Christmas in Singapore: How to Celebrate

Although only 19% of the country’s population is Christian, Christmas is still celebrated in Singapore. The city-state’s Christmas lights are very popular. One of the most prominent locations where people can see the holiday lights is on the shopping street of Orchard Road. In Singapore, there’s a Christmas theme park called “Christmas Wonderland”. It’s a popular spot for tourists and locals.

In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the best places to celebrate the holidays in Singapore. We’ll also share some tips on how you can celebrate the holidays in Singapore, whether by yourself or with loved ones.

Celebrating Christmas in Singapore

How do Residents in Singapore Celebrate Christmas?

Singapore’s holidays is a time for people to celebrate their love for food and shopping. It’s also a great opportunity to get together with family and friends.

The lights on the shopping belt of Singapore’s famous Orchard Road are usually turned on in December to celebrate the holiday season. This act of festivity serves as a great reminder to go shopping.

Holiday menus are also displayed at various restaurants across the island, which gives a festive twist to the already impressive dining scene. During the holiday season, people flock to the booths and eat at the tables set up in the Christmas Village, but it’s not all about indulgence.

The holiday season is a special occasion for Christians in Singapore, as it’s the time when they commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Although it’s a religious event, everyone is allowed to participate in the fun of celebrating the holidays.

Openness to Various Faiths

In Singapore, it is possible to celebrate the holidays in a religious manner similar to what is done in Western countries. Although many do, the majority don’t. On Christmas Eve, there are churches all around the city that can be visited.

During the service, you can enjoy a traditional holiday meal at home or at church. Some of the popular holiday dishes in Singapore include roast turkey, pumpkin pie, fruitcake, and eggnog. Since many western restaurants in the city-state will be offering these food items during this time of year, it’s not necessary to bring food to your home.

In most parts of Singapore, a more secular way to maintain the season prevails. During the holiday season, shopping is a ritual that most people in the city-state do. There are various areas where you can find stores and malls that are open late. To ensure that the customers have the best possible experience, these establishments will stay open for an extra few hours.

Throughout the city, you will notice an abundance of street performances, parades, and floats. Most stores in Singapore display various holiday decorations and lights. The trees in the city-state are usually decorated with ribbons, candies, and stuffed animals. However, the differences between Singapore and the West are not as significant as one might think.

Let’s Kick It Off With Some Holiday Fun!

In Singapore, the holidays is a time for celebrating togetherness and giving. This year, the country holds various events and activities that are designed to bring people together. Aside from these, there are also plenty of other things to do and see during this holiday season.

1. Pick a Christmas Event to your liking.

Due to the large number of attractions in Singapore, it can be very challenging to choose a suitable event for Christmas. Most of them will be holding their own special event. But if you need a headstart, these events are always a winner:

  • Christmas on a Great Street
  • Pinkmas, Museum of Ice Cream Singapore
  • A Universal Christmas, Universal Studios Singapore
  • Merry Fishmas, S.E.A. Aquarium Singapore

2. Ice Skate the Night Away

The winter breeze in Singapore can help usher in the holiday spirit. This activity is great for experienced and first-time skaters.

You can enjoy some icy fun during Christmas in these places:

  • The Rink
  • Kallang Ice World
  • CHIJMES
  • Snow City

3. Sink your teeth in a Singaporean Christmas Feast

The holiday dinner is a time to celebrate with family and friends, and this is the perfect occasion to enjoy some of your favorite traditional dishes that have been Singapore-ified.

  • Yule log cake with pandan gula melaka at Bake Avenue
  • Christmas Tandoori Turkey at Shahi Maharani North Indian Restaurant
  • Boneless roast turkey breast with buah keluak sauce at Copthorne King’s Hotel
  • Sugee Cake at Chin Mee Chin

4. Attend a Christmas Service

In Singapore, people who are looking for a more somber occasion can attend Midnight Mass or other religious services. The most popular locations for these services are these churches:

  • Church of the Holy Family
  • Catholic Church of St Ignatius
  • St George’s Church
  • Church of St Bernadette

5. Bask in Changi Airport’s Festive Cheer

Every year, Changi Airport gears up for its own holiday celebration. With stunning light displays and more, this attraction is no less than a veritable Christmas theme park!

The best things to do at Changi Airport on Christmas are: Getting some pictures with Disney Tsum Tsums, glamping your heart out with a luxurious staycation experience, time traveling to the past with Dino Blitz and gorging on the largest fries in Singapore at the Dino Carnival.

Where to Buy Christmas Decorations

It’s the most wonderful time of the year and it’s time to start preparing for the holidays. This is also the perfect time to decorate your home.

If you’re looking for the best holiday decorations for your home, we’ve got you covered. We’ve listed down five places where you can get all the holiday accessories you need.

1. Masons

Masons is a big holiday store in Singapore. You can find ornaments, decorations, and Christmas trees there. Their hyper-realistic Christmas trees have dense foliage and look very realistic. The realistic-looking Balsam Fir, Ash and Pine trees are designed to last for years.

At Masons, you can also find a wide variety of holiday decors, including glass baubles, premium acrylic baubles, tree picks and sprays, star tree toppers, pine cones, and ribbons. Your Christmas setup will be the envy of your friends if you source your decors here.

2. Urban Li’l

Disney licensee Urban Li’l is a design studio that offers a wide range of customized interior decor for homes and children.

They have a wide selection of holiday-themed products, such as ornaments, ribbons, and stickers.

3. Tangs

TANGS, a family-friendly retailer in Singapore, is known for its festive offerings. This holidays, they have created a selection of gifts that will help you spread some cheer.

TANGS has a wide range of Christmas accessories, such as partyware, Christmas wreaths, and Christmas tableware. It’s the perfect place for all your holiday shopping needs.

4. Shopkustomise

Online shop Shopkustomise creates and customizes bespoke pieces using various materials such as wood and acrylic. They have created two categories for the holidays this year: home decor and gifts.

5. SKP

If you’re looking for a one-stop shop for all your holiday needs, SKP is the place to go. The company offers a wide range of products, including tinsel and snow globes.

Christmas Tree in Singapore

Celebrating Christmas in Singapore

Unlike other places, Christmas trees aren’t as popular as the holiday light-ups here in Singapore. Imagine, there’s an entire street lined with trees and decorated with lights! The most popular place where you can find a lit-up Christmas tree is the Botanic Gardens, and some malls – but they’re mostly small ones, and not as bright. That being said, if you’re looking for the best places to see Christmas light installations in Singapore, check these out:

1. Ion Orchard Mall

The Ion Orchard Mall and Christian Dior are collaborating to bring a 15-meter-tall replica of the famous Dior Star to Asia. This will be the largest of its kind in the region.

2. Wisma Atria

This place will be transformed into a magical place through the work of Wisma Atria, who will be collaborating with ITE College Central students. There are various things to see and do in this area, such as Queen of Hearts Christmas trees and tea sets.

3. Capitol Singapore

The Capitol Singapore mall features various decorations such as Santa’s sidecar and igloos. It also has a skating rink, where you can bask in the snowfall while you glide through the ice amid bright lights.

4. The Gardens by The Bay

The Gardens at The Bay is transformed into an interactive Christmas Wonderland with a dazzling light show and endless light bulbs. The shows will be held from 6 to 10 pm.

5. Universal Studios Singapore

Another place to watch Christmas shows is Universal Studios Singapore. This year, they’re bringing some of the characters from movies such as “Trolls,” “Minions,” and “Sesame Street.”

Christmas Markets in Singapore

With the holidays just a few weeks away. It’s time to start planning your gifts and get ready for some good old shopping. In Singapore, there are plenty of Christmas markets that will help you find the perfect gifts for everyone on your list. Here are some of the best ones to check out this year:

1. Trehaus Christmas Market 2022

Date: 10 December
Location: Trehaus Christmas Market 2022, Level 7, Funan, 107 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179105

The Funan Christmas market is on December 10, and it promises a wide variety of gifts for everyone. It also has a variety of activities for children, such as a meet and greets with Santa and pictures with him. The market will keep you entertained as you shop for all that Christmas shopping.

2. Crane Festive Markets

Dates: 3 – 4, 9 – 11, 16 – 18 December
Location: Crane Festive Markets, multiple locations including Joo Chiat, Wisma Atria and Claymore Connect

The second annual Christmas market of Crane is back for another year, and it will be held at various locations in Singapore. Some of these include the Joo Chiat, Wisma Atria, and Claymore Connect.

It’s a great opportunity to taste local Christmas treats and shop for your favorite local brands. You’ll also be able to enjoy a variety of beauty products and accessories.

3. Chinatown Christmas Festive Market

Date: 17 – 18 December
Location: Chinatown Christmas Festive Market, 11am – 8pm, Pagoda Street and Sago Street, Singapore 059962

This December, explore what Chinatown has to offer. There will be a wide variety of stalls and workshops to keep you engaged, as well as last-minute Christmas shopping. Some of the programs that will be featured include tea appreciation and dim sum-making.

4. Mistlesum Making at Christmas Wonderland

Date: 2 December – 1 January 2023
Location: Mistletoe Alley at Christmas Wonderland, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953 

The Gardens by the Bay’s popular Christmas market returns in December. This event features a variety of activities and gifts, such as carousel rides, a photo op with Santa, and a Christmas market filled with gifts and decorations.

The Mistletoe Alley will also be filled with stalls selling various types of wine, hand-poured candles, and cacti. To celebrate the occasion, head over to the Dollop booth to take photos with your loved ones.

5. Capitol Singapore Christmas Market

Date: 2 – 26 December

Location: Capitol Singapore Christmas Market, 11 Stamford Road, Singapore 178884

The Capitol Christmas market is a must-visit for anyone who is working in the city. It’s filled with gifts and treats, and we’re sure you’ll find something for yourself at this event. Besides live music, you can also enjoy the outdoor snow, singing tree and carollers, and other attractions such as The Cold Cut Duo and Long Jam Band.

6. Etsy Craftivist SG’s Whimsical Christmas Market

Date: 9 – 18 December
Location: Etsy Craftivist SG’s Whimsical Christmas Market, Level 4, H401 -H406, Suntec Convention Hall, Suntec Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039593

A handmade Christmas gift is one of the most meaningful things in the world. If you’re unsure how to make it, why not try out the creations of local designers, makers, and artists? You’ll find a wide range of products such as leather goods, jewelry, and scented soaps.

7. Christmas Fair at Cluny Court

Location: Christmas Fair at Cluny Court, 501 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 259760

The Christmas at Cluny Court is back, and we’re excited to see what’s in store for this year’s event. Expect a wide range of artisanal goods and fashion from various shops, and Santa Claus will be on hand to meet with the children.

8. A Curbside Christmas

Date: 23 – 24 December
Location: A Curbside Christmas, 730 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198698

The Christmas market at the Curbside Crafters is a must-visit. There, you’ll find a wide variety of unique and practical gifts, as well as art and craft products made by local artisans. We’re sure you’ll find something for everyone on Santa’s list.

9. Public Garden Christmas 2022

Date: 24 – 25 December
Location: Public Garden Christmas 2022, Level 4, H405, Suntec Convention Hall, Suntec Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039593

The Public Garden Christmas 2022 will bring together some of Asia’s most amazing independent brands. This event will feature a wide variety of products from both local and foreign designers. We’re looking forward to discovering new accessories and fashionable clothes.

Video: Orchard Road Singapore, Christmas lights 2022

During the holidays, Singapore is one of the earliest places to light up its streets and put on festive displays. In this video, you will see Orchard Road in Christmas lights 2022. This video is a sneak peek at what you can expect this year, so prepare for the most spectacular Christmas in Singapore!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do they celebrate the holidays in Singapore?

In Singapore, Christmas is a tradition that is similar to that of other cities. In malls, there is a wide range of festive decorations and displays, including glittering lights and nativity scenes. The trend for dressing up buildings and shopping centers started during the 1980s.

2. Is Christmas popular in Singapore?

Although only around 19% of the country’s population are Christians, Christmas is still celebrated in Singapore. The city-state’s Christmas lights are very popular. One of the most prominent locations where people can see the holiday lights is on the shopping street of the Orchard Road.

3. Where should I go for Christmas holiday in Singapore?

If you’re one who enjoys spending the holidays outside your home, you’ll be pleased to know that Singapore has LOTS of excellent choices for you. In fact, they’re all must-see spots, so it can be difficult to pick which ones to visit. But here are some of the top destinations people go to during the holidays:

  • Orchard Road: Christmas on a Great Street.
  • Gardens by the Bay: Seasons of Bloom.
  • Christmas Wonderland.
  • Changi Airport: Changi Festive Village.
  • Jewel Changi Airport: Christmas Odyssea at Jewel.
  • FunVee Christmas Light-Up Tour.
  • Universal Studios Singapore: A Universal Christmas.

4. Is Christmas a festival in Singapore?

The Christmas Wonderland is a must-visit event in Singapore’s year-end celebrations. Since its debut in 2014, this event has brought in more than 5 million visitors. The ninth edition of this festival will take place from December 2 to January 1, 2022.

5. Is Singapore good to visit in December?

Although Singapore is still hot and humid throughout the year, December is a great time to visit as it offers a more pleasant climate and cleaner air. Unfortunately, December is also expected to be the wettest month of the year, with an average rainfall of 318.6mm.

6. Is Christmas expensive in Singapore?

The holidays is considered one of the most expensive months in Singapore. Many people come from overseas to spend the holiday here, which means that accommodation, food, and entertainment are more expensive during this time.

7. How do Filipinos celebrate Christmas in Singapore?

Filipinos celebrate the holidays in Singapore by attending mass at the nearest Catholic Church. There are also a number of Filipino-friendly restaurants that offer special festive menus. Even when many of them are working away from their families, Filipinos still find time to celebrate the season by going out with friends and family.

Final Thoughts

Celebrating Christmas in Singapore is a unique and extraordinary experience! As a multicultural country, Singapore has a diverse range of traditional holiday activities and decorations to choose from.

From the magical festive decorations in Orchard Road to the magical holiday decorations in Chinatown, Singapore is transformed into a paradise full of lights and joy. The holiday carols, the delicious food, and the joyful atmosphere all combine to create an unforgettable experience that you and your family will cherish for years to come. So why not join the thousands of Singaporeans in celebrating Christmas in Singapore and create a special memory that will last a lifetime?

READ NEXT: Coping with Homesickness: Tips for the Restless OFW