Christmas in Singapore

By Dom Bewley
Published: July 18, 2024
Christmas in Singapore

It's the same every year. Horned animals, jolly red fellows, and gifts wrapped in paper start appearing on TV. Those songs clog up your favorite radio stations - you know the ones. And you hear the distant scream of your bank account as it prepares to be drained of all its savings. Yes, that's right. It's Christmas. The most wonderful time of the year.

So if you're considering visiting Singapore this winter, you might want to know what Christmas is like in the city. Well, don't worry; we've got all answers down below, as well as suggestions to amplify your merriment! Read on, and discover Christmas in Singapore.

Including:

  • How do they celebrate Christmas in Singapore?
  • Is Christmas in Singapore good?
  • Is Christmas a big holiday in Singapore?
  • Christmas cheer at Gardens of the Bay
  • Christmas at Universal Studios
  • and more!
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How do they celebrate Christmas in Singapore?

In such a multicultural city, it's no surprise that Christmas is handled in a rather traditional sense. Shopping malls are wrapped in tinsel and fairy lights, Christmas trees spring up from nowhere, and stockings adorn many a shop window. So, really, it's probably just like your home town. Only in Singapore, so the weather's much better!

Is Christmas in Singapore good?

It is! You'll find plenty of Christmas activities to enjoy in and around the city, as well as Christmas shopping savings, markets, and plenty more. But we'll get to that.

Is Christmas a big holiday in Singapore?

Even though there's a relatively small Christian population in Singapore - around 19% identify as Christians - Christmas is still a big holiday in the city. Much like many of the other religious holidays and festivals celebrated in Singapore, Christmas gets a similar treatment.

Now that we've got your burning questions out of the way, let's talk about the best things to do over Christmas in Singapore!

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Christmas cheer at Gardens of the Bay

If you're visiting Singapore, you've probably already heard of Gardens of the Bay. Thanks to its beautiful SuperTrees, it's one of the most recognizable green spaces on the planet. With millions of plants, multiple biomes, and even an Avatar movie crossover found within, there's plenty to do and see for every visitor.

But what of Christmas? Well, you've got a few choices.

First is Christmas Wonderland. Arguably Singapore's biggest Christmas extravaganza, visitors will be treated to the kind of light show one expects at Garden Rhapsody - just extra Christmasy. But that's not all; you can also meet Santa and snap a pic, play carnival games, explore the Mistletoe Alley Christmas market, and even hop on some rides. All-round yuletide fun for one and all, just like Santa always wanted. This one runs throughout December, so if you're visiting Singapore over Christmas, you should be just fine.

The other is Poinsetta Wishes, a massive display of delightful Andalucian flora that gets a Christmas glow-up every winter. Every year, a different Christmas theme takes over the Flower Dome. Last year it was Nordic-inspired Christmas treats like gingerbread reindeer and a giant hollowed-out apple adorning Santa's sleigh. 2022/23's display hasn't been announced yet, but keep an eye out online to find out. Typically, the Christmas display at the Flower Dome runs from the end of November to the beginning of January.

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Joy to the world at Universal Studios

Universal Studios is every cinephile's ideal theme park. With tons of rides dedicated to some of the planet's biggest film franchises, it's fun for kids and bigger kids alike. One moment, visitors will be dodging dinos at the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure; the next, they'll be riding alongside Optimus Prime as the Transformers battle the Decepticons.

But over Christmas, it transforms into a winter wonderland. The halls are firmly decked with boughs of holly, carols bellow out around the park courtesy of your favorite universal characters, and you can hop on the Universal Rocking Railway to catch a glimpse of trees inspired by Shrek, Minions, and plenty of others. You can also post a letter to Santa and watch as the Postmaster Elf drops it off at the North Pole Postal Service. And when you're overcome with hunger from all the Christmasy activity, head to the Festive Market to pick up some Christmas twists on Singapore favorites.

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Pick up some cheer at a traditional Christmas market

We've already talked about Gardens by the Bay's Mistletoe Market and Universal's Festive Market. But what other markety delights can you find in Singapore?

Well, there's the Chinatown Christmas Market, which appears at the end of December, from Dec 19-20th, and then again from Dec 26-27. See Chinatown adorned in decorations, and prepare to pick up some great bargains on food, knickknacks, and decorations if you're behind on your Christmas schedule.

Then there's the Christmas Fair at Crane Club. From Dec 4-5, you can pick up some great gift ideas, all made by local businesses. From clothes to homeware and plenty of chocolate to boot, you'll find something for everyone at this brilliant Christmas spot.

Or, try I'mable Gift Market, a conscientious Christmas Market that not only offers sustainably-made products, but they're also made by people with disabilities. And no matter what you pick up, you'll know that your purchases help the community and disability services. Does it get much more Christmasy than that? Not in our book.

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Let loose at a Christmas Village

And finally, we'll end our exploration of Christmas in Singapore with a visit to Changi Festive Village. From November 4 - Jan 2, you'll be able to attend one of Singapore's best-kept winter secrets. Located onsite at Changi Airport, this wonderful village provides with a myriad of activities on offer.

Hop on a go-kart and race around a circuit, jump into the dino-themed bouncy castle, lay your eyes upon a huge 50+ foot Christmas tree, and top it all off with some Christmas bites. Brilliant.

And there ends our guide to Christmas in Singapore! Wherever you choose to spend your winter holiday, have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year! If you're wondering what else to get up to on your Singapore vacation, check out Go City. With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can pick and choose the best of Singapore for one low price. That way, you can get your fix of Christmas cheer and make the most of the rest of your stay!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Best Rooftop Bars in Singapore

If there's one thing that's better than sipping on a refreshing beverage and feeling fruity on a warm summer's day, it's doing all of that on a rooftop. Rooftop bars have only grown in popularity in recent years, with the lovely spots popping up on top of skyscrapers, car parks, and even office buildings. We love them, and we know you love them. It's why you're here, after all. So, what about Singapore? Does it have rooftop bars? Yes! Yes, it does. So, if you're heading there this year and want some recommendations, you're in for a treat. We've chosen the best rooftop bars in Singapore and put them in this handy list. Please sit back and discover our picks for the best rooftop bars in Singapore...right...about...now. Including: 1-Arden Levant Sky Lido Atico Lounge SKAI Bar and more! SKAI Bar SKAI Bar is many things, but one of those is not short. In fact, at 70 stories high, it's the tallest rooftop bar on this list. Does that make it one of the best rooftop bars in Singapore? We'll let you be the judge. Overlooking Marina Bay, fun-seekers will be treated to a host of wines from all over the planet. Really, wine is their thing, so if you don't know your Pinot Noir from your Pinot Grigio, or a Rapace sounds like something a DJ would use, then perhaps SKAI Bar isn't the rooftop bar for you. Sky Lido If you're looking for space to stretch out, then Sky Lido has 6,000 glorious square feet of the stuff. And, with all that space, you'll need something to fill it up. How about some food prepared by gourmet chef Gabriel Cher? Yep, that'll do. With everything from pasta to pizza on offer, you can make an evening of it. Plus, we still haven't mentioned the drinks. Divine, take our word for it. With a list longer than your arm, highlights include the signature cocktails prepped by the specialists. Go see, go eat, and go drink. Then, sit back and lounge the evening away. Atico Lounge Sitting tall at 56 stories high, the Atico Lounge gives you fantastic views of the island while you get to sip on some fantastic drinks. To us, that looks like every rooftop bar box ticked. Its drinks offering come from all over the world. Expect Italian Negronis, Japanese Highballs, and Caribbean Purple Rains all to share the stage. And, with pumping music to keep the night going, you can drink long into the early hours. Just make sure to drink some water before you bed down, or you'll suffer an absolutely epic hangover. 1-Arden If you like a little class with your rooftop endeavors, then 1-Arden is the spot for you. Sitting pretty at 51 stories, you'll also get a fantastic view from its massive windows. Truly a summer spot if ever there was one. You'll also be treated to a delightful drinks menu, featuring the best Australian wines money can buy, as well as cocktails made with ingredients from the adjacent garden. Sustainable and swanky? It doesn't get much better than that. Level 33 If you're a fan of the amber nectar, then Level 33 might be more on your...level. This microbrewery/rooftop bar not only provides delightful views of the Marina Bay and Financial Centre, but it also lets you sip on some beautiful craft beers. Many of them are brewed on-site, so you'll likely be trying some beers that are new to you. But variety is the spice of life, so give thanks to the beer gods, drink the amber goodness, and give praise to them. Yay. Kinki Restaurant & Bar If you're in the market for some locally-inspired cocktails, then look no further than Kinki Restaurant and Bar. Exiting the elevator, you'll discover a chic rooftop bar full of booze-mixing opportunities. The Gin Assam Boi is one such local culprit, made with gin, rum, and a dash of sweet pineapple juice. Or, take a punt on the Aurora Polaris, which combines the botanical delights of local gin with a dash of lime and a helping of grapefruit juice. Refreshed? You will be. Inebriated? Most likely. Mr. Stork Rooftop Bar 39 floors above the ground, you'll find the comically-named Mr. Stork Rooftop Bar. But don't let the name fool you, because babies aren't even allowed up here. Nothing but adults and great cocktails as far as the eye can see. Thanks to a combination of great views of the skyline and a multitude of fruity cocktails to keep you cool, some may say Mr. Stork's is one of the best rooftop bars in Singapore. Will you agree? Only time, and a timely visit, will tell. Levant If you're hankering for a snack and love the rich, healthy morsels found in the Mediterranean, then Levant is arguably one of the best rooftop bars in Singapore. Alongside some Mediterranean-themed cocktails like the Greek Forest, you'll also have a menu of Mezzo-style bites to help see off those hunger pangs. And, with views of the Tanjong Pagar neighborhood to keep you company, you'll be all set for an evening of deserved R & R. And those were our picks for the best rooftop bars in Singapore? Want to make the most of your vacation? Why not check out the amazing repertoire of destinations that Go City has on offer? With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can work Singapore's best attractions around your vacation itinerary! So, what are you waiting for?
Dom Bewley
A collared kingfisher in the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore
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Singapore in July

As Singapore’s peak holiday season draws to a gentle close, July sees a slight let-up in the number of vacationers that have been thronging the hot, sticky streets for the last couple of months. But, while the crowds may have dissipated somewhat, the searing temperatures and frequent downpours of the southwest monsoon season show few signs of abating. Read on for the lowdown on what to expect when visiting Singapore in July. Visiting Singapore in July Temperature: 75–88°F • Average Rainfall: 19 days/month • Average Sunshine: 8 hours/day You’ll want to pack an umbrella along with your factor 50 for trips to Singapore in July. Thunderstorms and heavy downpours are absolutely guaranteed at this time of year, but what’s difficult to predict is when you might be about to get caught in one. A small umbrella in your backpack is the number one hack for such eventualities along with, ideally, rubber sandals or similarly waterproof footwear. In fact, most of July’s rain storms tend to arrive after dark, but afternoon showers are also still highly likely. Don’t forget loose-fitting cotton and linen clothes, too. Synthetics are a big no-no in these temperatures, unless of course you actively enjoy the feeling of polyester trousers clinging damply to your sweaty knees, in which case: you do you. Broad, floppy hats, UV sunglasses and a big water bottle should also be considered essential if you’re planning to do a lot of outdoor sightseeing. And, while there’s loads you’ll want to see and do that require you to be exposed to the sun, we’d advise mixing it up with a bit of air-conditioned action indoors, perhaps spending cooler mornings (after the nightly rainfall) ticking off the outdoor must-sees, before hitting the malls, hawker centers, museums and immersive attractions before the afternoon heat really starts to bite. Things to do in Singapore in July Singapore is a haven for all manner of wildlife. It’s not unusual, for example, to see traffic grind to a halt to allow a family of otters to cross the road, or to be deafened by the sound of thousands of roosting myna birds as you stroll beneath the trees that line the Orchard Road in the early evening. Sultry Singapore mornings in July are a great time to experience some of this garden island’s vibrant flora and fauna up close. Rent a bike to explore one of the many traffic-free routes that weave through wetlands, woodlands, nature reserves and more. The Rail Corridor – stretching from Chinatown all the way north to Kranji – is among the very best: 24 kilometers of rewilded railway line, along which you might well encounter monitor lizards, flying lemurs and colorfully crested bulbuls. A little over halfway along the route, you can take a diversion into Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, where an epic 400 acres of tropical rainforest awaits the intrepid explorer. There’s an even more varied bunch of critters to be found here beneath the canopy, among them reticulated pythons, macaques and endangered Sunda pangolins. The reserve is also home to the highest hill in Singapore. Rising to over 500 feet, it’s a moderately challenging climb that takes around an hour and rewards hikers with awesome 360-degree views across the treetops to the city beyond. The Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on Singapore’s northwestern tip is another fine option for wildlife-spotting, particularly for twitchers. Migratory species including the distinctive Pacific golden plover and the long-legged Asian dowitcher have been spotted here, and you might also clock mudskippers, monitor lizards, giant Atlas moths and even the occasional saltwater croc lurking among the mangroves. Take the reserve’s two-hour walking loop to get the most from your visit. Shopping and Dining in Singapore in July Looking for something a little more... indoorsy? The Great Singapore Sale (GSS) is in its final month in July, which makes it a fine time for a spot of air-conditioned retail therapy in Singapore’s mega-malls. Hit up the shopping mecca that is Orchard Road, a string of high-end malls seemingly designed specifically to empty your wallet and fill your home with shiny new gadgets, designer handbags and other expensive knick-knacks. It’s the cheapest time of year to do so as the annual bonanza that is the GSS means whopping great discounts of up to 70% (!!!) at hundreds of participating stores. Meanwhile, in-the-know souvenir hunters head to hip Kampong Glam, where colorful 19th-century shophouses contain no end of chic indie boutiques and Arab Street’s antique emporia yield the kind of unique gifts of which dreams are made. We’re talking hand-woven Turkish textiles, intricate mosaic lanterns, painted ceramics and more. After splashing the cash, tuck into some of the best nasi padang this side of Jakarta in the shadow of the Sultan Mosque, with its iconic golden dome. And if nasi padang and other South Asian favorites like chili crab and sticky peanut satay float your boat and tickle your tastebuds, you’re in luck! With over 100 hawker centers to choose from, you’re never far from your next plate of delicious, affordable street food in Singapore. Better still, many centers are now air-conditioned, meaning you get a little respite from the soaring temperatures outside, albeit you may end up pretty hot under the collar anyway, as you dive into spicy bowls of sambal-laced laksa, zingy chili crab (the national dish, no less) or red-hot rendang curries. Cool off with a refreshing glass of bandung - a sweet (and highly Instagrammable) cocktail of condensed milk and rose syrup served over ice. Yum! And, if you’re feeling particularly bold and adventurous on your July visit to Singapore, why not give some of the nation’s most out-there delicacies a spin. We’re talking pufferfish, fried pigs’ fallopian tubes in kung pao sauce and – very much for the non-squeamish – still-wriggling octopus tentacles that will, we kid you not, cling to your chopsticks and even your tongue in a bid to escape their fate. Save on attractions and activities in Singapore Save on admission to Singapore attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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