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

Christmas Wonderland is back and it’s even bigger and better than last year’s!

The most magical time of the year is here again and we are super psyched for a month full of gatherings with our loved ones, sumptuous feasts, gift exchange and mesmerising Christmas decorations.

To make your Christmas even more complete, Christmas Wonderland at Gardens By The Bay will be back again for the fifth time running to give you all those enchanting feels before the actual Christmas day itself.

Happening from 30 November 2018  to 26 December 2018, the attraction is scheduled to open daily form 4pm to 11pm. This year, they’ve decided to take it up a notch with even bigger and more magnificent structures, a larger Santa’s Grotto as well as exciting performances by illusionist Rob Lake. To find out more on what to expect at Christmas Wonderland 2018, read on!

LUMINARIE LIGHT SCULPTURES 

The most popular attraction at Christmas Wonderland every year definitely has to be the breathtaking luminarie light sculptures. These gorgeous structures are handmade by Italian craftsmen using the best white wood from the south of Italy and they add such a beautiful, magical touch to the entire event.

This year, for the very first time, the sculptures will include Asia’s tallest golden luminarie Christmas tree. This stunning attraction is a 7-storey high luminarie mirror maze that adds to the enchantment of the event and makes for a great place to take some insta-worthy shots.

SANTA’S GROTTO 

What is Christmas without a good ol’ visit to St Nicks? Find him at his Alpine House within Santa’s Grotto. This year, the Grotto is the largest of its kind in Asia. It’ll feature Insta-worthy festive installations as well as a mesmerising kinetic light installation from Germany. Magical indeed!

SKATING UNDER THE STARS 

Who says that you can’t go ice skating in tropical Singapore? This Christmas Wonderland, have fun tearing up the ice rink at Skating Under The Stars which features an outdoor skating rink that is specially flown in from Switzerland. This year’s rink is the biggest yet and it features an 8-metre tall illuminated Christmas tree.

SLICE OF SAVOUR

If you’re feeling a little peckish, the famous SAVOUR Gourmet Festival will be at Christmas Wonderland to feed the masses.

Look out for gourmet comfort food curated by some of Singapore’s trendiest restaurants such as Blue Lotus, Saint Pierre and Sinfonia Ristorante.

FESTIVE MARKET 

For the shopaholics, splurge your year-end bonus at the charming Festive Market where you can find delicious grub, little trinkets and handmade crafts in a collection of 24 specially designed wooden huts that are adapted from renowned Christmas markets throughout Europe.

THE MAGIC OF ROB LAKE 

For this year only, Christmas Wonderland will be having the world’s top illusionist Rob Lake here at Gardens by the Bay to showcase his critically-acclaimed production. “The Magic of Rob Lake”. Be strapped to your seats as you watch this magical mastermind put up an unforgettable show with his spectacular illusions.

BLIZZARD TIME 

No snow in Singapore? No problem. You can experience it here at Christmas Wonderland. Have your picture taken with it against the stunning backdrop of luminarie sculptures and Supertrees.

Green Tickets (30 November – 6 December)
Online: S$4
Onsite: S$6

Red Tickets (7 December – 13 December)
Online: S$6
Onsite: S$8

Gold Tickets (14 December –  26 December)
Online: S$8
Onsite: S$10

General Admission
4pm – 11pm Daily

Luminarie Light Sculptures
30 November 2018 to 26 December 2018,
7pm – 12am (Daily)
*Luminarie at the Arrival area remain lit till 1 January 2019

Santa’s Grotto
4pm – 11pm daily*
*Last admission at 10.30pm

Skating Under the Stars
4pm – 11pm daily*
*Last admission at 10.30pm

Slice of SAVOUR
4pm – 11pm daily

Festive Market
4pm – 11pm daily

The Magic of Rob Lake
Various timings

Blizzard Time
Up to five times daily, from 6.30pm to 10.35pm

Garden Rhapsody
7.45pm & 8.45pm

Festive Entertainment
Various timings

For more information, you can go here. 

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

The most magical time of the year is near and yes, we are talking about Christmas! Who doesn’t love the season of giving and sharing? And… we are excited to share that Christmas Wonderland is back again for the third year!

Entrance to Christmas Wonderland is no longer free this year, though. 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. Starting from 28 October 2016, you can purchase your tickets online. Complimentary entry is given for up to 3 children under 0.9 metres with each paying adult.

Happening from 02 December 2016 to 01 January 2017, it is scheduled to open daily from 3.30pm to 11pm. Here’s what you can expect from Christmas Wonderland 2016 At Gardens By The Bay.

#1 DOUBLE THE SIZE, DOUBLE THE FUN

The event space has expanded to twice the size in order to cater for more attractions such as carnival games and rides at Christmas Wonderland, comprising a total of 57,000 square metres of land.

Not only that, even the Snow Playground at the Ice Palace will also be doubling up in size!

#2 THE MAGNIFICENT SPALLIERA CASTEL DEL MONTE

Under the 19.7m tall Spalliera Castel del Monte is where visitors can experience periodic “snowfalls” during the daily Blizzard Times at 8pm, 9pm and 10pm. This is where you will be able to take your Instagram picture of the year with the largest Luminarie built in Southeast Asia.

Also, you should not miss out on the stunning Luminarie Sculptures of Light which are designed based on the 17th and 18th century Baroque architecture. A huge amount of effort is required to build these magnificent sculptures of light which took more than a month to complete. The sculptures are made by hand using white wood from the south of Italy.

#3 LOTS OF FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES

Head down to the Ice Palace which will include an ice skating rink (S$18 for 45 minutes), 25 metres long ice slide (S$4 per person) and a snow playground (tickets start from S$12).

In addition, a collaboration with Hi-5 this year will see the young at heart screaming with joy! Step into the Hi-5 Funtastic House where your young ones will be entertained with a bouncy castle and they can show off their best dance moves to Hi-5 songs.

Hi-5 Style It Up is where kids can dress up in Hi-5 costumes for the camera, get a temporary tattoo and bring home gifts such as a polaroid picture and balloon as souvenirs!

Be sure to pre-book sessions for these activities here before heading over to avoid disappointments.

Christmas Wonderland will be introducing bumper cars this year! If you are bringing your little ones, there are mini Ferris wheel and motorised Bug Car rides for them. You can also expect the usual carnival games stalls such as “Fishy Fishy” and “Ring Toss”.

Separate tokens are to be purchased for the rides and game stalls.

#4 MEET SANTA CLAUS IN HIS COTTAGE

Christmas is not Christmas without Santa Claus! If you want to meet Santa, walk through the Magical Forest and you will find him awaiting your arrival in his cottage. Remember to take lots of pictures!

Photos Credit: Gardens by the Bay

#5 A FESTIVE MARKET AND AN IMMERSIVE DINING EXPERIENCE IN A GLASS HOUSE

You will be spoilt for choice with the endless dining options you can find at the 27 food and craft outlets in the Festive Market!

Otherwise, enjoy a wonderful festive spread from Harry’s which will take place in a two-storey Glass House where you can admire the view of the Spalliera Castel del Monte, giant Supertrees of Gardens by the Bay and the Festive Market.

Just looking at the lineup of activities is enough to get us all hyped up for Christmas Wonderland 2016. With activities suitable for all ages, we are sure you will have a lovely time with your loved ones!

Christmas Wonderland at Gardens By The Bay – Singapore’s biggest yuletide fair - is probably the most talked about attraction in Singapore this Christmas.

Christmas Wonderland is for everyone – young and old, lovers and friends. The Garden lights up in full glory when night falls, and it is a picturesque sight that is nothing short of stunning. It is little wonder everyone is putting this on their Christmas to-do list.

It runs from 27 November 2015 to 03 January 2016, and is open from 4pm to midnight daily. If you are planning a trip, here is a simple guide on What To Expect At Christmas Wonderland at Gardens By The Bay.

THE PARKING SITUATION IS CRAZY

Set off earlier, because chances are, you are gonna be stuck in a queue – a queue to turn in to the car park, and a “queue” to park your vehicle. We joined the long line of cars at about 7pm, and only got an unofficial lot at 7:45pm.

There are various car park and entrances, but we suggest turning in to the Meadow car park because it is a relatively shorter walk to the rides and carnival games area. There is also a “designated area” for unofficial parking – if you know what we mean.

Of course, the main entrance sees the longest queue, so those with more patience can turn in from that entrance.

WEAR LIGHTER CLOTHES

Singapore doesn’t have the kindest humidity level; we all know that, yes? Even more so at Christmas Wonderland at Gardens By The Bay, where the human density is high and being less than one arm’s length apart from another human means it is going to be even hotter.

Go dressed in lightweight apparels and fuss-free clothes. Breathable sportswear works best, as with a pair of good walking shoes. You are gonna walk a lot, so ditch them heels. It may be a Christmas Wonderland but we ain’t gonna survive with furry capes and high heeled boots.

Skirts and dresses aren’t advised unless you do not mind the “exposure” when you take the rides and fool around on the Trickart set (we will talk about this in a bit).

DO NOT BRING BIG BAGS

This is not a rule, but it is always easier to move around with minimal baggage, yes?

And when it is going to be so crowded, all you want is to simply enjoy the night without having to worry that someone might stick their hands into your bag through your blind spots.

ADMISSION TO CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND

is free. Yay!

But rides and games are payable – optional, of course. Strolling around the beautiful compound is still free, so is snapping a thousand and one photos.

PREPARE (LOTS OF) CASH

While admission is free, you should still be prepped with cash on hand – for the rides, for the games, for the food, for candy floss, for souvenirs…

The rides and carnival games are payable via tokens, and generic tokens are sold at various token booths across the compound. To give you a gauge, a go on the big slide costs S$8 per person, and a carousel ride is S$10 per person. Yes, that is why you need lots of cash.

CARNIVAL GAMES

Expect many booths of carnival games that are suitable for both young and old. They are mostly kids-friendly, but of course, the help of an adult may increase your chances of winning that Minion/ Toy Story stuffed toy.

We tried most of them, and let’s just say there is a reason why we could easily count the number of visitors who walked away with prizes with a pair of hands.

LUMINARIE

Light sculptures after light sculptures, these architectural gems are handmade in Italy and can be spotted throughout the Garden.

LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW!

The 20.3-metre wide Ice Palace is a highlight of the Christmas Wonderland, and it features both a Snow Playground and an Ice Skating Rink.

Open from 4pm to 11pm daily, it costs S$12 for a 30-minute session at the Snow Playground (inclusive of boots) and S$14 for a 45-minute session at the Ice Skating Rink (inclusive of skates). The admissions are payable via tokens only, so get your tokens ready (buy them at the Token Booth) before you queue up!

You should bring your own socks and gloves, though. Otherwise, they can be purchased at the booth.

FOR THE YOUNG ONES

The kids will have a ball of a time with the many rides that are favourites at typical European Christmas fairs.

The vintage Carousel is the most gorgeous, and makes a perfect backdrop for photos! Hop on for a ride at S$10 per ride per person.

There is also a big slide that is 14 metres tall. Toddlers are not advised to take the ride unless it is with the company of an adult. It costs S$8 per ride per person.

Kids will also love the Magic Swing – a safe ride with harness and the accompaniment of the evening breeze. It costs S$8 per ride per child.

And something for the whole family is a ride on the Christmas Train, where you will be taken for a spin around the Garden to admire the festive lights alongside all the other happy souls onboard. It costs S$6 per ride per person.

Do note that for all the above, the payment mode is via tokens and the tokens have to be exchanged at the Token Booth prior to the ride.

FOOD AT CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND – YOU CAN GO WITHOUT DINNER

Lots of dining options are available at the Garden, including food trucks, pop-up restaurants and a food court.

Some names include Harry’s, Waterfall Ristorante Italiano by Shangri-La Hotel Singapore and Culina.

PICNIC, MAYBE?

But of course, you are more than welcome to pack your own basket and have a picnic on the many grass patches and corners at Gardens By The Bay. That is quite some unadulterated fun you can enjoy under the Christmas lights with your loved ones!

TRICKART

Have fun with the original 3D optical mirror-illusion at the TrickArt corner and create a portrait that is one of its kind! This is probably the only time you get to “sit on Marina Bay Sands”, and go on a Sleigh Ride. *cues Christmas carols*

PHOTO BOOTH

Otherwise, there are regular photo booths that you can have fun at and get some photos taken. They are at S$5 per session.

Have fun at Christmas Wonderland at Gardens By The Bay. Merry Christmas and have a happy new year!