December is arguably always the most happening month of the year, thanks to the multitude of festivals, celebrations, and parties that happen as the year draws to a close.
We know you’re already in the holiday mood and all ready to go out and have fun, so we’ve rounded up the 12 best events for you to end the year on a good note – and of course, to get ready for the brand new year!
Festive celebrations
1. Christmas Wonderland
Fans of Singapore’s biggest yuletide fair will be happy to know that it is back this year with an even more breathtaking combination of dazzling light sculptures, whimsical décor, and more to add to the holiday charm.
The crowd favourites are not to be missed out – Christmas carols under the stars, ‘snowfall’ in the tropics, carnival games and kiddy rides, and the charming stalls à la European Christmas markets for everything from hand-crafted gifts to festive grub.
Christmas Wonderland has also upped the ante this year with the inaugural Christmas Parade, a new Santa’s Workshop, and over 40 magical luminarie sculptures, including Asia’s tallest luminarie Christmas tree and a 21-metre-tall Spalliera!
Time: Full list of general admission times here
Where: Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Admission: SGD6 (online booking), SGD10 (onsite), SGD6 for visitors aged 60 and above
More information here.
2. Poinsettia Wishes
Dreaming of a white Nordic Christmas? You can have one – even without leaving Singapore!
This December, bring your loved ones through five Nordic countries under one roof at Gardens by the Bay’s Flower Dome. This year’s flower display, Poinsettia Wishes, features the iconic landmarks of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, and over 30 varieties of poinsettia plants.
P.S. don’t forget to look out for the adorable Nordic gnomes (Nisse) scattered across the compound!
When: 8 November 2019 – 5 January 2020
Time: 9am to 9pm
Where: Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Admission: Flower Dome admission prices apply
More information here.
3. Star Island Singapore Countdown Edition
Missed the multi-sensory and multi-angle performance extravaganza last year? That’s okay – you now have an opportunity to catch a bigger and better version of it!
The theme for this year’s performance is 2019: A Space Odyssey, where you get to immerse yourself in a grand, futuristic world through six different chapters: think futuristic drone display, synchronised with spectacular traditional Japanese fireworks, world-class performances and more!
That’s not all – you are also invited to be part of the performance when you put on the LED wrist bands, entirely synchronised with the show.
When: 31 December 2019 – 1 January 2020
Time: 10.40pm to 12.30am
Where: The Float @ Marina Bay, 20 Raffles Ave, Singapore 039805
Admission: Full list of ticket prices here
More information here.
Entertainment & Arts
4. Anime Festival Asia (AFA) Singapore
The biggest J-pop culture event is also coming back for another edition that welcomes Japanese culture and anime fans from all over the world.
Here’s a sneak peek of what you can look forward to at AFA Singapore: analog & digital gaming experiences, Japanese street food, meet & greet with your favourite voice actresses and celebrity cosplayers, as well as three incredible nights of Anisong concerts!
When: 29 November 2019 – 1 December 2020
Where: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Raffles Blvd, Singapore 039593
Admission: Full list of ticket prices here
More information here.
5. Uncle Ringo Presents The Great Circus of Europe
Presented by Uncle Ringo, The Great Circus Of Europe is coming to Singapore for the first time this December!
Circus fans can marvel at jaw-dropping international acts, from dancers trapezing through the air to performers riding a fine line on a motorbike. As part of the Marina Bay Countdown 2020 celebrations, the performance on New Year’s Eve will feature specially curated acts that you’ve never seen before!
After the enthralling circus experience, you can also enjoy family-friendly carnival games with the whole family, take thrilling rides where you scream to your heart’s delight, and indulge in delectable delights at the Escapade Festival Village organised by Uncle Ringo.
When: 20 December 2019 – 1 January 2020
Time: 1.30pm, 4pm, 7.30pm, 10pm (31 December only)
Where: Bayfront Event Space, 12A Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018970
Admission: Full list of ticket prices here
More information here.
6. The Super Santa Christmas Show
Don’t worry, the little ones will get their fair share of fun this month as well!
Catch Super Santa and the Superdudes in the flesh with your kids, where you can expect plenty of music, singing, and dancing. Remember to snap a selfie with Santa as well as the Superdudes for a keepsake of this enjoyable day out.
The merriment is not just for the kids though: for those who are a little older, try to spot some familiar faces among the Superdudes – former Hi-5‘s Stevie Nicholson and Tanika Anderson!
When: 6 – 8 December 2019
Time: 11am, 2pm, 5pm (6 December only), 4.30pm
Where: SOTA Drama Theatre, 1 Zubir Said Dr, Singapore 227968
Admission: SGD45, SGD55, SGD65
More information here.
Food & Drinks
7. Epicurean Market
Treat yourself to not just one, but many culinary delights at the sixth edition of Marina Bay Sands’ Epicurean Market, tasting over 60 dishes from award-winning restaurants, including Michelin-starred CUT by Wolfgang Puck as well as the newly opened KOMA, Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer, and JustIN Flavours of Asia.
For those who want to hone their culinary skills, feel free to pick up tips at 12 free masterclasses hosted by Celebrity Chefs, including Waku Ghin’s Tetsuya Wakuda.
Who says fine dining is only for adults? You are more than welcome to make this a family outing, so bring your kids for a day of festivities with fun and games at the Kids’ Activity Corner, or shop for exclusive festive treats together at the first-ever Festive Market.
When: 14 – 15 December 2019
Time: 12pm – 10pm (14 December), 12pm – 9pm (15 December)
Where: Sands Expo and Convention Centre, Exhibition Hall A – C, Level L1
Admission: SGD49, SGD25 (child aged 6 to 12)
More information here.
8. Durian Fever: Tropical Fruits and Services
There is no better way to celebrate than in true blue local style – with a durian party, of course!
HUTAN invites you to join them for a one-night, all-you-can-eat durian celebration, where you can eat premium varieties such as Mao Shan Wang (Black Gold) and D13, as well as other assorted tropical fruits.
It’s not just about gorging on food – you will also be able to pick up tips and tricks on how to properly split open tropical fruits, which will definitely come in useful during the durian season.
When: 20 December 2019
Time: 8.30pm to 10.30pm
Where: Office for the Applied Arts and Artifacts, 201 Henderson Road, #06-11, Singapore, Singapore 159545
Admission: SGD39.70
More information here.
Fitness
9. Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon 2019
It’s time to challenge your limits (and fulfill your long-forgotten new year resolutions) at the biggest marathon of the year!
You still have time to train for the competitive categories and work your way to attractive prizes and/or simply smash your personal record. Kids are not left out either: you can sign your little one up for a non-competitive fun run so that they simply enjoy the fun of running.
When: 20 December 2019
Time: 8.30pm to 10.30pm
Where: Office for the Applied Arts and Artifacts, 201 Henderson Road, #06-11, Singapore, Singapore 159545
Admission: Full list of registration fees here
More information here.
10. Complimentary Outdoor Family Yoga at Bishan Park
Although commonly associated with fit millennials, yoga is actually a great fitness activity that you can do with the whole family, regardless of age.
Get everyone in the family out to soak in the sun, explore partner poses, and bond together over a session of yoga. You’re guaranteed to leave feeling happier and healthier – we can’t think of a more wholesome way to end the year!
When: 8 December 2019
Time: 8am – 9am
Where: Ficus Green, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park (River Plains), 1384 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1, Singapore, 569932
Admission: Free
More information here.
11. Jingle All The Way 90mins Trampoliné Fitness & Dance Party
We know you’ll be making your rounds at Christmas parties on the 25th, but why not start earlier with a fitness party to get you in shape before the actual celebrations?
You’re encouraged to come dressed in green, red, gold, or white to add to the festive mood – just make sure you’re dressed in appropriate fitness gear, because this is no stroll in the park!
When: 21 December 2019
Time: 8am – 9am
Where: Rasa Fitness & Dance Academy, 3 Coleman Street Peninsula Shopping Centre, #02-19, Singapore 179804
Admission: SGD21.92
More information here.
Shopping
12. SITEX 2019
Our national pastime is shopping, and here’s your excuse to revel in more shopping this December with the whole family!
SITEX, the only consumer lifestyle IT exhibition in Singapore is back, and this year it promises to be a digital playground where you can look forward to a refreshed concept and elevated product offerings.
Read more about what you can look forward to at this fair here.
When: 28 November 2019 to 1 December 2019
Time: 11am – 9pm
Where: Singapore Expo Halls 5 and 6, 1 Expo Dr, Singapore 486150
Admission: Free
More information here.
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