Dazzling decorations up on Orchard. The occasional sound of ‘Jingle Bells’ in the mall. Winter knits appearing in shop windows (something which still baffles us, mama). All this can only mean one thing: it’s (almost) Christmas.
As we all know, ’tis not only the season to be merry. It’s also the season to be shopping! From Christmas cards to Christmas trees (fake and fresh ones) to Christmas decorations, the sound of tills going ting is definitely in the air! If shlepping around toy shops gives you hives, and doing everything online feels a bit too easy, you’ll want to check out our handy guide to the best fairs happening in 2017 – laid out in chronological order so you can plug ’em in your diary (cos we are super kind like that!). Now all you need to do is focus on the important stuff, like festive shopping.
Click through the gallery for our guide of all the best Christmas fairs in Singapore.
Pronounced ‘joy’, this very special One Drop event promises to bring festive cheer. Join these essential oil fanatics for a day of shopping that brings independent, local businesses together under one roof. Find Christmas gifts for everyone, from bookworms to DIY kings (or mamas). You can take a break from the action by joining one of the free workshops and learning wellness tips, centred around essential oils.
When: Sunday 26 November
Where: Park Hotel Clarke Quay, Level 2, 1 Unity St, Singapore 237983
How much? $10. All proceeds to go charity.
A staple event on our Christmas fair calendar, the annual Boutiques Fairs Singapore is back at the F1 Pit Building. Here, we tell you what NOT to buy at Boutiques! The curated mix of independent vendors has everything from women’s, men’s and children’s fashion to jewellery, accessories, toys and gorgeous pieces for your home. You’re sure to find a gift for even the most difficult family member (we all have at last one of them!).
When: Friday 10 – Sunday 12 November
Where: F1 Pit Building, Levels 2&3, I Republic Boulevard Singapore 038975
If you’re an organised mama, get a head start on your shopping at the Christmas Pop-Up Fair. With a whole host of local, small businesses appearing here, offering art, fashion, accessories, toys and more, you’re sure to find a unique gift for your loved ones.
When: Monday 20 – Sunday 26 November
Where: Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039596
Shop three rooms full of gorgeous festive gifts from charity and commercial vendors, and take part in the Lucky Draw – with a Grand Prize of a return ticket to Amsterdam! As always, the proceeds go to the local charities that are supported by NCA.
When: Thursday 23 November
Where: Hollandase Club, 22 Camden Park
In case you need another reason to visit Cluny Court, here it is: their annual Christmas Fair and Santa. It truly is the one-stop destination for all your festive needs. Discover quirky gifts and decorations while shopping for that special party outfit. You can even order tasty festive goodies and your Christmas tree at the same time.
Tip: Visit with the kids on November 24 and December 17 and they’ll be able to meet Santa too!
When: 24 – 26 November and 1 – 3 December
Where: Cluny Court, 501 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 259760
Orchard’s spectacular Christmas lights are always a highlight of the season for us, mama. This year we’ll be making a beeline for Ngee Ann City to visit the Christmas Village too, where a carousel, tasty festive treats and Christmas market await us.
Psst! If you’re looking for a special event for the kids on Christmas Eve, there’s also a Christmas Eve Countdown Concert.
When: Saturday 25 November – Monday 25 December
Where: Ngee Ann City, Civic Plaza, 391 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238873
This is the fair for gifts that can’t be found in the mall, featuring an exotic blend of international fashion, beauty, accessories and food. Still looking for an exciting holiday destination for the festive season? You can also find out about the must-visit destinations with boutique travel services.
When: 30 November – 1 December
Where: Pan Pacific Hotel, Claymore Rd, Singapore
There’s nothing quite like Christmas Wonderland (full deets plus pictures here) to fill you with that festive holiday feeling. Inspired by European-style Christmas Markets, wander through quaint wooden huts offering a festive collection of crafts, boutique goods and speciality food and drinks. With the promise of a visit to Santa’s Grotto and ice-skating, the kids will enjoy themselves as much as you do.
When: Friday 1 – Tuesday 26 December
Where: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
How much: From $4
Staying in Singapore this Christmas? You can still get a festive fix at the GESS Christmas Bazaar. As well as browsing stalls of festive gifts, sink your teeth into a classic bratwurst – while sinking a mulled wine or two (or three). With festive activities for the kids too, this is a guaranteed Christmas winner.
When: Saturday 2 December
Where: 300 Jalan Jurong Kechil, Singapore 598668
Start December with a foodie adventure, at the Christmas edition of The Farmers Market at Loewen Gardens. Vendors will be offering fresh organic vegetables, olive oil, cheese, bread and wine, as well as Christmas treats. You’ll even be able to pick up a few gifts while you’re there.
Pssst, Mama. It’s conveniently located by our new fave hangout for healthy yums at Carrotsticks and Cravings (read our review here). The perfect place to take a break from your shopping.
When: Saturday 2 December
Where: 75E Loewen Road, Singapore 248844
Trehaus our fave co-working space on Orchard Rd is putting on their annual Christmas fun. Saturdays (25 Nov; 2nd, 9th and 16th Dec) will see their Enchanted Christmas Market (The Atrium, Level 1, 1pm to 7pm) with festive goodies on sale from fashion, to kids items, homeware, accessories, skin and haircare, delicious holiday food and more.
With Santa’s Fair Trade Workshop on the 18th of November, Trehaus’ friends Coopita and Artisan Fox are bringing together their favourite mindful brands that make sure all elves are paid fairly. Here, you can discover gifting ideas for the conscious crowd on your Christmas list.
On the 9th and 16th of December, the CRIB Christmas Market is on in full swing, for fashion, jewellery, accessories, children’s clothing and more! In the true spirit of Christmas, all participating booths have agreed to donate 10% of their profits to Pledge it Forward, an initiative by The Social Co and Be An Idea to be split equally amongst 51 charities.
For a grander Christmas shopping experience, browse for fashion, crafts, jewellery and food in the Lower Ballroom of The Fullerton Hotel. This year their charity is Caring for Cambodia – an organisation committed to securing education and essentials for families in poverty. So you can do good while you shop.
When: Monday 4 December
Where: The Lower Ballroom, The Fullerton Hotel, 1 Fullerton Square Singapore 049178
This invite-only fair is as exclusive as Christmas gets. Step into the historical grandeur of The Tanglin Club and discover unique accessories, fashion and home decor pieces that are sure to wow. If you’re not on the list, you’re not getting in, so secure your invite by emailing [email protected]
When: Saturday 2 December
Where: The Tanglin Club, 5 Stevens Road, Singapore 257814
If you’ve been wondering ‘what the heck happened to the Christmas fair that used to be at The American Club?’, well it’s back at a brand new location – and it’s as fab as ever. Head down on the first evening for Cocktail Hour (between 5:30pm and 7pm) and browse international fashion and gifting brands as you sip on delicious drinks. Heaven.
When: Wednesday 6 – Thursday 7 December
Where: Orchard Parade Hotel, 1 Tanglin Rd, Singapore 247905
Shopping with a fab cause? Yes please! The First Sustainable Christmas Market promotes sustainable products, ethical food companies and local start-ups like Bakening (pictured) with their flourless Paleo breads and Divine Cookies
with reduced sugar goodies. Discover treats for your Christmas table, beautiful gifts created from recycled materials, and seasonal, organic vegetables. You can even enrich yourself and your children while you shop, with yoga, bellydancing and cookery classes – there’s even balloon sculpting.
When: Saturday, 9 December
Where: Mercure Singapore on Stevens, 28 Stevens Road, Singapore 257878
www.facebook.com/MercureSingaporeStevens
Image sourced via Bakening
If off-beat is your thing, then this is the fair for you. Expect to find hip, quirky brands from across Asia, including many homegrown names, touting all sorts of gorgeous products. The organisers welcome brands from any industry, as long as they have a good concept. So this is the place to find that one-of-a-kind gift. And, mama, don’t forget to pick yourself up something while you’re there.
When: Saturday 9 – Sunday 10 December
Where: Suntec Convention Hall 403, 1 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039593
The Local People will be transforming South Beach Avenue into a huge one-stop Christmas Party, with Santa’s Workshop @ the South Pole! Expect art (there’s an art wall backdrop to colour in), design, food and live music plus festive tents where Singapore-made and locally-designed products will be up for grabs. Sing along with Christmas carollers on 17 December while at 7 pm daily a public screening of Lulu the Movie, Michelle Chong’s Best Director Win at the Canada International Film Festival 2017, will take place. For kids: a face-painting artist, a photo booth, fundraising carnival games by The Social Co., and LED Balloon giveaways plus Christmas workshops daily from 11 am to 10 pm.
When: 15 to 17 December 2017 (check their facebook for music timings)
Where: South Beach, 26/ 36 Beach Road
Lead image sourced via Pinterest. Brought to you in partnership with The Collected