The festive yuletide is soon upon us and we’re all gearing up for a solid month of celebration and activities. There are many events in store and each presents a unique and magical experience. The absence of snow may be a bummer for many but year after year, Singapore has proven that you don’t need snow to properly soak up the feeling and vibes of Christmas.

Here, we have come up with a list of 12 places and things to do in Singapore during this festive season—from a life-sized replica of Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, to a slew of fun activities for your little ones—to fully immerse yourselves in the jolly spirit of Christmas.

Photo Credit: HoneyKiids Asia 

ART SCIENCE MUSEUM 

Future World at the Art Science Museum will be having a special festive installation called Sketch Christmas, where you get to make Santa deliver presents with a few taps on a screen. Aside from that, immerse yourself in 10 new and exciting interactive artworks on display!

When: December 1 2018 – January 6 2019

6 Bayfront Avenue
Singapore 018974
Tel: +65 6688 8898
Daily: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront

Photo Credit: The Straits Times 

A WIZARDING WORLD HOLIDAY AT CHANGI 

Muggles and wizards alike will be thrilled to know that for Christmas 2018, Changi Airport will be having a massive Harry Potter set up that involves landmarks from the movie such as Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade and the Whomping Willow with 4 separate installations scattered around the various terminals.

There will also be Harry Potter activities and merchandise up for grabs; it’s a Harry Potter fans dream come true!

When: 16 November 2018 – mid-February 2019

Airport Blvd
Changi Airport Terminal 1, 2 & 3
Tel: +65 6595 6868
Nearest Station: Changi Airport

Photo Credit: BYkidO

CHRISTMAS ON A GREAT STREET @ ORCHARD ROAD 

Orchard Road never fails to leave us in awe at its elaborate festive decorations each year. This year is no different and the theme for 2018 will be Disney. Look out for the Disney-inspired displays and pop-up stalls as well as the roads that will be lined with pretty lights.

When: Till 1st January 2019

CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND @ GARDENS BY THE BAY 

Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay has become a must-visit place every festive season for the beautiful light structures that are perfect for that insta-worthy shot. This year, for their fifth edition, they will be having new highlights such as luminaire mirror maze and a world-class magical experience with illusionist Rob Lake.

When: 30th November 2018 to 26th December 2018

Supertree Grove and The Meadow
18 Marina Gardens Dr
Singapore 018953
Tel: +65 6420 6848
Daily: 4pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront

Photo Credit: Tickikids 

HANSEL & GRETEL’S WINTER ADVENTURE @ SNOW CITY 

Want to experience snow this Christmas but you don’t have the time or funds to travel out of Singapore to do so? Fret not, because you can experience snow at Snow City! This year, their Christmas event revolves around Hansel & Gretel, so don’t forget to have your picture taken with them and Santa Claus himself!

When: 18th November 2018 – 31st December 2018

Snow City
21 Jurong Town Hall Road
Singapore 609433
Tel: +65 6560 2306
Daily: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Jurong East

Photo Credit: Capitaland 

JUNCTION 8: GATEWAY TO SPACE

Reach for the stars at Junction 8 this Christmas with their space theme, Gateway to Space. With every S$50 spent, you get to redeem a free pass that allows you to take part in activities such as their VR ride Straight Into Space and Galaxy Explorer. You can also walk and take pictures at the mesmerising star-lit path with your loved ones.

When: 19 November 2018 to 2nd December 2018

9 Bishan Pl,
Singapore 579837
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bishan

Photo Credit: The Finder Singapore 

POINSETTIA WISHES @ GARDENS BY THE BAY FLOWER DOME 

Fans of Disney Tsum Tsum will be delighted to know that the theme for Christmas this year at the Flower Dome is Tsum Tsum! Watch the adorable characters dance alongside the mesmerising festive decor as well as admire the pretty lights that adorn the entire dome. Get your camera ready for some instagrammable shots!

When: 2 November 2018 to 6 January 2019

18 Marina Gardens Dr
Singapore 018953
Tel: +65 6420 6848
Daily: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront

Photo Credit: Singapore Motherhood

PRUDENTIAL MARINA BAY CARNIVAL 

The ever-popular Prudential Marina Bay Carnival is back again with a whopping 50 rides and game stalls that will be situated solely at the Bayfront Event Space. Thrill-seekers can look forward to more of the carnivals fast-moving rides while those who like to be challenged can attempt to win prizes at the many game stalls.

When: 22 December 2018 – 24 March 2019

12A Bayfront Avenue
Singapore 018970
Daily: 4pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront

SINGAPORE DOG FESTIVAL: A CANINE CHRISTMAS 

Christmas isn’t just for us humans — dogs too deserve to have fun this festive season! This year dog lovers can bring their canines to the first ever Christmas-themed night market for man’s best friend. Treat your furry friend to specially curated animal products as well as goodies to feed your hungry puppers.

When: 14 December 2018 – 16 December 2018

The Grandstand
200 Turf Club Road
Singapore 287994
Tel: +64 6463 4610
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Sixth Avenue

Photo Credit: Singapore Travelholic

SNOWY PLAYTIME @ CITY SQUARE MALL 

Feel the magic of Christmas at City Square Mall with Barney and Friends! Have fun taking pictures with your favourite purple dinosaur as well as dance along to Barney themed Christmas songs. There will also be a foam snow party for everyone to have fun in.

When: 16 November 2018 – 30 December 2018

City Square Mall
180 Kitchener Road
Singapore 208539
Daily: 8.15pm – 9.15am
Nearest Station: Farrer Park

Photo Credit: Honeykids Asia 

TANGLIN MALL’S CHRISTMAS WINTERLAND 

Tanglin Mall is back again with its famous annual Christmas Wonderland which features falling snow! Children (and even adults) can have fun frolicking around in the foam snow while dancing along to the merry Christmas music.

When: 9 November 2018 – 1 January 2019

163 Tanglin Road
Singapore 247933
Tel: +65 6736 4922
Weekends: Avalanche 7.30pm – 7.45pm, Snow 7.45pm – 8pm
Weekends: Avalanche 7.30pm – 7.45pm & 8.30pm – 8.45pm, Snow 7.45pm – 8pm & 8.45pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

Photo Credit: Channel NewsAsia 

THE GREAT CHRISTMAS VILLAGE @ NGEE ANN CITY 

Bask in music by local talents such as Raw Love. Supersonic and The Common People while you munch on some of the goodies that can be found at the stalls that surround the stage area. You can also bring your kids to Santa at the Hitachi Santa House or view the Christmas lights from a bird’s eye point of view by riding the Double Storey Carousel.

When: Till 25 December 2018

391 Orchard Road
Singapore 238873
Sun – Thu: 11.30am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 11pm
Dec 20 – Dec 24: 11.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard

What is Christmas without an exciting lineup of festive activities and parades, right? You may think that many countries in Asia generally do not have big-scale Christmas celebrations due to religious beliefs and cultural differences.

However, cities such as Bangkok – with over 90% of people being buddhists – actually do celebrate the festivity with pretty big-scale lights and decor.

Europe may have the most stunning White Christmas, but here are 5 Exciting Christmas Celebrations in Asia you should totally check out.

Source: Indonesia Point

#1 BALI & JAKARTA, INDONESIA – PARTIES & CELEBRATIONS

Indonesia is considerably a Muslim country and Christmas is not widely celebrated, but parties and celebrations are still common – mostly held in the capital city of Jakarta and most-visited beach destination, Bali. Think after dark beach parties, giant Christmas trees within malls, and lots of F&B promotions across cafes, bars and restaurants.

Best part of these all? They are not gonna be exorbitantly expensive.

#2 BANGKOK – CHRISTMAS LIGHTS WALKING TOUR

The Christmas Lights Walking Tour is a stroll down Bangkok’s most well-known shopping district, where you get to catch amazing and gorgeous lights everywhere. Shopping in Bangkok during December is also great, for you get to snatch crazy end-of-year steals and have a taste of affordable Christmas-inspired food at the array of restaurants!

To find out more information on the best route to take, you can click here.

Source: Disney Tourist Blog

#3 CHRISTMAS WISHES – TOKYO DISNEYSEA

Why not take a trip to the Land of Rising Sun? Over at Tokyo’s DisneySea, insanely pretty lights fill  the theme park, along with fireworks and themed performances. The characters will also be dressed up with Christmasy outfits, and all these are sure to curve your lips and make the child in you so, so happy. You will never forget spending Christmas here at the Happiest Place on Earth!

For ticket prices, or to book yours now, you can visit here.

Source: Discover Hong Kong

#4 HONG KONG – PULSE 3D LIGHT SHOW

Audio-visual displays will be shown in 3D on well-known buildings such as the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and the Clock Tower at Tsim Sha Tsui. As part of Hong Kong’s Winterfest, this free-of-charge event features brilliant and artistic displays. It will be shown from 09 to 28 December 2015.

For official timings of the show, check it out here.

Source: Philippines Travel Hub

#5 SAN FERNANDO, PHILIPPINES – GIANT LANTERN FESTIVAL

Huge and gorgeous lanterns (almost 2 metres tall) are put to display and it has been a festival* that is highly anticipated every year. It is so iconic that the city has been christened the ‘Christmas Capital of the Philippines’, because the event is said to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

*The festival will be happening from 19 to 24 December 2015. Official lantern display will be happening on 24 December 2015 only, from 10pm to 11pm.

About the writer:
Cheryl is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She loves a good steak and an even better cuppa. She eats just about anything and everything. In her free time, she regularly starts on sci-fi or fantasy movie marathons.

As Christmas is drawing near, you might want to book a last minute getaway to a magical winter wonderland; why not pick an ethereal European city to spend the festivity at? We are big fans of the whole Christmasy vibes that European cities have, and holidays never felt more joyous.

Be it strolling along the gorgeous tree-lined streets of Barcelona, or having a romantic dinner by the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Europe has endless to offer and most of these cities truly embodies the Christmas spirit.

Have a once-in-a-lifetime experience at any one of these cities in our guide to the 12 Best European Cities to enjoy your Christmas holiday at. It is not too late to book your dream holiday!

#1 AMSTERDAM

Amsterdam transforms into a festive wonderland every Christmas, with a whole list of exciting activities that you can add to your itinerary.

This includes the spectacular Amsterdam Light Festival happening from 28 November 2015 to 17 January 2015, various Christmas markets all over the city, outdoor ice skating rings and more!

#2 BARCELONA

If you are not a big fan of snow, Barcelona is for you as it rarely snows in December, so you need not worry about dealing with extreme cold.

What Barcelona has are fabulous light displays, museums and fantastic restaurants that you can dine at for some unforgettable Christmas dinners. Of course, Barcelona is always a fantastic destination for shopping for high street labels, and you can expect lots of sale events.

#3 BERLIN

What this beautiful city prides in is their “collection” of crazy huge Christmas markets that are sure to get you in a jolly festive spirit.

You can ice-skate, ride toboggans, and take part in all the Christmasy activities at Potsdamer Platz – right in the heart of Berlin city. You can even play curling on ice (very popular in Berlin); this is surely something you can not do in Singapore!

#4 BRUSSELS

Brussels is great for ice-skating, especially now that it has moved to the Place de la Monnaie. It is a must to check out the various Christmas markets here and you will be spoilt for choice, we guarantee.

There are ferris wheel and merry-go-round fun too. Oh, Brussels have got some pretty darn mean chocolates that you must try too.

#5 BUDAPEST

Think big scale laser shows, Christmas markets and even hot spring pools at Szechenyi Baths in Budapest. Yes, the hot spring baths (including lovely outdoor ones) are must-visits as a respite from the cold.

Take a river cruise to experience scenic views of the city too, and have a lovely time at the Nutcracker Ballet at the Hungarian State Opera House.

#6 FLORENCE

What you would be happy to know is that Florence’s historical and acclaimed museums are actually less crowded during the year-end festive season, so you can use this opportunity to truly enjoy the artworks.

It is also no surprise that Florence has amazing Christmas markets that are a must-go. You should also head to the Duomo for midnight Mass in Italian on Christmas Eve for an authentic Italian Christmas experience.

#7 LONDON

Never say no to spending Christmas at London. There are almost too many reasons why! Besides the Christmas fairs, insanely beautiful lights and world-class food, London boasts festive vibes that is upbeat and unbeatable.

If you need more reasons, London is a shopping paradise and there are many parks where you can do Christmas picnics at.

#8 PARIS

But of course, Paris is romantic all year long and Christmas is just another reason for us to visit, really.

Watch the Eiffel Tower light up in full glory, sip tea and eat macarons at the many French patisseries, and take a stroll in Jardin des Tuileries. Hop on a carousel in Paris or have a go at an outdoor ice skating ring; we are sure that Christmas in Paris is one you will never forget.

#9 PRAGUE

Prague’s great range of Christmas markets are open daily at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square, where you can have a taste of a true blue European Christmas. Look forward to lots of street snacks and merchandise!

Other activities that you can enjoy here are nightly Prague opera and ballet performances. A walk along Charles Bridge with your loved ones will sweeten the winter, too.

#10 ROME

The ancient city of Italy is one that history buffs will love, but hey, a well-deserved holiday here does not mean all Julius Caesar and nothing else.

Hearty Italian meals and fresh morning bakes, street performances and museum visits, and shopping along Spanish steps are but some activities to fill your days. And Navona is our favourite square to appreciate arts.

#11 SALZBURG

This amazing Austrian town is especially known for their Christmas markets set in the jaw-droppingly beautiful Cathedral Square. From traditional craftsmanship to delicious Christmas cookies, you will be in awe with everything that Salzburg has to offer.

For more fun, go skiing or visit a sauna/spa.

#12 VENICE

The lights display will have you swept off your feet here in Venice. It is such a beautiful destination to spend Christmas at; well, Venice is always a great holiday destination anyway.

Immerse yourself in museum-hopping, do some Christmas shopping, take a gondola ride down the canals and have the freshest seafood meal – you deserve it!

Whether you are looking to plan a shopping trip at Paris and London or an Italian escapade, here are 12 essential cost-saving tips for your trip to Europe.

For most western countries, December is almost synonymous with Christmas. Major cities transform into spectacular mesmerising light shows at night, retails are busy pushing out festive-related merchandise and families are busy with Christmas gift shopping.

The fun-filled month of December features bizarre santa claus themed events such as Santacon and Santarun. But Christmas-related activities aside, there are also other festivals in December such as Japan’s Kasuga Wakamiya Festival and Turkey’s Mevlana Festival.

Here, have a peek into the World’s Five Best Festivals in December this year.

Source: Julie Gozali

#1 JAPAN – KASUGA WAKAMIYA FESTIVAL

When: 15 December 2015 to 18 December 2015

The Japanese Kasuga Wakamiya Festival was founded more than eight centuries ago and features a parade around Kasuga Taisha Shrine Complex, where you will spot hundreds of natives donned in clothing of the ancient Heian period. The traditional event spans across four days, with the main event being held on 17th December.

Source: Franken Tourismus

#2 GERMANY – CHRISKINDLESMARKT

When: 27th November 2015 to 24 December 2015

Christkindlesmarkt is an annual Christmas market that takes place during the Advent in an old town of Germany called Nuremberg. With hundreds of years of history behind this joyous world-famous event, Christkindlesmarkt’s ambience and beauty is truly unrivalled. Immerse yourself in the festive season as the central square and adjoining streets celebrate Christmas.

Source: SF Citizen

#3 SAN FRANCISCO – SANTACON

When: 12 December 2015

December is the season to be jolly… and folly! It was year 1994 when San Francisco introduced a merry event called Santacon, where everyone would dress up as Santa Claus and head downtown for a pub crawl. The wildly popular Santacon now takes place in 42 other countries.

Source: Turkish Boutique Tours

#4 TURKEY – MEVLANA FESTIVAL

When: 10 December 2015 – 17 December 2015

Every year, more than a million people visit Konya to witness the Whirling Dervishes Festival. For those who not in the know, this ceremony was created to commemorate Mevlana, a 13th century well-respected Islamic poet. Note that one would have to get tickets way in advance.

Source: American Scottish Foundation

#5 UNITED KINGDOM – SANTARUN

When: First and/or second Sunday in December

Running a marathon in Santa Claus outfits started out in 2001 by the Welsh to raise awareness for a good cause and is now a popular annual festive activity in the UK and other countries. How cute is that scene?! In Wales, the trail is 7.2-kilometre long and participants have to register a week in advance. The best-dressed santa will also be awarded a prize!

About the writer:
Hui Jun Ng is a staff writer for ladyironchef. She previously worked in the food and marketing industry. She loves traveling and enjoys exploring underrated destinations. In her free time, you will find her indulging in coffee and her all time favourite local dish – bak chor mee.