10 Things to Do in Singapore at Christmas

The holiday season offers magic-filled events 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 on your itinerary is to sample Christmas delicacies, or have a sensory experience at the local flea 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 during the holidays!

Singapore's major 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 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 holiday spirit through themed activities, colorful events and light displays. Although it is a place to visit at any time of the year, since it has more than 100,000 animals that you can explore, during the last month of the year it acquires an incomparable nuance. 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, since the City of the Future encourages constant technological evolution. What is certain is that fun will never be lacking and you will have a delightful evening. It is advisable to buy tickets for the S.E.A. Aquarium in advance, as at Christmas time it usually attracts many tourists.

Universal Studios Singapore

At Universal Studios Singapore you can dedicate yourself to enjoy Christmas in their facilities with light shows and presentations of the most beloved movie characters. Sing with Fiona and ride the most intense roller coasters to appreciate the typical decorations of the season from the heights. Additionally, the Christmas events may have an additional cost to the entrance.

You will have guaranteed fun, but I just want to tell you that during this time of the year there are more tourists. Therefore, it is advisable to consider the best tourist cards in Singapore that offer express and VIP passes to ensure priority access.

The Bay Gardens and its green spaces look like something out of a fairy tale, so it's no wonder it's a location where you can enjoy a pleasant Christmas atmosphere. People of all ages gather to participate in games inspired by the most touching 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 wrapped 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 sounds, there are plenty of people who spend an unforgettable Christmas Eve at Singapore's Changi International Airport. It's one of the most high-tech airports in the world, and every year it replaces the coldness of staying 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 are:

• Candy Wonderland: let yourself be carried away by 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 could be better than go-karting? Probably go-karting with dinosaurs. This track is available from November to April in Terminal 3 parking lot 3A, and during the holiday 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: an artificial waterfall, which offers a nighttime 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, to rest and spend 3, 6 or 12 hours in a relaxing 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 colors, aromas and unparalleled experiences, so you can't miss the Christmas gastronomic specialties, which are the result of a mix of cultures with a pleasant clash of flavors. During these dates you can take advantage of a gastronomic tour, or join the best local tours. This way, you will be able to compare a variety of dishes and delight yourself with hot flavored drinks.

Holidays are all about eating and enjoying as much as you can, so here are some of the specialties you can try:

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

Singapore is an innovative city, so the Christmas light switch-ons will blow your mind. You can expect interactive displays and revel in an unforgettable experience, especially on Orchard Road, the most festive street during this time of year. Street performances make the atmosphere unbeatable and it is also surrounded by vibrant bazaars buzzing with the sounds, striking 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 see the official switch-on that marks the start of the Christmas season. It can usually be admired from the middle of this month until early January. This is not the only place where you can appreciate the Christmas lights switch on, there are many options, among the most popular highlights:

• Ngee Ann Lights: here is installed the famous Singapore Christmas Village, 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. You can expect activities for children, craft workshops, Santa Claus visits, carousels, local and international food stalls and fireworks shows.
• Marina Bay: here you can appreciate a walk of lights, 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 spaces.
• Gardens by the Bay and the staging of the Christmas Wonderland themed event are another must-see, as the light shows are impressive and full of life.

The Singapore River is known to be an iconic location at Christmas, as the atmosphere is electrifying and full of interesting offerings. Here you can immerse yourself in its immensity, through rides on boats decorated according to the season. In addition, this perspective favors those who want to appreciate the lighting of lights, as it offers a private and uncrowded glimpse.

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

Of course, a Christmas vacation isn't complete without a stroll through the Christmas markets. These visits offer a glimpse of the local culture, history and cuisine, and you may also come across themed events, where you'll get the most out of these labyrinths that will push your senses to the limit. You will be able to taste typical dishes, immerse yourself in the smells wafting through the air and explore the contrasting sounds.

In fact, I would dare to say that it is one of the best things to do in Singapore, so I leave you a list of the most exciting 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, colorful parades and stalls where you can do your Christmas shopping.
• Cluny Court Fair: 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 offered are carefully curated to offer original, fun and useful proposals. You can also sample Korean treats and Korean skincare.

Singapore is a tropical city where it is rare to get cold or see snow, a pity because you have to admit that winter is often associated with movie Christmases. That's why Ice Magic Winter Wonderland is preparing a winter wonderland with dream attractions. This is a winter theme park that each year emulates a paradise with snowflakes and ice-based art. Specifically, it takes place at Bayfront Event Space from December to January.

In 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 is also famous for its ice sculptures and gastronomic flavors, with proposals that will keep you warm.

Singapore's Christmas proposals are inexhaustible, in fact among the best local activities Jumptopia Playful Wonders stands out. It is a dream destination for your vacations, which is organized in the Kiztopia playground. Here there are a variety of open areas as well as private entertainment spaces.

You can'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 center in the city and is available all year round. The best part is that at Christmas it is transformed with special areas and activities that will make for a magical vacation. 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 traveling with young children, you can go to the children's play areas, or take them to the educational exhibits where they can learn about snow, its formation process and the physics of cold. Of course, be sure to pack winter clothing, so you can escape to this wintry weather with no regrets. Please note that admission starts at 17 euros, but some attractions may cost extra.