20 reasons why we love Christmas in Singapore

Ask for a BLT – bright lights and trees – and Singapore is sure to serve it up real good. The city sure knows how to put up a show with twinkling fairy lights, stunning festive displays, and elaborated Christmas trees adorned in malls, streets, and even the iconic Gardens by the Bay. Not only do these light installations and decorations lighten up the mood, but they also make an idyllic backdrop for your Instagram, shopping and relaxing stroll through the man-made winter wonderland.

Despite the tropical climate, there’s no shortage of real fir trees to fit your living space with. In fact, you can find them in all shapes and sizes, even fake ones too, so you’ll always be spoilt for choice. But the best bit is, hands-down, the decorating part where you get to adorn them with colourful baubles, tinsels, fairy lights and all the trimmings while singing along to Michael Buble’s Christmas album – or any Christmas album, for that matter.

What’s Christmas without a festive feast? A typical Christmas dinner features the main star turkey (sometimes ham or beef) – all stuffed, roasted and served with all the trimmings including Brussel sprouts, roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, cranberry sauce, and lots and lots of gravy. It’s also the best time to eat whatever you want and put them on your New-Year’s-resolution-dieting tab.

While you stuff yourself silly with the main course, don't forget about the unsung hero of the Christmas table – dessert. Satisfy your sweet tooth with festive desserts from around the world including the Italian panettone, the German stollen and the British mince pies (no mince included). Then pour yourself some mulled wine, eggnog or hot cocoa to wash it all down after. The amount of sugar devoured during this period is, dare we say, almost criminal.

We’re all celebrating a little differently this year, but the season of giving – and gifting – remains. Plus, there’s just something exciting about shopping for loved ones, and receiving presents yourself. If you’re still looking for a stocking filler for the kids, a wellness kit for someone who needs it most, an edible hamper for the foodie in your life or a new gadget for your partner, our gift guides will help you give Santa a run for his money.

'Tis the season for silly Santas, snow-filled smackdowns and cheesy holiday romances that'll put you in the festive mood. Thanks to Netflix, HBO Go, and more, there are plenty of frothy movies to binge-watch in your ugly Christmas jumper. Whether you're in the mood for a cheesy rom-com, a cult classic, or an action-packed blockbuster, the most wonderful time of the year is best done with Christmas movies – besides the prezzies and turkey, of course.

While the city never reaches sub-zero temperatures for a white Christmas, it makes up for the lack of natural resources with indoor ice skating rinks and faux snow this festive period. Whether you're suiting up for a snowy shoot-out at Snow City, sliding down a 12-metre-long snow luge at Changi Airport, or lacing up your skates for that Michelle Kwan moment at The Rink, these cold spots will have you singing Let It Snow – or Ice, Ice, Baby.

The reliance on social media to connect with others has been greater than ever this year due to the circuit breaker and social distancing measures. Regardless of where you are in Singapore or abroad, you can always spread the cheer through kind messages and magical moments captured on camera. Good thing Singapore is a treasure trove of Instagram-worthy places, including some that look like they come straight outta Narnia.

We don't want to hear it – Die Hard is a Christmas movie, period. And if you hear someone greet you with John McClane’s famous one-liner (and the greatest in movie history – well, in our books), don’t be alarmed. It’s probably that person’s way of saying Merry Christmas, Feliz Navidad, and all that jazz.

The festive period sits nicely during the December school holidays, which is a good time for families to bond. Whether you choose to head out or stay home, there are plenty of things to keep your active tots and tykes busy including the kid-friendly exhibitions at the various museums, Christmas events around town, and more.

Not only does it bring people together but Christmastime also brings thoughts together. And after a rollercoaster of a year, it’s also a good time to collect your thoughts, reflect on the year’s events and set goals for the coming year ahead.