Ready to get festive? Here are all the best events to do in the run-up to Christmas 2023 in Singapore. All together now: it's the most wonderful time of the year!
So, you’ve bought the Christmas tree, the advent calendars are ordered, and you’re close to making that all-important decision for a kid-friendly Christmas dinner. But with the seemingly never-ending December school holidays, how will you keep the mini ones entertained throughout the whole break? Enter our roundup of the holliest, jolliest Christmas events for kids in Singapore this festive season. From Christmas crafting to markets and winter wonderlands, we’ve got you sorted.
Christmas 2023 events in Singapore + festive things to do with kids
1. Check out all the fun at Changi Festive Village
If you’re after festive fun with a sprinkling of candy, how about checking out the action over at Changi Festive Village? Changi Festive Village is back with more fun-filled activities for the whole family! Enjoy a magical snow house, glamping night with a majestic view of the HSBC Rain Vortex, cycle or walk down the dazzlingly lit Jurassic Mile in Changi’s longest-ever light-up and have an out-of-this-world adventure with candy-themed activities. Be sure to check out T3’s Candy Carnival for a rolling good time! Good luck getting the kids to leave!
When: From 4 November 2023
Where: Changi Airport
Price: Snow house entry tickets are $18 or 20 carnival credits; Carnival tokens from $20
2. Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay: Light displays, gingerbread house and snow!
The one thing that makes Christmas in Singapore complete? Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay, of course! There are plenty of things to do here: from spotting Christmas lights (including the Garden Rhapsody Light and Sound Show) to taking photos with Santa Claus and the enormous Christmas tree. This year’s fairground is made up of three magical zones: Supertree Grove, Frosty’s Fairground at The Meadow and Gingerbread Grove. Look forward to 13 stunning light displays, ‘snow’ in the tropics, new carnival rides by Uncle Ringo, carnival games, live performances by local artistes and more! The Garden Rhapsody light and sound show will also charm visitors with the Supertree lights ‘dancing’ to Christmas classics. There will also be a brand new Holly Roger ship, which is a 24-metre-long whimsical light display! Don’t miss the 65-metre-long Walk of Lights tunnel either. Other installations include giant snowflakes and Santa’s boot!
Look out for the newly created Gingerbread Grove, with a vibrantly lit Gingerbread House set on a field of illuminated candy canes, as well as dessert stalls. With twice the number of food outlets this year, you’ll be spoilt for choice with more treats than ever before. Expect vendors like Burger & Lobster, Kebabs Faktory and Sofnade to fuel up and keep the kids fed during your visit.
When: 1 December 2023 – 1 January 2024
Where: Gardens by the Bay
Price: Tickets from $8 for adults and $6 for children (3 to 12 years old). Separate charges apply for OCBC Skyway, Supertree Observatory, Floral Fantasy and Gardens by the Bay conservatories.
3. Orchard Road Christmas Light-up and Great Christmas Village
Get into holiday mode on Orchard Road, with the Christmas light-up. Pose for picture-perfect moments among the glittering reindeer and whimsical decor in pink, purple and blue! Don’t miss the various Christmas festivities happening at Shaw House Urban Plaza, Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza and Plaza Singapura – keep your eyes peeled for carnivals and bouncy castles galore!
When: From 16 November 2023
Where: Orchard Road, Shaw House Urban Plaza, Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza, Plaza Singapura
4. Ice Magic: Winter Wonderland
Ice Magic, Asia’s largest touring pop-up winter playground is back! Get excited for a 3,000-square-metre snowscape, with Singapore’s first-ever merry-go-round on ice, the longest snow slope yet, a Double-Lane Couple Ice Slide, a picturesque wooden cottage and more! This year’s edition promises to be more enchanting than ever, with real snow and lots of exhilarating activities.
When: 9 December 2023 to 21 January 2024
Where: Bayfront Event Space
Cost: From $29 per ticket
5. Get wet at Xmas With A Splash @ VivoCity
Xmas With A Splash by Kiztopia will feature four large-scale Arctic-themed giant inflatables, with the introduction of a new wet play concept, Splashtopia! Dive into ball pits or zoom down an eight-metre-tall water slide and celebrate Christmas with a splash. Dry play areas available. Recommended for kids three to 12 years old.
When: 17 November 2023 to 1 January 2024
Where: VivoCity Outdoor Plaza, 1 HarbourFront Walk, Singapore 098585
Price: Tickets from $18 per person.
6. Whimsical Sea-mas Water Park, Sengkang Grand Mall
Singapore’s first pop-up in-mall inflatable water park has landed, and it’s epic! Whimsical Sea-mas Water Park, located in the main atrium of Sengkang Grand Mall features an inflatable obstacle course, inflatable stand-up paddle boat experience, LED-lit sea creatures boat ride, inflatable hamster wheel, and various carnival games, rides and claw machines.
When: 15 November 2023 to 9 December 2023
Where: Sengkang Grand Mall, 70 Compassvale Bow, Singapore 544692
Price: Tickets from $22 per person or spend $50-$80 mallwide* to redeem one ticket.
*Excluding FairPrice Finest. Limited to one redemption per shopper per day. While stocks last. Combine up to 2 receipts.
7. Have a bouncing good time at Jumptopia Playful Wonders @ Marina Bay Sands
Back and bigger than before! Wrap up the year with a bang at Jumptopia Playful Wonders @ Marina Bay Sands! Spanning 45,000 sq ft of space at Marina Bay Sands Expo Hall C, there will be not one, not two, but seven curated inflatable zones for an experience like no other! There will also be a free-for-all carnival area – kids can enjoy Kiddy Go-Carts, claw machines and awesome F&B. From mega inflatables and play areas to stage performances, Christmas treats and more, families will get to play, feast, catch spectacular performances and shop all in one!
When: 25 November 2023 – 7 January 2024
Where: MBS Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Hall C (Level 1)
Price: Tickets from $28 per person.
8. Poinsettia Wishes 2023 at Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay’s signature year-end yuletide display, Poinsettia Wishes – A Nordic Christmas Adventure, returns this year to bring visitors on a voyage to a Viking-inspired wintry wonderland! Greeting visitors are Vikings in the form of cute and cuddly Nordic Nisses – little creatures that look like a hybrid between a garden gnome and Santa Claus – decked out in traditional Viking garb. Look out for these adorable miniature warriors in a landscape inspired by the dreamy fishing villages found along the coastlines of Nordic countries, best known for their rorbuer – picturesque red and white fishermen’s cabins that are iconic of the region’s nautical history. Surrounded by enchanting Christmas fir trees, the floral display features over 20 varieties of poinsettias, including unconventional ones with coloured bracts that are bright yellow, have a plum tint, or rounded, resembling mouse ears.
When: 24 November 2023 – 1 January 2024
Where: Gardens by the Bay
9. SAFRA Choa Chu Kang Festive Carnival
Enjoy a host of fun-filled activities for the whole family at the SAFRA Choa Chu Kang Festive Carnival! Look forward to a trackless train, a Festive Flea Market with local crafts and unique gifts, plus yummy eats at Gourmet Food Street. There will also be fun carnival games and an exciting line-up of stage performances, including a fire show and an interactive magic show – perfect for kiddos! SAFRA members can also redeem free churros and snow cones, plus discounts at flea market vendors.
When: 24 to 26 Nov 2023, 4pm to 9pm
Where: SAFRA Choa Chu Kang, 28 Choa Chu Kang Drive, Singapore 689964
Price: Free!
10. Voices of Singapore (VOS) Choral Society Christmas Caroling
The VOS Choral Society will be keeping to the beloved annual tradition at Capitol Singapore’s Outdoor Plaza with their carol sing-along! The choir consists of diverse singing groups and will perform 30-minute sets at The Capitol Kempinski Singing Tree on multiple weekends throughout December. In addition to timeless holiday classics like “Jingle Bell Rock,” “O Holy Night,” and “Because It’s Christmas,” VOS will also be part of the Enabling Lives Festival (ELF) on 3 December.
When:
Fri 1 Dec 2023: 6.30pm, 7.30pm, 8.30pm
Sat 2 Dec 2023: 7.30pm, 8.30pm
Sun 3 Dec 2023: 6.30pm, 7.30pm, 8.30pm
8, 9, 10 Dec 2023: 7.30pm, 8.30pm
Fri 15 Dec 2023: 7.30pm, 8.30pm
16, 17 Dec 2023: 6.30pm, 7.30pm, 8.30pm
Where: The Capitol Kempinski Singing Christmas Tree
Cost: Free!
11. Singapore Symphony Orchestra Christmas Fundraising Concert 2023
It’s that time of the year again when the Singapore Symphony family dresses the stage with musical joy and blessed harmonies for the yuletide season. Join SSO in their annual celebration, a perfect way to add cheer to your year-end festivities.
When: 14 & 15 December 2023
Where: Esplanade Concert Hall, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
Get booking your family Christmas feasts for early bird specials!
Staying in Singapore this Christmas? We got you covered with all the best places for a festive feast with the family. Book early to avoid disappointment!
Christmas events you missed in 2022 (but may be back this year!)
Looking for Santa? Meet him at Tanglin Mall this Christmas!
Dreaming of a white Christmas in Singapore? You’re in luck because Tanglin Mall’s signature Snow and Avalanche shows are finally back after a two-year hiatus! Enjoy more festive fun in the mall – you can meet Santa, sit in for storytelling sessions, and get creative with WaterBeads and Bauble Painting craft workshops from now till 23 December. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the refreshed mall’s new retail and F&B offerings: including first-in-Singapore retailers like kids’ store Minene, Australia’s largest homegrown café C Australia’s Coffee Club, Korean grocerant Market Blue, Tasty Seoul, and more!
Pro-tip: You can also take this chance to go on a ride on the newly opened Thomson-East Coast line, Orchard Boulevard station and take Exit 1, which is just a few minutes’ walk away from Tanglin Mall!
When: Till 2 January 2023 (Snow and Avalanche shows); 10, 11, 17, 18, and 23 December (Santa Meet & Greet and crafts workshop)
Where: Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247933.
Resorts World Christmas events – Universal Studios, SEA Aquarium, Adventure Cove and more!
Christmas is coming, and Resorts World Sentosa attractions are all getting into the Christmas spirit early this year! Experience A Universal Christmas at Universal Studios Singapore and watch the night light up in New York as their largest Christmas parade in two years takes place. Featuring floats, magical moments and an eclectic ensemble of 42 performers led by Ringmaster Santa as he heads to Santa’s Big Top in an epic yuletide performance! Have splashtacular fun at Adventure Cove, eat, drink and be merry at The Feastival, and delve into new (sea) depths of wondrous joy the Christmas at SEA Aquarium’s Sea of Merry Wonders!
Psst… Book online for these attractions at the links above to enjoy Christmas treats and food vouchers, and discount ticket prices.
When: Until 2 January 2022
Where: Universal Studios Singapore, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 0982691
A Christmas pantomime! Catch Pinocchio at Wild Rice Theatre
In this cheekily on-the-nose musical adaptation of the classic fairy tale, Wild Rice brings one of the world’s most beloved characters to the Singapore stage. Pinocchio is a brand-new, original musical written by Thomas Lim, with lyrics by Joel Tan and music by Julian Wong, performed by a stellar cast including the adorable First Stage Kids
Based on the beloved fairytale about the little wooden puppet, Pinocchio, crafted with loving care by Geppetto – a kind, humble carpenter who has always dreamt of becoming a father. With a wish and a touch of fairy magic, Pinocchio springs to life… but there are some strings attached! A hilarious and heartwarming celebration of family, friendship and the importance of being true to yourself, Pinocchio is the perfect holiday treat for you and your loved ones. Wood we lie to you?
When: Thursday 17 November – Saturday 24 December 2022
Where: Pinocchio, The Ngee Ann Kongsi Theatre @ Wild Rice, Funan
Mega Carnival at Downtown East
If you’re struggling to pick from all the festive events and want a bit of everything then look no further than the Mega Carnival at Downtown East. Marketed as the most value-for-money carnival, you’re bound to get bang for your buck with over twenty games, rides, activities and booths to check out. It gets even better if you have dino fans at home, as there are heaps of roarsome attractions such as dino rides, interactive dinosaur ball pits, sandpits, and so much more! Psst, don’t miss the ginormous animatronic dinosaur (let’s be honest, it’s hard to miss!).
Pinkmas at Museum of Ice Cream
Yep, Museum of Ice Cream isn’t one to miss out on the Xmas fun times. They’ve pulled out all the stops this festive season with larger-than-life installations, and they’ve also ventured beyond their Dempsey digs with popups happening around Somerset to look out for. Ice cream + festive fun = winning!
Festive fun at The Great Bay Fiesta
Uncle Ringo knows how to put on a carnival, and this December, he’s bringing the fun to Marina Bay! If you want lots of fun and activities to entertain the kids – then hotfoot it to The Great Bay Fiesta at the Bayfront Event Space. Check out everything from traditional carnival fun with games and rides aplenty. Ice Magic is also here – win, win!
When: 1 December 2022 to 1 January 2023
Where: Bayfront Event Space
Get festive with the animals at the zoo!
Venture into a Festive Wild-erland and celebrate the black and white animals of Singapore Zoo, River Wonders and Night Safari this Christmas. Get lost in Singapore Zoo’s Monochrome Maze, where little explorers can find out how everyday actions impact wildlife. Or if you’ve got a kid who just loves playgrounds, then make a beeline for River Wonders’ Panda-monium Playground, and for all the festive feels – don’t miss the Night Safari’s Snowfall at the Naracoorte Cave! Psst, watch out for festive park bundles, attractive prizes, and contests too!
When: 17 November 2022 – 2 January 2023
Where: Singapore Zoo, River Wonders and Night Safari
Movie time at ArtScience Museum this Christmas
We love the ArtScience Museum at the best of times and even more so at Christmas! Check out the festive films on offer, from classics like Home Alone to our all-time fave Love Actually. Grab the fam and bag yourself a ticket for the ultimate Xmas film fest!
When: 5 November 2022 – 5 January 2023
Where: ArtScience Cinema, Level 4
Check out IKEA food specials – Christmas fare has arrived, and kids eat free
If you’re after an easy-peasy meal out with the kids then look no further than IKEA! Kids eat free for selected meals. While you’re there, check out the Ikea family offers and the Christmas treats that have arrived in-store! More is always more at Christmas, and at IKEA, you’ll find everything you need to host a fun Christmas party.
When: Ongoing through December
Where: IKEA Alexandra and Tampines
Head to a Christmas market with the fam
Nothing puts us in a festive mood quite like a trip to a Christmas market. The music, the gifts, the food… what’s not to love?! If you’re on the same wavelength, then you’ll want to take a peek at our roundup of the best markets in Singapore this Christmas.
Take a pre-Christmas trip to the theatre to see everyone’s favourite musical, The Sound of Music
Tickets are selling fast for this beloved musical, coming to Sands Theatre in November. Kids in Singapore were invited to audition for the roles of the Von Trapp children, so you may see some familiar faces on the stage!
When: 22 November – 9 December 2022
Where: The Sound of Music, Sands Theatre, 4 Bayfront Ave, B1, Singapore 018973
Nutcracker Ballet performances in November and December
Got a little ballet-loving cutie in your household? This classic story of a magical evening one night before Christmas is being performed by two ballet troupes in Singapore! The Cheng Ballet Academy is performing The Nutcracker this November at NUS, and Singapore Ballet will be performing the same at Esplanade Theatre in December. Don’t miss your chance to see this stunning ballet, perfect for a pre-Christmas treat!
When: Various dates in 2022
Where: Various locations
Pre-Christmas concert magic: Catch Disney in Concert, A Magical Celebration
This December, Disney in Concert is back for one night only with “A Magical Celebration”! Experience wonderful musical pieces featuring Disney’s iconic movies as a backdrop with a 46-piece orchestra. Audiences will be transported to a whole new world as the concert brings beloved stories and characters to life through musical performances synchronised to the original movie clips.
Be transported on an enchanting journey as we awaken a little mermaid who longs to be human, a brave warrior who strives to bring honour to her family, sisters warming a frozen relationship and many more!
When: Saturday, 17 December 2022, 3pm
Where: Disney in Concert, A Magical Celebration, Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, Singapore 397691
Keep your eyes peeled for more things to do with the kids this Christmas in Singapore – more family-friendly events will be announced soon!