2023 may be coming to a close, but the island is abuzz.
The last (and most exciting) month of the year brings with it tons of interactive exhibitions, exciting pop-up events, and so much more. And of course, if you’re all about keeping things festive, you’ve got plenty of opportunities — from family-friendly carnivals to magical Christmas displays — to soak in the yuletide spirit.
So, if you have leave to clear but no year-end travel plans, these are all the best things to do, see, and experience in Singapore this December 2023!
1. Changi Festive Village
It’s that time of the year when Changi Airport Terminal 3 transforms into the vibrant Changi Festive Village. A sweet, sweet spectacle awaits in the form of a Candy Wonderland, decked in IG-worthy installations (cupcake ferris wheel and sprinkles pool, anyone?) and themed decor.
Why dream about a white Christmas when you can live it at the enchanting Candy Snow House, with a live-sized Frosty the snowman, Santa’s ice sleigh, and even slides and an ice luge? You can even get in a quick workout by challenging your friends to a game of snow bowling, mini golf or basketball.
If you’re not keen on the cold, try your hand at games (including a mini go-karting track) at the Candy Carnival, before filling your tummies with carnival classics at the food trucks.
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📍65 Airport Boulevard, Changi Airport Terminal 3, Singapore 819663
🗓️ From now till 31 Mar 2024
2. Space Fest @ EXPO
A cosmic adventure awaits at this year’s edition of Space Fest @ EXPO, Singapore’s largest indoor space-themed carnival, running from 2 to 31 December 2023 at Singapore EXPO.
Mesmerising space-themed installations aside, you can expect an out-of-this-world line-up of interactive activities, F&B and retail offerings, and family-friendly games.
Kickstart the fun with over 20 nostalgic carnival rides and games by good ol’ Uncle Ringo, all of which can be enjoyed by purchasing a special Space Pass.
From Fridays to Sundays, spend some time getting all your (last-minute) Christmas shopping done at the marketplace, before refuelling at the F&B stalls and food trucks.
There’ll also be plenty of seating areas for you to soak in the vibes, all while enjoying live entertainment and stage performances. Also, don’t forget to unleash your artsy side at the activities and crafts corner — there’s no better way to get in some much-needed bonding time with your friends and family.
The best part? Entry to Space Fest @ EXPO is free, so you can look forward to an entire day of fun, rain or shine!
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📍Singapore EXPO Hall 6, Singapore 486150
🕜 1pm–9pm (Mon to Thu), 11am–9pm (Fri to Sun)
🗓️ 2 to 31 Dec 2023
3. Ice Magic: Winter Wonderland
Back by popular demand from 9 December 2023 to 21 January 2024 is the annual snow extravaganza, Ice Magic: Winter Wonderland.
This year’s edition of this massive pop-up winter playground will feature Singapore’s first Merry-Go-Round on Ice, the longest snow slope ever, snow slides, and the highlight of each session — illuminated Arctic winter lights that will transform the space into a breathtaking wonderland.
Afterwards, feel free to explore the enchanting the Winter Food Village and get your fix of comfort food like mulled wine and Swiss rosti, before hitting up the arcade for even more fun.
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📍 Bayfront Event Space, 12A Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018970
🕒 10am–7pm (Daily)
🗓️ 9 Dec 2023 to 21 Jan 2024
4. Mars: The Red Mirror
Making its Asian premiere is Mars: The Red Mirror, an exhibition taking place at the ArtScience Museum from now till 7 April 2024, that will take you on a journey through diverse time periods from ancient to present, showcasing the cultural impact of Mars across art, history, science, and society.
Be prepared for a fascinating exploration of 300 objects including rare scientific manuscripts, sculptures, historical artefacts, contemporary artworks, and even an authentic Martian meteorite! You’ll get also get to catch a glimpse of the most ancient material to exist on Earth — stardust.
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📍 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974
🕒 10am–7pm (Daily)
🗓️ From now till 7 Apr 2024
5. Proof of Personhood: Identity and Authenticity in the Face of AI
Get ready to explore the unstable relationship between authenticity, identity, and agency at another thought-provoking exhibition, Proof of Personhood: Identity and Authenticity in the Face of AI, held at the Singapore Art Museum.
As we live in an era dominated by digital consumption and emerging technology like artificial intelligence (AI), it’s more important than ever to reflect on what it really means to be human.
By examining the works of local and international artists, in the form of digital mediums like AI-generated imagery, deepfakes, and biometric data, visitors will be able to contemplate and critique the technologies deeply ingrained in our everyday life.
Perhaps it’ll get us closer to answering the age-old question “what makes us real?”
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📍Level 3, Gallery 3, Singapore Art Museum at Tanjong Pagar Distripark
🕒 10am–7pm (Daily)
🗓️ From now till 25 Feb 2024
6. Christmas Wonderland
What better way to usher this holiday in than to feel like you have been transported to Santa’s Village at the highly-anticipated Christmas Wonderland 2023?
It’s easy to understand why many Singaporeans flock to Gardens by the Bay every year to bask in the majestic Spalliera, watch the Garden Rhapsody light dance show, and experience snowfall (Blizzard Time).
You can also look forward to IG-worthy light installations and displays like the Walk of Lights; meet-and-greet sessions with Santa; and carnival rides and games.
Don’t forget to pop by Mistletoe Alley and the F&B stalls for some last-minute gift shopping (and snacking) before you leave!
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📍 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore 018953
🕒 6.30pm–10pm (Daily, by timeslot)
🗓️ 1 Dec 2023 to 1 Jan 2024
7. LKY The Exhibition
From now till 31 December 2023, you’ll be able to be part of this colourful trip down Mr. Lee Kuan Yew’s memory lane at LKY: The Exhibition, spanning over 17,000 square-feet and featuring over 20 immersive rooms.
Each room is modelled after reimagined iconic chapters and the lesser-known moments of Mr. Lee’s life, with interactive elements, exhibits that incorporate art and technology, and vivid installations.
Equal parts educational and entertaining, it’s a wonderful way of paying homage to Singapore’s founding father and celebrating his 100th birth anniversary.
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📍11 Prinsep Link, Singapore 187949
🕒 10am–8pm (Daily)
🗓️ From now till 31 Dec 2023
8. Mr Bucket’s Christmas Village
Given the timely release of Wonka starring Timothée Chalamet, there’s no better time than now to visit the inagural Mr. Bucket’s Christmas Village at their Chocolate Factory in Dempsey, which opens from 30 November 2023.
Unleash your inner chocolatier and get crafty at the custom Chocolate Christmas Tree station — the first of its kind in Singapore —before hitting up the experiential tasting area for a curated selection of Asia’s best chocolate flavours.
Don’t miss out on the exclusive selection of dine-in treats like handcrafted chocolate entremets and pastries, alongside a dedicated station where you can savour hot chocolate and mulled wine.
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📍13 Dempsey Rd, #01-03/04, Singapore 249674
🕒 11am–7pm (Tue to Thu), 10am–10pm (Fri & Sat), 10am–8pm (Sun), Closed on Mon
🗓️ From now till 31 Dec 2023
9. Nintendo Pop-Up
Rise up, gamers! Nintendo has opened its first pop-up store in Southeast Asia in Jewel Changi Airport with a line-up of exclusive merchandise (previously only available in Japan).
From now till 1 January 2024, you can get your hands on collectibles from crowd favourites like Legend of Zelda, Animal Crossing, Splatoon, and Super Mario.
Afterwards, immerse yourself in the Super Mario experience at Pipe Around The World, a Mario-themed wonderland with multiple photo spots located at the iconic Rain Vortex and Shiseido Forest Valley. While you’re there, keep an eye out for the Super Mario characters and the iconic “?” Block scattered throughout the forest.
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📍78 Airport Boulevard, #04-220 & 221, Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore 819666
🕒 10am–10pm (Daily)
🗓️ From now till 1 Jan 2024
10. Rollermania 3.0
This holiday season, get ready to strap on your skates and take a trip back in time, as Plaza Singapura has transformed into Rollermania 3.0, Singapore’s first pop-up retro roller skating rink.
The entire carpark space on level seven is now a rockin’ retro roller rink decked in flashy neon lights, funky music, and themed nights like Rock N Roll Revival, Swifties Shake it Off, TikTok Top Hits and more.
Keep the fun going after your skating session at TimeZone’s underground arcade fitted with games like Mario Kart Arcade DX Twin and more. There’s also other carnival games where you can win some super cute prizes.
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📍 68 Orchard Road, Plaza Singapura Level 7, Singapore 238839
🕜 12pm—10pm (Mon to Thu), 11am—11pm (Sat & Sun)
🗓️ From now till 1 Jan 2024
Ready to end the year on a high? Come forth, be merry, it’s time to welcome December 2023!
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I'm always feelin' either boozy or boujee ✨????