At this point, it’s become an annual tradition for most of us to walk down Orchard Road to catch a glimpse of the street decked up in Christmas lights. After 2 years of muted celebrations, the malls have brought out the big guns with towering Christmas trees, dazzling fairy lights, and plenty of festive props to take that family holiday picture.
Here’s what to look out for as you make your way down Orchard Road this festive season.
Let’s get straight to it. Everyone wants to know where the prettiest and grandest Christmas trees are. So, without further ado, here are our picks for some of the best ones.
We’re not officially ranking, but in our opinion, the most impressive mall decor goes to… ION Orchard. The main arc marking the start of the overhead street lights lies right outside the mall and connects to their sparkling bright Christmas tree.
Upping the glam quotient is Dior’s gigantic display at the entrance of ION Orchard with one of the largest star-shaped tree toppers we’ve seen, creating the perfect backdrop for a star-studded photo.
Moving further down the stretch of Orchard Road, we’ve got the holographic Christmas tree outside Wisma Atria. Resembling a colourful film strip rolled into a cone, we’d say this one is pretty unique and worthy of the ‘Gram.
Instead of Santa’s elves, Ngee Ann City’s white Christmas tree is guarded by stylish Ralph Lauren bears. Located in the main foyer, this tree will give you The Big Apple vibes with iconic landmarks such as the Empire State Building surrounding the base.
If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, head straight down to Tanglin Mall where “snowfall” is 100% guaranteed every day from 7.45pm-8pm and additionally from 8.45pm-9pm on weekends. Boasting one of the tallest trees on Orchard Road, this mall is one to bring the kids for some winter wonderland fun.
Last but not least, we had to mention Paragon Shopping Centre for its majestic Christmas tree on display at the entrance of the mall. With blinding gold lights and gigantic blue floral ornaments, this one’s hard to miss.
As the shopping malls compete for the best Christmas decor, each one trying to outdo the other, we give you the deets on our pick for the most IG-worthy photo ops along Orchard Road.
While strolling down, keep your eyes peeled for the light projection on the side of Hilton Singapore Orchard hotel. A short 3-minute moving screen projection plays on loop with festive images and greetings.
The brightly lit Christmas Odyssey tunnel at Wisma Atria is the perfect spot to snap your #OOTN pic and show off your fits for Christmas.
Just opposite the tunnel at Wisma Atria also lies a festive hot air balloon along the walkway. Up, up, and away.
While we may not have any winter activities in Singapore, you can still sit in a sleigh at this carousel display in front of Mandarin Gallery.
At 313@ Somerset, live your childhood fantasy of living in a life-sized gingerbread house standing cute and proud in the main foyer.
Even if you’re not going on holiday this festive season, Orchard Central brings Europe to you with their Christmas display reminiscent of the streets along London and the Tower Bridge.
You can make a photo series out of all the festive tunnels on display this year. We particularly love the one at Forum The Shopping Mall with its neon pink lights that even extend to the facade of the mall.
For an up-close view of the Christmas lights, get yourself a seat on one of the open-top double-decker tour buses and take a leisurely trip down Orchard Road.
Book a FunVee Christmas lights tour ($23).
You already know Santa is coming to town, so for a break from all the classic jingles playing in the malls, switch it up by listening to the various buskers along Orchard Road performing live on weekends.
Also, from 7th December 2022 to 2nd January 2023 a Christmas Village will be popping up at the Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza where you can look forward to rides, food stalls, musical performances, and art workshops.
For more things to do this festive season, check out:
Photography by Brad Lee.
A portion of this content may contain referral links to products. However, all opinions remain our own.
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