Best Places to See Christmas Decorations in Singapore

Even if Singapore can’t give you frosty temperatures, snow covered trees and crackling fires, it more than makes up for the lack of a cold winter’s night by transforming into a gorgeous tropical Christmas island replete with festive garlands, merry go rounds and gingerbread houses — especially in the heart of the city.

So let Christmas come to you this year, mama, with our roundup of the best places to see Christmas lights!

Orchard Road
The festive light-up on Singapore’s famous shopping belt, lovingly referred to as Christmas on A Great Street, stretches for over 2 kilometres from Tanglin Mall to Plaza Singapura. Millions of glittering lights drip from decorated trees, majestic arches and fantastic festive decorations form giant bows, and everything from fairy-tale castles to mechanised reindeer and Nutcracker soldiers line the way.

Our favourite spots:

• Ion Orchard’s 16m-high arch hung with multi-coloured stars
• Ngee Ann City’s giant Christmas tree
• Robinsons @ The Heeren’s 7m tall rotating Christmas tree sprinkled with glittering stars and gold baubles
• The entire display outside Centrepoint, Tangs and along the Orchard Central block
• Wheelock Place’s star gaze frame studded with golden, light-emitting stars
• A “starstruck” window in front of Tang Plaza that allows passers-by to pose as part of the window display
• Christmas on a Great Street through the years: a photo exhibit at Shaw House Urban Plaza commemorating the Singapore Tourism Board’s 50th anniversary, with lights and five gigantic golden Christmas trees

Tanglin Mall
The island’s cutest wintry wonderland, Tanglin Mall has been bringing kids and parents alike the best of the white stuff every festive season since 1996. Check out the snow cannons dousing the crowds avalanche-style, followed by a further light dusting (weather permitting). The snow show takes place next to the mall’s outdoor Christmas decorations.

Catch the snow “avalanche” every weekday at 7:30pm and the snow show at 7:45pm.

Changi Airport
Have a jet-setting Christmas at Changi Airport’s annual Disney Christmas light up. Check out the 3-storey German Castle at Terminal 3’s departure hall, or Mickey and Minnie Mouse dressed up in glitzy Spanish costumes on larger-than-life topiaries, standing at 5 metres high in Terminal 2’s departure hall! Just make sure you don’t miss your own flight amidst the magical wonder.

Clarke Quay
No, your eyes are not tricking you. It’s not an illusion. The Singapore River is really decked out with eye-catching 8m-tall red-lit trees dotting its banks. It’s become an Instagram magnet! Get clicking mama as you enjoy the lights with festive markets, fireworks displays and Christmas carolers along Clarke Quay. And most places are decked out with Christmas window displays, too!

Marina Bay ChariTrees
These illuminated beauties line the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade, standing witness to Singaporeans’ charity to the less privileged. Each of the 25 pine ‘giving trees’ or ‘Chari-trees’, has been adopted by a generous donor to Singapore’s Community Chest. Listen up mamas: Donations made to the Community Chest through 31 December will be matched $1-for-$1 under the “Care and Share” movement!

Gardens by the Bay
Stunningly spectacular, handcrafted Luminarie light sculptures from Italy await you at the SuperTree, along with an amazing European festive market, as part of Gardens by the Bay’s “Christmas Wonderland”. As a daytime bonus, look out for festive season plants like Pointsettia, Wintergreen, Noble Fir and Holly, or check out “Yuletide in the Flowerdome” (additional charge).

So there you have it, mamas. What Singapore lacks in “traditional” Christmas weather, it more than makes up for with spectacularly unique lights and decorations (and foam snow!).