Singapore in December 2025

Tropical warmth meets winter sparkle in Singapore every December. With dazzling displays at Gardens by the Bay, shopping sprees on Orchard Road, and a city decked out for Christmas, it’s peak season for a reason. Arrive early to beat the rain and book attractions in advance to dodge long queues.

Singapore in December 2025 at a glance

🌦️ Weather

Expect 28 °C / 82 °F days, 24 °C / 75 °F nights, heavy rain in late afternoons.

☀️ Daylight

12 hours; sunrise ~7 am, sunset ~7 pm.

🎉 Key events

Christmas Wonderland, festive light-ups, year-end concerts.

👥 Crowds

High; major holiday season draws global visitors.

🧳 What to pack

Breathable layers, umbrella, sunblock, light rain jacket.

🍴 Seasonal treats

Log cakes, roasted meats, durian puffs, mall food court specials.

Top things to do in Singapore in December

Singapore Christmas Wonderland lights at GBB Cloud Forest with SuperTree Observatory and OCBC Skyway.

Marvel at Christmas Wonderland

  • When: Late November to Dec 31
  • Tags: Family-friendly, Festival, Seasonal

See Gardens by the Bay sparkle with light sculptures, carnival rides, faux snow, and festive stalls. Book tickets early to avoid the evening rush.

Recommended experiences:

  • Gardens by the Bay Tickets: Cloud Forest (Jurrasic World Experience) + Flower Dome + Floral Fantasy
  • Gardens by the Bay Tickets: Cloud Forest (Jurrasic World Experience) + Flower Dome + Floral Fantasy
Browse all Gardens by the Bay tickets
Orchard Road adorned with festive Christmas lights and decorations in Singapore.

Stroll Orchard Road’s light-up

  • When: All month
  • Tags: Outdoors, Seasonal

Orchard Road glows with thousands of lights, holiday music, and pop-up gift kiosks. Start your walk near ION Orchard and go downhill for photo ops.

Sailing ship Royal Albatross illuminated at night with Singapore skyline in the background.

Ride the Royal Albatross Christmas Cruise

  • When: Selected evenings in December
  • Tags: Adventure, Tour, Seasonal

Sail past the city skyline with a four-course dinner on this luxury tall ship. Themed cruises include carols and lights—dine under the stars.

Recommended experiences:

  • Royal Albatross Sunset Dinner Cruise
  • Royal Albatross City Lights Dinner Cruise
ArtScience Museum in Singapore with lotus-inspired architecture against a city skyline.

Visit the ArtScience Museum

  • When: Daily
  • Tags: Family-friendly, Cultural experience

Escape the showers inside this lotus-shaped museum. Great for interactive exhibits, light installations, and family-friendly multimedia shows.

Recommended experiences:

  • Future World: Where Art Meets Science Exhibition Tickets
  • ArtScience Museum Tickets
Explore ArtScience Museum tickets
Family exploring Night Safari Singapore with tram ride and wildlife encounters.

Night Safari after dark

  • When: Daily from 7:15 pm
  • Tags: Family-friendly, Outdoors, Tour

Board a guided tram through Singapore’s nocturnal zoo. December’s cool nights make it more pleasant; book in advance as slots fill fast.

Recommended experiences:

  • Night Safari Tickets with Tram Ride
  • Mandai Wildlife Destination Pass
Explore Night Safari tickets
Lau Pa Sat Festival Market illuminated at night in Singapore with bustling street food stalls.

Feast at Lau Pa Sat

  • When: All month
  • Tags: Food, Cultural experience

This iconic hawker center serves satay, chili crab, and laksa under Victorian arches. Go after 7 pm when Boon Tat Street closes for outdoor grilling.

Cloud forest waterfall inside Gardens by the Bay, Singapore.

Escape to Cloud Forest

  • When: Daily
  • Tags: Explorer, Family-friendly

Hide from rain inside this misty dome of rare plants and waterfalls. December’s floral displays and holiday themes offer great indoor refuge.

Singapore River Cruise boat on water with city skyline in background

Cruise the Singapore River

  • When: All month, evenings ideal
  • Tags: Tour, Outdoors

Hop on a bumboat from Clarke Quay. Lights shimmer on historic bridges and colonial buildings—it’s best enjoyed just after sunset.

Recommended experiences:

  • Singapore River Sightseeing Cruise
  • Singapore River Sightseeing Cruise by WaterB
Browse all Singapore Island Cruise tickets

Offbeat experiences in December

Stone tombstones at Bukit Brown Chinese cemetery surrounded by greenery.

Explore Bukit Brown Cemetery

Tranquil tombs and jungle paths. Wander a forgotten cemetery overrun with tropical vines. Local guides offer deep dives into Chinese tomb symbolism and WWII tales.
📍 Where: Bukit Brown Road

Unique Dubai theatre interior during Christmas movie screening.

Catch an indie film at The Projector

Retro cinema meets modern curation. Inside a former 1970s theater, you’ll find beanbags, craft beer, and indie flicks. Air-con coolness makes it ideal for rainy afternoons.
📍 Where: Golden Mile Tower

Man walking on a trail surrounded by lush greenery at Mount Faber, Singapore.

Hike the Southern Ridges

Elevated trails and forest skywalks. Stretch your legs along canopy paths and scenic bridges. Mornings are cooler and less rainy. Look out for monkeys and misty treetops.
📍 Where: From Mount Faber to Kent Ridge

Orchard Road bustling with shoppers and vibrant storefronts in Singapore.

Shop indie at Design Orchard

Local fashion with rooftop views. Find Singaporean designers under one roof, from bold prints to eco-bags. Head to the rooftop garden for skyline snaps.
📍 Where: Orchard Road

Cocktails with garnishes.

Sip cocktails at Native

Foraged flavors in a hidden bar. This upper-floor bar makes drinks with local herbs, jackfruit, and even ants. A favorite among cocktail nerds. Reservation recommended.
📍 Where: 52A Amoy Street

Festivals and events in Singapore this December 2025

Gardens by the Bay Christmas Wonderland light displays and festive decorations in Singapore.

Christmas Wonderland

  • Dates: Late Nov – 31 Dec 2025
  • Event type: Cultural Festival
  • Location: Gardens by the Bay
  • What to expect: Dazzling light installations, carnival rides, and Christmas markets create festive magic. Book evening slots ahead to dodge peak-hour lines.
Christmas lights on Orchard Road during Big Bus Singapore Light-Up Tour.

Christmas on A Great Street

  • Dates: 16 Nov 2025 – 1 Jan 2026
  • Event type: Cultural Festival
  • Location: Orchard Road
  • What to expect: Singapore’s premier light-up transforms Orchard Road into a twinkling wonderland. Evening walks and photo stops are a must.
Studio Ghibli exhibition with Totoro and Spirited Away characters in Tokyo, Japan.

The World of Studio Ghibli

  • Dates: Through 2 Feb 2026
  • Event type: Exhibition
  • Location: ArtScience Museum
  • What to expect: Over 200 artifacts and immersive zones from Ghibli classics. Buy combo tickets for other museum wings to save.
Marina Bay Sands light show with heart-shaped fireworks, Valentine's Day in Singapore.

New Year’s Eve Countdown at Marina Bay

  • Dates: 31 Dec 2025
  • Event type: Concert & Fireworks
  • Location: Marina Bay area
  • What to expect: Live music, drone shows, and midnight fireworks. Arrive early or reserve rooftop dining to avoid packed MRT platforms.

Highlights for different traveler types

Lighting display at Christmas Wonderland Festival, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore.

Families with kids

  • Explore indoor attractions like ArtScience Museum and S.E.A. Aquarium to avoid rain.
  • Night Safari after dark is a kid favorite with cool temps and tram rides.
  • Join family-friendly fun at Christmas Wonderland with carnival games and snowfall zones.
Sunset view of The Royal Albatross sailing on calm waters during a dinner cruise.

Couples

  • Book a Royal Albatross dinner cruise for romance under festive lights.
  • Sip local wines at Dempsey Hill, a quieter spot with twinkling decor.
  • Stroll hand-in-hand along the Southern Ridges or lighted Clarke Quay.
VivoCity shopping mall exterior in Singapore with people walking and waterfront view.

Shopaholics

  • Orchard Road’s holiday sales run all month—look for last-minute deals post-Christmas.
  • Pick up design-forward gifts at Naiise or Design Orchard.
  • Hit malls like VivoCity or Jewel for festive pop-ups and rewards promos.
Esplanade Theatres on the Bay with Singapore skyline in the background.

Culture vultures

  • Catch Ghibli exhibits or December gallery runs at Gillman Barracks.
  • See Christmas through Peranakan decor in heritage neighborhoods like Katong.
  • Book performances at Esplanade’s Theatres on the Bay for year-end concerts.

Your perfect 3-day Singapore in December itinerary

Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay illuminated at dusk, Singapore cityscape.
  • Morning: Walk the Helix Bridge early to beat the heat.
  • Breakfast: Grab kaya toast and kopi at Ya Kun Kaya Toast (Marina Bay Link Mall).
  • Midday: Tour the ArtScience Museum , especially the Ghibli exhibition.
  • Lunch: Dine at Satay by the Bay—covered but breezy.
  • Afternoon: Explore Cloud Forest and Flower Dome.
  • Evening: Book a bumboat ride or watch the Spectra light show at Marina Bay.
Singapore Cable Car ride over lush greenery with city skyline in the background.
  • Morning: Hike the Southern Ridges from Mount Faber.
  • Breakfast: Eat at Seah Im Food Centre before you start.
  • Midday: Chill at Henderson Waves; bring water and snacks.
  • Lunch: Grab Hainanese chicken rice at Tiong Bahru Market.
  • Afternoon: Explore indie shops at Tiong Bahru.
  • Evening: Dine riverside at Clarke Quay and catch live music.
GBB Cloud Forest and Supertree Grove lit up during Christmas Wonderland in Singapore.
  • Morning: Window-shop early along Orchard Road to skip crowds.
  • Breakfast: Try egg tarts and soy milk at Joy Luck Teahouse.
  • Midday: Visit Design Orchard and Ion Sky.
  • Lunch: Enjoy xiao long bao at Din Tai Fung (Wisma Atria).
  • Afternoon: Relax in Fort Canning Park or check out Bras Basah bookstores.
  • Evening: Head to Gardens by the Bay for Christmas Wonderland.

Best day trips from Singapore in December

Cyclists exploring lush trails on Pulau Ubin, Singapore, during a guided tour.

Pulau Ubin

Travel time: ~40 min by MRT and bumboat

Rustic and quiet in December’s off-peak lull. Cycle past mangroves, check out Chek Jawa Wetlands, and snack at local warungs. Expect light rain; pack ponchos.

Girls ice skating at Blue Ice Snow Park, Paradigm Mall, Johor Bahru.

Johor Bahru, Malaysia

🚆 Travel time: ~1 h by bus or train

Hop over for malls, massage parlors, and Malay food. December weekends are busy; go early. Immigration can take time—bring patience and your passport.

Cable cars over Sentosa Island with Singapore skyline in the background.

Sentosa Island

🚊 Travel time: ~15 min by MRT and monorail

Mix indoor and outdoor fun: S.E.A. Aquarium, cable car views, festive beach shows. Many attractions are weatherproof. Avoid weekends if crowds bother you.

Go shopping in Singapore in December

Orchard Road in Singapore illuminated with Christmas lights and festive decorations.

Singapore’s biggest festive shopping event—holiday deals, late-night hours, and themed displays. Expect crowds, especially weekends.

Street shop displaying vintage clothing in a bustling market setting.

Focuses on Singaporean-made goods, from clothing to skincare. Rooftop garden adds scenic bonus.

Orchard Road shopping district in Singapore with bustling crowds and vibrant storefronts.

One of Southeast Asia’s largest malls, it hosts festive decor and pop-up markets in December.

Bugis Street Market in Singapore bustling with shoppers and vibrant street stalls.

Streetwear, souvenirs, and snacks at bargain prices. Fun to explore on rainy days under its covered arcades.

Pro tips for visiting Singapore in December

  1. Carry a small umbrella—showers strike fast, usually after 2 pm.

  2. MRTs get packed post-6 pm. Travel midday or late evening if possible.

  3. Reserve tickets for Gardens by the Bay, Night Safari, and dinner cruises a week ahead.

  4. Use indoor attractions mid-afternoon when rain is most likely.

  5. Grab hawker food before 7 pm—some stalls sell out early.

  6. Bring a light scarf for chilly air-con in malls and museums.

  7. Pack mosquito repellent, especially for outdoor parks and Sentosa.

  8. Watch fireworks from Marina Barrage—less crowded than Marina Bay Sands.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Singapore in December

Is December a good time to visit Singapore?

Yes. Despite being the wettest month, festive lights and cooler evenings make December magical.

What’s the weather like in December?

Expect 28 °C / 82 °F days with heavy afternoon rain and 24 °C / 75 °F nights. Pack light and waterproof.

Do I need a visa to enter Singapore?

Most travelers don’t need a visa for stays under 90 days. Check entry rules based on your passport.

What should I wear in Singapore in December?

Breathable clothes, comfy shoes, and a light rain jacket. Dress modestly for temples.

Is it safe to travel solo?

Yes. Singapore is one of the world’s safest cities with excellent public transport.

Are attractions open during Christmas?

Most remain open, though hours may shift on Dec 25. Check in advance.

Can I use credit cards easily?

Yes, cards are widely accepted. Keep some cash for hawker stalls.

How busy is Singapore in December?

Very. Book hotels and major attractions well in advance.

Any cultural tips to know?

Avoid public displays of affection, and remove shoes when entering homes or certain temples.

What apps help with getting around?

Use Grab for taxis, Citymapper for MRT/bus routes, and MyTransport.SG for real-time updates.