It feels like 2021 had just begun, and yet here we are, entering Christmas season already. With that, we also welcome plenty of festive things to do. Boredom will be the least of your worries, with everything from Christmas markets to a whimsical boat parade in Sentosa.
Here are the top 11 Christmas activities for couples and families alike to KIV for some fun:
Image credit: CHIJMES Singapore
Ice skating at CHIJMES is perhaps one of the coolest ways to experience a “White Christmas” this year. Situated at the Mini Lawn is an artificial ice skating rink complete with foamy snowfall to complete the illusion that you’re far up the Northern Hemisphere. Bring your own skates or top up an additional $5 to rent a pair.
Price: From $5 for 30 minutes
Date: Until 2nd January 2022
Time: 5PM-9PM, Daily
Venue: Mini Lawn, CHIJMES, 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996
Image credit: @eileen_koh76
Christmas Wonderland may get most of the spotlight but don’t forget to check out the seasonal floral display at Poinsettia Wishes. Feel like a kid in a candy store with larger-than-life candied apples, candy canes and gingerbread decorations surrounded by an array of seasonal flowers like poinsettias, cyclamens, skimmias and real Christmas trees.
Image credit: @angieysw
Perfect for the rainy season, this is located within the Flower Dome so there’s no need to make any wet weather plans.
Price: From $12/adult and $8/child
Date: Until 3rd January 2022
Time: 9AM-9PM, Daily
Venue: Flower Dome, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Image credit: ONE15 Marina
Those who’d rather a calm and romantic evening can’t miss ONE15 Christmas Boat Light Parade, happening at the tranquil Sentosa Cove. For one day only, yacht owners will be dazzling up their catamarans, powerboats and more for the annual Christmas competition.
Image credit: ONE15 Marina
Grab a seat at one of the many restaurants along Quayside Isle to enjoy dinner with a view of the parade.
Date: 4th December 2021 only
Time: 6PM-10PM
Venue: ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove, 11 Cove Drive, Singapore 098497
ONE15 Christmas Boat Light Parade website
Go to the airport this December not for flights nor Shake Shack, but to immersive yourself in festive vibes at Changi Festive Village’s Dino Carnival. Terminal 4 is teeming with activities this December such as a Christmas market with 20 carnival games, bouncy castles and a pop-up food market to fill your bellies.
End the night at Singapore’s first air-conditioned karting arena and race through a neon-lit track at speeds of up to 24KM/H. Love the ambience? Those who wish to stay longer can spend the night glamping by the runway in Terminal 4’s Transit Area.
Price: $2/pax for carnival entry
Date: Until 2nd January 2022
Time: 1PM-9PM, Daily
Venue: T4 Departure Hall, 10 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819665
Check out our first look at Changi Festive Village.
Snap pictures with graffiti art and murals while you’re in the area
Image credit: @milokopipeng
Christmas may not be the first thing that comes to mind when we think of Chinatown, but hey, the area has plenty in store – even when it ain’t CNY season. Swing by Art Nooq’s Christmas Pop-Up, a mini festive market with more than 20 stores from local businesses selling scented candles, jewellery and succulents.
Image credit: @artnooq
The artsy-fartsy can also have a go at art jamming at Art Nooq’s studio itself, with prices starting from an affordable $24.50/person for a two-hour session.
Price: Free entry
Date: 10th – 12th & 17th – 19th December 2021
Time: Fri 3PM-9.30PM | Sat & Sun 10AM-9.30PM
Venue: 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace, #01-58, Singapore 168976
Image credit: @thewanderingnessie
Whisk yourself far far away from reality at Universal Studios Singapore, with meet and greet characters such as Otto from Minions 2 and Poppy from Trolls all dressed up for the festive occasion.
Image credit: @seven0427
Within the park is also a North Pole Postal Service where kids can send letters to Santa, and even a Christmas Market to grab some juice, smoothies and baked goods.
Price: From $69/adult for USS entry ticket + free $5 retail voucher and $5 F&B voucher
Date: Until 2nd Jan 2022 (Thu – Sun only)
Time: Thu – Sat 12PM – 9PM | Sun 10AM-5PM
Venue: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269
Image credit: Klook
Begin your evening with a four-course dinner in a Tipi tent and end the night with a private chartered tram ride and when you sign up for Night Safari’s Evening in the Wild: X’mas Jamboree.
Image credit: Klook
The menu comprises classic mains like roasted turkey and honey-baked chicken ham, with a different type of New Zealand wine paired with each course served. Admission into Night Safari, photo ops with animals, a complimentary gift and free parking coupons are also included in each package.
Price: $280/pax
Date: 24th, 25th & 27th – 30th December 2021
Time: 6.45PM-10PM
Venue: 80 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729826
Evening in the Wild: X’mas Jamboree website
Image credit: Gardens by the Bay
That’s right, the annual paktor hotspot is back with nine new magical light displays to snap your next Instagram DP. “Go big or go home” seems to be a recurring theme, with this year’s displays featuring a 10M-tall Tinsel Castle, 30M-long Enchanted Bridge and 44M-long light tunnel to wander through.
Image credit: Gardens by the Bay
Be sure to pre-book a ride on the new two-storey handpainted Venetian carousel with tickets from $5/child.
Price: from $7/adult and $5/child
Date: Until 2nd January 2022
Time: 6.30PM-10.30PM, Daily (bookings available in 1-hour sessions)
Venue: Supertree Grove, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Have your next evening stroll be a whimsical one at Changi Airport Park Connector where 10,000 LED tulips, dandelions, sunflowers and Sakura trees illuminate the 3.5KM trail. Start at HUB & Spoke Cafe and make your way through Changi Jurassic Mile, where the dinosaur statues are, for the best experience.
Price: Free
Date: Until 19th January 2022
Time: 7PM – 2AM, Daily for the light ups | The PCN is open 24/7
Venue: Changi Airport Park Connector
For hardcore Pokemon fans out there, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a kid or young at heart. The mantra is the same when it comes to uber adorable Pokemon-themed merch: you gotta catch em all. At City Square Mall, redeem Pokemon tote bags and gift wrappers when you spend $150 or $60 respectively within the mall.
Once you’re done, snap a selfie with your new collectables at the 6M-tall Pikachu statue outside.
Promotion period: Until 29th December 2021
Address: 180 Kitchener Road, Singapore 208539
Read more about City Square Mall’s Christmas deals.
Image credit: Frasers
Earlier this year, we had a Gudetama-themed walk to motivate our lazy bums. This festive season, the lazy egg is back with Singapore-exclusive Christmas-themed merch such as tote bags, pouches and colourful tumblers. Shop for these on the Frasers Experience app for a non-basic gift for your equally-nua friends.
Image credit: Frasers
Promotion period: Until further notice
Download the app on iOS, Android.
No worries about being stuck in Singapore as there are more than enough activities to keep everyone entertained this Yuletide season. From annual events to brand new activities to try out, your weekends are bound to be jam-packed with refreshing things to do.
For more festive activities and promotions:
Cover image adapted from: CHIJMES Singapore, Gardens by the Bay, ONE15 Marina, Klook
This toy mall in Bangkok is your next spot to hunt for Labubu and limited-edition…
Includes kid-friendly attractions and exhilarating rides alike. Nearby accommodation options range from affordable and fuss-free…
Free attractions, cheap wine, glorious sights - you don't need to empty your bank account…
Try a teddy bear-themed hotpot at #12.
11.11 is back at it again.
Insider tips on how to shop on Taobao like a pro.