Festive Celebrations in Singapore
December in Singapore transforms the island into a wonderland of lights, music, and joy. The year-end festivities bring together communities from all walks of life, creating an atmosphere that’s both magical and inclusive. From towering Christmas trees adorning shopping malls to street performances that captivate audiences of all ages, the Lion City truly comes alive during this special month.
The weather during December provides the perfect backdrop for outdoor celebrations, with cooler evenings that make walking around comfortable for families. Shopping districts like Orchard Road become pedestrian-friendly zones filled with carolers, while heartland areas host their own unique community gatherings that showcase Singapore’s multicultural spirit.
Overview of December Festivities
Singapore’s December calendar bursts with events that cater to every interest and age group. The month kicks off with pre-Christmas celebrations that gradually build momentum toward the grand finale of New Year’s Eve. Local communities organize street parties, while major venues host spectacular light shows that draw visitors from across the region. Cultural performances blend traditional carols with contemporary music, creating a uniquely Singaporean festive experience.
Christmas Markets and Events
Christmas markets pop up across the island, offering everything from handcrafted ornaments to delicious seasonal treats. These markets become gathering places where families can browse unique gifts while children enjoy face painting and balloon sculpting. Local artisans showcase their talents, selling everything from personalized decorations to homemade cookies that capture the essence of the season.
New Year Celebrations
As December winds down, preparations for New Year’s Eve reach fever pitch. Marina Bay becomes the epicenter of celebrations, with fireworks displays that light up the night sky in spectacular fashion. Rooftop parties and waterfront gatherings offer different vantage points for watching the countdown, while family-friendly events ensure that even the youngest celebrants can participate safely.
Family-Friendly Activities
Families with children of all ages find plenty of options during December’s festivities. Petting zoos, carnival games, and interactive workshops keep little ones engaged while parents enjoy the festive atmosphere. Many venues offer special family packages that include meals, activities, and souvenirs, making it easy for parents to plan memorable outings without breaking the bank.
Charity Runs and Community Events
The spirit of giving takes center stage during December, with numerous charity runs and community service opportunities. These events bring together runners of all skill levels while raising funds for worthy causes. Families often participate together, teaching children about the importance of helping others while staying active and healthy during the holiday season.
Exciting Activities for Kids
December 2017 offers an abundance of specially designed activities that keep children entertained throughout their school holidays. These programs focus on creativity, learning, and fun, ensuring that kids have meaningful experiences while parents can relax knowing their little ones are engaged in enriching activities.
Educational entertainment takes center stage, with workshops that combine learning with play. Children get hands-on experience with art, science, and technology while making new friends and developing confidence. Many programs are designed to accommodate different learning styles, ensuring every child finds something that sparks their curiosity and imagination.
Children’s Festival at Singapore Botanic Gardens
The Singapore Botanic Gardens transforms into a children’s paradise with storytelling sessions, nature performances, and interactive exhibits. Kids can participate in guided nature walks where they learn about local flora and fauna while developing an appreciation for environmental conservation. The festival creates opportunities for children to connect with nature in meaningful ways.
3D Art at Affordable Art Fair
Young artists get the chance to create three-dimensional masterpieces at specially designed workshops during the Affordable Art Fair. These sessions teach children about perspective, texture, and color while encouraging creative expression. Professional artists guide participants through various techniques, ensuring that every child leaves with a sense of accomplishment and a beautiful piece of art.
Eco-Friendly Workshops
Environmental awareness takes on a fun twist through paper-making workshops organized by the People’s Association. Children learn about recycling and sustainability while creating their own unique paper products. These hands-on sessions teach valuable lessons about resource conservation while providing practical skills that kids can use at home and school.
STEM-Focused Camps
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics come alive through engaging camps at venues like Trehaus and Loshberry Code Studio. Children work on coding projects, build simple robots, and conduct experiments that make learning exciting and accessible. These programs help develop problem-solving skills while fostering an interest in technical subjects.
Drama and Theatre Camps
Budding performers can shine at drama camps hosted by organizations like Singapore Repertory Theatre. Children learn acting techniques, improvisation skills, and stage presence while working on group productions. These camps build confidence and communication skills while providing a creative outlet for self-expression and storytelling.
Outdoor and Nature Activities
Singapore’s natural spaces become even more inviting during December, with cooler weather making outdoor exploration comfortable for families. These activities combine adventure with education, helping children develop an appreciation for the environment while staying active and engaged with the world around them.
Nature-based programs focus on hands-on learning experiences that connect children with Singapore’s rich biodiversity. From wildlife encounters to water-based activities, these programs offer unique opportunities to learn about conservation while having fun in beautiful natural settings.
Wildlife Reserves Singapore Events
Special year-end events at Singapore’s wildlife parks offer unique animal encounters and educational programs. Children can participate in behind-the-scenes tours, feeding sessions, and conservation workshops that teach them about wildlife protection. These experiences create lasting memories while fostering respect for animals and their habitats.
Water Science Kayaking Trips
Kayaking adventures combine physical activity with scientific learning as children explore Singapore’s waterways while learning about marine ecosystems. These trips teach paddling techniques while providing opportunities to observe aquatic life in natural settings. Safety instructors ensure that all participants feel confident and secure throughout their water-based adventures.
Nature Play at the Botanic Gardens
Unstructured play in natural settings allows children to explore freely while developing creativity and problem-solving skills. The Botanic Gardens provides safe spaces where kids can climb, build, and imagine while surrounded by beautiful plants and trees. These experiences help children develop confidence and independence in natural environments.
Photography Workshops at Objectifs
Young photographers learn to capture the beauty of Singapore’s natural spaces through workshops that teach basic camera skills and composition techniques. Children explore different locations while learning to see the world through artistic eyes. These sessions help develop observation skills while encouraging creative expression through visual storytelling.
Tinkering Studio Activities
Hands-on engineering challenges at the Science Centre allow children to explore concepts of flight and movement through interactive exhibits and workshops. Kids build their own flying machines while learning about aerodynamics and physics in fun, accessible ways. These activities encourage experimentation and creative problem-solving.
Cultural Experiences
December 2017 brings a rich tapestry of cultural events that showcase Singapore’s diverse heritage while celebrating the festive season. These experiences offer families opportunities to explore different traditions, enjoy live performances, and participate in community celebrations that highlight the island’s multicultural identity.
From music festivals to themed workshops, cultural activities provide windows into different worlds while creating shared experiences that bring people together. These events celebrate both local and international traditions, creating a global atmosphere right here in Singapore.
Zoukout Music Festival
This massive outdoor music festival features international DJs and performers who create an electrifying atmosphere on Singapore’s beaches. While primarily aimed at adults, family-friendly areas allow parents to introduce older children to live music in a controlled environment. The festival showcases electronic music culture while providing a unique sensory experience.
Outdoor Movie Nights with Yoga
Families can enjoy classic films under the stars while participating in gentle yoga sessions that help everyone relax and unwind. These events combine entertainment with wellness, creating peaceful experiences that bring families together. The outdoor setting adds magic to familiar movies while promoting physical and mental well-being.
Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay
This spectacular holiday display features ice skating, live performances, and interactive exhibits that transport visitors to a winter wonderland. Families can enjoy professional shows, participate in workshops, and create magical memories in one of Singapore’s most beautiful settings. The event combines technology with artistry to create truly unforgettable experiences.
Flea Markets and Arcade Games
Vintage arcade games and unique shopping opportunities come together at special holiday markets that celebrate nostalgia and creativity. Families can browse handmade crafts while children enjoy classic games that introduce them to earlier eras of entertainment. These events create intergenerational connections while supporting local artisans and entrepreneurs.
Pirate-Themed Workshops
ACT3 Drama Academy offers swashbuckling adventures through workshops that combine storytelling, movement, and creative play. Children learn about maritime history while developing performance skills and confidence. These sessions encourage imagination while teaching cooperation and creative problem-solving through themed activities and games.
Art and Creativity Workshops
Creative expression takes center stage through numerous workshops designed to nurture artistic talents and encourage self-expression. These programs provide children with opportunities to explore different mediums while developing fine motor skills and creative confidence in supportive, encouraging environments.
Professional artists and educators guide participants through various techniques while encouraging individual creativity and personal expression. These workshops help children discover their artistic voices while learning valuable skills they can continue developing throughout their lives.
Art Workshops at Artgrain
Comprehensive art programs introduce children to various mediums including painting, sculpture, and mixed media. Professional instructors provide personalized guidance while encouraging creative exploration and self-expression. These workshops help children develop artistic skills while building confidence in their creative abilities and personal vision.
Music Workshops at KidsSTOP
Interactive music sessions teach children about rhythm, melody, and harmony through hands-on activities and group performances. Kids learn to play simple instruments while developing appreciation for different musical styles and genres. These workshops foster creativity while teaching cooperation and listening skills through collaborative musical experiences.
Environmental Camps by Blossom World
Two-day intensive programs combine environmental education with creative activities that help children understand their role in protecting the planet. Participants create art from recycled materials while learning about sustainability and conservation. These camps provide practical skills while fostering environmental consciousness and creative problem-solving abilities.
Creative Experiences at Trehaus
Multi-disciplinary workshops combine art, technology, and design thinking to help children develop innovative approaches to creative challenges. Kids work on projects that integrate different skills while learning to think critically and creatively. These experiences prepare children for future challenges while nurturing their natural curiosity and creativity.
Drama and Performance Workshops
Theatrical training helps children develop confidence, communication skills, and emotional intelligence through structured performance activities. Participants learn acting techniques while working collaboratively on group projects that showcase their individual talents. These workshops provide safe spaces for self-expression while building valuable life skills.
Carnivals and Entertainment
The highlight of December’s entertainment offerings comes in the form of spectacular carnivals that transform public spaces into wonderlands of rides, games, and performances. These events provide thrilling experiences for families while creating opportunities for community bonding and shared excitement.
Large-scale entertainment venues offer something for everyone, from gentle rides for young children to exciting attractions for thrill-seekers. Food vendors, game booths, and performance stages create festival atmospheres that capture the magic of traditional carnivals while incorporating modern safety standards and technology.
Marina Barrage Carnival Overview
This massive carnival features over 40 rides and attractions spread across Marina Barrage’s expansive grounds. The event transforms the waterfront location into a traditional carnival atmosphere complete with colorful lights, exciting music, and the sounds of laughter and excitement. Families can spend entire days exploring different sections while enjoying spectacular views of the city skyline.
Attractions and Rides
From gentle carousels perfect for toddlers to thrilling roller coasters that challenge older kids and adults, the carnival offers rides for every age group and comfort level. Traditional carnival games provide opportunities to win prizes while testing skills and luck. Safety measures ensure that all attractions meet international standards while maintaining the excitement and fun of classic carnival experiences.
Food and Beverage Options
Carnival food takes on local flavors with vendors offering both traditional fair treats and Singaporean favorites. Families can enjoy cotton candy and popcorn alongside local delicacies, creating culinary adventures that complement the entertainment. Special dietary needs are accommodated with vegetarian and halal options available throughout the venue.
Special Performances and Shows
Live entertainment throughout the day includes acrobatic performances, magic shows, and musical acts that captivate audiences of all ages. Professional performers create interactive experiences that engage spectators while showcasing impressive talents and skills. These shows provide rest breaks between rides while maintaining the carnival’s energetic atmosphere.
Tips for Visiting the Carnival
Successful carnival visits require planning around crowd levels, weather conditions, and family needs. Early arrival often means shorter lines and cooler temperatures, while late afternoon visits offer spectacular sunset views over the water. Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and plenty of water help families enjoy longer visits while staying safe and comfortable throughout their carnival adventure.
Seasonal Food and Treats
December’s culinary landscape explodes with festive flavors and special treats that capture the spirit of the season. From traditional holiday cookies to innovative fusion creations, Singapore’s food scene offers delicious ways to celebrate while exploring different cultural traditions through taste and aroma.
Local bakeries and restaurants create special menus that blend international holiday traditions with Singaporean flavors, resulting in unique culinary experiences that reflect the island’s multicultural identity. These seasonal offerings provide opportunities for families to create new traditions while enjoying familiar favorites.
Christmas Treats and Snacks
Local bakeries create festive versions of traditional treats while incorporating tropical flavors that reflect Singapore’s climate and culture. Pandan-flavored cookies, coconut-based confections, and fruit-infused chocolates provide alternatives to traditional European holiday sweets. These creative adaptations help families celebrate while honoring local tastes and ingredients, much like the creative virtual date ideas that adapt traditional activities to modern circumstances.
Food Markets and Festivals
Special holiday markets showcase both local and international cuisines through vendor stalls and food trucks that create festival atmospheres. Families can sample different dishes while children learn about various cultural traditions through taste and presentation. These events provide opportunities to try new foods while supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs.
Baking Workshops for Families
Hands-on baking sessions teach families to create their own holiday treats while learning about different cultural traditions and techniques. Professional bakers guide participants through recipe preparation while sharing stories about holiday food traditions from around the world. These workshops create lasting memories while providing practical skills for future celebrations.
Local Delicacies to Try
December provides perfect opportunities to explore Singapore’s diverse food scene through special holiday versions of local favorites. Traditional dishes receive festive makeovers while maintaining their authentic flavors and cultural significance. Food tours and tasting events help families discover new favorites while deepening their appreciation for local culinary traditions.
Festive Dining Options
Restaurants throughout Singapore create special holiday menus that combine fine dining with festive atmospheres. Family-friendly venues offer celebratory meals that accommodate different tastes and dietary requirements while providing memorable dining experiences. These establishments help families create special moments while enjoying professionally prepared meals in beautiful settings.
Planning Your December Schedule
Successful holiday planning requires balancing exciting activities with practical considerations like budget, transportation, and family energy levels. December’s abundance of options can feel overwhelming, but strategic planning helps families maximize their enjoyment while minimizing stress and exhaustion.
Effective scheduling considers factors like weather conditions, crowd levels, and individual family preferences while building in flexibility for spontaneous discoveries and rest periods. The goal is creating memorable experiences while maintaining family harmony and ensuring everyone feels included and engaged.
Creating a Family Itinerary
Balancing different interests and energy levels requires careful consideration of each family member’s preferences and limitations. Successful itineraries mix high-energy activities with quieter experiences while allowing time for meals, rest, and spontaneous exploration. Flexibility remains key, as weather conditions and unexpected opportunities can lead to wonderful discoveries and memorable moments.
Balancing Activities and Downtime
Overscheduling can turn exciting holidays into exhausting marathons that leave everyone feeling stressed and overwhelmed. Strategic planning includes rest periods, meal breaks, and unstructured time that allows families to process experiences and recharge their energy. This balance helps ensure that holiday memories remain positive and enjoyable for everyone involved.
Budget-Friendly Options
Many December activities offer free or low-cost options that provide excellent entertainment value without straining family budgets. Public parks, community events, and library programs offer quality experiences while keeping costs manageable. Planning ahead helps families identify these opportunities while ensuring they don’t miss out on special experiences due to financial constraints.
Using Local Resources
Community centers, libraries, and neighborhood organizations often host special December events that provide intimate, locally-focused celebrations. These resources help families connect with their immediate communities while discovering activities that might not appear in major tourism publications. Local knowledge often leads to the most authentic and meaningful holiday experiences.
Tips for Last-Minute Plans
Flexible families can often take advantage of last-minute opportunities that arise due to weather changes, schedule openings, or spontaneous invitations. Keeping basic supplies ready and maintaining awareness of ongoing events helps families capitalize on unexpected opportunities while avoiding the stress of completely unplanned outings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What activities are available for kids during December 2017 in Singapore?
Kids can enjoy a variety of activities including art workshops, eco-friendly workshops, STEM camps, and interactive performances at places like the Singapore Botanic Gardens and the Affordable Art Fair.
Are there special events for families during the New Year celebrations?
Yes, Marina Bay hosts family-friendly events with fireworks, rooftop parties, and community gatherings to safely celebrate the countdown to the New Year.
What kind of food can families expect during December?
Families can explore festive treats that blend local flavors with traditional holiday snacks, including special menus at restaurants and festive baking workshops.
How can families plan their December activities effectively?
Families should create a flexible itinerary that balances high-energy activities with downtime, considers budget-friendly options, and utilizes local resources for authentic experiences.
What are some outdoor activities available in December?
Outdoor activities include wildlife encounters at reserves, kayaking trips, and nature-based programs at parks, taking advantage of Singapore’s cooler December weather.
Embracing the Festive Spirit in Singapore
December 2017 in Singapore is a time of joy and celebration, offering families a wealth of activities that foster creativity, community, and togetherness. From vibrant markets to enriching workshops, the month presents an opportunity for families to create cherished memories while embracing the island’s multicultural spirit.