My Christmas Trail in Singapore - The Top 5 Places to Visit

Christmas is here! Like every other year, I was really excited to celebrate the festival with family and friends. The season is not about religion but about meeting friends, catching up with people after long period of time and about celebrating life. In Singapore, it coincides with school holidays and people do take some time off from work to spend quality time with family. 

2020 was different. We have restrictions due to Covid and mass gatherings are still prohibited.  But the spirit of festivities and holidays remains within us and we do want to feel good in sullen times. Even I took some time off to spend with family and friends and explore Singapore (given the border restrictions). Idea was to utilize what we are blessed with instead of whining about what we don't have.

With Singapore Government granting SG Rediscover vouchers to all Singaporean adults above 18, there is just no reason not to spend.

Here is the list of places I visited to enjoy the Christmas spirit, lightings and decorations that made me feel so good and happy :)

1) Resort World Sentosa

It all started with a stayacation to RWS and it was nice to see the festive spirits in the month of November itself. The hotels within RWS are all decked up with Christmas lights. Universal Studios had the best surprise for us. Special edition of characters in Christmas costumes were part of the meet and greet session. There are pop up studios, photo booths and other Christmas activities within the theme park. The Christmas edition is there till 3rd Jan for patrons to enjoy the festive vibes. In addition, the USS is giving out Christmas edition masks with each ticket. 

A Universal Studios Christmas

Note: Beware of long queues due to social distancing. It is advisable to take express pass if you are heading there.

The SEA aquarium in RWS is also handing our Christmas edition masks with every ticket and there are mini Christmas vibes within the aquarium. SEA aquarium is also host to Dome Dining with the fish (unfortunately all are sold out till 3rd Jan). Since the dining has been so popular, do look out for more options in future.

Link to USS:

Elves inside USS

2) Gardens by the Bay

Flower Dome is host to Poinsettia Wishes from Europe. Showcasing nutcrackers, winter homes, wishing well, this place emits Christmas vibes like no other. You need approximately 1 hour to enjoy the paradise. There is also a meet and greet session with Santa Claus only on selected dates (19th, 20th, 24th and 25th December). You have to purchase tickets to Flower Dome to be able to meet Santa.

Poinsettia Wishes at the Flower Dome

In addition, GBB is also a host to the Christmas Wonderland. The lightings start at 6:30pm and there is a phase wise entry to the Walk of Lights. This year, the event is ticketed and slots are limited. People who wish to avoid the crowd, do enjoy the Christmas Wonderland virtually as there are lots of activities online.

Let's meet Santa Claus

There is also a Venetian Carousel for children which starts in the morning till night. Visitors to GBB may enjoy the carousel at 10$ per ticket. 

Link to GBB:

Link to Christmas Wonderland:

3) Orchard Road

Like every year, Orchard road was decorated and lighted up since November. Orchard Central, Tanglin Mall, Ion Orchard and Paragon remain the best decorated places. Do visit their special Christmas trees and click your special mask up photos. There are many restaurants and cafes whereby you may sit and enjoy the Christmas view while enjoying your meal. 

I personally visited Wild Honey @ Mandarin Gallery and enjoyed the view by the window. There was so much activity going on. Truly, this is Singapore's Christmas spirit.

4) The Jewel @ Changi

The Jewel remains as the most sought after place for locals. It has the Canopy Park (with many little activities inside), restaurants, shops, glamping (new event till 3rd Jan), a 16mts Christmas Tree, decorations around the rain vortex and snowfall. One has to spend 30$ in Jewel in any outlet. This would give entry for 2 to enjoy the Christmas lights and snowfall near the rain vortex.

Were you naughty or nice this year?

Christmas at the Rain Vortex

Christmas at Canopy Park

Glamping is an expensive affair which charges you $320-$360 for a tent (with no private bathroom facilities or any food included). Surprisingly, the glamping tents are also sold out. Looks like getting out of our houses is the trend now and we are even willing to stay in tents by paying such a premium price.

Check out the Jewel options here.

5) The Capitol

This is the most unheard of and the least popular place. However, this is my personal favourite. The Capitol / Capitol Kempinski Hotel are home to the Singing Tree and Dome Dining this year. There is a Christmas market in the mall. The Capitol theater in the backdrop gives us a moment of nostalgia (for those who have lived in Singapore for long).

Check out the options at the Capitol.

Snowfall at The Capitol

Domes at The Capitol

Dome no. 3

Unlike SEA Aquarium, the Dome Dining at the Capitol is free and is available for 2hrs slot starting 10am in the morning. But there is a condition, you must purchase food from the Capitol Mall - just any food. It may even be from the food court. Sounds reasonable and affordable? There is a snowfall every 1 hour starting 7:30pm - 9:30pm daily right outside the dome. You can enjoy the Christmas spirit with your family and friends from your dome. The dome is available till 25th December only but it is also fully booked. Every dome is designed and furnished in its own unique style. Board games are available for free to rent upon dome key collection. There are also musical instruments in certain domes. 

Trick Eye Installation

The dome dining team has also started Dome dining in CHIJMES (till 3rd Jan 2021) whereby the domes are available for lunch, high tea and dinner. Restaurants in CHIJMES are taking turns to serve the dome customers their exclusive cuisine. The food and alcohol packages are available to choose from and one may again enjoy the Christmas lightings from the dome.

Look out for more dome dining at CHIJMES

    Photograph by CHIJMES