Santa Claus or Father Christmas, whatever you call the big man in red, there are plenty of places to meet him in Singapore this festive season
Want to meet Santa Claus in Singapore, mamas? Whether you’re shopping for gifts at holiday fairs, noshing on your Christmas brunch, or looking out for the prettiest Christmas trees, there’s always time to say hi to Santa! Of course, kiddos may want to give Father Christmas a heads up with our downloadable Dear Santa letter template! Just print and get your kids to fill it out (it requires them to think about if they have been naughty or nice!), then pop it in the post to the North Pole (or hand-deliver to Santa at Cluny Court; we hear he loves receiving letters!). As ever, mamas, note that dates and timings are subject to change; all information posted below is correct as of publishing, but it’s best to confirm timings directly with your chosen venue beforehand!
Malls
Holiday Fairs
Hotels & Restaurants
Others
Malls
I12 Katong
The neighborhood mall brings lots of festive cheer to the East Coast this December, with Santa meet & greets, Cajón drum performances, and Christmas carolling on weekends in December. With a minimum spend of $50 kiddos can also participate in Christmas crafting and fun role play activities!
When: Cajun drum performances: 14-15, 21-22 December, 1pm; Christmas carolling: 7-8 December, 1pm & 5pm; 14-15, 21-22 December, 5pm
Meet Santa: 14-15, 21-22 December, 2pm & 5:15pm
Where: Level 2 Atrium, I12 Katong, 112 East Coast Road, Singapore 428802
Christmas Fair & Meet Santa at Cluny Court
Cluny’s Santa is quite popular for his “authenticity” — we hear he really does have a long white beard! You can meet him at Cluny Court’s Christmas Fair and Market, which will take place this year over four weekends in November and December and is the perfect destination for those seeking unique Christmas gifts and decorations or the perfect party outfit whilst ordering that Christmas tree and festive goodies. Santa will be there on various dates between 22 November – 15 December, ready to snap some free photos with the kids (BYO own camera) and receive kiddos’ Christmas wish lists. On select weekdays this year you can also do a professional photography session with Sassy Mama’s own go-to photographer Irina Nilsson, with package prices starting from $75 for three images. We’re just sayin’, it doesn’t get much cuter for family Christmas cards!
When:
Christmas Fair and Santa Meet-and-Greet (Free DIY photos): 22-24 November, 29 November 1 – December, 6-8 December, 13-15 December. Timings: 10am-7pm (Fri-Sat), 10am-6pm (Sun). Full schedule here.
Professional Photo Shoot with Irina Nilsson Photography: 27-28 November and 4-5 December, 3pm-6pm. Book here, or email [email protected].
Where: Cluny Court, 501 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 259760
ION Orchard
Chances are you’ve already spotted the dazzling giant Bulgari snake out in front of ION on Orchard Road; as ever there’ll be plenty more festive fun happening inside as well. The man in red himself will be available for twice-daily meet-and-greets the last two weekends in December leading up to Christmas. You can also look forward to a variety of festive music performances – including an all-ages choir, Singapore’s first New Orleans-style brass band, and another festive live band – between 29 November and Christmas, and get in some present shopping at the American Express Christmas Market every day from now til New Year’s!
When: Festive music performances: weekends (Fri-Sun) from 29 November through 25 December, 2pm-2:45pm, 5pm-5:45pm, and 7pm-7:45pm; American Express Christmas Market: Now through 1 January 2020, 10am-10pm daily at Level 03-14A.
Meet Santa: 14-16 December and 21-25 December, 2pm-2:45pm, 5pm-5:45pm, and 7pm-7:45pm at Level 1 Atrium (next to the Concierge).
Where: ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801
Both Jewel and Changi T3 have transformed into a Frozen winter wonderland, with limited-time Christmas events like multiple daily snowfalls, dance and light spectaculars, and a festive market. On the Santa front, kiddos can look out for call from the Big Man in Red while frolicking in the snow at the Topiary Walk. There will also be Santa Meet-and-Greets at Jewel on weekends in December. Note that additional charges apply for entry to the Canopy Walk at Jewel.
When: Frozen Wonderland at Changi runs from 21 November 2019 to 5 January 2020; check link above for specific event timings
Meet Santa: Santa phone booth is open daily from 10am-10pm at the Topiary Walk; Santa Meet-and-Greets: 6-8, 13-15, 20-25 December 2019, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm & 7pm at Petal Garden, Canopy Park, Level 5 (entry charges apply).
Where: Jewel Changi Airport, Canopy Park Level 5, 78 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819666
Marina Square
As part of Marina Square’s “Christmas with Sesame Street Friends” there will be a roving Santa walking around the mall on the last couple weekends in December before Christmas. Find Santa for a photo op and he may even have a surprise sweet treat for you! Other festive highlights include a Live Sesame Street show, a Sesame Street ball pit, parent-child crafting activities, and Christmas carollers. Check with Marina Square for full schedule.
When: Sesame Street Ball Pit: 22 November – 1 December, 12pm-9pm; Sesame Street Live Show: 6-22 December 2019 (click here for timings); Christmas carolling: 10, 16-17, and 23 December at 7pm
Meet Roving Santa: 14-15, 21-22 December, 4pm and 5:30pm (check with mall for exact locations)
Where: Marina Square, 6 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039594
NEX
In addition to their PJ Masks-themed holiday events running through late November and December, NEX will also have a roving Santa and Gingerbread Man the last weekend in December.
When: 21-22 December, 3pm & 5pm
Where: NEX, 23 Serangoon Central, Singapore 556083
Plaza Singapura
Mall shoppers who spend $45 in a single receipt will earn a pair of entry passes to PS Snow Fun House, and on the last two weekends in December before Christmas there will also be a Santa Meet & Greet for those who’ve got entry passes to PS Snow Fun House! NB: There will also be free nightly snowfall at Level 1 at the Outdoor Plaza through 26 December.
When: Nightly Snow Fall, 7pm & 8pm; PS Snow Fun House, through 26 December 2019, 11am to 9pm (last entry at 8:30pm, $45 minimum spend required)
Meet Santa: 14-15, 21-22 December 2019, 3pm & 3:30pm (PS Snow Fun House tickets required)
Where: Plaza Singapura, Level 1 Outdoor Plaza, 68 Orchard Road, Singapore 238839
Takashimaya @ Ngee Ann City
Santa Claus and Santarina will be greeting Takashimaya Christmas shoppers the weekend prior to the holiday, and they’ll be happy to snap a photo with you! At various other dates in December you’ll have the chance to design a personalised Christmas ornament, or purchase a $5 charity Santa Claus figurine to benefit the United Nations World Food Programme.
When: Meet Santa and Santarina Thursday 19 December and Friday 20 December, 6pm to 7pm. See website for other promotion dates.
Where Takashimaya Department Store, Level 1, Ngee Ann City, 391A Orchard Road, Singapore 238873
Christmas Garden at Tanglin Mall
In addition to their famous evening snow “avalanche”, Tanglin will also have a Santa’s Workshop on weekends this year in the Level 2 Atrium. There will also be an artisanal Christmas Market showcasing handmade products by local brands and other eco-friendly wares, and Christmas carolling in December to power you through that last-minute shopping.
When: Nightly Avalanche: 16 November through 1 January 2020, from 7:30pm; Christmas Market by the Social Exchange: 16-22 December, 11am-9pm; Christmas carolling: 14-15, 21-22 December, 1:30pm. Click here for full schedule and timings.
Meet Santa Claus: 30 November – 1 December; 7-8, 14-15, 21-22 December. Timings: 12pm, 3pm & 5pm at Level 2 Atrium. Check with Tanglin Mall to confirm photo session timings.
Where: Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247933
Holiday Fairs
Oooh we are excited about this one! Capitol Singapore’s Outdoor Plaza will be transformed into a European-inspired Christmas Market with over 50 festive booths selling Christmas goodies like panettone, log cakes, stollen, chilled mulled wine and more await to transport you to a Christmas wonderland, all set to the soundtrack of a “singing tree” filled with 30 Christmas carollers! Best of all, kiddos will be delighted to discover a skating rink, and will have the chance to meet Santa daily from 6 December and experience snowfall at three different timings each night.
When: Christmas Market: 6 December, 8pm; 7- 24 December, 11.30am- 9.30pm; Singing Tree: 6 December, 8:30-9pm; 7- 24 December, 7:30-8pm & 8:30-9pm; Skating Rink: 6 December, 8pm; 7- 24 December, 11.30am- 9.30pm (last admission at 8:45pm, cost is $6/person); Snowfall: 6 December, 8:15pm & 9:15pm; 7- 24 December, 7:15pm, 8:15pm & 9:15pm
Meet Santa: 6 December, 8-9pm; 7-8, 14-15, 21-24 December, 2pm-6pm; 9-13, 16-20 December, 6pm-8pm
Where: Outdoor Plaza & Arcade @ The Capitol Singapore, 13 Stamford Road, Singapore 178906
If you need to squeeze in some last-minute Christmas shopping, this festive market in Trehaus’s beautiful new space at Funan is just the ticket for the whole fam! You’ll find over 20 twinkling booths spanning fashion and accessories, home decor, and lifestyle products, with a special emphasis on growing local businesses and empowering female entrepreneurs to bring their unique products to market. We like the sound of that! Kiddos can join in the festive food and activities, or you can drop them off at Trehaus’s exclusive members-only indoor play space for just $20.
When: Saturday 21 December, 12:30-7pm
Meet Santa: From 2pm-5pm. BYO phone or camera!
Where: Trehaus City Hall, 109 North Bridge Road, Funan Level 7, Singapore 179097
Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay
Make your way to this year’s all new Santa’s Workshop with a walk through the forest and a “snow”-filled giant snow globe, then watch the Elves hard at work before you meet Santa and snap a free DIY photo (Santa’s Workshop is included in the price of your general admission ticket). There’s nothing quite like Christmas Wonderland to fill you with that festive holiday feeling, with its European-style Christmas Markets, nightly blizzard, festive light show set to holiday favorites, and – new this year – a Christmas parade!
When: 29 November – 26 December 2019, Monday to Thursday: 5pm to 11pm, Friday to Sunday, Christmas Day (25 Dec), Boxing Day (26 Dec): 4pm to 11pm, Christmas Eve (24 Dec): 4pm to 12:30am
Meet Santa: Monday to Thursday: 5pm – 11pm; Friday to Sunday: 4pm to 11pm. NB: Santa arrives 30 minutes after opening time, and leaves 30 minutes before closing time.
Where: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
How much: Ticket prices range from $6-$8; entry is free for up to two children with each paying adult. Santa photos are Bring-Your-Own camera with no paid options/printing.
CIS Annual PTA Christmas Fairs
Kickstart your Christmas shopping and celebrations at Canadian International School’s PTA Christmas Fairs, happening at both the Jurong Lakeside and Katong campuses. Experience the magic of doing all your Christmas shopping under one roof with a wide range of vendors; clothing and jewellery, bags, home décor accessories, lifestyle and food. And naturally, Santa will be around to spread some Christmas cheer, plus lots of Christmas-themed games, arts & crafts, and a photo booth for everyone to enjoy.
When: Saturday 23 November, 10am – 3pm
Where: Canadian International School, 7 Jurong West Street 41, Singapore 649414
When: 30 November, 10am – 3pm
Where: Canadian School Tanjong Katong, 371 Tanjong Katong Road, Singapore 437128
Danish Christmas Bazaar
Now in its 35th year, the traditional Danish Christmas Bazaar at the beautiful old Danish Seamen’s Church is an institution in itself in Singapore, and you are guaranteed 100% Christmas spirit with handmade advent wreaths and decorations, Christmas carols and a live ukulele band, plus lots of yummy Christmas foods and sweets. There will also be a dedicated creative play area for kids, where children and parents can create Christmas decorations from scrap materials. For $15 kids will receive decoration materials, a kid’s meal with hot dog, soft drink and sweet treat, and the all-important chance to meet Santa Claus! (BYO camera).
When: Saturday and Sunday, 23-24 November, 11am to 4pm
Where: Danish Seamen’s Church, 10 Pender Road, Singapore 099171
How much: Entry fee of $2 per person; $15 per child to receive decoration materials, a kid’s meal, and the chance to meet Santa
Merry Christmas Market at Marina at Keppel Bay
Check out the very first Merry Christmas Market at Marina at Keppel Bay, and get into the festive mood as you do your Christmas shopping against the beautiful backdrop of Keppel Bay. In addition to receiving a FREE Christmas flavoured bubble tea sampler, there’ll be some pretty sweet dining discounts on offer (along with a lucky draw). Keep an eye out for Santarina, who will be dropping by to give away gifts and meet and greet little visitors!
When: Friday and Saturday, 6-7 December, 4pm – 9pm
Where: Marina at Keppel Bay, 2 Keppel Bay Vista, Singapore 098382
Friends of Tanglin Trust Christmas Fair
Get ready for heaps of festive fun, mama! You and the kiddos can look forward to a variety of gift and book stalls, student performances, and plenty of yummy treats from gourmet vendors – including mulled wine! Plus a lovely $10 shop (where kids can purchase gifts for their parents) and – best of all – Santa’s Grotto!
When:Friday 29 November (8am-4pm) and Saturday 30 November (10am-4pm)
Where: Tanglin Trust School, The Moot (Level 5 Nixon Building), 95 Portsdown Road, Singapore 139299
How much:Ticket info TBC; contact Tanglin Trust School to confirm
Hotels & Restaurants
If you’ll be in Singapore on Christmas itself, you just might want to book in for a special Christmas Eve dinner or Christmas Day brunch. Check out our Ultimate Guide to Festive Dining for all the deets on super fun kid-friendly activities happening all over the island. By our count Santa will be making an appearance at all of the following places (he is one busy guy!):
Four Seasons Hotel Singapore
Fullerton Bay Hotel (La Brasserie)
Fullerton Hotel (Town Restaurant)
Hotel Fort Canning
Regent Hotel (Basilico)
Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore (Christmas Eve Dinner and Christmas Day Brunch)
Royal Plaza on Scotts (Carousel Restaurant)
Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore (parents can drop off a gift for Santa to hand-deliver to kids at Buds between 10am-11am).
Sofitel Singapore City Centre
Tanjong Beach Club
Others
American Association of Singapore’s Toys for Tots
Spread holiday cheer and experience the joy of giving by bringing an unwrapped new toy for the Marines to distribute to children around Singapore. There will be classic craft-making, carols and refreshments; a chance to meet the US Marines; and of course a visit from Santa Claus himself.
When: 2 December, 5 -7 pm
Where: The American Club, 10 Claymore Hill, Singapore 229573
How much: 2019 Ticketing info TBC (in 2018 it was $15-$35 per person)
Meet Pororo Santa at Pororo Park Singapore
Enjoy a South Pole Christmas with everyone’s favorite cuddly penguin, Pororo, who will be donning a Santa costume and giving FREE presents to the first 100 children in attendance (limit 1 present per child!). Kids will have the chance to meet Pororo Santa every weekend in December, and on Christmas day itself; throughout December there’ll be heaps of other fun holiday activities on, too, including a holiday musical, carol sing-alongs, ornament-making and more!
Dates: Meet Pororo Santa 7-8, 14-15, 21-22, 24-25 December 2019
Timings: 12:30pm & 4:30pm
How much: FREE (though regular admission rates apply). Each session will be capped at 100 children (1 present per child); numbered cards will be given out when customers enter the park.
Where: Pororo Park Singapore, 6 Raffles Boulevard, #02-29 Marina Square, Singapore 039594
Snow City Singapore
This year’s theme, “A Winter Fairy Tale” will offer up all sorts of snowy fun, including hourly snow fall, storytelling, and Christmas carolling on 24-25 December. There’ll also be an interactive meet-and-greet with Santa Claus and Snow City’s own cuddly Arctic Adventures, Oki and Suki, in the Snow Chamber.
When: 20 November 2019 – 1 January 2020, Every Wednesday and Friday at 2pm
Where: Snow City Singapore Snow Chamber, 21 Jurong Town Hall Rd, Singapore 609433
How much: Admission to Snow City Singapore applies
A Universal Christmas
Get ready for the biggest snowfall ever at this annual Christmas extravaganza, which features multiple interactive Christmas shows and the chance to meet characters from Sesame Street, Madagascar and Despicable Me; a Christmas Fireworks Spectacular; and the show-stopping Santa’s Snowy Sleigh Parade, which culminates with a festive group meet-and-greet. Kiddos can also meet Santa for a photo op and magical storytelling session!
When: 2 December 2019 to 1 January 2020
Meet Santa: Daily, at the end of “Santa’s Hot Seat” and following Santa’s Snowy Sleigh Parade
Where: Universal Studios Singapore, 1 Sentosa East Mall, Singapore 099054
Furama RiverFront
As part of the Festive Furama Christmas Carnival, you can enjoy holiday specials like carnival games, balloon sculpting, musical performances and of course a Santa meet-and-greet (gifts included!). There will be additional photo opportunities nearby with a life-sized Polar Express and a Gingerbread Man cut-out, as well a magical 12-foot-Christmas tree with falling snow!
When: Fridays and Saturdays from 6 December – 26 January, plus 24-25 December
Meet Santa: 11:30am-12pm, 12:30-1pm, 1:30-2pm, 5:30-6pm, 6:30-7pm, 7:30-8pm at Furama RiverFront(call to confirm timings and availability after 25 December)
Where: Furama RiverFront, 407 Havelock Road, Singapore 169634
A Christmas Party with a French Accent (Members-only event)
Calling all Francophones! The non-profit Association Française Singapour is organizing what’s sure to be a super chic fête for AFS members at Sofitel Singapore City Centre. You can expect lots of fun activities for kids (including DIY crafts, Christmas carols and a family photo booth), and parents receive a complimentary glass of Champagne! Santa (Père Noël) will be on hand to take photos with the kiddos from 3:45 to 6pm; we love that children are also encouraged to bring a gently used toy to donate to charity.
When: Sunday 8 December, 3pm to 6pm
Where: Sofitel Singapore City Centre, 9 Wallich Street, Singapore 078885
How much: $10 per person / Free for children under 12. Be sure to book by 2 December, and note that this event is for AFS members only.
Lead image via Unsplash; Image #2 via Getty Images; Image #3 via ION Orchard; Image #4 via Capitol Kempinski Hotel Singapore; Image #5 via Christmas Wonderland; Image #6 via Fullerton Hotel
