Photo: Blemi, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped
Festivals & Events
Christmas Guides
Tropical Christmas: light-ups, markets and festive feasts, and how to plan around the crowds.
Christmas in Singapore is warm, bright and busy. This page is your planner for the festive season, covering the Orchard Road light-up, Christmas markets, festive buffets and holiday events. Use the notes below to plan where to go, where to eat and how to avoid the worst of the crowds.
Plan it with EatStays: Hotel Buffets and Hotels in Orchard & River Valley.
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What Christmas in Singapore is like
Christmas in Singapore has no snow, but it has plenty of lights. Singapore is home to many faiths, and people of all backgrounds enjoy the season. Malls, hotels and streets put up decorations from November. Christmas Day, 25 December, is a public holiday.
Expect warm days, rain showers and big crowds in the shopping areas. December falls in the wetter monsoon season, so pack a small umbrella. School holidays also run through December, which makes family attractions busier.
Christmas light-ups and markets
Orchard Road
The main event is the Christmas light-up on Orchard Road, known as Christmas on A Great Street. Lights stretch along the shopping street from around November into early January. Many malls also build their own displays at their entrances. Walk the street after dark, starting at one end and finishing at the other. Weekday evenings are calmer than weekends.
Marina Bay and Gardens by the Bay
Around Marina Bay, hotels and attractions add festive touches. Gardens by the Bay often runs seasonal displays and events, though the details change each year. The free Marina Bay Night Walk is a good way to see the waterfront lights at any time of year.
Christmas markets
Pop-up Christmas markets appear in malls, hotels and event spaces. They sell gifts, decorations and seasonal treats. Venues and dates change every year. Check current listings on Visit Singapore, the official tourism site, before you plan around one.
Festive food and where to eat
Hotel buffets are a big part of the season. Many add roast turkey, glazed ham and log cake to their usual spreads, often next to local dishes. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve are the busiest dates, so book well ahead.
Near Marina Bay, Edge and Colony both serve international buffets. Line in the Tanglin area is another option. Festive menus and prices change each year, so check with the restaurant when you book.
For a cheaper meal, mall food courts and hawker centres stay open on most days of the season. Our guide to Cheap Eats on Orchard Road lists easy options near the lights.
Church services and traditions
For many families in Singapore, Christmas is a religious festival. Churches hold services on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and most welcome visitors. In the City Hall area, St Andrew's Cathedral and the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd are both historic churches. If you attend, dress modestly, arrive early and keep your phone silent. Do not take photos during the service.
Planning a Christmas trip to Singapore
- Book hotels early. Late December is one of the busiest times of the year. Staying near Orchard Road puts you close to the lights. Marina Bay vs Orchard: Where Should You Stay? helps you choose a base.
- Use the MRT. Roads around Orchard Road get slow in the evenings. Orchard, Somerset and Dhoby Ghaut stations all serve the street.
- Plan for rain. Showers are common in December. Many malls along Orchard Road are linked by underpasses and covered paths.
- Expect crowds on New Year's Eve. The countdown at Marina Bay draws huge crowds for the fireworks. Arrive early and check road closures.
- Shop the sales. Many stores run year-end sales. Tourists can claim back GST, the local sales tax, on eligible purchases. See Tax-Free Shopping for how it works.
FAQs about Christmas in Singapore
Is Christmas a public holiday in Singapore?
Yes. Christmas Day on 25 December is a public holiday. Christmas Eve is not a holiday, but its evening is one of the busiest of the year.
When does the Orchard Road Christmas light-up start?
It usually switches on in November and runs into early January. The exact dates are announced each year.
Are shops and restaurants open on Christmas Day?
Most malls, restaurants and attractions open as normal. Some small businesses close, and hotel restaurants often get fully booked.
What is the weather like at Christmas?
It is warm and humid, with frequent rain showers. Light clothes and an umbrella are best.
Where can I see Christmas lights in Singapore?
Orchard Road has the main light-up. Malls, hotels and the Marina Bay area also add festive displays.