Time to be jolly!
It’s the last month of the year! It sounds crazy, but it felt like just last month when we were receiving angpaos. But before you start making resolutions for the new year, answer the call of decadence and spoil yourself rotten in this month of absolute indulgence.
Whether it’s celebrating Christmas in town or hopping from one mall to another to scour through the end-of-season sales, there are tons of things to do this December. So don’t shortchange yourself of all the joy throughout the last month of 2015!
-EVENTS-
1. Christmas Wonderland
If you’re looking for more than a tinge of the Christmas spirit, Christmas Wonderland at Gardens By The Bay is the place to be this December. More than a ‘usual’ carnival, this space lights up with festivities as 52 ‘Luminarie’ sculptures illuminate when darkness approaches.
The young and young at heart can explore the carnival grounds and ride the Christmas carousel to get you in the celebratory mood. Can’t stand the heat? Head over to the Ice Palace and twirl around the ice skating rink like a pro, or engage in snowball warfare with your buddies.
Alternatively, head over to the European-styled Christmas marketplace, where you’ll get to enjoy treats like cinnamon sugar churros while shopping for nifty craft items. Now that’s a Christmas that’s bound to satisfy anyone.
Date: Until 3rd January 2016
Time: Varied
Tickets: Free Admission
Venue: Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, S(018953)
Website
2. Crazy Christmas – A Ground Nutcracker
Prepare have your funny bone tickled real hard at Crazy Christmas – A Ground Nutcracker. Featuring an all-star comedy ensemble from Kumar to the Dim Sum Dollies, see how these unlikely characters interact when put on the same stage at the same time.
With the election fever happening earlier this year and Christmas right around the corner, trust these animated comedians to combine the 2 and have you crying for tissues with their outrageous jokes. Don’t say we never jio you ah.
Date: 10th – 19th December 2015
Time: Tuesday – Saturday, 8pm | Saturday – Sunday, 3pm
Tickets: $66 – $116 via sistic
Venue: Esplanade Theatre, Esplanade Dr, S(038981)
Website
3. Cosy Christmas Shopping at Loewen
If you haven’t got your friend that Christmas gift yet, don’t turn to Ferrero Rocher just yet. Selling an assortment of products from apparels and jewellery for the fashion conscious to homeware and toys for the homemaker, we guarantee you the chances of finding a gem is pretty darn high. Plus, there’s a kid corner for the little ones to play around while mum and dad shops.
Once you’re done, hop over to the pop-up cafe by Jones The Grocer for some re-energising before heading on for round 2 of shopping.
Date: 3rd – 16th December 2015
Time: 10am – 5pm
Tickets: Free Admission
Venue: Block 71 Loewen Road, S(248847)
Website
4. Santa’s All Star Christmas @ USS
SourceWhen it comes to USS, most people know it for their roller coaster rides and festive atmosphere. However, unbeknownst to many is the year-end Christmas event throughout December at USS. With many Christmas-only specials like a Dancing Lights Show and appearances of our favourite Sesame street characters, the best part has to be the Christmas F&B available during this period. Gingerbread Slush to cool off anyone?
When the sun goes down, see Sting Alley transform into a 19th century old port town in London, where the harmonies of carolers fill the area with joy and laughter. Stick around to catch the spectacular fireworks show that’ll kick start the festive spirit and remind you that it’s Christmas time again!
By the way, all rides are open till 9pm. SWEET.
Date: 1st December 2015 – 3rd January 2016
Time: 10am – 9pm
Tickets: $38 – $74
Venue: Universal Studios Singapore, 8 Sentosa Gateway, S(098269)
Website
5. Singapore Takeout
As a nation that shares the stance of food>everything else, Singaporean foodies shouldn’t miss Singapore TakeOut. Presented by Singapore Tourism Board as a finale to SG50, local culinary geniuses gather to deliever a modern take on the typical local fare.
Whether it’s Buak Keluak Maggi Goreng with Grilled Pork Cheek during lunch or chilli crab ice cream for dessert, this dining event showcases the signature creations of local chefs including Malcolm Lee of Candlenut and Chef Lee Boon Seng of Osia, Resorts World Singapore.
Date: 4th – 6th December 2015
Time: 6pm – 10pm
Tickets: Varied
Venue: Tan Quee Lan Street, S(188108)
Website
6. Carouselland
I you need to do some year end shopping to pamper yourself or get something for your secret santee, The Pavilion @ Far East Square will nail it. Over 70 booths form this bazaar-meets-party fest, each hailing from the Carousell family.
With a live DJ spinning the disk, you could even stand a chance to win the Carousell booth lucky draw! From flights for 2 to Bali to Zalora gift cards, the first 250 participants will get an exclusive goodie bag. You’d better bring a big carrier to store all your loots too – don’t say we didn’t warn you!
Date: 5th – 6th December 2015
Time: 11am – 8pm on both days
Tickets: Free admission
Venue: The Pavilion @ Far East Square, 45 Pekin Street, S(049962)
Website
7. Cinderella: A Fairly True Story
Watch Cinderella’s tale unfold through the eyes of an intrepid reporter as he attempts to find out what’s going on. Classical elements of the Cinderella story are retained such as the magnificent ball, the pumpkin coach and the iconic glass slippers, but find out what else is different in this modern retelling as the reporter forces Cinderella to face her own responsibilities and reject all magical interventions.
Location: Resorts World Theatre, Resorts World Sentosa
When: 10 December 2015 till 4 January 2016
Tickets: Available at Resorts World Theatre Box Office or by calling (65) 6348 5555 or at Sistic.
Pricing: Available at S$78, S$108, S$138 and S$168 (premium). Prices exclude SISTIC booking fees and handling charges.
8. Eat, Beats and Treats @ MEATliquor
If burgers, booze and buddies sound good to you, you better buckle up for what’s happening on 5th December. For 3 hours straight, enjoy a free flow of burgers and beer at MEATliquor. With 7 gourmet burgers and 17 types craft beers for you to choose from, don’t you dare leave the place without giving their bacon cheeseburger a try.
An extra $30 will up your alcohol game to all the wine you can drink. Slots are by reservations only, so if I were you, I’d be scrambling to snag the seats before they’re all gone.
Date: 5th December 2015
Time: 1pm – 4pm
Tickets: $90 – $120
Venue: MEATliquor, 99 Duxton Rd, Singapore 089543
Website
9. Three Blind Mice Christmas Market
Going Christmas shopping may be fun, but nothing beats the sense of accomplishment when you lay your hands on something pretty for the fraction of its original price. This month, head to Three Blind mice’s Christmas Market to scurry through the racks and piles of clothes to get all the best deals.
Alternatively, you can be the one behind the table and selling your pre-loved or old apparels. How else would you make space for new ones? Besides, the 30% discount on booth rentals mean it’s now easier to break even quickly. There’s nothing not to like about that!
Date: 5th – 20th December 2015
Time: 11am onwards
Tickets: Free Admission
Venue: POMO, 1 Selegie Road, S(188306)
Website
10. Cafe Week
For 2 weeks in December, you can be a part of a gastronomical trail called the Cafe Week. With 14 participating cafes like Stranger’s Reunion and Oh My Bacon, you’ll get to sample absolutely anything on their menu for just $15. Celebrate the SG50 pride by maxing out your dollar!
Seats are limited though, so be sure to chope one before everyone else snags it here.
Date: 10th – 13th December 2015 | 17th -20th December 2015
Time: Varied
Tickets: $15 – $35
Venue: Participating Outlets
Website
11. Scape The Invasion
If your idea of Scape is just an atas version of a flea market, prepare to have your notions redefined. Happening at Scape on 5th December is an 8 hour showcase where Singapore’s homegrown talents show their prowess. With 3 stages and performances happening concurrently, expect headlining acts like Shigga Shay, TheLionCityBoy and special sets from Charlie Lim.
In the meantime, do some Christmas gift shopping at the Scape marketplace. With products from fashion to special crafts by local brands, it’s an excellent opportunity to get your friend a gift they’ll never see anywhere else.
Date: 5th December 2015
Time: 2pm – 10pm
Tickets: Free Admission
Venue: Scape, 2 Orchard Link, S(237978)
Website
-THINGS TO DO-
1. Plan a day trip to Legoland Malaysia
If celebrating Christmas is a yearly affair spent with your loved ones, you might want to scoot over to Legoland for a quick getaway. After checking in at the uber cool Legoland Hotel, hop over to the main grounds for a fun family day out. For the kiddos, check out the Ninjago puppet show and have a blast at child-friendly rides such as the driving and boating school.
For the adventurous, thrilling rides are available at the other side of the theme park. The Project X is everything a roller coaster should be, except you’ll have a cabin all to yourself! Be sure to look out for the christmas decor and the majestic Lego Christmas tree – the largest one in Asia.
Not convinced yet? Here’re 10 more reasons why Legoland cannot be missed this December Holidays.
2. Burn those calories along Singapore’s scenic hiking trails
For most of us, getting our body ready for the crazy feasting during Christmas either means jogging around the neighbourhood or hitting the gym like it’s our second home. This may come as a surprise to many, but Singapore is home to hiking trails that are as challenging for workouts as they are photogenic for that perfect Instagram post!
Here’s a list of them to get you started. If you’re a beginner, you may want to start with the Northern Explorer loop as its manmade bridges make it easier to conquer. But if you’d like somewhere quieter, Puaka Hill at Pulau Ubin would be ideal.
3. Explore the newly opened stations along the Downtown Line
The wait is finally over. When the first part of the downtown line was opened to public, I was super thrilled. With more accessible places to eat and things to do, it’s every city nomad’s dream come true. With 12 more stations coming to you on December 27th, here’s to more weekend hideouts for you and your friends!
Perhaps you’d like to finally visit those elusive cafes, or go thrift-shopping in possibly the largest second-hand store in Singapore. With this complete guide to the Downtown Line, these obscure places are now significantly less ulu! Don’t miss out on the cinemgraphs (moving images) within the article too 😉
4. Go cafe-hopping and try these hawker food recreations
Yup, that’s CHILLI CRAB FRIES, in all its glory.
When out with friends, deciding on a place to fill that growling tummy is always a drag. Some want hipster cafe food that they can take pictures of, while others would rather have a bowl of laksa at the hawker centre anytime. Instead of getting torn apart, why not go on a gastronomical food hunt with the best of both worlds?
From Satay burger at The Quarter Bistro Cafe to Laksa Pasta at Ciollo Cocoa, we found 15 brilliant places that serves local hawker fare with a fresh and unique spin. ‘Nuff said, put those heated arguments to rest.
5. Buy clothes for a fraction of their prices at City Plaza
Even though shopping online is convenient, nothing compares to the joy of walking out of a store with a nicely pressed paper bag in your hand. Hopping from one store to another is what makes the retail therapy so worthwhile! If you want to shop like mad without having to survive on cup noodles for the rest of the month, head over to City Plaza Mall.
Located at the 3rd storey of the unassuming mall is Refash, a retail outlet that sells all sorts of apparels you see in various blogshops. With most items ranging from $5 – $15, don’t even think about leaving the place without getting a healthy heap of clothes. The more you buy, the more discounts and deals you’ll get? Now that’s a Christmas treat.
Read our complete guide to one of Singapore’s most underrated malls.
6. Round up your squad for an archery shootout
If regular shooting games at the arcade are getting old, forgo laser tag and go straight for Archery Tag. This new kid on the block now resides along Whitley Road, a hidden cove reserved only for those who are in the know.
The rules are pretty simple, the team with the least deaths after each round wins! No worries if a few members of your team got shot, though. Just catch an arrow from the opponent and voila, the team member is instantly revived!
Our company had tons of fun at Archery Tag 2 weeks ago. Read about our experience here.
7. Wine and dine like a VIP 165 metres above ground
Since it is the season to indulge and enjoy, why not bring a date to the Singapore flyer for a romantic dinner? Enjoy a 4 – 5 course dinner while the flyer takes you 165 metres above ground for a view that’s worth every penny you paid for.
With 2 rotations and the finest cuisines prepared, one of the highlights was this Braised Beef Cheek with Parsnip Puree and Pork Jus. It’s guaranteed to make you feel like you’ve died and risen to food nirvana. Read about our novel experience on the Singapore Flyer here!
8. Partake in the novel watersports in the heart of the city
When it comes to water sports in Singapore, the list is pretty exhaustive with the likes of swimming, water-polo and dragon boating. Not everyone has that level of fitness, so while they can go ahead and do their thing, the rest of us peasants can delight in this new addition that’s equally fun!
Over at the Water Sports Centre, you’ll get to pedal or bellboat along the cityscape and scenic skylines. These water activities are suited for all ages and body types, perfect for a family day out to bring your parents out for!
9. Rediscover Singapore’s attractions you never even knew opened
If you think Singapore is boring, chances are, you’re not nearly done exploring our own places of interest! For starters, did you know NUS is home to some legit dinosaur fossils? Be it snowboarding in our tropical climate or fishing your own dinner on an offshore kelong, here’re 15 new attractions that’ll make you feel like a tourist, even if you’ve been born and bred here.
Here’s a list of 15 underrated attractions that certainly need more buzz!
10. Have a spontaneous weekend getaway to Phnom Penh
Since it’s the last year of the month, why not just #YOLO and embark on a spontaneous trip?Now, if you think all there is to Phnom Penh is the iconic Angkor Wat, you ain’t see nothing yet. Maybe you’d like to watch the sun rise by the riverfront, or go pigging out on authentic street food like fried insects. Read more about the adventures you can have in Cambodia here!
Time to spoil yourself!
With the end of the year chasing after our behinds, there really is no better time to go all out and treat yourself before a whole new year begins again. Throw all the stress out of the window, pamper yourself and enjoy it. Whether it’s with a loved one or a bunch of friends, there’s something fulfilling for every one of us who’s already in a holiday mood!
Happy Holidays!