There won’t be snow in Singapore this Christmas, well not real snow anyway, but that aside few cities in the region can compete with the style and size of the Christmas and New Year celebrations held throughout this most vibrant melting pot of culture and pizazz.
For your fill of festive fun, an array of seasonal treats, last-minute shopping, fireworks and seemingly endless special events, Singapore really is the must-visit destination throughout November and December.
The Orchard Road Christmas lights are astounding as, with typical Singaporean glitz, the city’s major shopping hub is transformed into a Christmas extravaganza by majestic arches, Christmas characters and millions of glittering lights that adorn and criss-cross the street from Tanglin Mall down to Plaza Singapura.
Expect the usual shoppers’ paradise but with a distinctly seasonal twist and a host of street-side activities, festive pop-up stores, roaming performers, food-sellers and even Santa Claus!
When Christmas Light-Up started in 1984, it lasted just 20 days, but the lights were so impressive that it was extended to 37 days the following year and now, as a major international attraction it runs for six weeks from mid-November to early January.
The festive fun officially starts at the big Light-Up Ceremony in mid-November on Orchard. Don’t miss the snow and assorted Christmas characters at Tanglin Mall and be sure to check out the giant Christmas tree at ION.
Further afield, explore the Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay with its ice rink, rides and Ice Palace and European-style Christmas markets, as well as the hundreds of special dinners and events hosted by the city’s best restaurants and hotels.
The New Year’s Eve celebration in Singapore is pure class and draws visitors from all around the world. The biggest party takes place in the Marina Bay area, which attracts over a quarter of a million revellers each year.
The party takes place all around the area from the Marina Bay floating stadium to the Esplanade promenade, the Esplanade Bridge, Benjamin Sheares Bridge and Merlion Park. In addition to their own special countdown festivities, the nearby hotels, such as The Fullerton Hotel, Marina Mandarin, The Ritz-Carlton Millenia and Marina Bay Sands, offer excellent opportunities to soak up the atmosphere and raise a glass as the fireworks light up the iconic bay at midnight.
Other extremely popular countdown spots include Clarke Quay and Labrador Park, but for full-on fun and frolics, the Siloso Beach Party probably takes the top spot. With 12 hours of non-stop music, bars and bistros, the famous foam pool and a stretch of beautiful beach, it might be just what you are looking for.
