Guide to Christmas events in town 2015

Plan your Christmas route across the malls or try something new this year, we guarantee your kids will love the stuff featured here. Have a great festive season!

We have a whole list of places you can visit with your family this Yuletide Season. From Spongebob to marine creatures, we got them covered!

Plan your Christmas route across the malls or try something new this year, we guarantee your kids will love the stuff featured here. Have a great festive season!

Christmas Wonderland

This is a must-visit for families!

The 35,000 square-metre fair grounds at Gardens by the Bay will offer activities for everyone.

Key highlights include over 50 Italian Luminarie light sculptures, a European-style Festive Market, a snow-filled Ice Palace, traditional rides and games, and a comprehensive repertoire of entertainment options.

After letting your kids exhaust themselves out at the various carnival games and the exciting Helter Skelter slide, it's time for some noms!

This year features nibbles from Churros Factory and the Dutch Pancake shop, as well as international cuisine by Slake (Peranakan & Vietnamese), Tiger's Milk (Peruvian) and more.

Returning best-sellers include kebabs by Shabestan, local dessert creations by Janice Wong, a specially curated charcuterie plate by Culina, as well as Japanese delights by Isetan.

Visitors can also head over to the Spiegeltent for a one-of-a-kind dining experience at the century-old travelling "mirror tent" from the Netherlands, where diners can savour festive delicacies amidst beautifully ornate décor.

The specially curated menu by Harry's includes Smoked Duck Breast with Marmalade Glaze, Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham as well as Rudolph's Gingerbread and Raspberry Sundae. YUM!

When: Now until 3 January 2016, 4pm - 12 midnight daily

Where: Gardens by the Bay

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Sentosa

Our favourite island resort boasts 2 free activities that you can enjoy this festive season - Symphony of Lights and Christmas Cheers

Symphony of Lightsstretches from the Merlion Plaza to the Beach Plaza, the display promises a lights up in a rhapsody of colours to the sound of music. It provides a background for you to snap images of your kids playing, full of magical memories and snapshots! This unique show creates an awesome display, making a visit to Sentosa a spectacular night out for everyone.

Light shows: From 28 Nov to 25 Dec, 7:30pm, 8:15pm, 8:30pm, 9:15pm and 9:30pm (Weekdays)

Additional shows: 9:45pm and 10:15pm (Saturday, Sunday, Public Holiday eve & Public Holiday)

Enjoy the Christmas Cheers performances at the Merlion Plaza with an alfresco setting, evenings of great live performances and delicious grilled food with great company. Performing Artistes include the Voxapella with their rich harmonies and soulful solos as well as the Ukulele Groove, lead by Joseph Yip, well-known for his energetic strumming and "Rod Stewart" singing voice.

From: 23 to 26 Dec 2015, 4pm – 9pm

Cinderella, A Fairly True Story

You have probably read your kids this classic fairy tale more times than you care to remember. This Christmas, bring them to an incredible stage adaptation of this tale.

From the internationally acclaimed creators of Peter Pan, The Never Ending Story comes the original production of Cinderella, A Fairly True Story.

Adapted from a previous version staged in Europe in 2013, the lighthearted fairytale-themed story with a contemporary twist follows the tale of Cinderella but through the eyes of an inquisitive reporter.

Lasting approximately 90 minutes, this is a spectacular musical production everyone in the family can enjoy.

Cinderella, A Fairly True Story features an international cast, a mix of original music and popular hits, with dynamic choreography and spellbinding visual effects.

What's more, with every ticket purchased, you stand the chance to win Cinderella’s Jewelry by Swarovski!

When: 10 December 2015 – 4 January 2016, Thursdays 7pm only, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday: 2pm and 7pm

Where: Resorts World Theatre

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A Musical Christmas Village

Be captivated by the transformation of Marina Square's 4,500 sqft atrium into a whimsical village complete with quaint buildings, colourful shop fronts and adorable houses.

The focal point is a two-storey brick house with vibrant blue thatched rooftops, decorated balcony and a star-spangled arch. The ‘front yard’ of this house is a stage area where the sound and light shows and meet and greet activities take place.

Look out for the life-sized soldiers as they emerge from the house and thrill one and all with their salutes. A stunning eight metre tall Christmas tree will take on a life of its own as it rotates during the vibrant light and sound show.

The daily festivities are choc-a-bloc with the sights, sounds and colours of Christmas, and take place at the atrium’s Musical Christmas Village.

Highlights include The Christmas Village Light and Sound Show, Jolly Ride-On Train, The Big Piano Showtime, Meet Pororo & Friends and more.

When: Now till 3 January 2016, 10am - 10pm

Where: Marina Square Shopping Mall, Main Atrium

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Christmas ChariTrees

Take a stroll along the waterfront promenade for a meaningful way to experience this festive season!

Held for the first time in Marina Bay, Christmas ChariTrees @ Marina Bay is a project that aims to bring hope and festive cheer to where it is needed most.

Lighting up the waterfront this Christmas is a selection of 20 Christmas trees that will raise funds for 300,000 beneficiaries of the Community Chest. Each sponsored tree is lovingly and uniquely decorated by the donor organisations, which have graciously given their support and time to brighten the Yuletide season for the less fortunate.

The whole family can have a great time taking photos with these beautiful trees while lending your support to a good cause - teaching your children the real meaning of Christmas.

When: Now till 27 December

Where: Marina Bay Promenade

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Merry Fishmas

Over at S.E.A. Aquarium, the Christmas celebrations will surely have something for everyone in the family.

This year’s ‘Merry Fishmas’ will be featuring Scuba Santa and the fun-filled ‘Fishmas Activity Trail’ where kids can follow the footprints around the aquarium for a chance to walk away with Christmas presents.

There will also be Scuba Santa and mascot appearances, Fishmas Feeds and Carol Singers to spread the holiday cheer.

Standing tall is a Christmas tree made out of plastic bottles collected from across the resort to promote recycling. Guests can also catch the carol singers and Mai the mascot on select days.

When: Now till 3 January 2016, 10am - 7pm (extended visiting hours on certain days)

Where: S.E.A. Aquarium

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Pies & Coffee Pie Bake Workshop

Do you love Christmas Turkey Pie and Shepherd’s Minced Beef Pie? Honestly, who doesn't?

This year, instead of buying them off the shelves, how about learning to bake them together with your kids?

With over 13 years of experience, Pies & Coffee’s slate of bakers will be on deck to teach children the right way to roll dough, assemble ingredients and also decorate their creations. During the sessions, the children will get to socialise and learn from a pastry specialist.

When: Whenever there is a minimum of 8 children to start a class

Where: Robertson Walk, Rochester Mall, The Grandstand, Alexandra Retail Centre

More info

Alvin and the Chipmunks Christmas Concerts

Join Alvin and the Chipmunks in a "live" musical performance at Eastpoint Mall and The Centrepoint this Christmas as they embark on a road trip to help Dave win back the love of his life.

Kids can stay on to be photographed at a meet and greet with the full cast right after the show.

To add to the fun, kids at Eastpoint Mall will also be able to add a dash of glam for the festive season with their very own Alvin and the Chipmunks Glitter Tattoos. Those feeling a tad more artsy-crafty will get to enjoy figurine painting workshops as well.

When: Live Shows 8-13 December,1pm, 4pm,7pm

When: Alvin & The Chipmunks Glitter Tattoo Stations 8 - 11 December, 11.30am, 12 - 13 December, 2pm

When: Alvin & The Chipmunks Figuring Painting Workshop 8 - 11 December, 2pm, 12 - 13 December, 5pm

Where: Eastpoint Mall, Level 1 Atrium

More info

Play It Forward

Christmas is also about giving back to society, and we cannot forget the less fortunate.

Frasers Centrepoint Mall introduces Singapore’s first charity ball pool event this year.

Spanning four fifth the size of a badminton court, the ball pool offers both adults and children a chance to dive in, unwind, de-stress and play in an endless colourful sea of balls.

Fun aside, it also helps participants give back to the community by "playing it forward".

Participants enjoy 15 minutes of free play in the ball pool with a minimum donation of S$5. Frasers Centrepoint Malls in turn will match donations dollar-for-dollar for up to S$30,000. Under the Care & Share Movement, total donations from now till 31 March 2016 will also be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Government.

When: Now till 31 March 2016, 10am - 10pm

Where: Causeway Point, Northpoint Shopping Centre, Waterway Point, Yew Tee Point, Eastpoint, Causeway Point

Check here for exact dates and more info.

Santa's All Star Christmas

With snowfall, fireworks and brand new Christmas-only shows, Universal Studios Singapore is not to be missed this year.

New this year and for this limited holiday season only, the Penguins of Madagascar, Marilyn Monroe, King Julien and the Minions of Despicable Me join the Toy Soldiers in ‘A Hollywood Christmas Gift’ show where they embark on a gifting journey.

Adding to the festive sights, Sting Alley will be transformed into a Victorian Christmas scene right out of 19th Century England. Guests can meet Scrooge, his neighbours and the Christmas carolers in ‘A Scrooge Christmas Splendour’ at Sting Alley.

Making a comeback would be the popular ‘Sesame Street Saves Christmas’ show at Pantages Theatre.

Delighted children can also catch the hourly snowfall daily or fireworks on select nights.

When: 1 December 2015 - 3 January 2016, 10am - 9pm Daily

Where: Universal Studios Singapore

More info

Sponge Bob Square Pants

Are you ready to dive under the seas and join Nickelodeon’s SpongeBob SquarePants and his friends for a sponge-tastic good time this Christmas season?

Join SpongeBob and his best friend Patrick Star, in an all-new live show. SpongeBob prepares to celebrate the Krabby Patty burger and everyone is invited to the party!

There will be loads of sea-antics and your kids will even get to do the Krabby Patty Dance!

Enter SpongeBob’s cosy Pineapple House and be part of his photowall, prepare for bouncy fun at SpongeBob’s Super Bouncer, and let your child test his finger reflexes with exciting games at both the Chum Bucket and Krusty Krab activity stations.

When: 5 December - 20 December, 2pm & 7pm (Tues – Fri); 1pm, 4pm & 7pm (Sat & Sun)

Where: City Square Mall, Level 1 Atrium

More info

Written by

Leigh Fan

Christmas Eventsplaces to visitChristmas 2015