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

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.

Glamping in the Clouds - Festive Things to do in Singapore

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.

Glampicnic at Changi - Festive Things to do in Singapore

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.

Dino Kart

Photo credit: Changi Festive Village

Tokidoki fans can explore the themed plane cabin, or build a snowman at the double-storey snow house.

Tokidoki Snow House - Festive Things to do in Singapore

Photo credit: Changi Festive Village

Read also: Everything You Need To Know About Jewel Changi Airport — 25 Stores And Attractions Worth Travelling (To The East) For

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

Dome Dining - Festive Things to do in Singapore

Photo credit: CHIJMES

Wouldn’t mind social distancing in these dreamy domes!

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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!

Dome Dining at Capitol Singapore

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.

Dome Dining on CHIJMES Lawn

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

Christmas Wonderland 2020 - Festive Things to do in Singapore

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

Orchard Road Light Up 2020 - Festive Things to do in Singapore

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.

Christmas on a great street 2020 - Festive Things to do in Singapore

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

Orient Express Singapore

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!

Orient Express Restaurant

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

Shine a Light 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

CHIJMES - 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!


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