“Christmas Prep in the Lion City: Singapore’s Festive Countdown”

Are you staying in Singapore for the festive season and unsure how to celebrate? This article is just for you for those who usually travel but want to enjoy Christmas in Singapore for a change. Sometimes, the lead-up to Christmas is just as unique as the big day itself. There is a lot to organise. Are you ordering a real tree, or do you need to find an artificial one? 

Are you wondering where to find a Santa to take a photo, or do you want to know places that will have you feeling the festive season? This article has it all to make planning for this Singapore festive season more manageable.

Why is Christmas a special time of the year in Singapore?

The Christmas decorations, lights, and festive atmosphere add a touch of magic to Singapore’s surroundings, bringing happiness and excitement. Carolers singing traditional Christmas carols, the aroma of cookies baking in the oven, and the sight of beautifully decorated Christmas trees all contribute to the joyous ambience surrounding this special time of year.

Ultimately, Christmas is not only a time for celebration but also a time for reflection and gratitude. It reminds us of the importance of cherishing our loved ones, being compassionate towards others, and appreciating the blessings in our lives. Christmas is a beautiful time to celebrate and embrace the spirit of giving, love, and joy.

What is there to do in the lead-up to Christmas? 

There is plenty to do in the little red dot this festive season, but we have picked out the best things we think you will love in the lead-up to the end-of-year festivities. 

Christmas on a Great Street- If you have been living in Singapore for a while, you will probably already have this one on the list: Christmas on a Great Street from 16 November until 1 January – the lights on Orchard Rd always get you in the Christmas spirit, with Chrismas music playing along the streets and decorations along the pathway, and we can’t forget the big gorgeous Christmas tree situated in front of Paragon! If visiting three Christmas villages with all the Festive trimmings won’t get you in the mood, nothing will. 

Christmas Wonderland – From 1 December to 1 January, this annual event brings the festive season to life! The Christmas Wonderland event tickets can be bought here. The ticket registration costs $8 for adults and $6 for children and will allow you to pick from four entrance sessions, giving you an experience that leaves you manageable with the crowds. What should you expect at this Gardens by the Bay annual event? The lights here are out of this world, getting better each year; you will also find carnival games, entertainment and much more. What makes it even more remarkable is that from the 5-12th your fur babies can come too!

Snow City – Feeling like Christmas isn’t without a bit of snow? You must take advantage of a trip to an indoor snow centre to ensure you get that crisp winter air to make the festive season feel real. Snow City is located at 21 Jurong Town Hall Road, Snow City Building and operating hours are from Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. You can book online here. Whether you drift on ice, try shooting in the arena, or play in the snow, this place will give you your snow fix in no time.

To know more about Christmas events, check out the Singapore Tourism Board website here and see what else sparks your interest! 

Where can I buy Advent Calendars?

If you are like me, Advent Calendars are a big way to prepare you for Christmas day’s countdown. Whether you are a person who chooses their treats from 1 to 25 or counts backwards from 25 to 1 (only true advent calendar enthusiasts will know what I am referring to here), an advent calendar is a big deal. We have added a few places to purchase them this year, but I am sure there are many more!

Advent Calendars for the kids 

Avenchi Wooden Advent Calendar – Who are we kidding? This one is definitely for the adults, too. Chocolate advent calendars have been around since the 1950s and have been fun for all ages ever since. This advent calendar is on the pricey side but is well worth the money!

Cadbury’s Advent Calendar – It must be Cadbury’s for those who want to stick with the traditional chocolate advent calendar! They might not have been the first to come up with the idea of the chocolate advent calendar, but they are indeed the first to mass produce it worldwide. You can pick them up at any local grocery store in Singapore. 

For the adults

Sephora Advent Calendar– Sephora has many goodies in this advent calendar! For $150, you will open special treats to sample each day. It is a great way to test the products you may have had your eye on. This list of little promotions includes everything from make-up to skin care products to indulge in this festive season.

T2 advent calendar – I might be biased as I love getting a little tea treat each day during the festive season. They have a few to choose from this year, ranging from $56 to $420, with everything from your favourite teas to festive teas and special little treats like tea cups and accessories. 

Where to find Christmas trees and decorations this year? 

If you plan on purchasing a real tree this year, start ordering as soon as possible because trees sell out quickly in Singapore. Here is a list of natural and artificial tree supplies and decorations to make this Christmas the best one yet!

Where to buy Christmas trees in Singapore

Christmas trees are not found easily in Singapore, so they are imported and sell out quickly. Here are some of the best places to purchase them in 2023.

The Green Corner – The Green Corner has a variety of trees from 4ft to 12ft, ranging in price from $259 to $2790. Many have sold out already, so you need to order online quickly. The Green Corner Noble Fir trees are SERF-certified (Socially and environmentally responsible farm) and are grown in the USA. 

Far East Flora – Far East Flora has a range of beautiful Noble Fir Trees ranging from as small as 30cm to as large as 11ft. The price varies from $129 to $1303, but they also sell quickly. They also have a range of Christmas hampers and other festive delights and are just a click away. 

Cold Storage – If you are quick and order before the 26th of November, cold Storage has 5ft trees from $139 to 10ft trees from $229. The trees range from Fraser Fir to Nobile Fir and can be delivered to your home with tree stands. 

For most people in Singapore, natural Christmas trees aren’t even a question; with the climate, price and importing of trees, they would instead go down the artificial route; if this is the case and you need to update your tree, then here are a couple of places that are selling trees and bundles this year. 

Henry Christmas Wholesale – Are you looking for trees and decorations for this year’s Christmas festivities? Then head to 736-734 Geylang Rd beside Grandlink Square Shopping Mall to find all the latest decorations and Christmas trees. Need more time? No problem, you can order online, too. 

Tang Plaza – Has a whole department full of Christmas delights this year. The Christmas store is open from 26 December on Orchard Road until 27 December at Vivo City. Whether you would like a bare Christmas Tree, A Christmas tree bundle or decorations to add character to an old tree, this is the place to find them. Check out online or go in-store to see for yourself. 

Tidings Christmas Trees – This website has many trees and a wider choice of Christmas bundles. This company is a little different from the rest because they have a “set up tree and installation of light and decoration” service. The price depends on the tree size and will allow you to save time for other precious activities. 

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Thanks for taking the time to read this article. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!

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