From things to do with the fam to the best festive gourmet deals - here’s to making your Christmas in Singapore the best one ever!
One of the things we at HoneyKids HQ love about Singapore is that you’re never short of things to do with the fam, especially during the holiday season. So even if you’re not jetting off to some tropical island or a winter wonderland for Christmas, you can still have loads of fun just by exploring your own backyard.
So if you’re #TeamSingapore for the Christmas season, why not treat the fam to a festive staycation at Sofitel Singapore City Centre? The hotel is currently running a festive Time To Celebrate staycay package that comes with breakfast, Yuletide cocktails for mum and dad, and a choice of three-course Festive Set Dinner at its popular Racines restaurant or an afternoon tea for two at 1864. Got a child under the age of 12? Sofitel provides complimentary accommodation (crib and rollaway bed available on request) and breakfast for the little one too!
Here’s a simple itinerary you could follow for your staycay.
Your ultimate festive family staycay itinerary in Singapore
Day One
Check in: Sofitel Singapore City Centre
Make your festive itinerary extra special by treating the fam to a staycay. We’re big fans of the Sofitel Singapore City Centre for its city centre location, conveniently located within the Tanjong Pagar district. It’s also right above the MRT station itself, so it’s easily accessible, plus you can save on parking fees too! Before heading to the reception, take a few minutes to check out the hotel’s stunning nine metre-long art installation. And when you’re ready to check in, go on to the reception at Level 5 and wait for your Luxury Room to be ready.
Fun fact: The art installation is named Singapour Je T’aime, it’s made up of 700 hand-blown crystal leaves.
Lunch: Tuck into a Festive Family Feast!
Now that you’ve settled into your hotel, it’s time to feast! Sofitel is home to Racines, which offers up two to three-course Festive Set Lunches with mains like Hay-smoked Magret Duck Breast with Christmas Spice and Slow-cooked Wagyu Beef Brisket. Or if you’re staying during the Christmas period, enjoy hearty holiday staples, including Roasted Turkey with Truffle Butter and Chargrilled Angus Beef with Mustard Sauce during its Christmas and Boxing Day full buffet brunches.
Visit: Explore the Singapore Art Museum at Tanjong Pagar Distripark
Just a few bus stops away from Sofitel Singapore City Centre is the Singapore Art Museum at Tanjong Pagar Distripark (SAM at TPD). This museum opened its new space at TPD earlier in 2022, featuring contemporary art from a Southeast Asian Perspective. Selected artworks from Singapore Biennale 2022 that are on display at TPD, so do take your time to check these out! Don’t forget to also visit the huge, colourful installation, The Oort Cloud and the Blue Mountain, that’s just next to the museum building.
Chill: Take a dip at the hotel’s spectacular infinity pool
There’s nothing the kids love more than a splash – and Sofitel Singapore City Centre has just the pool for it. Its infinity pool boasts some of the most amazing views in the Garden City. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the view, or feel free to join the kids for a swim. You could even challenge each other to a race (the winner gets double desserts for later!) since the pool is 30 metres long!
Dinner: Enjoy classic holiday treats at Racines
After a day out at the museum and a swim, the fam must be ravenous! Perfect time for an indulgent dinner at Racines, where the restaurant is offering classic dishes like Seafood Shepherd’s Pie and Gammon Ham during its Weekday Semi-buffet. In town on Christmas Eve? There’s also a sumptuous Christmas Eve Dinner with Miso Glazed Halibut with Beurre Blanc Sauce, Christmas Pudding, Panettone, and more. If you’ve booked the Time To Celebrate staycay package, you may opt in for the Festive Set Dinners (Fridays to Sundays only) that comes with it: Noël Truffle Chicken Liver Pȃté to start, Soy-baked Cod Fish as mains, and end on a sweet note with a Chestnut Mousse – just to name a few.
Visit: Marvel at Christmas lights around Raffles Place Park
What’s Christmas without Christmas lights? Just one MRT station away is Raffles Place Park, which is all lit up for the yuletide season. Explore the park with the kids and see if you can spot all five festive elements on display. Look out for the larger-than-life Christmas tree, huge baubles, giant candy canes, and gift boxes. You can also control the lights’ colours for selected installations – just whip out your phone and try!
Cheers: Enjoy a Yuletide Cocktail (or two) at 1864
If you want an extra treat, book a babysitter and head over to Sofitel Singapore City Centre’s bar -1864 – to enjoy a tipple. Choose between the heady Papa Noël’s Mule (Rémy Martin VSOP, Campari, ginger beer, and angostura bitter) or the fruity Mrs. Claus’ Cosmo (Ketel One Vodka, Limoncello, cranberry juice, and lime). Football fans will also be happy to know that the bar has live screenings of all FIFA World Cup 2022 matches from 3 to 18 December 2022 – score!
Day Two
Late breakfast: Start the morning at Racines
One thing we absolutely love? Hotel breakfast spread! And Racines’ selection won’t disappoint. We’re talking about sausages and hash, rich cheese and yoghurt, and comforting local fare! Yum! No top-up is required if you’re staying as part of the Time To Celebrate package.
Visit: Let the kids run free at DTP Community Green’s play area
Just a short walk away from the hotel is Tras Link Park, where you’ll find a lovely eco-playground that will delight the kids. All of its play structures are made from upcycled felled tree logs and made according to preschool children’s sketches of a dream playground. Chill in the sitting area as you watch the kids go through some mini obstacle courses, operate the wooden train, and learn more about sustainability through the info boards on the panels.
Shop: Pick up some new reads at Littered with Books
We’re all for books at HoneyKids HQ – and Littered with Books happens to be one of our favourite bookstores in town! Located on Duxton Road, this whimsical bookstore is just a few minutes’ walk away from the hotel. You can find anything from international bestsellers to gems by local authors, as well as classical reads to timeless children’s books. Not sure what to get? The friendly shop assistants are more than happy to give some recommendations.
Tea time: Sit down to an elegant Festive Afternoon Tea
Since the fam has had a late breakfast, why not skip lunch and go straight to an early tea? 1864 has a special Festive Afternoon Tea menu for the holiday season, serving up savouries from Mini Roasted Turkey Sandwiches to Truffle Mushroom Quiches, as well as sweets like Chestnut Berry Financiers and Pecan Cinnamon Cheesecakes. And not forgetting warm scones, available in both fruit and plain versions. The Festive Afternoon Tea is also one of the Time To Celebrate staycay package options.
Check out: Bring home some festive treats
The end of the staycay is always a bittersweet one. The good news is that you can bring home a piece of Sofitel Singapore City Centre in the form of gourmet gifts and treats. The kids will love the adorable Santa Flourless Gateaux, while the Noisette Noir Chocolate Hazelnut Log Cake is perfect for dessert after dinner. Not keen on cooking up a storm come Christmas? Pre-order (three working days advance order required for all festive takeaways) and take home some festive roasts and sides. The Glazed Ham with Honey and Citrus Spice looks absolutely delish – dinner, sorted!
Have the most wonderful time!
This post is in partnership with Sofitel Singapore City Centre.
