailing spot for long. Keep an eye on updates via Johor Bahru City Square Mall’s website and Instagram page.

Pucker up, beauty girlies. Your C-beauty collection is about to expand even further, thanks to the opening of Judydoll’s brand new boutiques in Singapore. This comes just a couple of months after Joocyee’s physical debut on our island, and it’s no coincidence. No, the two brands aren’t competitors – they’re sisters, in fact – and we’re tickled pink to be getting the best of both. To sum it up? Judydoll leans towards youngish and playful, while Joocyee exudes a slightly more mature and elegant vibe, though both embody a similar fun, feminine spirit, evident in their respective store decor and product packaging. Photograph: Judydoll With the increasing demand for trendy C-beauty products, Judydoll is confidently charging full steam ahead with its first international expansion – starting with a new store at Bugis+ in early October 2025, followed by a second one at Orchard’s Wisma Atria just a couple of weeks later. The latter is the larger of the two and is conveniently located just steps away from Joocyee, allowing you to easily compare products from both to make a more informed purchase decision. Not that you’ll need much deliberating, since everything is affordable and oh-so-tempting. Highlights at Judydoll’s new stores include the viral Dual Flash Watery Lip Gloss ($16.90) and Cushion Matte Lock Lip Cream ($14.90) – must-try lippies that first gave the brand its popularity among local makeup junkies. There’s also the Iron Mascara (SGD$13.90), which comes with a stiff iron