Stellar ideas for a perfect Christmas celebration in the tropics
A wintry Christmas may not be on the cards for most of us this year, but there's still a myriad of ways to celebrate yuletide in the tropics. This December, mesmerising light installations illuminate every street in town, Santa's making special appearances all around, our favourite hotels are bringing the festive joy right into their gorgeous guest rooms, festive menus are dished out at the best restaurants in the city, and you can still hunt down smaller-scale Christmas markets. A tropical Christmas ain't so bad after all, hey?
RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to Christmas in Singapore and The best Christmas events in Singapore
Fancy a change of scenery? No vacay, no problem. Round up a few of your closest friends and plan a Christmas staycay this year – whether you're looking for a resort-like experience at Capella Singapore or booking a room at the PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay overlooking gorgeous views of the city. Need recommendations? We've got you with a round-up of the best Christmas staycation promotions in town.
If you're a more rugged sort of adventurer, spring for Night Safari's Camping in the Wild: Christmas Jamboree ($280). Explore the world's first night wildlife park from a private tram, which will bring you on a tour of the world's seven of the world's geographical regions and its animals. This safari includes seldom-seen views of the Seletar Reservoir, and exclusive informative encounters with the animals. End the night with an intimate four-course dinner in a tipi tent. There are parallel tours and staycations at River Wonders and Singapore Zoo, but book quickly as tickets are selling fast.
There's no tropical Christmas without a mention of the beach. Head on to Sentosa and have a picnic and play beach volley or hit up one of the many beach clubs for a tipple. Considering the current safe distancing measures, remember to make a reservation before you head down.
For a sweet centrepiece, consider this adorable igloo-looking cake from Intercontinental Singapore. Its chocolate egg penguin adds a touch of whimsy, while flavours of coconut mousse paired with blackberry lime jelly and coconut lime sponge cake make for a tropical, bright dessert to cut through all that heavy feasting.
Order here singapore.intercontinental.com/festive/
If the traditional Christmas spread doesn’t quite do it for you, opt to have your dinner at Royal Plaza on Scotts Singapore. Carousel’s Asian Kitchen has put a twist on classic dishes with a touch of Singapore’s food culture: satay turkey marinated with ginger, lemongrass and Malay spices and Japanese miso roast chicken. Other festive menu items include coffee glazed veal spare ribs, slow roasted leg of lamb and the traditional roast turkey. With such a huge spread, we’ll have extra helpings of the German Dresden Stollen and delicious logcakes, please.
Can’t experience a far-flung Christmas getaway? Make a trip down to Capella Singapore on Sentosa instead. From December 24 to 26, the chefs at The Knolls will be serving up a transportive menu inspired by global flavours; a four-course dinner ($168) might feature salmon with ikura-lemon beurre blanc, venison trillion with winter truffles, and White Forest made with Spanish almond base.
Reserve at capellahotels.com/en/capella-singapore/offers/celebrate-at-capella
Escape the crowds and visit the idyllic Seletar countryside instead. The garden-front Wildseed Cafe will serve a Christmas afternoon tea set ($58) complete with smoked salmon cheese tart and mini turkey ham and cheese croissant alongside decadent sweets like candy cane cupcakes, cheese eclair scones and Christmas tree chocolate. Other Christmas special menu items include choco-berry pizza ($26) and festive flatbread ($18) with a choice of smoked duck or salmon topping for lunch, and delightful gingerbread latte (from $8) and crême brûlée frappucino ($10).
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