I’m not much of a belieber except when it comes to Christmas – I’ve had Mistletoe on my Spotify playlist of late – and I have to agree, “It’s the most beautiful time of the year”. The streets are prettier, the weather is just a little cooler, and there’s something special in the air.
After a year like the one we’ve had, we can all use a little bit of that holiday magic as we approach the end of 2020. We hope that you’re taking some time off work to unwind and spend proper quality time with family (and also use those SingapoRediscovers vouchers) these next two weeks. And while you’re out and about, here are 5 instagrammable spots you don’t want to miss because these are the places that have some serious holiday feels.
Christmas Wonderland – Gardens by the Bay
If you couldn’t tell by looking at the name, Christmas Wonderland is in fact, a gorgeous wonderland of Christmassy joy. Back for the seventh time, Gardens by the Bay’s annual Yule affair is one of the most anticipated year-end event and for good reason too because they have nailed it with the theming and setup.
This year, it will be hosted in two parts, a hybrid virtual and onsite experience. The onsite experience features seven specially curated light installations in A Walk of Lights; or if you prefer to experience it from the comfort if your own home, the enchanting online experience will delight both the young and the young-at-heart. Expect interactive virtual content such as video calls with Santa, snowball challenges, online games, and merry performances.
Buy tickets for the onsite experience here, or the virtual experience here.
Universal Studios Singapore
Experience a Universal Christmas by stepping into Santa’s magical movie sets at Universal Studios Singapore. This year’s celebrations sees Father Christmas in the director’s chair as USS transforms into a whimsical movie land. Take in the glitz and glamour and feel like a star as you step into interactive movie scenes for a one-of-a-kind experience.
After getting some adrenaline action in from the roller coasters, you can also meet the Merry Minions of Christmas, enjoy fun photo moments with Poppy and Branch from DreamWorks’ Trolls.
Buy tickets for Universal Studios Singapore here.
S.E.A. Aquarium
Experience the SEAASON of Rediscovery while getting up close with the marine life at the SEA Aquarium. The aquarium has been transformed with specially designed light effects and fascinating soundscapes so you can immerse yourself in sights and sounds like never before.
You can also partake in the festive edition of their dome dining experience: Aqua Gastronomy, where you will be served a “sustainable seafood menu” in one of eight beautifully designed igloo pods while enjoying a view of the Open Ocean Habitat.
Buy tickets for S.E.A. Aquarium here.
Changi Festive Village – Changi Airport
Changi Airport is pulling out all the stops for this year’s Christmas celebrations with a slew of activities and attractions for its annual Changi Festive Village event. Walk alongside life-sized dinosaurs, snap a photo at the 16-metre tall Christmas tree and experience magical snowfall at Shiseido Forest Valley, 0r layer on the winter gear and experience subzero temperatures as you play with snow at the Tokidoki Snow Holiday.
For an extra special treat, experience a magical night in Jewel Changi Airport – sleeping under the stars or in the mystical Shiseido Forest Valley – and wake up to the refreshing view of the majestic HSBC Rain Vortex. Even without going on an overseas holiday, guests can escape the hustle and bustle of the urban life with a truly unique glamping getaway.
For more information on Changi Festive Village, click here.
Christmas On A Great Street – Orchard Road
The Christmas light up along Orchard Road is pretty much an institution here in Singapore, especially for us Gen Xers who have been doing this since we were kids. It’s been 37 years and every year, Orchard Road brings a slice of Yuletide cheer as it transforms into a wonderland filled with bright lights and enchanting decorations.
The lights and decorations stretch 3.88 kilometres from Tanglin Mall to Plaza Singapura (including Scotts Road, Grange Road and Orchard Link) and will stay up until 1 January 2021, giving you ample opportunity to soak in the sensory feast.
For more information on Christmas on A Great Street, click here.