10 Things to Do in Singapore at Christmas

The Christmas season offers events full of magic in Singapore, so get ready to make the most of it. Be dazzled by futuristic decorations, twinkling lights and light shows. You'll have a wonderful time at places like the S.E.A. Aquarium or Universal Studios Singapore, where attractions are set up to match the beauty of this era.

Singapore is such a fascinating place that you can even spend Christmas at the airport without getting bored, with innovative attractions for the whole family. Another must-do on your itinerary is to sample Christmas delicacies, or have a sensory experience at the local markets. As you can see, there are plenty of fun activities to explore, so here's a guide to the best things to do in the city over the holidays!

Singapore's main amusement parks are flooded with Christmas celebrations, light decorations and themed events between November and January. You can buy tickets for the Sentosa Cable Car to reach the island, where you'll find more variety especially at locations such as the S.E.A. Aquarium, Universal Studios Singapore and Gardens by the Bay.

Note that there are other offerings at resorts and on iconic streets such as Orchard Road and Clarke Quay.

S.E.A. Aquarium

The S.E.A. Aquarium gets into the Christmas spirit with themed activities, colourful events and light displays. While it's a great place to visit at any time of year, with more than 100,000 animals to explore, during the last month of the year it takes on an unparalleled hue. You can even see prototypes of bioluminescent jellyfish, which are placed in a pool next to the sea creatures and are made with different types of technology.

Keep in mind that every year they can innovate, as the City of the Future encourages constant technological evolution. What is certain is that the fun will never be lacking and you will have an enchanting evening. It is advisable to buy tickets for the S.E.A. Aquarium in advance, as it tends to attract a lot of tourists at Christmas time.

Universal Studios Singapore

At Universal Studios Singapore you can spend Christmas at the facility with light shows and performances by beloved movie characters. Sing along with Fiona and ride the most intense roller coasters to see the seasonal decorations from above. In addition, Christmas events may have an additional entrance fee.

You're guaranteed to have fun, just be aware that this is the busiest time of the year for tourists. Therefore, it is advisable to consider Singapore' s best tourist cards that offer express and VIP passes to ensure priority access.

The Bay Gardens and its green spaces look like something out of a fairytale, so it's no wonder that it's a location where you can enjoy a festive Christmas atmosphere. People of all ages gather to participate in games inspired by the most poignant Christmas stories, as well as appreciate the lights and decorations typical of the season.

This place is also known for its annual Christmas Wonderland event, where the famous metal Supertrees twinkle in lights. In addition, the traditional Christmas tree is decorated and surrounded by mirrors that refract opulence. This scene probably sounds familiar, as it was inspired by Alice in Wonderland.

As strange as it may sound, there are plenty of people who spend an unforgettable Christmas Eve at Singapore Changi International Airport. It's one of the most high-tech airports in the world and every year it replaces the coldness of sitting in an airport chair on Christmas Eve with celebrations in the warmth of a real home.

The magic floats from November to January with the Changi Festive Village, an enchanted kingdom that intercepts flights to offer themed worlds, family activities, light displays and a snow house. Some of the attractions you can enjoy include:

• Candy Wonderland: Get carried away at this candy-themed carnival, ideal if you plan to travel to Singapore with children. It is usually located in Terminal 3 and can be enjoyed from 12:00 to 22:00. It is considered Changi Airport's Wonderland, as it has a Ferris wheel, photo booths and snow shows.
• Candy Snow House: in Terminal 3 you will also find a snow house, which houses sculptures and slides made of ice. In fact, it is an annex of Candy Wonderland.
• Dino Kart: What's better than go-karting? Probably go-karting with dinosaurs. This track is available from November to April in Terminal 3 car park 3A, and during the Christmas season it is decorated with a Christmas theme. You can also find the wonders of Dino Bounce headed by dinosaur-themed bouncy castles, fantasy mazes and wave pools.
• Rain Vortex: is an artificial waterfall, which offers a night-time light show.
• Forest Valley and Canopy Park: Stroll through dreamscapes surrounded by interactive attractions, leg-stretching trails, mist simulations and giant slides.

If your stopover coincides with Christmas Eve, you can also book a premium room, where you can relax and spend 3, 6 or 12 hours in a soothing environment. This way, you won't have to worry about anything, as it usually includes WiFi connection, snacks, drinks and TV channels, newspapers and international magazines.

The last month of the year in Singapore radiates colours, aromas and experiences like no other, so don't miss out on the Christmas specialities, which are the result of a mix of cultures with a pleasant clash of flavours. During these dates you can take advantage of a gastronomic tour, or join the best local tours. This way, you can compare a variety of dishes and indulge in hot flavoured drinks.

The holidays are all about eating and enjoying as much as you can, so here are some of the specialities you can try:

• Curry devil: this is a traditional Eurasian food that is quite peculiar, as it is eaten on 24 December after the main courses. There are also locals and restaurants that offer it on 26 December, to celebrate St. Stephen's Day. It is a combination of all the leftovers from Christmas dinner, so it can include chicken, turkey, cauliflower, sausages, among others.
• Chilli Grab: Most of Singapore's dishes are prepared with seafood and fish, in fact Singapore's food culture is influenced by different Asian perspectives, which prepare seafood delicacies in different ways. Here you can explore the fusion of all techniques, and even taste improved dishes.
• Laksa: a spicy noodle soup served with chicken, fish or prawns. In fact, it is mentioned in early Peranakan cookbooks in Singapore and Malaysia.

Singapore is an innovative city, so the Christmas light switch-on will leave you speechless. Expect interactive displays and an unforgettable experience, especially on Orchard Road, the most festive street during this time of year. Street performances make the atmosphere unbeatable and it's also surrounded by vibrant bazaars buzzing with the sounds and smells of festive dishes and stalls to buy everything you need to celebrate Christmas.

In fact, its decorations have become an annual tradition and if you plan to travel to Singapore in November you can catch the official switch-on that marks the start of the Christmas season. It can usually be seen from the middle of this month until the beginning of January. This is not the only place where you can see the Christmas lights switch on, there are plenty of options, the most popular of which include:

• Ngee Ann Lights: This is where the famous Singapore Christmas Village is set up, which is located twenty-five minutes from downtown. It is set up with a Yuletide theme, which is a way of saying Christmas in the city. Expect children's activities, craft workshops, Father Christmas visits, carousels, local and international food stalls and fireworks shows.
• Marina Bay: here you can see a light promenade, as well as light sculptures or luminaries, which are typical of Europe.
• Sentosa Island: hop on the Singapore cable car to visit this wonderful area of Singapore, where you can enjoy the themed attractions of Universal Studios Singapore and wonderful Christmas lightings on its beaches, amusement parks, picturesque streets and entertainment venues.
• Gardens by the Bay and the staging of the Christmas Wonderland themed event are another must-see, as the light shows are breathtaking and full of life.

The Singapore River is known to be an iconic location at Christmas time, as the atmosphere is electrifying and full of interesting offerings. Here you can immerse yourself in the vastness of the river through seasonally decorated boat rides. In addition, this perspective favours those who want to appreciate the lighting of the lights, as it offers a private and uncrowded glimpse.

This area is also known for its riverside dinners, which are usually headed by a Christmas menu. In addition, at Christmas time the nightlife intensifies and there are themed parties on the piers, as well as promotions and events in the nightclubs.

Of course, a Christmas holiday isn't complete without a stroll through the Christmas markets. These visits offer a glimpse of local culture, history and cuisine, and it's also possible to find themed events, where you'll get the most out of these labyrinths that will push your senses to the limit. You can sample local dishes, immerse yourself in the smells wafting through the air and explore the contrasting sounds.

In fact, I would go as far as to say that it is one of the best things to do in Singapore, so here is a list of the most enticing options:

• Christmas Wonderland Market: this seasonal flea market is part of Christmas Wonderland and takes place at the Bay Gardens from December to January. In general, you can expect a festive atmosphere with live entertainment, children's games, colourful parades and stalls where you can do your Christmas shopping.
• Cluny Court Fair: This is a Christmas fair that has become an annual tradition, specifically held at the Cluny Cort location, twenty minutes from downtown. Here you will find Christmas stalls with traditional objects, typical dishes and handmade products.
• KK Christmas Market: Get ready to experience the wonders of Korean culture at this market, which is held at Tanglin Mall from November to December. The products on offer are carefully curated to offer original, fun and useful offerings. You can also sample Korean treats and Korean skincare.

Singapore is a tropical city where it's rare to get cold or see snow, which is a pity because, admittedly, winter is often associated with Christmas movies. That's why Ice Magic Winter Wonderland is preparing a winter wonderland with dreamlike attractions. It is a winter theme park that each year emulates a paradise with snowflakes and ice art. Specifically, it takes place at Bayfront Event Space from December to January.

At this park you can't miss the ice slides, which are tall, long and full of adrenaline. If you plan to visit Singapore with children, you have to squeeze in the family activities, such as the merry-go-round surrounded by a snowy landscape. It's also famous for its ice sculptures and gastronomic flavours, with offerings that will keep you warm.

Singapore's Christmas offerings are endless, in fact among the best local activities is Jumptopia Playful Wonders. It's a dream destination for your holiday, which is organised at the Kiztopia playground. Here there are a variety of open areas as well as private entertainment spaces.

Don't miss the challenges around this picturesque era, which will test your skills. Upon entering, you'll find bouncy castles, go-karting areas and ideal spaces if you're looking for things to do in Singapore with kids.

Snow City is the only snow centre in the city and is available all year round. The best part is that at Christmas time it transforms with special areas and activities that will make for a magical holiday. The main attraction is the Snow Chamber, a space that is meticulously prepared to emulate the North Pole. Here you'll be at -5° and can make snow angels or snowmen, slide down hills and have a ball war with your friends or family.

If you're travelling with young children, you can head to the children's play areas, or take them to the educational exhibits where they can learn about snow, how it forms and the physics of cold. Of course, be sure to pack your winter clothes, so you can escape to the wintry weather with no regrets. Please note that admission starts from 17 euros, but some attractions may cost extra.