Yes, it's that time of the year again when many of your family, friends and colleagues are away on vacation but here you are, having planned nothing even though you're clearing leave ? Well if you are staying put in Singapore this December, did you know that there are plenty of activities lined up for you this holidays? So, sit tight as we bring you through these 10 awesome things to do if you're stuck in Singapore this December 2018!
Credit: Giphy
1. Christmas Wonderland at Gardens By The Bay
Singapore's biggest Christmas fair is back for its fifth edition and this year, you can expect a total of 50 luminaries consisting of red, yellow, green, blue and white lights. So, prepare to be amazed ? Look out for the event's main structure - the Spalliera - which is 7 storeys high and contains a mirror maze!
Other than the dazzling lights, there are many exciting activities for you and your loved ones such as carnival games, rides, roller-skating and shopping at the festive market. Don't forget to catch Blizzard Time where you'll get to experience "snow" for 5 minutes every hour starting from 6.30pm. The Garden Rhapsody Show will also see the Supertrees come alive to the tunes of Christmas songs.
Feeling hungry while enjoying the festivities? Don't worry! Head over to any of the 3 halal stalls at the event - Churros Republic, Sofnade's spin-off brand, Chix in a Cone, and Kane Mochi. We particularly enjoyed Churros Republic's Fun Box ($10). Their bite-sized churros were crispy on the outside and soft on the inside - just like authentic Spanish churros ?
Looking for something more filling? Head over to Sofnade's Chix in a Cone for their delectable X'Mas Chicken Jumbo Cone ($8). Chicken thigh bits are tossed with handmade gravy and topped with mashed potatoes, cranberry and turkey bacon, making this treat so rich in flavour!
Halal status: Sofnade and Kane Mochi are halal-certified while Churros Republic is Muslim-owned.
Where: Gardens By The Bay,
When: 30 Nov - 26 Dec 2018, 4pm - 11pm (Luminaries will be lit till 12am)
Admission fee: From $4, separate admission fees apply for other activities
2. Poinsettia Wishes featuring Disney Tsum Tsum
While you're already at Gardens By The Bay, why not pop over to the Flower Dome for some fun with Disney Tsum Tsum? The Poinsettia Wishes floral display this year is even better with the presence of these adorable characters ?
Credit: @fanstasyee08 on Instagram
Keep your eyes peeled for Olaf among the snowy landscapes of poinsettias or catch Dumbo as he rides a sledge filled with presents. But the best part has got to be the tallest ever live Christmas tree in the dome, graced by Mickey and his Tsum Tsum friends!
Credit: @cindeesire on Instagram
The background of these gorgeous flowers, coupled with adorable Disney Tsum Tsum characters, will definitely make a picture-perfect backdrop ? With fairy lights and festive ornaments too, you’ll be transported straight to the world of Disney in no time!
If you need to have a meal, here are the list of halal eateries around the Flower Dome: McDonald's, Satay By The Bay - Stall 6 (Mediterranean & Turkish), Stall 7 (Thai Spize), Stall 8 (Fried Carrot Cake), Stalls 9 & 10 (Makan By The Bay), Stalls 12-15 (Marina Bay BBQ Steamboat Buffet), Stall 16 (Mini Hotpot), Sri Geylang Sate, Opah Satay, Black & White Jumain Satay
Where: Flower Dome, Gardens By The Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
When: 2 Nov 18 – 6 Jan 19, 9am – 9pm
*Admission fee to the Flower Dome applies
3. Wizarding World Holiday at Changi Airport
Potterheads, it's time for you to go crazy at the Wizarding World Holiday at Changi Airport's Terminal 2 and 3 as they transform into a Harry Potter world ?
From watching the charming village of Hogsmeade (T3) come to life during the daily snow and light show to taking a stroll down the magical street of Diagon Alley (T3) and checking out the magical Whomping Willow tree (T2) – you know you’re in for a good time!
Credit: @clynfoo on Instagram
There are also plenty of fun activities that you can be part of such as Robes Fitting, Wand Challenge, Niffler Challenge, Newt’s Menagerie and of course, the Quaffle Toss. If you’ve always wanted to play Quidditch, this is your golden chance ?Of course, your experience won't be complete without bringing home Harry Potter merchandise from the pop-up store.
P.S. While you're there, why not check out the new halal eateries at T3? Or head over to other terminals to fill your tummy with a scrumptious meal!
Where: Departure Hall, Terminal 2 & 3 (Public Area), 75 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819664
When: 16 Nov 18 to mid-Feb 2019
Admission: Free
4. GTFO! Festival
Who says the playground is only for kids? At GTFO (which stands for Get The Fun Out by the way ?), you are invited to try out the world's largest inflatable obstacle course for adults called The Beast! This massive 180-metre course is like a giant bouncy castle for adults, and it'll be held at Sentosa's Palawan Green.
Credit: GTFO SG on Facebook
You can run, bounce and dance your way through the obstacles or even try out some outstanding stunts! The Beast might only be in Singapore for 3 days but it has been travelling the world with stops in London, Paris, Amsterdam, Los Angeles and Melbourne.
P.S. In case you're wondering, yes you can bring your phones with you to capture the fun moments on the course ?
Credit: GTFO SG on Facebook
Tickets are running out so if you want to challenge yourself to this course, you better hurry! But even if you're not participating, you can still hang around and watch the participants rough it out. There'll also be food, drinks and music at the festival.
If you're feeling hungry, head over to these halal-certified eateries near Palawan Green: Good Old Days, Marrybrown or Old Chang Kee.
Where: Palawan Green, Sentosa
When: 7 - 9 Dec 18, 8am - midnight
Ticket fee: $37 (2 hours), $97 (unlimited)
5. Island Lights
It's time to spice up your Instagram feed with attractive neon lights at Island Lights in Sentosa. With massive art installations built by local artists, you're encouraged to interact with the sculptures and take as many photos as you'd like!
Credit: @pohcrastinator on Instagram
Other than the illuminating art, there'll also be live music and an area for you to sit down, chill out and unwind while enjoying the sea breeze.
Credit: Sentosa website
Pokemon fans, you're also in for a treat! Brace yourselves for the first LED Pikachu Night Parade and Dance Show outside Japan. 9 adorable Pikachu will be marching and dancing to funky beats along Palawan Beach. This is definitely a sight you won't want to miss ?
Here are the halal food options near Palawan Beach: Good Old Days, Marrybrown, Old Chang Kee
Where: Palawan Beach
When: 16 Nov - 31 Dec 18, 7pm - 11pm
6. Prudential Marina Bay Carnival
Mark your calendars this 22 December 2018 as Singapore's biggest carnival will be making a comeback ? Yes, we're talking about the Prudential Marina Bay Carnival! This event attracted more than 1.4 million visitors throughout a span of 4 months, so we're hoping it's just as good (or even better!) this time.
Credit: Bp Chua on Facebook
There'll be over 40 exciting carnival games from Europe and around the world but not much information has been released yet. But, we do know some popular rides like Das Fun Schiff (swinging viking ship) and the Wave Swinger will be making their return.
Credit: @y_lyn on Instagram
There'll also be game booths where you can collect as many adorable plushies as you can. There are over 50 of them so you can try your luck! The list of halal stalls hasn't been released too, so stay tuned for any updates on that ?
Meanwhile, if you're visiting Singapore, do check out our guide on halal food near Singapore's top attractions.
Where: Bayfront Event Space, Marina Bay
When: 22 Dec 18 - 24 Mar 19, 4pm - 11pm (extended to 2am on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve)
Admission fee: Free but the fee for rides apply
7. The Inventions of Ancient Greece, Science Centre
Travel back in time to Ancient Greece at the Science Centre's newest exhibition. Here's your chance to marvel at replicas of items which were invented over 2000 years ago!
Credit: @head_birth on Instagram
Be awed by the first humanoid robot servant invented by Philon of Byzantium and look out for interesting items like the features of the world’s first laptop and learn more about how trickling water contributed to the invention of the first alarm clock. It's definitely an eye-opening experience and a perfect activity for those of you with kids.
Credit: @raycheryo on Instagram
That's not all, you can also try dressing up as a Greek warrior or goddess with costumes and props provided at the dress-up corner ?
P.S. If you're feeling hungry and looking for halal food, head over to JCube or JEM for their wide range of yummy halal food options like Isuramuya, Eighteen Chefs, Nando's, Encik Tan, 4Fingers Crispy Chicken, Maki-San, So Pho and more.
Where: The Annexe, Science Centre Singapore
When: 19 Oct 18 - 17 Mar 19, 10am - 6pm (last admission 5.15pm)
Admission Fee: $9
8. Future World, ArtScience Museum
The Future World, an ArtScience Museum collaboration with Team Lab, has always come up with amazing installations and this holiday season, they are introducing 10 new interactive artworks! With 4 galleries - Nature, Town, Sanctuary and Park - you're invited to interact with the exhibitions and be a part of them.
Credit: @pearada on Instagram
The Nature gallery's new concept called Transcending Boundaries features a colourful display of flowers from 6 different artworks and explores the relationship between people and nature. Watch as the artworks interact with each other and also visitors to the gallery.
Credit: @citraarembulan on Instagram
Another striking feature of Future World is their newest gallery, Sanctuary, which invites visitors to meditate in the peaceful space. It's interesting to see the projections of the artwork on your body and feels as though you're one with the artwork ?
P.S. Look out for the seasonal special at the Play gallery called Sketch Christmas. You can tap on Santa Claus and watch him deliver presents!
#HHWT Tip: Do purchase your tickets online as there might be a queue during peak periods. It's also cheaper to book a package where you'd get to visit 2 or more exhibitions.
*Admission times to Future World are as follows: 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, 2.30pm, 4:00pm and 5:30pm (last entry).
Where: ArtScience Museum, 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974
When: 1 Dec 18 - 6 Jan 19 (seasonal dates, Future World is a permanent exhibition)
Admission fee: Check out the different rates here
9. Orchard Road Christmas Light-Up
Watch our favourite shopping belt, Orchard Road, turn into an enchanting world of Disney this holidays! Catch Mickey Mouse, Cinderella, Elsa and Woody Woodpecker along the street which is decked out in festive lights. 2 malls - Wheelock Place and Orchard Central - are also decorated with Disney characters. This is the perfect chance to get a nice photo with your favourite characters ?
Credit: @zilladean on Instagram
But that's not all! If you're looking for things to do, head over to The Great Christmas Village outside Ngee Ann City. Watch live performances and have loads of fun on the amusement rides too.
Credit: @akwings on Instagram
#HHWT Tip: Need to fill your tummy after spotting all your favourite Disney characters? Check out the plenty of halal restaurants along Orchard Road near prayer spaces with our guide!
Where: Orchard Road
When: 10 Nov 18 - 1 Jan 2019
10. A Universal Christmas
If there's one place we'd visit repeatedly in Singapore, it's Universal Studios Singapore (USS)! And this holidays, its Universal Christmas event is giving us even more reasons to head back ? Expect dazzling light displays, new musical performances and fireworks!
Credit: @tttyyyjjj92 on Instagram
Don't miss out on Santa's Snowy Sleigh Parade too where you can see all your favourite characters and dancing elves. Your night will end with a light-up show and a meet-and-greet session with the characters ?
Credit: @bellepereira33 on Instagram
#HHWT Tip: Want to make your day at Universal Studios even better? We've got you covered with our list of insider tips to help you get the best out of the theme park ?
Where: Universal Studios, 8 Sentosa Gateway, 098269
When:
2 - 20 Dec: 10am - 9pm on Sundays to Thursdays, 10am - 10pm on Fridays & Saturdays (excluding 6, 7 and 12 Dec)
21 - 30 Dec: 10am - 10pm daily
31 Dec: 10am - 12AM (next day)
*Find out more here.
Admission fee:
Standard: $76 (Adult), $56 (Child)
Singapore Citizens/PR: $72 (Adult), $53 (Child)
Now with these 10 exciting activities, who says staying in Singapore will be boring? From gorgeous light-ups to fascinating exhibits, there's a whole lot of fun for you, whether you're with friends or family! So, start marking your calendars and have fun this December! ?