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Singapore in December

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Top things to do in Singapore in December

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Highlights for different traveler types

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Singapore in December

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