10 Things to Do in Singapore in December

The last month of the year is magical and unforgettable, in fact it is full of entertaining activities ideal for a great holiday. I recommend packing light and don't forget your mackintosh, as temperatures range between 25° and 31° and although it coincides with the rainy season, the fun doesn't stop. There's plenty to see and do in Singapore at this time of year, starting with the Christmas atmosphere and New Year's Eve celebrations which are not to be missed.

Locals also take the opportunity to go shopping onBoxing Day, try devil curry on Boxing Day or explore Muslim traditions on the Festival of Sacrifice. If you want to escape the heat or rainy days, you can make snowmen at Tanglin Mall. In addition, Universal Studios Singapore reinvents itself every year with a programme headlined by musicals, shows and themed attractions.

If you're planning to visit Singapore at Christmas, you can't miss the varied programme of activities that fills its streets and main attractions with life. At this time of year, the gastronomy is enriched with delicious proposals, derived from the multi-ethnicity that characterises the City of the Future. Therefore, a gastronomic tour of the city can lead you to try seafood dishes or the famous devil curry, which is served on 24 December at Christmas dinner or on 26 December to celebrate St. Stephen's Day.

You'll also find cultural performances and twinkling lights everywhere in areas such as the Bay Gardens, Orchard Road and Marina Bay. There are even winter parks and snow centres that turn the tropical atmosphere into the real North Pole, which could be an ideal plan if you're looking for things to do in Singapore with kids.

The most recommended location to take advantage of the festive atmosphere with the family is Universal Studios Singapore, where you'll find themed worlds revolving around film, TV and entertainment. Here, you'll be treated to encounters with lovable characters, Christmas events and festive decorations. There are also light shows featuring the park's mascots.

In December, flight traffic increases considerably and airports tend to be busy, in fact Singapore's Changi International Airport is one of the busiest airports and handles more than 5 million passengers a year. If you have a quick stopover in Singapore or simply want to enjoy a different experience, I recommend you take advantage of the Changi Festive Village.

It's an event that brings the North Pole to Southeast Asia every year with different family-friendly offerings. In fact, the light shows will not leave you indifferent and you will surely want to explore the snow houses. Specifically, it runs from November to January and fills the main terminals with joy with ice slides, go-karting circuits, simulations and interactive exhibits, stretching paths, waterfalls, a Ferris wheel, snack bars and photo booth areas. There's never a shortage of fun and you'll wish your stopover would never end, as the airport feels like a hotel.

A more relaxing option is also available, as you can book the airport's premium lounge, which is a private space with all the necessary amenities. You can take a shower if you request it in advance, and you generally don't have to worry about WiFi, food and beverages.

A typical December activity is the Christmas markets, in fact if you plan to travel to Singapore in November you can see how they are set up and the preparations that make these colourful spaces possible. Some are held outdoors and others reside under iconic city buildings. Overall, they are a sensory explosion where the buzz of whispers, the smells of scents, perfumes and food wafting through the air, as well as the flavours of gastronomy dominate.

If you're interested in this plan, then I recommend you check out the highlights of the markets which include:

• Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay: in December the Christmas Wonderland Christmas event takes place, which is ideal if you plan to travel to Singapore with children. This is the city's largest Christmas market, which includes light sculptures, live entertainment, colourful parades, Santa trails and visits and much more.
• KK Christmas Market: Immerse yourself in Korean wonders at Tanglin Mall, where you can browse food, traditional products and even clothing.

December is the perfect time to take a ride on one of the city's best sightseeing buses. This type of experience allows you to see Singapore up close and personal, to revel in the magic of the season and to explore every corner at your own pace. By day, they usually offer two routes that pass through decorated areas such as Chinatown, Orchard Road and Clarke Quay.

But if you want to explore the nightlife and appreciate the twinkling lights, then I recommend booking the Singapore Big Bus night tour bus It's usually a three-hour tour that takes you around the local cuisine, giving you the opportunity to sample Christmas dishes. It also allows you to witness the Garden Rhapsody sound and light show at the SuperTree Grove, which often includes special seasonal performances.

New Year's Eve events are condensed in the best areas of Singapore and you can recognise them by the vibrant energy they emanate, as well as the crowds of onlookers. Before the countdown, head to Marina Bay for a comfortable spot to watch the annual fireworks display. Held since 2005, it attracts thousands of people, who gather around the bay, taking in places like Esplanade Park, Merlion Park and the Benjamin Sheares Bridge.

Some prefer to climb the terraces for a VIP, uncrowded, panoramic view. No matter where you choose to welcome the year, all you have to do is be mesmerised by the live entertainment and cultural shows. Later, you can head to the parties on the beaches and in the local nightclubs, which usually offer fun until dawn.

It's not for nothing that it's one of Asia' s most sought-after destinations to end the year. You'll be able to travel back in time, as it tops the list of the first countries to countdown. You can also take advantage of the best local activities and appreciate ancient traditions, such as open houses, which are events organised by the locals and originate from Chinese culture. Inside, you'll find food tastings and exchanges of oranges and red envelopes of money, better known as ang pao's.

Boxing Day is a UK and Canadian celebration, in fact it's considered a second Christmas, as it's the perfect excuse to go shopping, exchange gifts and eat well. It takes place every 26 December and has become part of Singapore' s traditions in recent years. Of course, the malls are packed and shops offer discounts you can't afford to miss.

On this day you can make the most of Singapore's themed attractions, which are more alive than ever as they keep the Christmas energy going until January. For example, you can stop by Universal Studios to immerse yourself in light shows, meet your childhood characters and share with the family.

Events are sometimes organised at local parks and outdoor activities, allowing you to play games like human Jenga, sample local foods and try Singapore-made cocktails.

This day also coincides with Boxing Day, so you can attend religious events or try devil curry at hotels and restaurants. Specifically, in the homes of locals, it is prepared from leftover Christmas dinner, while in local eateries it is a mixture of the ingredients used to prepare it.

Singapore is a melting pot of traditions and this is evident in its ethnic districts, which are a must-see during your holiday. In December I recommend attending the Sacrifice Festival or Hari Raya Haji, a major Muslim celebration held between Kampong Glam, Haji Lane and Geylang Serai. Here you can witness rituals and prayers in mosques, as well as vibrant bazaars where you can sample Arabian food, buy clothes or textiles and take souvenirs home.

It includes some spooky traditions, which I don't recommend you bring children to, as around 3,000 sheep and goats from Canada and Australia are sacrificed each year. This ritual is inspired by a passage from the Koran and symbolises Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his own son, as well as God's mercy in allowing him to replace him with a sheep. The meat is then distributed to humble communities or shared in the streets of the Arab quarter.

All are welcome to participate, but it is important to show respect. You can attend on your own, or perhaps join one of Singapore' s best tours to enjoy a guided tour through the history of this community.

The festive mood is in full swing in December, so it's no surprise that the festivities are electrifying and full of surprises. In fact, this is the time of year for ZoukOut Singapore, an annual dance music festival that has been held on the beach since 2001. It's the oldest event of its kind in Asia and creates a universe of traditional and modern rhythms, with performances inspired by ancient tribes.

It's ideal if you're looking for things to do in Singapore at night, as the programme runs from dusk to dawn. The performers offer an insight into Asian culture, plus you can enjoy immersive experiences, gastronomic offerings and breathtaking scenery. To attend you have to register and on the day of the event make sure to arrive early as there are many people attending.

The Singapore Ice Cream Museum is an experience not to be missed during your holiday in the city. Slip into the world of ice cream wonders, through hundreds of flavours that synchronise with the festive season. In fact, in December the spirit of Christmas arrives with Pinkmas, an event that turns its spaces into an explosion of pink.

Sing carols in one of Singapore's best museums, sample unlimited ice cream and bring out your inner child. This time you'll find yourself in chip pools, forests and castles - pink of course. Even the staff wear pink uniforms and you'll find flavours inspired by the theme.

Overall, this museum is an ideal choice if you're looking for things to do in Singapore with kids, who will be excited to try as much as they can, as long as their stomachs allow, including crunchy cones and creamy toppings. Plus, to learn about the history of ice cream, you can take part in interactive workshops. Or explore their fun-filled facilities, with around 14 themed zones including:

• Unicorn Playground**:** Unicorn Playground is an area where you can take pictures with unicorns, to immortalise your time in the museum. You can also find a swing in the shape of an ice-cream and swing gently.
• Dessert bar: if you go with your pet, you can share a special moment here, as animals are allowed. It is an ideal place to enjoy ice cream and delicious desserts, while the songs of the moment play in the background. They also prepare ice cream and ice cubes for furry friends, who also swelter in the heat of Singapore.
• Scream's Diner: If you prefer to cool off with a milkshake or a cocktail, you've come to the right place.

Tanglin Mall is very popular in December, in fact many people visit to enjoy the seasonal events. Here you can see snow without leaving the tropics, as artificial snowfalls have been held here since 1990, giving you the chance to play games and take unforgettable photographs. Of course, its activities are ideal if you plan to visit Singapore with children, who will be thrilled to feel like they are in the North Pole.

If you plan to stay at least 5 days in Singapore I recommend you to consider its attractions, as the avalanches and snow blizzards that are organised every night are a unique spectacle. In general, most attractions are available from December to January and you can also do your Christmas shopping and watch cultural light shows. In addition, themed decorations and lightings also embellish its spaces, and you can even see an authentic Christmas tree.