The festive yuletide is soon upon us and we’re all gearing up for a solid month of celebration and activities. There are many events in store and each presents a unique and magical experience. The absence of snow may be a bummer for many but year after year, Singapore has proven that you don’t need snow to properly soak up the feeling and vibes of Christmas.
Here, we have come up with a list of 12 places and things to do in Singapore during this festive season—from a life-sized replica of Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, to a slew of fun activities for your little ones—to fully immerse yourselves in the jolly spirit of Christmas.
ART SCIENCE MUSEUM
Future World at the Art Science Museum will be having a special festive installation called Sketch Christmas, where you get to make Santa deliver presents with a few taps on a screen. Aside from that, immerse yourself in 10 new and exciting interactive artworks on display!
When: December 1 2018 – January 6 2019
6 Bayfront Avenue
Singapore 018974
Tel: +65 6688 8898
Daily: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront
Photo Credit: The Straits Times
A WIZARDING WORLD HOLIDAY AT CHANGI
Muggles and wizards alike will be thrilled to know that for Christmas 2018, Changi Airport will be having a massive Harry Potter set up that involves landmarks from the movie such as Diagon Alley, Hogsmeade and the Whomping Willow with 4 separate installations scattered around the various terminals.
There will also be Harry Potter activities and merchandise up for grabs; it’s a Harry Potter fans dream come true!
When: 16 November 2018 – mid-February 2019
Airport Blvd
Changi Airport Terminal 1, 2 & 3
Tel: +65 6595 6868
Nearest Station: Changi Airport
CHRISTMAS ON A GREAT STREET @ ORCHARD ROAD
Orchard Road never fails to leave us in awe at its elaborate festive decorations each year. This year is no different and the theme for 2018 will be Disney. Look out for the Disney-inspired displays and pop-up stalls as well as the roads that will be lined with pretty lights.
When: Till 1st January 2019
CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND @ GARDENS BY THE BAY
Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay has become a must-visit place every festive season for the beautiful light structures that are perfect for that insta-worthy shot. This year, for their fifth edition, they will be having new highlights such as luminaire mirror maze and a world-class magical experience with illusionist Rob Lake.
When: 30th November 2018 to 26th December 2018
Supertree Grove and The Meadow
18 Marina Gardens Dr
Singapore 018953
Tel: +65 6420 6848
Daily: 4pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront
HANSEL & GRETEL’S WINTER ADVENTURE @ SNOW CITY
Want to experience snow this Christmas but you don’t have the time or funds to travel out of Singapore to do so? Fret not, because you can experience snow at Snow City! This year, their Christmas event revolves around Hansel & Gretel, so don’t forget to have your picture taken with them and Santa Claus himself!
When: 18th November 2018 – 31st December 2018
Snow City
21 Jurong Town Hall Road
Singapore 609433
Tel: +65 6560 2306
Daily: 10am – 6pm
Nearest Station: Jurong East
JUNCTION 8: GATEWAY TO SPACE
Reach for the stars at Junction 8 this Christmas with their space theme, Gateway to Space. With every S$50 spent, you get to redeem a free pass that allows you to take part in activities such as their VR ride Straight Into Space and Galaxy Explorer. You can also walk and take pictures at the mesmerising star-lit path with your loved ones.
When: 19 November 2018 to 2nd December 2018
9 Bishan Pl,
Singapore 579837
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Bishan
Photo Credit: The Finder Singapore
POINSETTIA WISHES @ GARDENS BY THE BAY FLOWER DOME
Fans of Disney Tsum Tsum will be delighted to know that the theme for Christmas this year at the Flower Dome is Tsum Tsum! Watch the adorable characters dance alongside the mesmerising festive decor as well as admire the pretty lights that adorn the entire dome. Get your camera ready for some instagrammable shots!
When: 2 November 2018 to 6 January 2019
18 Marina Gardens Dr
Singapore 018953
Tel: +65 6420 6848
Daily: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront
Photo Credit: Singapore Motherhood
PRUDENTIAL MARINA BAY CARNIVAL
The ever-popular Prudential Marina Bay Carnival is back again with a whopping 50 rides and game stalls that will be situated solely at the Bayfront Event Space. Thrill-seekers can look forward to more of the carnivals fast-moving rides while those who like to be challenged can attempt to win prizes at the many game stalls.
When: 22 December 2018 – 24 March 2019
12A Bayfront Avenue
Singapore 018970
Daily: 4pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront
SINGAPORE DOG FESTIVAL: A CANINE CHRISTMAS
Christmas isn’t just for us humans — dogs too deserve to have fun this festive season! This year dog lovers can bring their canines to the first ever Christmas-themed night market for man’s best friend. Treat your furry friend to specially curated animal products as well as goodies to feed your hungry puppers.
When: 14 December 2018 – 16 December 2018
The Grandstand
200 Turf Club Road
Singapore 287994
Tel: +64 6463 4610
Daily: 10am – 10pm
Nearest Station: Sixth Avenue
Photo Credit: Singapore Travelholic
SNOWY PLAYTIME @ CITY SQUARE MALL
Feel the magic of Christmas at City Square Mall with Barney and Friends! Have fun taking pictures with your favourite purple dinosaur as well as dance along to Barney themed Christmas songs. There will also be a foam snow party for everyone to have fun in.
When: 16 November 2018 – 30 December 2018
City Square Mall
180 Kitchener Road
Singapore 208539
Daily: 8.15pm – 9.15am
Nearest Station: Farrer Park
TANGLIN MALL’S CHRISTMAS WINTERLAND
Tanglin Mall is back again with its famous annual Christmas Wonderland which features falling snow! Children (and even adults) can have fun frolicking around in the foam snow while dancing along to the merry Christmas music.
When: 9 November 2018 – 1 January 2019
163 Tanglin Road
Singapore 247933
Tel: +65 6736 4922
Weekends: Avalanche 7.30pm – 7.45pm, Snow 7.45pm – 8pm
Weekends: Avalanche 7.30pm – 7.45pm & 8.30pm – 8.45pm, Snow 7.45pm – 8pm & 8.45pm – 9pm
Nearest Station: Orchard
Photo Credit: Channel NewsAsia
THE GREAT CHRISTMAS VILLAGE @ NGEE ANN CITY
Bask in music by local talents such as Raw Love. Supersonic and The Common People while you munch on some of the goodies that can be found at the stalls that surround the stage area. You can also bring your kids to Santa at the Hitachi Santa House or view the Christmas lights from a bird’s eye point of view by riding the Double Storey Carousel.
When: Till 25 December 2018
391 Orchard Road
Singapore 238873
Sun – Thu: 11.30am – 10pm
Fri & Sat: 11.30am – 11pm
Dec 20 – Dec 24: 11.30am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Orchard