Top 10 things to do with your loved ones over the Christmas Holidays in Singapore
Fun, festive activities you can do for quality, bonding time
Text: Hui Yi Phua
credit: Gardens by the Bay
Every year, as the Christmas holidays creep closer, Singapore pulses with excitement and everyone is slowly getting into a celebratory mood. This year, as usual, there are tons of festive activities lined up throughout the island, and lots to look forward to as the holiday season prepares to go in full-swing. This time of the year presents a great opportunity for us to spend quality time with our loved ones, so if you’re looking for bonding activities to do in Singapore over the Christmas holidays, here are some of our top suggestions:
1. Romantic Ice Skating and Snow Domes
Capitol Singapore & CHIJMES
19 Nov – 26 Dec 2021
credit: CHIJMES
So much is happening at Capitol Singapore & CHIJMES this Christmas! Spend a romantic night out and skate the night away at the artificial ice skating rink situated on the Mini Lawn, immerse yourself in winter wonderland with little ones in the Snow Play Domes, or take a walk around the Christmas Market to shop for artisanal teas and handmade crafts.
2. Glamping and Dino-themed Go-karts
Changi Airport
Until 3 Jan 2022
credit: Changi Airport
There’s something for everyone at Changi Festive Village this year. From dreamy glamping experiences by the runway or at Jewel’s Cloud9 Piazza, to a dinosaur-themed carnival featuring an indoor neon go-kart track and a massive bounce house, the airport is filled with fun, wholesome activities for families to engage in over the Christmas holidays.
3. Thrilling Rides and Magical Fireworks
Universal Studios Singapore
25 Nov 2021 – 2 Jan 2022
credit: Universal Studios Singapore
Universal Studios Singapore seems even more magical and whimsical during the festive period. Keep an eye out for their exclusive Festive Packages and special Christmas programmes, including dinner entertainment, a grand performance by their most well-loved stars and spectacular fireworks to end off a day of thrilling rides and fun experiences.
4. Floral Fantasies & Christmas Wonderland
Gardens by the Bay
Until 3 Jan 2022
A must-go destination for Christmas vibes and celebrations – this year’s Christmas at the Gardens is bigger and better than ever! Spend a lovely afternoon amidst beautiful floral displays set in a Nordic-inspired landscape at the Poinsettia Wishes exhibition, where you’ll find an eight-metre-tall cupcake ferris wheel as one of the highlights. At night, visit the iconic Christmas Wonderland, Singapore’s biggest yuletide event, for fun, nostalgic Carnival Games, Santa’s meet-and-greet, performances by local and inclusive acts, and the Instagram-worthy Venetian Double-Storey Carousel.
Snow City Singapore
credit: Snow City Singapore
Have more than just snowy fun at Snow City Singapore – their latest attraction, Singapore’s first Ice Hotel experience, boasts five thematic ice and snow art installation zones carefully curated by Singapore’s renowned ice sculptor, Jeffrey Ng. Adults can enjoy ice-cold craft beers at the Ice Bar and guests of all ages can experience “daycations” at the Hotel Room. For more frosty adventures, hop over to Snow City for bumper car rides and sub-zero shooting battles.
6. Festive Staycations
Various hotels across Singapore
credit: Capitol Kempinski
If you aren’t quite ready to travel overseas yet, hotels across Singapore are offering holiday packages that are perfect for a year-end rest and rejuvenation treat. The Capitol Kempinski, for instance, is offering an Enchanted Christmas Family GlampKation that includes an in-room sleeping tent decorated with festive fairy lights and plush toys, as well as a design-your-own Christmas tree and tote bag activity that’s great for family bonding. Oasis Resort Sentosa is also offering a wellness-oriented staycation package for those who are looking to recharge themselves for the new year. Enjoy a 60-minute body massage at their in-house spa and complimentary unlimited wellness activities on the property for a truly relaxing holiday.
7. See the dazzling Christmas Lights
Orchard Road, Changi Airport Park Connector, Gardens by the Bay
credit: Gardens by the Bay
Light up your Christmas with these dazzling light installations at multiple locations. Starting from the classic Orchard Road Christmas light display, where you’ll get to see 3.1km worth of decorations and the all-new AR projections as you walk along the famous shopping district. Gardens by the Bay’s Christmas Wonderland also features lighted up displays that will make you feel like you’ve walked straight into a fairytale, with enchanted bridges, horse carriages and a magical 10-metre-tall castle. Not to mention the recently-opened Changi Airport Park Connector, where 10,000 LED flora and fauna illuminate the 3.5km trail.
8. Christmas Feasts
No Christmas activities listicle is complete without food. Christmas is the perfect time for your loved ones to gather together and spend quality time over a good, hearty meal. Whether you’re planning to cook up delicious, homemade feasts, or looking for special dining places to celebrate the joyous occasion, a little inspiration always helps. Browse through some of the best cooking classes in Singapore here to hone your skills just in time for Christmas, or look through this dining guide for top places with the best Christmas menus.
9. Christmas Movie Marathon
Pop the popcorn and get snuggly under the blankets! There’s never a bad time for movie marathons, and with the wide array of Christmas movies available on the different mediums, it makes for the perfect after-dinner activity to do with your close friends and family. If you need some help picking the films to watch (yes, we see you scrolling through the endless choices on Netflix), here is a list of some of the best Christmas movies of all time to pull you out of that dilemma.
10. Gift of Giving
Christmas is also the season of gifting and giving, so why not choose to volunteer with your friends and family during the holidays? Drop by selected Fairprice stores to take part in The Boys’ Brigade’s annual community service project, where you can pitch in to donate food items for lower-income families, or personally deliver meals to elderly folks through the Touch Community Services’ Meals-on-Wheels programme. Animal-lovers can also opt to lend a hand to local animal shelters such as SPCA, Cat Welfare Society and Mercylight. Click here for more volunteering ideas.
