The best places to see Christmas lights and decorations in Singapore

Gardens by the Bay’s Christmas Wonderland, Singapore’s biggest yuletide fair, makes its much-anticipated return with an array of new immersive experiences, light displays, fun performances and festive celebrations for all to enjoy, with four times as many larger-than-life light displays as in previous editions.

Perennial favourite Blizzard Time gets an exciting orchestral enhancement while the magnificent 20-metre-tall Spalliera returns refreshed with a design inspired by the Italian Gothic architecture of the Orvieto Cathedral. Don't miss the romantic Walk of Lights tunnel and Odette’s Dance, a special installation featuring ballerinas dancing daintily among 4000 bulbs. Stick around at the Grove because there’ll also be an enchanting Garden Rhapsody light and sound show, with the Supertrees' lights ‘dancing’ to the rhythm of Christmas classics. Find out more about what you can expect here.

Yet another luxury fashion brand is getting into the Christmas spirit. This time, awe at Ralph Lauren’s 16-metre-tall Holiday Tree at Jewel Changi Airport’s famed Forest Valley. The specially-designed centrepiece promises a spectacular sight against the popular Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Accompanying the tree is a charming winter alpine lodge blanketed by fluffy ‘snow’ and the brand’s iconic Polo Bears huddled inside, making for an extra whimsical experience you must get on camera. Get up close and you’ll see the lodge decked out in Ralph Lauren’s signature tartan blankets and pillows, and an array of festive gifts. Find out more here.

It seems that our beloved airport is the place to be this holiday season, especially with the debut of The Gift of Disney Cruise Line at Jewel, inspired by the Disney Adventure cruise setting sail from our shores next year. From now until January 2, 2025, find larger-than-life Disney Cruise Line-themed installations at Jewel’s Canopy Park, where you can snap photos with all your favourite Disney, Pixar and Marvel characters. There’s even a 4-metre replica of the iconic Disney Cruise Line’s ship funnel to make you feel like you're already sailing on the Adventure Cruise. Find out what other activities you can expect at this Disney-lover’s paradise here.

Nowhere else in Singapore celebrates the festive season like Gardens by the Bay, which is why for Christmas this year, it brings a beloved American festive tradition closer to home. This first-ever Christmas Train Show pays homage to the beloved American tradition of building model railroads under Christmas trees for the holidays. Set against detailed backdrops of miniature iconic American landmarks like the Statue of Liberty, Grand Central Terminal, the Empire State Building, and more, watch as charming model trains chug around these replicas and various festive plants like vibrant poinsettias, conifers, and stunningly decked out Christmas trees. Find out more about the experience here.

All along the stretch of Orchard Road, you’ll find the highly anticipated Christmas on A Great Street light-up, back this year with stunning outdoor Christmas trees and several weekends of live performances, pop-ups, attractions, and more. It’ll be a white Christmas like no other as ‘snow’ falls around a 14-metre-tall Christmas tree at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza’s Christmas village. Have your phones out to view a special immersive AR projection of golden sparkles, snowflakes and fireworks raining down on the façade of Hilton Singapore Orchard. Countdown to Christmas Day under a medley of festive lights that stretch 400 metres from Ion Orchard to Ngee Ann City. Find out more here.

Take a night stroll along Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade and you'll be greeted by the sight of 78 brightly lit ChariTrees – Christmas trees for a charitable cause – all lined up in a row. There's also a larger lone pink ChariTree a little off to the side, if a pink Christmas is more up your alley. In line with the spirit of giving during this season, the trees serve to spread hope and awareness for underprivileged children, end-stage kidney patients, mental health causes and more. Make a donation via Giving.Sg if you'd like to play a part in bringing joy to those in need.

A festive mood is bubbling across the island and Changi Airport is not shying away from it with its latest edition of Changi Festive Village. Instead of going with a typical wintry theme featuring Santa and Frosty mascots, Singapore’s airport has decided to honour Hello Kitty – the cult-favourite Sanrio character who’s celebrating her 50th anniversary this year. At the centre of it is a massive 8-metre Hello Kitty 50th anniversary topiary at the Terminal 3 Departure Hall, surrounded by festive gift boxes and colourful flowers to match the vibrant spirit that the mouthless cat embodies. You’ll also find her Sanrio friends throughout the rest of the airport’s terminals, including Kuromi at the T1 Arrival Garden. Find out more about the Sanrio-themed Changi Festive Village 2024 here.

It’s all about the glam at Ion Orchard, one of Singapore’s glitziest shopping havens. This year, watch as it gets even more stunning thanks to a new Christmas star made in collaboration with luxury label Christian Dior. Get your best pose ready and snap ‘gram-worthy shots with the massive 15-metre-tall Dior Star glittering magnificently on level one of the mall, just outside the Dior boutique. Plus, look out for Christian Dior’s fabled animal sculptures that add a playful and whimsical touch to the enchanting scene.

This Christmas season, Downtown East transforms into a wonderland of cuteness where a series of 3D festive panda displays flanked by illuminated bamboo trees take centrestage. Let the kids run wild exploring a free-entry bamboo forest maze with 12 interactive zones, featuring foam obstacles, a mirror maze, ball pit, and plenty of opportunities for picture-perfect memories. Keep an eye out for the panda mascots that will be handing out heart-shaped candy, catch performances by a capella carollers and ukelele players on selected evenings, and indulge in seasonal treats like panda-shaped macarons and milk tea in limited edition bamboo bottles. Find out more here.