The air is becoming colder and nights are getting longer. Truly, Christmas is just around the corner. During this festive time, one of the busiest places on earth would have to be airports! People are always excited to either go home for the holidays or the opposite, which is to get away from “home” and spend one’s vacation in another country to relax and have a great time.

Maybe some would prefer to Have a Merry Ho Ho Ho in Hong Kong and celebrate with Mickey and the rest of the gang at Hong Kong Disneyland. But if you feel that you’ve already spent too much time in Hong Kong and prefer another country then you might want to check out what Singapore has in store for all its visitors for the yuletide season.

Christmas is always fun in the Lion City. For this year, visitors will be treated to a multitude of great shopping bargains, first class performances, festive events and the traditional New Year countdowns when Singapore celebrates Christmas in the Tropics 2008 which will run from November 15, 2008 up to January 2, 2009.

Read on to get updated on what to expect from Singapore this holiday season:

JOIN AN OPEN-TOP BUS TOUR (8:00 pm – 10:30 pm from November 15 to January 2, 2009 / except December 25) – This free open-top bus tour is offered exclusively for tourists starting November 15. This is a real visual surprise as you get to enjoy a 30-minute tour of the Christmas Light Up that can be seen along Orchard Road. If you are a visitor just passing by Singapore but will be stuck at the Changi Airport for a couple of hours while waiting for your connecting flight, then go to the Singapore Visitors’ Center at the Changi Airport T1, T2, and T3 to inquire about this complimentary tour.

WATCH SINGAPORE’S “SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS” CONCERT AND FLOAT PARADE (6:00 pm – 10:30 pm from December 19 to 24 / 3:00 pm – 11:00 pm on December 25) – This is a must-watch for anyone in Singapore because it is the perfect opportunity to experience the true meaning of Christmas at Orchard Road. Wait around for the multi-colored Float Parade and stay for the scheduled concerts that usually take place after the sun sets.

COUNTDOWN TO 2009 AT MARINA BAY SINGAPORE (7:00 am – 1:00 am on December 31) – Head to the Marina Bay and join in the merriment of counting down to the New Year. Of course, no countdown would be complete without the customary fireworks display that is a feast to the eyes. You can check out the website of Marina Bay for more information.

BEACHSIDE COUNTDOWN AT SILOSO BEACH (8:00 pm – 6:00 am on December 31, 2008) – The famous Siloso Beach of Sentosa is the venue of what Singapore claims to be the grooviest “dusk ‘til dawn” New Year Countdown. Have a great time partying under the stars and added sparkle from world-renowned pyrotechnics displays. You can check out the website of Sentosa for more information.

That’s not all! As expected, Malls in Singapore have treats in store for all their visitors to make up for even thrilling shopping escapades.

CELEBRATE WITH TAKASHIMAYA SHOPPING CENTER (November 7 – January 4, 2009) – You would surely be amazed once you’ve seen the 16-meter tall Christmas Tree at the Atrium of the Takashimaya Shopping Centre. This is actually a yearly tradition of the mall wherein the huge tree is set up for souvenir photos of all visitors. But this year, Takashimaya decided to make things a little different by introducing some eco-friendly measures by using solar panels for the tree and reducing LED lights in the process.

Another great thing to catch at the Takashimaya Shopping Center is the Toy Fair which will take up most of Takashimaya Square’s B2. Furthermore, you can catch several of your favorite characters during the scheduled Meet and Greet opportunities. Christmas activities that will take place at the Takashimaya Square will start on November 6 and will run until December 25.

WATCH THE FOUNTAIN OF WEALTH LIGHT UP (November 14 – December 28, 2008) – The lighting of the Fountain of Wealth, known as the World’s Largest Fountain, would surely be a sight to behold. Don’t forget to make a wish!

CATCH THE PRECIOUS MOMENTS “LIVE SHOW” AT THE SUNTEC CITY MALL (December 5 – 14, 2008) – There will be a Precious Moments “Live” Show at the Entertainment Centre Atrium of the Suntec City Mall. Schedule of performances is as follows: 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm from Tuesday to Friday and 1:00 pm, 4:00 pm, and 7:00 pm every Saturday and Sunday.

ENJOY LATE NIGHT SHOPPING AT VIVOCITY (December 12, 13, 19, 20 and 23) – Shop ‘til you drop at VivoCity and enjoy extended shopping hours until 11:00 pm.

NGEE ANN CITY CHRISTMAS 2008 (7:00 pm from December 19 to 24) – Head to the Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza and prepare to be entertained by the performances lined up every night starting December 19. You can even take a souvenir photo with Santa Claus!

These are just some of the activities that are lined up in Singapore for the holidays. This list still doesn’t include the various plays, musicals, and concerts like the Nutcracker which will take place at the Esplanade Theater from December 12 – 13.

Another exciting promotion that can be enjoyed in Singapore is the “Kids Holiday Free Promotion” wherein families who are travelling with children can enjoy discounts in several participating attractions and restaurants. For every two paying adults, two children will be admitted for FREE or can enjoy complimentary meals plus other surprises. Participating attractions include the Singapore Flyer, Jurong BirdPark, Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, Sentosa, and many others. Participating restaurants include Hard Rock Café, Indian Grill, Karma Kettle, etc.

With all these exciting activities in Singapore, I surely hope that you book those flights now. Don’t forget to reserve rooms in your favourite hotel as well or why not try staying in another hotel. Try reserving a room at the Marina Mandarin Singapore. Shopping centres and other forms of entertainment are within your reach plus this hotel is just opposite the famous Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Good luck in planning those Christmas vacations. But remember to spend the holidays with the people you love to make the experience all the more meaningful and worth cherishing.

May you all have a splendid Christmas!

Posted in Singapore, Things to do

This entry was posted on Friday, December 5th, 2008 at 1:43 pm and is filed under Singapore, Things to do. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.