Christmas ideas in the little red dot

Although a white Christmas is not possible in Singapore, it doesn't mean the holiday season can't be magical. Here’s how you can celebrate the most wonderful time of the year, in our very own little red dot.

Enjoy the gift of giving

The Salvation Army Christmas Kettling is a great way to give back to society (Credit: The Salvation Army)

Instead of just exchanging presents within your circle of friends and family, why not give to those in need too? The Salvation Army holds an annual Christmas donation drive called The Salvation Army Christmas Kettling, where volunteers can play the role of bell ringers. They have collection boxes for monetary donations at many popular shopping spots such as Orchard Road, so you can easily contribute. Or head to the supermarket to pick up essential food items for the needy. The Boys’ Brigade holds an annual collection drive to distribute these supplies to the less fortunate. When shopping for Christmas gifts, do also consider brands that contribute a portion of the proceeds to a good cause.

Instead of just exchanging presents within your circle of friends and family, why not give to those in need too?

Shop for all things Christmassy

Make it a Christmas to remember for your loved ones by picking out thoughtful gifts that they will love. Changi Airport is running a late-night shopping campaign from 2–24 December on Fridays and Saturdays, so you can spend a little extra time choosing the perfect presents for everyone on your list. The iShopChangi “spend-to-save” Christmas promotion is also worth checking out for its great deals. For something with a distinctly Singaporean flavour, head to Naiise Camp Christmas, a pop-up store featuring unique and locally crafted gifts that can’t be found anywhere else.

Join in the festivities

Enjoy the melodious carols at Christmas Wonderland (Credit: Christmas Wonderland)

Celebrate Christmas at Changi Airport with Pokémon!

Christmas events are full of jolly cheer so set aside some time to revel in the festivities. If you enjoy music, get your feet tapping to familiar carols at the Love Came Down At Christmas concert at the Esplanade. Singapore’s thespians will also be putting together Crazy Christmas, a local spin on the holiday season with zany tunes and a little bit of Singlish thrown in for good measure. Don’t forget to attend Christmas bazaars and markets to soak in the holiday spirit. Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay is Singapore’s largest yuletide fair with a festive market, a fairground, light sculptures and an ice palace.

There’s plenty to do with the whole family even at Changi Airport. The Pokémon-themed Christmas with a Pikachu meet and greet and a Pokémon trail are sure to excite the young ones. For the older lot who are also fans of Pokémon, a minimum spend of $60 or $120 in a single receipt at the public and transit areas respectively will let you claim your very own plushy this Christmas. There’s face painting and fun daily shows to indulge in as well.

Deck the halls

Get a real feel of the holiday by bringing home a real Christmas tree!

While there may be no snow, you can certainly introduce some authentic elements of the season into your home by getting a real Christmas tree. ISLAND, Far East Flora, Bedok Garden & Landscaping and Prince’s Landscape & Construction sell real firs in sizes that will fit into Singapore’s smaller-sized apartments as well as larger ones. What’s more, the warm and fuzzy feeling you’ll get from setting up a Christmas tree in your home with your loved ones will be an unmatched joy.

With so many festive activities to indulge in, it certainly looks set to be a very merry Christmas on our little island!