The best Christmas events in Asia

Seoul, South Korea

How about an immersive carnival-like experience this Christmas? That's what you get at Le Grand Theatre, held at The Hyundai Seoul's Sound Forest. This year's theme is "The Moving Grand Theatre", with a whimsical storyline following Harry the Bear and a young girl on a journey to find the greatest Christmas show in the world. Step into a 33,000 square metre European-themed Christmas village with an 11-metre-tall Christmas tree, colourful tents, market alleyways, and dazzling illuminations. There will also be a mini exhibition featuring artworks by Japanese painter Yuko Higuchi. The experience runs till December 31 – walk-ins are accepted, but it's advisable to reserve a spot via Naver. 

Singapore

The 11th edition of Gardens by the Bay’s annual Christmas Wonderland – Singapore’s biggest yuletide affair – is back once again this November 29, 2024 to January 1, 2025. This year's edition is set to be bigger and better than ever with four times as many light displays as before and an all-new 20-metre-tall Spalliera installation boasting an intricate design inspired by Italian Gothic architecture. Don't miss the romantic Walk of Lights tunnel and Odette’s Dance, a special installation featuring ballerinas dancing daintily among 4000 bulbs.

San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines 

Where else to spend Christmas but in "the Christmas capital of the Philippines"? San Fernando, Pampanga has earned this honour thanks to its annual Giant Lantern Festival. Every year from December 17 to January 1, the local community displays massive and intricately designed lanterns or parols, lit up in complex patterns and vibrant colours. These collectively designed lanterns are a symbol of the community's creativity and unity – though make no mistake, it still is a (friendly) content, so stick around to find out which lantern is crowned the grand champion at the end of it all. 

Seoul, South Korea

South Korea's iconic resort and theme park transforms into a festive wonderland this Christmas. Bundle up and head to Everland Resort to see Santa and friends at a magical Christmas village, alongside a full line-up of festive parades, enchanting snowfall, merry dances, meet-and-greets, and photo opportunities. There will even be a Moomin Wintertopia featuring giant sculptures and themed gardens filled with the adorable troll-like creatures. In mid-December, visit the Alpine Village to sledge down the hill with Moomin characters. Don't miss the Magic in the Sky multimedia show – there'll be fireworks daily to cap your Christmas experience at Everland. 

Singapore

Orchard Road's iconic annual year-end street light-up –Christmas on A Great Street – returns with a dazzling display featuring a 14-meter-tall tree with snowfall shows, outdoor immersive augmented reality (AR) projections. Watch the lights come alive in the evenings and gear up for not one, but two Christmas Villages at Shaw House and Ngee Ann City as part of this year’s festivities. Both villages offer carnival rides, games, and live performances, while the one at Ngee Ann City will have busking and live bands performing during weekends.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur's Pingmin Hub is known for throwing the biggest pop-up market in town, so you can bet that it's going all out for the festive season. Every weekend from now till December 22, visit the Pingmin Christmas Market for endless shopping and entertainment. Anchored by a massive Christmas tree, the event features retail booths by local brands, daily snowfall, and over 60 food and drink booths. It's a pet-friendly event too, so bring your furry friend along to enjoy live music performances and general festive vibes. 

Jakarta, Indonesia

Spend Christmas with your favourite toy collectables at POP MART Christmas Town, taking over Jakarta's Gandaria City until January 12. The mall's main atrium has been transformed into a wonderland featuring POP MART toys – play fun themed activities or snap photos with your favourite characters at adorable photo spots (Labubu, anyone?). You can also fill your Santa bag with exclusive POP MART toys and merchandise at the pop-up store – we won't judge if more than a few are solely for yourself.