I love Christmas in Singapore
As you may know, I live half of the year in Singapore.
November, december and january I’m usually in the Netherlands. Unfortunately…
Unfortunately, because I hate cold weather and also because I love Christmas decorations. And as minimal and absent public decorations are in Holland, as abundant and beautiful they are in Singapore.
Christmas starts early in Singapore
Luckily for me, Christmas starts early in Singapore. At least: the decorations start early. How early? The building-up starts already end of october! And the official light up is mid november.
I admitt; it’s a bit crazy, right?
I know people who complain about this early start, year after year. But to be honest: I’m happy about it, because this way I get to enjoy the decorations and light ups, even though I’m not in Singapore for the actual holidays.
Where are the best Christmas decorations in Singapore
The holiday decorations in Singapore are different each year, which is pretty special and impressive, don’t you think? No dusting off last year’s Christmas ornaments, but surprise people with new and other ones each year. Other themes, colors and styles.
Let me share the best places to see Christmas decorations in Singapore with you:
- Orchard Road - “Christmas on a Great Street” - “Spread the Joy”
Along a stretch of almost 3 km, there are lit-up decorations over the road, along the wide sidewalks, and inside the numerous malls.
This year, blue origami deer fill the sky over Orchard Road. Aren’t they pretty?!
The Centrepoint’s theme this year is “Christmas Clockwork Kitchen”. Be prepared for a decor filled with cookies, candy and gingerbread men. No, nothing edible;-).
My friend Marjan and I surrounded by candy in Centrepoint’s Christmas set-up.
Across the street, Orchard Gateway’s theme is not hard to guess: “A whimsical Underwater Christmas”. Being a fan of mermaids, glitter and colored lights, Orchard Gateway gets my vote for Best Dressed Building this year. Yes, there is a contest! So take lots of pics and cast your vote in order to win prizes.Orchard Gateway’s decorations by day.
Same fountain, but by night.
Hey, you!
Oh, me loves glittery water-bubbles!
Victoria’s Secret is opening a flagship store along Orchard Road (Mandarin Gallery) and placed these two slogan-wrenches along Orchard Road. Cute!
How about naughty AND nice?!
Paragon Mall‘s dress up is better than previous years, but still not very exciting.
Ion Orchard‘s Christmas installation is cute and pretty.
These illuminated stickmen are supposedly interactive and musical, but they were quiet when we were there. Broken already? Or not in action yet?
Marjan winds the handles in order to make music, but nothing happens.
Isetan‘s decoration looks twinkly.
- Marina Bay
The annual ChariTrees along the Bay are back. Also check out the Christmas decorations inside Marina Bay Sands the Shoppes and in the hotels around the Bay.
Christmas light installation inside Marina Bay the Shoppes.
- Gardens by the Bay
Check out the Garden’s program for their Christmas Wonderland. Lots of events, amidst beautiful Spanish light-installations.
- Shopping malls
Gaze up to the peaks of gigantic trees in many mall atriums and admire the gorgeous holiday window displays that most high end brands have now.
May the force be with you this Christmas.
Ballerina’s really seem a ‘thing’ in this year’s Christmas decorations in Singapore. They are everywhere!
With my friend Marjan in front of a nice Christmas window display at Tang mall.
- Clarke Quay and Singapore River
From december 4th you can enjoy RIBbon@Read Bridge, an interactive light installation, every friday and saturday evening. On the same days you can also enjoy the festive songs of Christmas Carollers. And that’s not all. Find out more about Christmas by the River here. - Sentosa Cove, Sentosa Island, Vivocity, Universal Studios and S.E.A. Aquarium
Resorts World Sentosa has several special events for the holidays, like Santa’s AllStar Christmas and Merry Fishmas.
Sentosa Cove presents 2016 Christmas Boat Light Parade. Note: it is held this friday and saturday!!! (nov 25th and 26th). The boats leave from Sentosa Cove and sail to Sentosa Boardwalk at Vivocity. There is a competition for best decorated boat. - Changi Airport
Changi Airport has combined two phenomena: Christmas and Pokemon! Think Christmas Trees filled with Pikachus, gigantic plush Snorlaxes posing here and there and a lot more Christmas-Pokemon fun. When I flew back to Holland, it had not officially opened yet, but I was able to catch some Pikachus with my camera while they were building up the decor. How cool is that???
I say: Pikachu for Santa! Who’s with me?;-
Want to see more of Christmas in Singapore?
If you got in the holiday spirit after seeing these pictures, you may enjoy the festive pictures in these blog posts too:
How is Christmas at your home and around you?
How do you feel about Christmas? Do you decorate your house? Do you like to do it the same way, year after year, because it is like a tradition for you? Or do you reinvent your Christmas decor each year?
I use the same decorations, but I change it a little bit, by buying a few new ornaments every year and throwing out a few old, damaged ones.
Are there Christmas decorations in your town and street?
I remember holidays in Canada and the USA where citizens decorate their front lawns and houses from head to toe. I loved strolling through the neighborhoods to admire the abundant, often kitsch-y- light installations everywhere.
In Holland people tend to keep it basic, classic or ‘design’. Inside their houses, that is. Decorating your house on the outside is rare here, although the trend seems to be picking up.
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