There’s nothing quite like the holiday season in Singapore. Christmas lights are tinkling, festive menus galore and the sales are always incredible. But above all, enjoy the festive cheer and holiday spirit. To know where and how to spend the final month of 2020 locally, just continue scrolling. Happy holidays, and we’ll see you in the new year.
FILM/FESTIVAL
Listen
Inclusivity is a term that gets tossed around a lot, but it’s certainly more than just an office buzzword. This Dec 3-12, seize the opportunity to learn what it truly means at the inaugural True Colors Film Festival, where some 30 award-winning features and short films have been curated to fit the theme of One World, One Family, which spotlights the universal experience of connection, hope, dreams, struggle, and transformation. Dec 3-12
FESTIVAL
Singapore’s first-ever Enabling Lives Festival will be taking place this month, and with that comes an entire variety of workshops, sharing sessions and performances, as well as the sophomore edition of the i’mable Gift Market, which will feature the artistry of talented persons with disabilities. Just head over to enablinglivesfestival.sg to learn more about the meaningful event. Dec 3-22
FILM/FESTIVAL
Also returning to showcase an incredible line-up that celebrates cinematography and Asian storytelling is the Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF). The festival is now offering 22 local films, including the debut feature of Tiong Bahru Social Club by Singaporean filmmaker Tan Bee Thiam. More on the thoughtfully curated movies here. Through Dec 6
ARTS
Ready to move? Then check out Sigma Contemporary Dance’s two-week long showcase this December, which promises new and returning performances, workshops, masterclasses and more. Hypnagogia will take place via Facebook Live on Dec 6 and 13, and is a reflection of the impacts sustained from the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, so don’t miss the chance to check out this promising experience. Through Dec 13
EVENT
Dine under the stars in whimsical charming igloo-like domes surrounded by snowfall. Capitol Singapore’s Outdoor Plaza and Chijmes Lawn have been transformed into unique dining experiences with beautifully decorated Insta-worthy domes that provide a safe and intimate space for friends and families alike.
Visitors can also enjoy the Nutcracker-themed decorations, 3D trick- eye and festive installations, light projection shows and a wide range of performing arts, crafts and lifestyle, and culinary workshops this holiday season. There is also an online Christmas portal featuring a Christmas market and family-friendly workshops. Through Dec
EVENT
One of Singapore’s most widely anticipated festive event, Christmas Wonderland, is back. Complementing the physical event at Gardens by the Bay is a virtual winter landscape packed with interactive content, games, festive performances, and shopping. Easily enjoy the Christmas offerings from the comfort of your own home—have a video call with Santa at his fantastical workshop, then challenge your friends to a snowball fight at the Snow Playground before admiring the stunning display of lights at the Supertree Grove. Through Dec
FOOD/DRINK
Brass Lion Distillery will be transforming its hip, industrial estate into a festive destination for all to celebrate with The Brass Lion Christmas Gin-gle. A ticket entitles you to a two-hour journey complete with storytelling, games, gin-inspired libations and eats, although you can always sign-up for more. Check out the offerings here. Through Dec
HOTEL
Take in the sights and sounds of the Lion City with Pan Pacific Singapore’s Heritage Package. Start with a daily buffet breakfast before going on a two-hour city tour on the FunVee City Hopper and admiring the Singapore skyline on the Singapore Flyer. You may choose to go on an experiential walking trail around the Marina Bay area at your own convenience.
The package also includes a one-time dining experience for two persons at Pacific Marketplace, exclusive one-time Pacific Club Lounge access, as well as entry to the fitness centre and swimming pool. Prices start from $320 per night. Through Dec
FOOD/DRINK
Undoubtedly one of the best places in Singapore to ring in the festive season, Marina Bay Sands is now offering holiday menus and Yuletide celebrations of all kinds to get all in the spirit for Christmas. Simply pop over to Bread Street Kitchen for some mulled wine and cocktails, or dine at db Bistro & Oyster Bar to tuck into Christmas and New Year’s Eve dishes. Either way, the options are endless at the landmark shopping and dining destination. Through Jan 1 2021
SHOW
Earlier this year, interactive online performance Murder At Mandai Camp wowed audiences with its creativity and virtual presence. Now, be invited once again to put on your investigator’s cap as the show returns for a second installment. This time, join local singer and actor Benjamin Kheng as the key CID officer who reopens the unsolved murder case of young recruit Ilhan Rozells and partake in Asia’s first virtual horror-mystery escape room with live-action gameplay. Tickets available on Sistic. Dec 22-Jan 2 2021
EVENT
The annual Changi Festive Village has loads of fun activities for the whole family. Dinosaurs dominate the year’s centerpiece festive exhibit, Dino Wanderland, at T3. Visitors can walk alongside these majestic creatures including the fearsome T-rex, and snap photos with them. At T4, there’s Dino Bounce, 30-metre-long bouncy castle; Dino Kart, an electric go-karting experience; and Dino Fest, a festive market with street food and activities.
Other activities at the Village include glamping experiences at Jewel’s Cloud9 Piazza and Shiseido Forest Valley, as well as overnight family stays at Changi Experience Studio. Kids can enjoy Singapore’s largest double-storey snow fun house, Tokidoki Snow Holiday, or take memorable selfies onboard Air Tokidoki, a model Boeing 777-200 aircraft cabin decorated with Tokidoki characters. Through Jan 3 2021
FOOD/DRINK
Do some good while you feast at restaurants all across Singapore for the next five months. Hi5SG is a ground-up dining initiative that supports and gives back to local communities, where restaurant partners come together to raise funds for the underprivileged.
Participating restaurants including Bar-A-Thym, Braci and Summerlong are offering promotions and privileges for dine-in, takeaway or delivery islandwide, and will then donate a portion of their proceeds to =Dreams, which helps underprivileged children living in HDB rental flats. More information about the non-profit nationwide dining programme here. Through Jan 2021
FESTIVAL
At the seventh edition of the Singapore International Photography Festival, look forward to exploring Singapore’s most familiar locales through a new perspective. There are both physical exhibitions and virtual discussions at this hybrid festival. Head to the ArtScience Museum, Deck and other venues to enjoy the key programmes available. Through Jan 30 2021
ACTIVITY/HOTEL
Pamper the whole family with some Fun In The Sun at Swissotel Merchant Court. Lounge by the hotel’s iconic pool, soak in the relaxing outdoor jacuzzi or make a splash with waterslides. At $88 for up to four guests, this offer includes three hours of pool time, light refreshments and three soft drinks per person. Through Mar 31
POP-UP
Explore the old-world charm and grandeur of the Orient Express as this travelling exhibit arrives in Singapore for the very first time to allow locals the chance to experience what it must have been like to hop on a journey from Europe to the Orient.
With two original train carriages, a 158-year-old locomotive and 300 heritage items such as uniforms, shields and more, seize the opportunity to check out this exclusive pop-up by pre-booking your tickets in advance. Through Jun 2021
HOTEL
Get hooked with Parkroyal Collection Pickering’s new Bait and Breakfast staycation. This unique experience includes a one-night stay at the hotel’s Collection Signature Suite and a three-hour private fishing trip around the Southern Islands. Sail away onboard the luxurious Wellcraft 330 Coastal yacht, courtesy of Wanderlust Adventures, while learning the art of fishing from a professional guide. You’ll be provided with all the equipment, accessories and live bait for your fishing adventure. Limited to five guests per trip, you’ll also enjoy a stopover at Lazarus Island to bask in the sunshine.
That’s not all. The package includes full Collection Club benefits with daily champagne breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails at the Collection Club Lounge, as well as 20 per cent off at Lime Restaurant. Prices start from $1100++ to $1500++ per room per night. Available for booking from now to Jun 30, 2021. Terms and conditions apply. Through Jun 2021
