At the start of this year, no one could’ve predicted a year of no-travel, the permanence of mask-wearing and how whipping out our phones to gain entry to shops would become the new norm. And even though the past months have been tumultuous, we aren’t going to let COVID-19 dampen the most beautiful time of the year.
From cheery festive activities to group-friendly fun at new attractions, here are 20 things to do in December 2020 so you can end 2020 with a bang.
Taking place across Jewel Changi, Terminal 3 and Terminal 4, Changi Airport’s Changi Festive Village has a myriad of wintry and exciting activities to keep you and the fam entertained.
Enter their freezing tokidoki Snow Holiday zone with caution – it’s maintained at -10ºC! While we can’t hop on a plane and enjoy snow elsewhere, the snow generators and slides serve as an adequate replacement for some chilly fun on our little red dot.
tokidoki Snow Holiday
Price: $13.90, Free with $30 spend ($80 at supermarkets)
Dates: 20th November 2020 – 3rd January 2021
Opening hours: 10AM-10PM, Daily
Venue: Changi Airport, Terminal 3 Departure Hall
Book tokidoki Snow Holiday
You can put the skills picked up during those Mario Kart practice seshs to the test at the Dino Kart track. With an electric go kart that hits a top speed of 24KM/H, channel your inner Vin Diesel and you swerve past your rivals and finish first place.
Kids don’t have to worry, there’s a separate Novice track and more controllable karts capped at 8KM/H for them to have their fun leisurely.
Dino Kart
Price: Mon – Wed $15 (Pro), $12 (Novice) | Thu – Sun $22 (Pro), $16 (Novice)
Dates: From now till 31st December 2020
Opening hours: Mon – Wed 3PM-10PM | Thu – Sun, PH and eves of PH 2PM-11PM
Venue: Changi Airport, Terminal 4 Arrival Kerbside taxi waiting area
Book Dino Kart
“Recruits, fall in!” You won’t be hearing that dreaded command here at TactSim, but you’ll get to fire some real airsoft weapon replicas in Singapore’s first airsoft arena – just like the old days. Located at HomeTeamNS Khatib, TactSim boasts two PvP Airsoft Arenas and one Target Shooting Range for players to test their marksmanship and duke it out against one another.
The Airsoft Arena has moveable wall panels, so game marshals can transform the playing field into one that matches their slew of customisable game modes. And with both stationary and moving targets available at the Target Shooting Range, you’re treated to the whole airsoft package at TactSim.
Because of safe distancing measures, the venue is only open to HomeTeamNS members, Home Team-related agencies, as well as SAFRA and PAssion members at the moment. A minimum of five members are required per booking, and rates for the Airsoft Arena start from $120/hour while rates for the Target Shooting Range begin from $30/hour.
Opening hours: Tue – Fri 3PM-10PM | Sat – Sun 9AM-10PM (Closed on Mondays)
Address: 2 Yishun Walk, HomeTeamNS Khatib, Level 3, Singapore 767944
Visit TactSim’s website
Fun fact: ARMY might seem like an extreme term for a K-pop boy band fanbase, but it actually stands for ‘Adorable Representative M.C. for Youth’ – kinda cute if you ask me.
Not like you ARMYs don’t know about it already, but BTS Pop-up: Map Of The Soul at Plaza Singapura is filled with a ton of exclusive merch to show your love for your BTS bias.
Sanctify your room with a 3D TinyTAN poster ($20) featuring an animated version of one of the seven members, or grab one of their Black Swan-esque Airpods Case ($25) show your devotion on the go. Merchandise that’s sold out every week won’t be restocked, so there’s always a reason to make recurring visits to check out any new pickings they have on offer.
You’ll also be able to put yourself into your idols’ shoes at the experiential zones, where you’ll have the opportunity to snap some shots with backdrops straight out of their MVs. And if you miss out on anything while at the BTS pop-up, make sure to visit their morningKall online store just to see if they’ve miraculously stocked it there.
Dates: 14th November 2020 – 14th February 2021
Time: 10AM-10PM, every Saturday
Address: 68 Orchard Road, Plaza Singapura #01-08/09, Singapore 238839
Image credit: @ChristmasWonderlandSG
The seventh installation of Garden by the Bay’s Christmas Wonderland takes centre stage online this year, with a slew of virtual content prepared for members. By purchasing one of their membership packages ranging from $8 – $25, you’ll have access to carnival games, a Midnight Snowball Fight and even a private video chat with Santa.
Make sure to download their Christmas Wonderland application (Xmas Wonderland for iOS, Christmas Wonderland for Android) to have access to their full suite of membership perks.
If you’re itching to head out of the house, the Walk of Lights light-up happening from 4th- 27th Dec 2020 is the perfect mood-setter for a festive date night. This one-way 370M-route takes you past vibrant, colourful installations like the Spailliera, which is reminiscent of their large-scale live iterations of past years.
Dates: Now till 31st December 2020
Visit the Christmas Wonderland website
If someone told you they’re heading to town for the sole reason of petting horses this weekend, you’d think he or she is crazy. But in actuality, you can do just that during The Miniature Horse Sessions happening at ION Orchard.
In collaboration with therapy programme EQUAL, fashion store IN GOOD COMPANY is helping to raise funds for the cause by hosting a meet-and-pet sesh with a sextet of therapy horses. Each session purchased allows two people to get up close and personal with two out of an adorable six miniature horses – namely Ah Boy, Ah Girl, Kopi, Milo, Sayang and Siew Mai.
Along with the horse-petting fun, a session ticket also entitles you to two complimentary drinks and a $50 e-voucher to spend at IN GOOD COMPANY. All proceeds will go straight to EQUAL, and you can make your bookings to horse around with these equestrian pals via Eventbrite.
Dates: 6th, 13th and 20th December 2020
Time: 4PM-6PM
Address: IN GOOD COMPANY, 2 Orchard Turn, ION Orchard, #B1-06, Singapore 238801
Once you’re done with horse-petting, you may want to step out onto the streets of Orchard to enjoy the Christmas on A Great Street light-up. Whether you’re shopping in the vicinity or driving down the bustling streets, you’ll be able to enjoy the light-up display that spans some 3.1KM across Tanglin, Orchard and Somerset.
For all you homebodies, check out the Virtual Orchard Road 360° tour on the Christmas on A Great Street website to catch a glimpse of the dazzling display from the comforts of your abode.
Date: Now till 1st January 2021
Find out more about Christmas on A Great Street
Image credit: Eatbook
Fans of the Jurassic franchise will have their prehistoric dreams come alive at the pop-up Jurassic World Cafe at ION Sky. You’ll be able to dine as if you were in the famed Isla Nublar, minus the threat of a T-Rex or Velociraptor jumping in and interrupting your meal.
Satiate your voracious appetite with the Volcano Curry ($23), a heap of charcoal-coloured rice drenched in a rich lava-like pulled pork curry. Opt for the beef-based Jurassic World Burger ($28) if you can’t take the heat, or just drown your spicy sorrows down with a minty refreshing Mosasaurus Soda ($8).
Date: From now till 3rd January 2021
Opening hours: 11AM-10PM, Daily
Address: 2 Orchard Turn, ION Sky, Level 56, Singapore 238801
Visit the Jurassic World Cafe Singapore website
For those who love street culture, Culture Cartel 2020 is bringing the third edition of its free-for-all event to the virtual realm for the first time. With the street culture convention being mapped out as an online town with interactive booths online, you’ll be able to attend creative masterclasses and shop exclusive merch from street brands like Carhartt and Nike.
The body is essentially a canvas for tattoo artists, and you’ll be able to see how each artists’ finest work fare against each other in the virtual tattoo competition. Internationally renowned tattoo artists Gakkin and Sasha Unisex are also part of the panel of judges who’ll decide whose ink is the best.
Image credit: Culture Cartel
Raffles and lucky draws are part and parcel of sneaker culture – avid sneakerheads constantly vie for a chance to cop a rare pair of exclusive shoes. To formally induct yourself into streetwear culture, grab a $2 Raffle Ticket via Klook and you’ll stand a chance to deck out your feet with a pair of popular Jordan 1s, Nike Dunks and Yeezys worth over $1,000.
Date: 5th December 2020
Time: 1PM-12AM
Visit Culture Cartel’s website
Visiting the aquarium might not seem like the ideal place to spend this festive season, but SEA Aquarium’s SEAASON of Rediscovery promises a whale of a time this Christmas. With festive lighting adorning the premises and soothing soundscapes for new exhibitions, you’ll be able to have an immersive experience as you gaze at your fishy friends.
To usher in the festive spirit, snap pics with their giant walk-in presents or update your IG with their picturesque Coral-ful Wall. The educational wall also features information about the importance of coral reefs, so you’ll pick up some tidbits of knowledge as you saunter around.
Returning visitors will also have three new exhibits to marvel at. Touch animals like the epaulette shark and knobbly sea star at the Discovery Pool, visit the home of the poison arrow frog at the Rainforest Habitat and learn about coral propagation at the coral fragments zone.
Date: From now till 5th Jan 2021
Opening hours: Mon, Tue & Fri 10AM-5PM | Sat & Sun 9AM-5PM (Closed on Wed & Thurs)
Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269
Find out more about SEAASON of Rediscovery
Ah, Timezone. The good ol’ days when having the coveted Gold or Platinum card was the status symbol everyone was envious of. With their Westgate branch slated to open on 4th December 2020, you’ll be able to get some nostalgic entertainment from the largest Timezone branch.
Home to over 200 arcade games spread over their Carnival, Music and Racing zones, you’ll be spoilt for choice when you set foot in their 18,000sqf space. After gaming away and accumulating your e-tickets, you can head on over to the largest prize shop to see what goodies you’ll be able to take home with you.
To fuel your gaming desires, be sure to look out for the Giant Claw Machine chock-full of plushies. Guess the number of plushies in the machine and post a selfie on Facebook or Instagram with the tags @TimezoneSingapore, #TZGiantClaw and #WestgateSG. If your lucky charms are working, you’ll earn yourself $1,000 worth of credits to settle your arcade expenses for a long time.
Opening hours: Mon – Thu 11.30AM-9.30PM | Fri 11.30AM-10PM | Sat – Sun 10.30AM-10PM
Address: 3 Gateway Drive, Westgate, #B1-45, Singapore 608532
Visit Timezone Singapore’s website
Image credit: CapitaLand
Other than Orchard and tourist attractions, the festive spirit extends to our heartland malls too – 13 of them, to be exact. The LEGO Festive Carnival brings Christmas to 13 Capitaland malls, where unique LEGO installations customised for each district can be found.
Some of the highlights include the largest LEGO Christmas tree carousel at Bugis Junction, gift-laden ferris wheel structures at Funan, JCube and Tampines Mall and a rock-and-roll musical set at Plaza Singapura.
Image credit: CapitaLand
Christmas presents just got cheaper too, as you’ll enjoy Festive Cashback when you make your purchases at CapitaLand malls. Scan your receipts on the CapitaStar app (CapitaStar App on iOS, CapitaStar on Android) and receive a complimentary $10 voucher with a minimum spend of $120.
And to top it all off, you can also download their specially crafted LEGO X CapitaLand WhatsApp Stickers to add some quirky flair to your conversations.
Date: Now till 31st December 2020
Find out more about LEGO Festive Carnival
Image credit: Science Centre Singapore
Since we were little kids, the Science Centre has always been a place of discovery and wonder. And with their travelling exhibit, Living Worlds: An Animal Planet Experience, landing on local shores, take the young ones and let your inner child loose at this hour-long attraction.
Their dome-shaped projection gives the illusion that you’re inside a submarine, where you can catch virtual stingrays swimming about and magnificent coral reef structures. Life-sized exhibits are also available to learn more about animals and their habitats they inhabit.
Image credit: Science Centre Singapore
And to immortalise your day at the exhibition, the kids will love the AR photo booth with an exotic animal like a tiger in frame. Unless you’re the Tiger King, this is probably the closest you and the kids will get to one of nature’s most fearsome creations, so make sure to seize this rare technological opportunity so snap a pic worth saving down memory lane.
Tickets are priced at $16 for adults and $12 for children.
Dates: Now till 3rd January 2021
Opening hours: 10AM-1PM, 2PM-5PM, Daily
Address: 15 Science Centre Road, Singapore 609081
Learn more about Living Worlds: An Animal Planet Experience
Lumping a bunch of sweaty, panting individuals in one place for a marathon doesn’t sound like the best idea, especially in this social climate. That’s why the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon (SCSM) is offering both augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) runs for participants looking for a new challenge.
Using the Rouvy AR application (Rouvy AR for iOS, ROUVY AR for Android), you’ll be able to join the race and compete against international folk all from a treadmill. And for soldiering on despite these trying times, Standard Chartered is working with SG Cares to donate $15 in support of charitable causes for every 1KM you clock.
Thankfully, there’ll be a law-abiding Grand Finale Celebration Experience held at the Flower Field Hall of Garden by the Bay’s Flower Dome. Here, runners can collect their exclusive race entitlements like medals, bottles and singlets that they’ve purchased online.
Dates: Now till 6th December 2020
Find out more about the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon
Image credit: Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay isn’t relenting this year. Besides shifting its flagship Christmas Wonderland online, they’re slowly reopening fan favourite attractions like Floral Fantasy and Poinsettia Wishes to the public.
Located at Bayfront Plaza, Floral Fantasy showcases Joy, a 5M-long floral structure made out of dried and preserved flowers, in her full glory. Alongside pathways filled with Japanese fuchsias and other vibrant plants grown by their in-house horticulturists, you have another sightseeing option to spend one of your festive days on. Ticket prices range from $5 – $15.
Floral Fantasy
Date: Now till 3rd January 2021
Time: Mon – Fri 10AM-7PM | Sat – Sun 10AM-8PM
Address: Bayfront Plaza, Gardens by the Bay, Sheares Avenue
Find out more about Floral Fantasy
Image credit: Gardens by the Bay
Your sightseeing escapades don’t end there – you’ll have a chance to view the festive poinsettia flower at Garden by the Bay’s Flower Dome during Poinsettia Wishes 2020.
Fun fact: The poinsettia is known as Flor de Nochebuena in Mexico, which roughly translates to Christmas Eve flower – a blossom that truly embodies the X’mas spirit.
Image credit: Gardens by the Bay
While we can’t just hop on a plane and fly off to our dream vacay destination, this year’s iteration of Poinsettia Wishes brings some European zest with it. The Dutch landmark Gouda City Hall has been reimagined into the Gouda Townhall here at the Flower Dome.
With nutcrackers and light sculptures scattered all over the venue, you’ll be able to get a slice of European life at this particular Gardens by the Bay attraction this Christmas.
Poinsettia Wishes 2020
Date: Now till 3rd January 2021
Time: 9AM-9PM, Daily
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Find out more about Poinsettia Wishes 2020
If you’re ever wanted to star in a theatre production without even stepping on stage, then you’ve got your casting call at the Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA). From immersive theatre performances to comedy gold from mrbrown, you’ll still be able to make the most out of this festival even without its physical venue.
For starters, local act mrbrown brings his brazen Singaporean antics to the forefront with the mrbrown show LIVE!. Alongside poet-photographer Marc Nair and comedy writer Mr Miyagi, you’ll enjoy uniquely Singaporean jokes and hear mrbrown belt out some tunes in this concert.
the mrbrown show LIVE!
Date: 25th-27th Dec 2020
Time: Fri 8PM | Sat 3PM, 8PM | Sun 3PM
Address: 20 Merbau Road, KC Arts Centre, Singapore 239035
Price: $50 (Live Show) | $20-30; Pay-as-you-wish (Video On Demand)
Find out more about the mrbrown show LIVE!
Remember that Black Mirror episode where you decided how the story ended? You’ll be able to do just that with 600 HIGHWAYMEN’s A Thousand Ways – Part 1: A Phone Call. A three-part narrative that you dictate depending on how you respond to stage directions, you’ll be the actor and the audience in this interactive play.
A Thousand Ways – Part 1: A Phone Call
Date: 5th – 22nd Nov 2020
Time: Thurs – Fri 3PM, 4.30PM, 7.30PM, 9PM | Sat – Sun 11.30AM, 1PM, 2.30PM, 5.30PM, 7PM, 8.30PM
Price: $20
Find out more about A Thousand Ways – Part 1: A Phone Call
Image credit: HomeTeamNS
We might end up sounding like uncles and aunties after this, but kids these days turn to their phones as their main source of entertainment – a stark contrast from our primary school days. If you’re looking to switch it up for the young ones, consider taking them to the Peranakan-inspired T-Play at HomeTeamNS Khatib.
It’s a travesty if the next generation grows up without knowing about the iconic dragon slide, and T-Play’s Climbing Slide Tower incorporates that famed design into its twisty tunnel slide. Armed with a Foam Ball Shooting Arena and futsal-centric Sport Pitch too, your mini-mes will relish the swathe of activities lined up for them here.
Prices for their Day Pass start from $10. But if your kids absolutely love the place, opt for the two-year membership that starts from just $20 for the most bang for your buck.
Opening hours: Tue – Thu 1PM-7PM | Fri 1PM-9PM | Sat – Sun 10AM-9PM (Closed on Mon)
Address: 2 Yishun Walk, HomeTeamNS Khatib, Singapore 767944
Find out more about T-Play @ HomeTeamNS Khatib
Take your pupper to East Coast for a fantastic lineup of things to do in December 2020 with your pet
Image credit: @nparksbuzz
The frantic wagging of our doggo’s tail is a clear indicator they’re excited to head out for a walk. And at East Coast Park’s new dog run, they’ll be able to prance around the 2,000sqm grassy field freely and live life to the fullest. They’re bound to meet some other dogs there, so you can mingle with other like-minded owners at the East’s largest dog run.
While we aren’t the ones having the fun here, seeing our furball run around with unbridled joy alongside their other furry friends will warm our hearts enough to take them back for more.
Image credit: @nparksbuzz
There’s also a bird perch next to the dog run too, so those with trained birds can bring their winged companions along to enjoy some fresh air too.
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 7.30AM-9.15PM | Sat – Sun 7AM-12AM
Address: 920 East Coast Park, Parkland Green, Singapore 449875
Image credit: Singapore International Film Festival
With most of the hotly anticipated blockbusters of the year having their releases pushed back, we’ll have to wait till next year to catch Black Widow and 007 himself hit the big screens. To get your movie fix sorted in the meantime, check out the 31 thought-provoking films at the Singapore International Film Festival for a change of pace from your average cinema flick.
From tackling the topic of sexual abuse in sports in Slalom to the cultural conflicts in relationships in East Coast Park Lovers, you’ll definitely find a title that piques your interest. Q&A seshs are available too, so you’ll be able to pick the brains of the filmmakers and get the answers to the burning movie conspiracies from the film you’ve just watched.
With live screenings being held at the Oldham Theatre or Filmgarde Bugis+, browse through the film lineup and head on to the SISTIC booking site to chope a seat. E-screenings are available too, so you’ve got options if you’ve already exhausted the catalogue of titles on Netflix.
Dates: Now till 6th December 2020
Visit the Singapore International Film Festival website
The images in John Clang’s “The Land of My Heart” are one of the highlights of the exhibition
Image credit: Marina Bay Sands
Shutterbugs will relish the chance to appreciate the works of 15 contemporary photographers at the Margins: drawing pictures of home exhibit at the ArtScience Museum. A picture truly paints a thousand words, and you’ll be able to delve deeper into Singaporean topics like race and the importance of immigrants.
Among the lineup of featured works are photos captured by Nguan and AikBeng Chia, two popular local photographers. Without giving anything away, Nguan’s exhibition has a focus on the grittier and overlooked side of an ordinary citizen’s life while AikBeng’s exhibition centres on a more light-hearted topic, the incorporation of dialect in a Singaporean’s daily routine.
The exhibition is part of the seventh Singapore’s International Photography Festival (SIPF), and tickets are priced at $6.
Dates: Now till 28th February 2021
Address: 6 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018974
Find out more about Margins: drawing pictures of home
Andsoforth’s Princess Academy is one of the enjoyable things to do in December 2020 for your little girl this holiday
Image credit: Andsoforth Academy
If you’re looking to pamper your little princess, give her the royal treatment by enrolling her into the Andsoforth Princess Academy. For three hours per day, your daughter will enter a three-day holiday camp split into three elegant phases – Princess Transformation, Princess Song & Speech and Princess Etiquette.
From designing a mini princess gowns to learning the correct posture and mannerisms when at a royal banquet, your dainty little lady will get to live her Cinderella dreams IRL. The first 50 sign-ups also get a $150 Princess Makeup Kit, so it’s the fastest fingers first.
The ‘princesses’ your kid will be learning these traits from are professional actresses with relevant arts and drama teaching experience, so your daughters are in safe hands. Tickets cost $400, and you can book your tickets on the Andsoforth Academy website.
Dates: Now till 18th December 2020
Address: 200 Pandan Gardens, Andsoforth Academy, Singapore 609336
Find out more about Andsoforth Princess Academy
With these 20 things to do in December 2020, there’s no shortage of fun activities to indulge in during this action-packed month. As we finally draw the curtains on this eventful 2020, here’s to a fruitful 2021 that’ll hopefully let us make up for lost time this year.
Check out other things to do to end off 2020 in style:
Cover image adapted from (left and middle): @gardensbythebay and @equal.sg
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