The ultimate guide to Christmas in Singapore
If you're celebrating Christmas in sunny Singapore, we've got you covered on what to do, where to eat and the best gifts money can buy
Never mind the tropics – Christmas is still the most magical time of the year in sunny, snowless and snowman-free Singapore. Read on to find out the best events, festive meals, Yuletide desserts and, of course, a gift guide filled with ideas for just about everyone. From all of us here at Time Out Singapore, here's to a very Merry Christmas!
The ultimate Christmas gift guide for 2019
December means it's time to play Secret Santa. Check out our gift ideas – we've got something for everybody, from your outdoorsy best friend to your maximalist mother. A word of warning, you might end up shopping for yourself. But hey, the more we give, the more we receive, right? RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to Christmas in Singapore and the best shops in Singapore for Christmas decorations
The best Christmas events in Singapore
While snow isn't on the list this holiday season, that doesn't mean sunny Singapore is anywhere short of festivities and Yuletide cheer. From Christmas markets and Santa's special appearances to 'snowfall' in the tropics and Nordic gnomes, here are the best Christmas events decking the halls of the city. RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to Christmas in Singapore and the best shops in Singapore for Christmas decorations
The best Christmas parties in Singapore
In the words (or rather, lyrics) of Chris Rea, there's no better feeling than "driving home for Christmas". But the Yuletide doesn't necessarily have to be spent in the crib all day long. If you're in need of a drink or two away from home – but not too far – don your ugliest Christmas sweater and head to the city's nightclubs and music venues for the best parties filled with tinsels, innovative festive drinks and groovy renditions of all your favourite holiday tunes. RECOMMENDED: The best Christmas events in Singapore and the best places to catch the Christmas lights and decorations
The best Christmas meals and festive menus in Singapore
Christmas is the time of gifting, receiving, and most important of all, feasting. Bring your loved ones together for a meal this Christmas season – from the usual turkey and log cakes, to steak and seafood and everything else between. These specially curated Christmas menus will surely get you in the festive mood. RECOMMENDED: The best communal dining restaurants for big groups and the best buffets in Singapore
The best Christmas buffets in Singapore
With Christmas comes the usual suspects. But let’s be real – turkeys, stuffing and the whole shebang is more of a borrowed concept. Sometimes, we just want to indulge in a slice of honey-glazed ham as much as a spicy bowl of laksa. And with cravings so diverse, only these festive buffets can satisfy. RECOMMENDED: The best Christmas meals and festive menus in Singapore and the best Christmas takeaways in Singapore
The best Christmas markets in Singapore for shopping for gifts
Shopping for Christmas presents can be a stressful affair. These festive pop-up Christmas markets can be a blessing. After all, it's for people looking to buy gifts as well and there's plenty of variety at these markets. Catch local crafters and creators at these holiday markets where you can avoid crowded Orchard Road and chain stores. Happy shopping! RECOMMENDED: The best craft stores in Singapore for all your gifting needs and the best home decor and furniture stores in Singapore
The best places to see Christmas lights and decorations in Singapore
Santa Claus is coming to town – and to make St Nick's visit a memorable one, the streets of Singapore is putting up a show with twinkling fairy lights, stunning festive displays and elaborated Christmas trees. Kicking in the holiday spirit, these Christmas light displays not only lighten up moods but also make excellent additions to the 'gram and idyllic backdrops while you shop or stroll through the man-made winter wonderland. RECOMMENDED: The best Christmas events in Singapore and five Insta-worthy malls to visit this Christmas
The best Christmas movies to watch this holiday season
Christmas isn't complete without festive films. With both Frozen 2 and Last Christmas hitting the cinemas this month, our voracious appetite for such films is anything but satisfied. Thanks to Netflix, there are plenty of frothy movies, including originals like the animated Klaus and yet another Vanessa Hudgens holiday special The Knight Before Christmas, 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. Relive your childhood, grab a bowl of popcorn and fix your eyes on the telly with eggnog in hand this holiday season. RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to Christmas in Singapore and the best upcoming movies in Singapore
The best Christmas songs to play during the holidays
You do the Thriller on Halloween, but the minute the clock strikes midnight on November 1, jingle bells are a-ringing. For the next 55 days, having yuletide tunes spilling from speakers around town is inevitable – from ye olde office Christmas parties and holiday specials on the telly to gift shopping and festive feasting. To help you create the ultimate playlist to get in the Christmas spirit – and we’re not talking playing Mariah Carey’s 1994 Christmas album in its entirety – the Time Out team share their festive favourites to play during the holidays. RECOMMENDED: The best Christmas movies and the ultimate guide to Christmas
The best Christmas workshops in Singapore for unique gifts and decor
Instead of cracking your brain to find the best gifts, engage your inner artisan and create gorgeous wreaths, tabletop topiaries, greeting cards and other Christmas accessories at these workshops. With tools and refreshments provided at most of these classes, all you have to do is show up with an appetite to get crafty. RECOMMENDED: The best Christmas markets in Singapore for shopping for gifts and the best shops in Singapore for Christmas decorations
How to have a sustainable Christmas in Singapore
As much as it is the season of abundance, there sure is a lot of waste at Christmas. Discarded packaging from gifts, rolls of wrapping paper that'll go in the bin after unwrapping presents, the log cakes that are for aesthetic purposes and all that plastic – it's time to sober up and curb the wastage. We explore some ways to keep Christmas more meaningful, personalised and little more green this year. Whether it is making conscience dining choices for the Christmas meal or stopping yourself from buying a dozen rolls of wrapping paper, here's our idea of a sustainable Christmas in the city. RECOMMENDED: Where to shop for eco-friendly products in Singapore and the best sustainable dining restaurants in Singapore
The best shops in Singapore for Christmas decorations
The most wonderful time of the year is fast approaching and it's time to get in the festive spirit. Make up for Singapore's lack of winter by turning your humble abode into your very own winter wonderland with a selection of Christmas decorations such as wreaths, ornaments, baubles, socks and fairy lights from the city's best craft and home stores. RECOMMENDED: The best Christmas events in Singapore
5 Insta-worthy shopping malls to visit this Christmas in Orchard Road
‘Tis the season to go shopping and snappin'. Usher in the most wonderful time, and also the most Instagrammable time of the year by heading to these shopping malls that took great lengths to deck its halls in festive cheer. We brave the crowds of Orchard Road to bring you some of the most photogenic malls in town. Photo: Time Out Singapore Orchard Gateway A personal favourite, Orchard Gateway has always been a little more extra when it comes to decorations. We'll always be nostalgic for the wacky Under The Sea theme from a few years back but Orchard Gateway surprised us with an elegant understated White Christmas theme last year. This year it's still classic and simple – sticking to a frosty theme, with penguins and all. Fun fact: you cannot find penguins in the North Pole. Photo: Time Out Singapore Orchard Central Keeping it classic, Orchard Central is all about having a good ol' traditional red and green Christmas. Expect bells, stockings, candy canes, mistletoe and lots of photo opportunities inside and around the mall. Photo: Time Out Singapore Somerset 313 Going non-Christmassy but glittery is Somerset 313's festive decor. Coincidentally, the mall is also celebrating its 10th anniversary so instead of large Christmas trees, you'll find lots of pink and pastel cake and dessert-themed decorations. It's still pretty enough to get into the festive and shopping mood. Photo: Time Out Singapore Wheelock Place With Ngee Ann City and Wisma Atria go
The best Christmas performances to catch in Singapore
December is synonymous with Christmas lights, festive feasts and of course, Mariah Carey. But there’s also Yuletide magic waiting to be found at enchanting ballet showcases, literary adaptations, immersive theatrical dinners and live music performances that get a nod from St Nick himself. Gather the family and countdown to Christmas with these holiday hot tickets. RECOMMENDED: The best Christmas events in Singapore and upcoming theatre and dance performances in Singapore
