In Sunny Singapore, you might not get snow or reindeers (not real ones anyway), but Christmas in Singapore is as big as any other celebration during the year and it is one that foodies like us look forward to the most.

With the multitude of Christmas spreads and Yuletide menus popping up at restaurants or even at house gatherings across the island, there is no doubt that turkey and honey-baked ham will be among the top of many people’s list. But let’s face it, a feast would still be a feast even without the fancy centerpieces and pimped-up wines.

At its heart, Christmas is still a time for reunion and indulgence, and in multi-cultural Singapore, there are many local delights that you can include in your dinner spread for that Asian-style Christmas dinner.

R Photo Credit: Luncheon Meat

CHRISTMAS HAM SLICES VS LUNCHEON MEAT

Who needs a mammoth hunk of baked Christmas ham (that hardly anyone finishes) when you can get unbelievably crispy spam for a margin of the price?

L Photo Credit: Eggnog

EGGNOG VS BUBBLE MILK TEA

While eggnogs might encapsulate Christmas time comfort with its frothy head and brandy-based kick, you could probably do just the same with any bubble milk tea. Besides, if you ever find it lacking flair, a shot of brandy probably wouldn’t hurt too.

FESTIVE SNACKS VS NYONYA KUEH

Festive cookies and cakes might look pretty on plates, but nothing spells homely comfort better than the Nyonya snacks we grew up with.

FRENCH ONION SOUP VS LOCAL DOUBLE BOILED SOUP

On Christmas, French onion soup may scream traditional but hey, we Asians loves our soul-boosting, piping hot bowl of double boiled soup just as much!

L Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

FRUIT CAKE VS KUEH LAPIS

Fans of Kueh Lapis unite! This classic layered cake is the best reflection of our Singapore food culture and it never disappoints with its bouncy texture and buttery taste.

R Photo Credit: Polar Puffs & Cakes

LOG CAKE VS PANDAN CHIFFON ROLL

Yes, log cakes are decadent and all pretty. But who else loves Pandan Chiffon Roll too? They are found in most bakeries in Singapore, even those under your HDB blocks. If you are not into Pandan, there are many other creative renditions out there too.

 L Photo Credit: Channel 4, R Photo Credit: sickchirpse

MINCE PIE VS CHINESE BBQ PORK PUFF PASTRY

Sure, the Chinese BBQ Pork Puff Pastry may be extremely sinful, but who can resist munching on this crispy sweet bun? Move aside, mince pie!

L Photo Credit: Gimme Some Oven, R Photo Credit: The Cambelles

MULLED WINE VS RIBENA

Sweet, refreshing and that oh-so-familiar taste—what is there not to love about Ribena? It is an everyday drink for most Singaporeans and… what’s mulled wine again?

PIGS IN A BLANKET VS TAIWAN SAUSAGE

Pigs in a blanket are small sausages wrapped in croissant rolls. But you know what? Give us our Taiwan sausages.

ROAST BEEF VS CHAR SIEW + ROASTED PORK

Calling all meat lovers! Char Siew and Sio Bak for you? Slightly charred and succulent Char Siew drenched in slightly sweet yet savoury sauce to tantalize your taste buds.

ROAST TURKEY VS ROASTED CHICKEN

This is what they say, ‘same same but different.’ Roast Turkeys may be wholesome and all but we still love our Hainanese roasted chicken with glistening skin and chicken rice chilli.

YORKSHIRE PUDDING VS EGG TART

Forget conventional Yorkshire Pudding, because you can never go wrong with freshly baked egg tarts. Nothing beats a soft fluffy egg custard with a buttery tart crust.

Read: How to host a great Christmas dinner without breaking the bank.

It is our favourite time of the year once again! ‘Tis the season to be jolly, and we are super stoked for Christmas 2016! Step into shopping malls and you will immediately be greeted with Christmas melodies. Visit Starbucks and you will see everybody’s favourite Peppermint Mocha on the menu. Walk along Orchard Road and you will see the grand

Step into shopping malls and you will immediately be greeted by Christmas trees and festive melodies. Visit Starbucks and you will see everybody’s favourite Peppermint Mocha on the menu. Walk along Orchard Road and you will see the grand light up along the streets. It is official: Christmas is near!

And we know many of you will be staying right here in Singapore, thanks to the amount of Christmas festivities happening all around our island! Who said us Singaporeans do not know how to throw a party?

Here are the 5 Christmas Events Happening In Singapore 2016.

Photo Credit: Gardens By The Bay

#1 MERRY MEDLEY FLORAL DISPLAY AT GARDENS BY THE BAY

We might not have freezing cold climates here in Singapore, but you can experience lower temperatures within the Merry Medley display in the Flower Dome.

Besides admiring the huge 9-metre tall Noble Fir Christmas Tree, you will also be able to find other festive blooms such as the Poinsettia, Christmas Rose, and more.

When: 11 November 2016 – 05 January 2017

Gardens By The Bay
18 Marina Gardens Drive
Singapore 018953
Tel: +65 6420 6848
Daily: 5am – 2am
Nearest Station: Bayfront

Photo Credit: The Resorts World Sentosa Blog

#2 SANTA’S ALL-STAR CHRISTMAS AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS SINGAPORE

Christmas is always a blast at Universal Studios Singapore (USS). It is where you can experience life-like snow, multimedia light shows, and take in the jolly Christmas spirit.

This year, you can also expect to see the new Santa’s Village—a little space within the park filled with Santa’s little helpers, elves and more!

When: 01 December 2016 – 02 January 2017

Universal Studios Singapore
8 Sentosa Gateway
Resorts World Sentosa
Singapore 098269
Tel: + 65 6577 8888
Daily: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

#3 CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND AT GARDENS BY THE BAY

Christmas Wonderland is back again this year, and it is set to be bigger and better! The event space is now doubled to accommodate more attractions and rides such as a mini Ferris Wheel and bumper cars. The Snow Playground at the Ice Palace is also two times bigger too.

However, entrance into Christmas Wonderland is no longer free. Admission tickets are going at S$4 from 02 to 04 December 2016, S$6 from 09 to 15 December 2016 and S$8 from 16 December to 01 January 2017.

Find out more about what to expect at this year’s Christmas Wonderland here.

When: 02 December 2016 – 01 January 2017

Gardens By The Bay
18 Marina Gardens Drive
Singapore 018953
Tel: +65 6420 6848
Daily: 5am – 2am
Nearest Station: Bayfront

#4 CHRISTMAS LIGHT-UP ALONG ORCHARD ROAD

This annual affair is one not to be missed. Every year, Singapore’s most popular street comes alive with twinkling lights all around the roads, transforming it into a festive wonderland.

Lots of photo opportunities of course, on top of endless Christmas shopping for our loved ones.

Photo Credit: The Resorts World Sentosa Blog

#5 MERRY FISHMAS AT S.E.A. AQUARIUM

Merry Fishmas is a great way to bring your kids out for some yuletide fun! There are tonnes of activities happening throughout the month of December at S.E.A. Aquarium, including a crafts corner where your little ones can create their own Christmas ornaments!

When: 01 December 2016 – 02 January 2017

S.E.A. Aquarium
8 Sentosa Gateway
Resorts World Sentosa
Singapore 098269
Tel: +65 6577 8899
Daily: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

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.