It’s finally Christmas!
As 2020 draws to a close, we can’t help heaving a sigh of relief. What a year it’s been!
Singapore’s Christmas celebrations may be less flashy this time (thanks, COVID) but they’re still pretty magical, with festive villages, stunning light-ups, and real-istic snowfall. Who knew this was possible in sunny Singapore?
So put on your Santa hats for these festive things to do in Singapore this December:
1) Changi Festive Village
Photo credit: Changi Festive Village
Since we can’t travel out of Changi Airport, they’re bringing exciting new experiences to us!
The Changi Festive Village has transformed Jewel Changi, Terminal 3, and Terminal 4 into a fun-filled winter wonderland.
Photo credit: @amebeverly via Instagram
Step into Santa’s Workshop at the Shiseido Forest Valley, and admire its 16m-tall Christmas tree. From 6:30PM, the area transforms with sparkling lights and a magical snowfall. While Changi’s glampcation options are currently sold out, you can still enjoy a luxe picnic overlooking the HSBC Rain Vortex.
Photo credit: Changi Festive Village
If you can’t get enough of the new Changi Jurassic Mile, try out the new dinosaur-themed activities. Strap into the Dino Kart and zip around neon-lit tracks, going up to 24km/h!
For something more chill, stroll around the Dino Wanderland and grab pics with life-sized dinos. Kids between five to 12-years-old will enjoy the Dino Bounce, a bouncy castle with a wave wall, tree maze, and four-metre-tall slide.
Photo credit: Changi Festive Village
Tokidoki fans can explore the themed plane cabin, or build a snowman at the double-storey snow house.
Photo credit: Changi Festive Village
Entrance fee: Most attractions are free with minimum spend of S$30 in a single receipt
Event period: 20 Nov 2020 – 3 Jan 2021. Check attraction timings here
How to get there: 2min walk from Changi Airport MRT Station
2) Festive Domes at CHIJMES and Capitol Singapore
Photo credit: CHIJMES
Wouldn’t mind social distancing in these dreamy domes!
These air-conditioned bubbles will get you in the festive mood, with beautiful backdrops and lights. You can enjoy al-fresco dining, take pretty photos, and even rent complimentary board games for a fun chillout session!
Photo credit: Capitol Singapore
This experience is currently available at the CHIJMES Lawn and Capitol Singapore’s Outdoor Plaza, two spots in Singapore that are already super aesthetic.
Photo credit: CHIJMES
Best of all, admission is practically free. Simply purchase food or drinks from the respective CHIJMES or Capitol Singapore restaurants, and enjoy it in the dome!
Dome dining at CHIJMES
Cost: Free with purchase of food and drinks from CHIJMES
Event period: 2hr slots from 20 Nov 2020 – 3 Jan 2021. (Booking required)
How to get there: 3min walk from City Hall MRT Station
Dome dining at Capitol Singapore
Cost: Free with purchase of food and drinks from Capitol Singapore or Arcade @ The Capitol Kempinski
Event period: 2hr slots from 20 – 25 Nov 2020. (Booking required)
How to get there: 3min walk from City Hall MRT Station
3) Christmas Wonderland 2020 at Gardens By The Bay
Photo credit: Christmas Wonderland
Lucky for us, Christmas Wonderland 2020 is still happening, albeit with a few changes. There are two ways to enjoy the experience — onsite or virtually (i.e. from the comfort of your bed).
Visit the Walk of Lights at Gardens By The Bay, featuring state-of-the-art light installations. Each piece is handmade by Italian craftsmen with white wood from the South of Italy.
If you’d rather explore from the comfort of your home, visit the Christmas Wonderland: Virtual Edition. It’s filled with festive performances and interactive games, with over S$50,000 in cash and prizes to be won! Do note you’ll have to sign up for a Virtual Christmas Wonderland Membership first.
A taste of what to expect: Christmas Wonderland 2019 at Gardens By The Bay.
Entrance fee: S$5 for the Walk of Lights (reservations required). From S$8 for Virtual Christmas Wonderland Membership
Event period: Walk of Lights is open for over 9 sessions from 6:30PM – 10:30PM daily, from 4 – 27 Dec 2020. Christmas Wonderland: Virtual Edition is running from now till 31 Dec 2020
How to get there: 10min walk from Bayfront MRT Station
4) Orchard Road Light-up: Christmas On a Great Street
Photo credit: Orchard Road Business Association
The dazzling Orchard Road lights are a must-see every Christmas. While this year’s light-up is scaled-down, it’s still a beautiful sight, with glittering snowflakes, reindeer, and mistletoe.
This year also includes a virtual experience, where you can ‘drive’ along Tanglin Mall to Plaza Singapura. This 2.9km route features 360° views of the festive lights.
Photo credit: Orchard Road Business Association
With the theme ‘Love This Christmas’, the light-up is dedicated to Singapore’s front-line workers. Nominate a front-line hero and share their story on the virtual microsite — you might win prizes for them and yourself!
Event period: Now till 1 Jan 2021. Or enjoy the virtual drive-through here
How to get there: Across Somerset, Orchard, and Tanglin precincts
5) Once Upon A Time on The Orient Express
Photo credit: Orient Express Exhibition
Now that Christmas in Europe is off the cards, recreate the experience at Gardens by the Bay! Once Upon A Time on The Orient Express is a limited-time pop-up that’s perfect for the festive season.
The Orient Express was a legendary train service from back in 1883. The train became a symbol of the height of luxury travel and world-changing exploration.
Explore the train’s original carriages, and experience exotic stopovers along the route, with over 300 restored historic artefacts!
Photo credit: Orient Express Exhibition
Besides the museum, enjoy themed activities like a ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ escape room, and a replica restaurant car helmed by a Michelin-starred chef.
Singapore is the first destination to host this exhibition outside of France, so don’t miss the chance to see it!
Entrance fee: From S$25
Event period: 12 Dec 2020 – 13 Jun 2021
How to get there: 10min walk from Bayfront MRT Station to the West Lawn, Gardens by the Bay
Bonus: Shine a Light Show at Marina Bay
Photo credit: Urban Redevelopment Authority
To celebrate the end of a challenging year, Marina Bay is launching a special light display this December. Called Shine a Light, the show symbolises unity, resilience, and positivity, and the hope to emerge stronger in 2021.
The three-minute show is visually spectacular — comprising 60 light beams dancing across the sky.
While the beams will be projecting from The Promontory @ Marina Bay, you can watch the show at most spots around Marina Bay. Perfect if you’re also visiting the other festive activities on this list!
Entrance fee: Free
Event period: In 15min intervals from 8PM – 10:30PM from 1 – 31 Dec 2020. The show lasts till 11:45PM on 31 Dec
How to get there: 3min walk from Downtown MRT Station to The Promontory @ Marina Bay
Celebrate Christmas With These Festive Things to Do in Singapore
Photo credit: CHIJMES
As rough as this year has been, we’re lucky we get to go out and celebrate. Do remember to stay safe as you enjoy these festive things to do! After all, Christmas cheer should be the only thing we spread this season.
Read also: 2D1N Southern Islands Staycation — St John Island, Lazarus Island, Kusu Island on a Yacht
What’s your favourite festive thing to do in Singapore? Let us know in the comments below!
