While most Singaporeans hardly subscribe to Western Christmas traditions like snowball fights and eggnog by the fireplace, we have formed our own quirky rituals for the holiday season.
Whether it's partying till sunrise, or clamouring over one another to experience fake snow, there's something for everyone. We pick the five best spots in Singapore to get into holiday spirit.
Experience snow at ... 313 Somerset Snow Dome
Although a white Christmas in Singapore is nothing more than a pipe dream thanks to our tropical weather, with a little help from technology, we too can be part of Christmas winter landscape without hopping onto a plane.
313@Somerset brings snow -- at minus three degrees -- to Singapore in the form of a specially constructured snow dome from 9 - 24 December. For every S$200 spent at 313@Somerset, shoppers are entitled to a pass into the chilly space, and each child of 12 years or younger can enter as well when accompanied by an adult with a valid pass. Don your choice of winter attire (sponsored by Winter Time) and preserve the moment in pictures. Live entertainment also takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the month of December.
Atrium, 313@Somerset, 313 Orchard Road
Step into a fairytale world at ... The Jewel Box
Get away from all of the Christmas rush and head towards the hills, or Mount Faber, for some much needed peace and quiet. The Jewel Box Hilltop Celebrations transport you into a fairy tale land from the moment you step into the Christmas-themed cable cars decked out in festive ornaments with carols playing in the background.
When the cars reach their destination at the Hilltop Christmas Village at the top of Mount Faber, you’ll be treated to a classic wood and nature-themed town – with a few bell and whistles. Village highlights in the include Singapore's first 3-D video mapping Christmas show, Santa's Tree House, roving magicians, and a live band with a repertoire of Christmas songs, jazz and contemporary pop music. It's the perfect location for reminiscing over the childhood days of yore.
The Jewel Box, 109 Mount Faber Road, +65 6377 9688, www.mountfaber.com.sg
Find out which three other spots in Singapore are great for spending the Christmas season on the next page.