Stuck in Singapore for Christmas? Best Places To Explore To Get Into the Festive Mood

I was out with my friend and we were walking past a store that was heavily speckled with Christmas decor.

“Miao, do you know what this means?” She asked.

I gave her a confused shrug.

“THIS MEANS THAT CHRISTMAS IS COMING!!!! In just… about… 45 days!!”

Given how chaotic this year has been, it is no surprise for us to look forward to Christmas to help perk us up.

Because that would mean that the year is FINALLY ending as well.

While COVID-19 has ruined our plans to have a white Christmas at a faraway land with snow-capped mountains, bustling Christmas markets, with a cup of hot cocoa in our hand while riding on reindeers, we can still have a good Christmas while we are stuck in Singapore.

If you’re looking for some places to visit to get into the festive mood, here are some of the best places you can visit for cheap or even free!

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TL;DR: Best Christmas Spots in Singapore To Visit To Get Into the Festive Mood

Christmas Wonderland 2020 at Gardens by the Bay (With a Virtual Wonderland)

Are you a fan of Gardens by the Bay’s (GBTB) yearly Christmas Wonderland?

I’ve always felt like that was the closest I could get to feeling like I’m celebrating Christmas overseas, with its dazzling lights and sculptures.

While there will still be the Walk of Lights featuring eight light installations in stunning new designs ($5 per entry ticket), this year’s event will also have a virtual edition.

While you might scoff at the $8 membership fee to join the Virtual Wonderland look at hyper-realistic graphics and access interactive content via desktop screens, frequent GBTB goers might want to see it as a chance to join The Great Christmas Wonderland Giveaway, which is a chance to win up to $50,000 in cash and prizes.

Some prizes include:

• Over $30,000 in cash
• Lenovo products worth $5,000
• F&B vouchers worth over $3,5000
• Staycation packages at The Warehouse Hotel worth $1,500
• Staycation packages at The Ritz-Carlton Millenia worth $1,250
• Staycation package at Hilton Hotel worth $750

There’s even Christmas Karaoke, carnival games, a Christmas song contest…

And you can even have a private video call with Santa if you up your membership tier to $25.

So creative.

Dates & Timings:

Walk of Lights: 4 to 27 Dec 2020, 6.30pm – 11.00pm (last admission 10.30pm)

Virtual Wonderland: Now – Thu, 31 Dec 2020

Christmas Programmes and Live Performances and at Gardens by the Bay

Besides the iconic Christmas Wonderland, get to immerse in the Christmas spirit with festive programmes held at the Gardens as well!

There will be lunchtime performances by local and inclusive acts, and if you’re interested in getting a selfie with Mr Santa, there will be meet-and-greet sessions with Santa and his friends.

Get to enjoy programmes involving the four Nordic Embassies in Singapore – The Royal Danish Embassy, Embassy of Finland, Royal Norwegian Embassy, and the Embassy of Sweden.

Including Nordic Santa meet-and-greet sessions and a traditional Swedish Lucia Procession right here in Singapore.

Guess that’s the closest we can get to Sweden right now!

Location: Flower Field Hall (Flower Dome) & The Canopy

Dates & Timings: 5 to 26 Dec 2020

Shiseido Forest Valley at Jewel Changi Airport

Can’t travel overseas for real snow, but we can still experience snowfall right here in Singapore.

And perhaps imagine ourselves going overseas while we are at the airport…

The Shiseido Forest Valley at Jewel Changi Airport is decked out with festival decorations with lots of photo taking opportunities.

Every $30 nett spend at Jewel Changi Airport admits 2 people on the same day, and admission is free for children below 3 years old (an accompanying adult with a qualifying receipt is required).

No re-entry is allowed, and you just have to present the qualifying receipt at Level 1 to enjoy the snowfall.

Dates & Timings: 19 Nov to 3 Jan 2021, 6.30pm, 7.30pm, 8.30pm, 9.30pm and 10.30pm

tokidoki Snow Holiday at Changi Airport

While you’re frolicking under the snowfall at Shiseido Forest Valley, why not experience snow to a greater level while you’re there?

Get to experience winter at Singapore’s largest double-storey snow house with the tokidoki characters at Changi Airport!

Nevermind if you don’t know who these characters are, you don’t have to pay an entry fee to enjoy sub-zero temperatures.

Get to redeem 1 complimentary activity pass (child or adult) for every $30 (or $80 at supermarkets) spend at public areas at T1, T3 and Dino Fest at T4.

There can be a maximum of 4 activity passes in a single receipt.

Each session consists of a 20-minute briefing and 20 minutes of snow playtime.

It’s almost like a mini Snow City, where you get to don on winter wear and ride on a snow luge.

Location: Terminal 3, Departure Hall, next to check-in row 11

Dates & Timings: Now to 3 Jan 2021, 10.40am – 10.20pm daily (last entry at 9.40pm)

Land of Snowflakes at Capitol Singapore Outdoor Plaza

I remember catching a ballet performance about The Nutcracker when I was younger and was completely enthralled.

Because of that, The Nutcracker has a special place in my heart.

Lucky for me, Capitol Singapore is running a Nutcracker-themed Christmas this year along with CHIJMES.

Get to enjoy the sights of Nutcracker soldiers, light installations, an 8-metre Singing Tree and get to browse over 20 booths at their Christmas market (more stalls online too).

Get to enjoy five-minute snow shows as well, at 7:30pm, 8:30pm and 9:30pm daily.

If you’re feeling fancy, you can also choose to dine in one of the insta-worthy air-conditioned domes that are decked out in Christmas decorations.

If not, you can choose to just take photos from the outside which doesn’t cost anything. 😉

Dates: 20 Nov to 25 Dec 2020

Christmas on a Great Street at Orchard Road

If you’re not feeling Christmas vibes yet, you can always count on Orchard Road to get you into the festive mood.

Just a stroll down the streets and squeezing in the crowds can make you feel like you’re in the midst of 25 December again.

COVID-19 has changed some of our plans and Orchard Road is not spared as well.

However, the public will still be able to enjoy this iconic light-up along the streets, both physically and virtually this year.

This year’s decorations will be strung across Somerset, Orchard and Tanglin, with brightly lit snowflakes along with mistletoe and hollies in white, gold and blue.

The virtual experience‘s quite a special one though – get to ‘drive’ along the 3.1km stretch from Tanglin Mall to Dhoby Ghaut with a virtual 360° tour.

I gave the virtual experience a shot and it was pretty impressive.

It was the first time I felt peace in a car while roaming down the streets of Orchard Road, with no angry honking and even having happy Christmas tunes filling my ears.

Pretty cool experience, give it a shot if you’d like to take a peek at this unique version!

Dates: Now till 1 Jan 2021

Island Lights With Sanrio Characters at Sentosa

If you’re a fan of Hello Kitty, Pompompurin, My Melody or Little Twin Stars, this event is made for you.

Get to enjoy seven large light installations at Sentosa and snap some selfies alongside some LED neon outlets of these Sanrio characters.

There’s also a 12-metre feature panel for you to enjoy as well, along with five special benches with LED outlets of these characters as backrests.

Admission for this event is free, although prior booking is required due to safe distancing measures.

Interested individuals can register up to 5 pax per visit, and the session timings are as follows:

• Session 1: 7.30pm to 8.30pm
• Session 2: 8.30pm to 9.30pm
• Session 3: 9.30pm to 10.30pm

Sessions are available for booking 5 days in advance, with the first session open for booking on Monday, 7 Dec 2020.

For entry, just head down to Siloso Beach (entrance at Sapphire Pavilion) and show the email confirmation.

Note: Get $5 off Grab ride when you use the promo code: SentosaFun, for pick up outside Sentosa and drop off at Sentosa

Dates: 12 Dec 2020 to 3 Jan 2021

Decorations by Uncle Tan at Marsling

This is one iconic spot that has tugged the heartstrings of many Singaporeans.

Mr Tan, or more affectionately known as Uncle Tan, has been decorating Marsling for over 10 years, filling the heartlands with heartwarming Christmas joy.

He is a skilled carpenter who has decided to use his skills to create something for his community, even ordering materials from overseas in advance to allow residents to enjoy his creations.

According to an interview with Our Grandfather Story, his children have been wanting to give him money to go overseas but he felt that this money would be put into better use if it’s something done for the community.

So wholesome sia. 😭

While there has not been any news on whether he would still be working on his creations this year, we certainly hope that this lovely tradition will continue on for the many years to come.

Thank you Uncle Tan for your efforts!

Location: In front of Block 178 Woodlands Street 13

Christmas Events and Celebrations in Singapore 2020

Christmas is almost here!

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