The ultimate guide to Christmas in Singapore

Fact – everything is Instagrammable if you nail the angle, focus and lighting. But if you’re not up for the legwork, count your lucky stars as Singapore is a treasure trove of Instagram-worthy places. And this Christmas is no exception. The holiday season returns with more bauble-filled fir trees, super-bright light installations, and all the trimmings that scream Narnia, making your festive snapshot a magical one. RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to Christmas and the best places to see Christmas lights and decorations in Singapore

Santa Claus is coming to town (here's hoping the travel restrictions won't stop him) – 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 ultimate guide to Christmas in Singapore and the best shops in Singapore for Christmas trees and decorations   

While snow (and travel) isn't on the list this holiday season, that doesn't mean sunny Singapore is anywhere short of festivities and Yuletide cheer. From virtual Christmas markets to dazzling lights and decorations – and even a surprise visit from Santa Claus – here are the best Christmas events decking the halls of the city. RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to Christmas in Singapore and the best places to see Christmas lights and decorations in Singapore

A wintery Christmas isn't on the cards 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 

A wintery holiday in the UK may be off the cards, but that doesn't mean you can't give your yuletide affair in tropical Singapore a British spin. From stuffing yourself with pigs in a blanket (we won't judge) and sharing a festive dad joke from a Christmas cracker to re-watching Love, Actually and staying glued to the Queen's Christmas message, here's our guide on how to have a full-fat British Chrimbo in Singapore. We'll even skip the pantomime this year, how about that? RECOMMENDED: How to spend a tropical Christmas in Singapore and How to spend a Japanese Christmas in Singapore

When it comes to Christmas, the Japanese do things a little differently. Instead of the usual festive bird and stuffing, the meal is swapped out for gloriously crispy fried chicken. And instead of large gatherings with loved ones, the festive affair is more intimate in Japan; Christmas Eve is the equivalent of Valentine’s Day for them, and couples cosy up at romantic restaurants to share a meal, or take romantic strolls looking at Christmas light displays. And if all these sound like your scene, here’s how you can throw yourself a Japanese-esque Christmas this year, right here on our sunny island. RECOMMENDED: How to spend a tropical Christmas in Singapore

There are only two seasons in Singapore: hot and hotter. And a combination of wet when monsoon season hits. But snow in Singapore? Keep on dreaming. 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. Whether you're suiting up for snowy shoot-out or lacing up your skates for that Michelle Kwan moment, these cold spots will have you singing Let It Snow – or Ice, Ice, Baby. RECOMMENDED: The best places to see Christmas light and decorations in Singapore and the best Christmas events 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

Christmas has become synonymous with Santa Claus, and all things jolly. But it also comes with a dark side. Legend has it that Christmas Eve is traditionally a time for restless spirits to roam the earth – something Ebeneezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol would know. It's even darker in some countries, with scary monsters popping up during the holidays to cause chaos and punishing anyone who has been naughty. It’s mostly stories to encourage little children to be good so as to receive their presents. Whether it's these nefarious characters or Singapore’s recent chilly weather, we're getting goosebumps. RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to Christmas in Singapore and the best Christmas movies to watch this festive season