1.Christmas Tree Buying
Song Lang Gardens
378 Tanjong Katong Road 437134
Does anything smell better than real pine needles? Pick up a reasonably priced fresh Christmas tree at this East Coast nursery, most trees are sized to fit into a Grab cab. Nearby, Bedok Garden & Landscaping (4A Bedok South Road, Singapore 469271) also offers a good range of festive firs, as does its parent outlet Far East Flora (555 Thomson Road, Singapore 298140) who also stock Christmassy wreaths and table settings.
2. Let it Snow
Tanglin Mall
163 Tanglin Road 247933
www.tanglinmall.com.sg
Snow in steamy hot Singapore is an unlikely event, but over the festive season, Tanglin Mall stages regular dumpings of fake, foamy flakes, with a side of shopping and Santa appearances. Check their website for times, and dress kids in their swim gear (and goggles) with a towel and a change of clothes. They’ll get soaked.
3. Christmas on a Great Street
Orchard Road, various locations
This year, Orchard Road has partnered with Disney for their annual Christmas explosion of lights and colour. Until Jan 1, this famous shopping precinct is transformed into an OTT Christmas wonderland, with decorations running right along the 2.9 kilometre stretch, from Tanglin Mall to Plaza Singapura. Expect Disney faves Frozen and Toy Story, plus Ariel, Mickey, Minnie, and the Disney princesses. Bring good walking shoes and prepare for crowds!
4. Gardens by the Bay Christmas Wonderland 2018
Supertree Grove and The Meadow
*Over the Christmas period, access to the Supertree Grove from 3.30-11pm will require a Christmas Wonderland ticket.
Gardens by the Bay’s impressive Christmas Wonderland village runs until 26 December and boasts a dazzling array of stunning light sculptures, festive markets and fun carnival games. There’s also a mass carolling event, as well as other performances at Golden Garden, The Canopy, between 20-25 December. Or check out the enormous live Christmas tree in Flower Dome and other festive floral sculptures.
5. Meet Santa
Cluny Court
501 Bukit Timah Road, 259760
clunycourt.com
Looking to get a selfie with the bearded guy in the red suit? Take the kids to meet Father Christmas at Cluny Court’s Meet & Greet sessions. Check out Santa’s appearance times at facebook.com/ClunyCourt. The shopping centre also has carolling and a popular Christmas fair and market.
6. Christmas Services
St Andrews Cathedral
11 St Andrew’s Road, 178959
Not forgetting Christmas is a deeply religious and spiritual time (and not just about the pressies!) – head along with loved ones to the stunning St Andrews church for their traditional Christmas Eve Midnight Eucharist, held on 24 December at 10:30pm. On Christmas Day they traditionally have a 9am Christmas Service in Mandarin and an 11am Christmas Service with Holy Communion. Check times at cathedral.org.sg
NEW YEARS:
7. Marina Bay Singapore Countdown
Marina Bay – The Promontory, Bayfront,
Civic District, NS Square
No plans for NYE? Celebrate at Singapore’s iconic annual New Year’s Eve Countdown, which lights up Marina Bay on 31 December. Join thousands of revellers and families as the clock ticks down to 2019. This year there will be pop-up food stalls, photo installations, movie screenings, water rides and rollercoasters. The official countdown starts a minute before midnight, followed by a dazzling fireworks display. For details visit marinabaycountdown.sg
8. Siloso Beach Party
Siloso Beach, Sentosa
sentosa.com.sg/silosobeachparty
Looking for an epic kid-free New Year’s bash on the sands of Sentosa? Join the Siloso Beach cool crowd on 31 December for the annual Beach Countdown Party. Listen to dance tunes spun by Asia’s finest DJs, hit the mosh pit, watch spectacular fireworks and boogie your way into 2019. The party officially ends at 6am! Will you be the last one standing?
