Tis’ the season to be jolly! Actually, not really. Not yet. Not till December. However, this doesn’t stop shopping malls from blasting Christmas music and hanging up the Christmas decorations.
But we digress. This December, Singapore’s biggest Christmas event, Christmas Wonderland, is back for its fourth iteration, this time with new highlights to get everyone immersed in the festive mood!
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Image Credit: @christmaswonderland[/caption]
Occupying the 57,000 sqm are new attractions such as an outdoor skating rink, Ethiopian circus acts, Santa’s Grotto, and a food market lined with food from acclaimed restaurants.
Visitors can also expect the usual attractions like the stunning light installations, carnival rides, and caroling choirs.
It’s The Most Wonderful Fair Of The Year
Look forward to skating in the festival’s first ever outdoor skating rink at The Meadow. You’ll get to skate past the intricate and stunning light sculptures that line the fairground!
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Image Credit: @christmaswonderland[/caption]
For those of you who haven’t experience falling snow like us, Blizzard Time@the Spalliera is the closest thing that Singapore has to falling snow (Snow City doesn’t count).
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Image Credit: TripAdvisor[/caption]
For the adults, the organisers have brought in a circus performance, specifically Ethiopian Dreams by Circus Abyssinia. Expect gravity-defying stunts and captivating performances and a lot of “oohs” and “aahs” from the audience.
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Image Credit: 
Image Credit: @christmaswonderland[/caption]
For those of you looking forward to the food, prepare your tastebuds for the Michelin treatment. SAVOUR: Christmas Wonderland will feature dishes from Michelin-starred restaurants such as Saint Pierre and Shoukouwa with prices as low as $6!
Other vendors include The Raclette Factory and Propupstore.
You can also shop for unique gifts such as Luminarie souvenirs and boutique goods at the Festive Market@SuperTree Grove. There will also be specialty food ranging from traditional Christmas dinners to European and Mediterranean fare.
Ticket prices start from $4 and can be purchased Also read The ArtScience Museum Is Bringing Fossils Of Extinct Animals To S’pore And Our Inner Nerds Are Screaming
(Header Image Source: Christmas Wonderland)
2016 is coming to an end, you’ve worked hard this year. It’s really time you and your loved ones indulge in some good food. DiscoverSG did the homework for you – we have compiled a list of restaurants with exclusive Christmas specials for you to choose from.
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Oasis Restaurant
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Credit: Sg Asia City[/caption]
A poolside barbecue buffet? YES PLEASE! Known for their all-day dining poolside restaurant that is set among the lush greeneries in the tranquil outdoors, Oasis has something special in store for you this Christmas Eve.
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Credit: Grand Hyatt Singapore[/caption]
Indulge in their Christmas Specials – roasted turkey with chestnut stuffing, salmon coulibiac and for the beef lovers, quality grass-fed Australian beef sirloin. All these at their special carving and barbecue stations.
Complete the feast with some lovely Christmas treats such as their Christmas stollen, cookies and pudding.
Oasis Restaurant
Address:10 Scotts Road, 5th Level Terrace Wing, Grand Hyatt Singapore
Christmas Eve buffet begins at 7:00pm
Price:
$108++ per adult (with alcohol)
$58++ per child (ages 4 to 12)
Website
2. Oscar’s Cafe & Terrace
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Credit: The Food Nomads[/caption]
Can’t decide on a particular cuisine? Fret not, because we’ve totally got you covered.
Be sure to check out the very impressive international buffet spread at Oscar’s Cafe & Terrace. From our favourite local delights to international cuisine, fresh seafood and a huge variety of desserts, the spread is bound to satisfy your palette.
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Credit: The Ranting Panda[/caption]
Remember to look out for the various Christmas activities that Oscar’s has put in place for the occasion. Aside from Christmas Carol sing-along sessions with the National University of Singapore’s choir, you can also enjoy a photo-taking-session with Santa!
Oscar’s Cafe & Terrace
Address: Conrad Centennial, 2 Temasek Boulevard, 038982
Christmas Brunch (25 December 2016) starts from 12.30pm till 3.30pm
• $218++ per person with free flow of Champagne, house wines and selected cocktails
• $158++ per person with free flow of soft drinks and juices
• $ 79++ per child from the age of 6 to 12 years old enjoys
Dinner Includes Dessert House 6pm to 10pm
• S$158++ (Adult) / S$79++ (Child) Child from the age of 6 to 12 years old enjoys 50% off the buffet pricing. Includes free-flow of soft drinks and juices
• S$218++ (Adult) Child from the age of 6 to 12 years old enjoys 50% off the buffet pricing. Includes free-flow of Laurent Perrier champagne, house wines, beers or cocktails
Credit: Grand Hyatt Singapore[/caption]
Celebrate Christmas the Italian way. Pete’s Place presents a classic Italian experience with their rustic trattoria settings.
What’s more, they specialise in authentic Italian cuisine – serving up rustic homemade pastas, risottos and wood-fired oven pizzas.
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Credit: Grand Hyatt Singapore[/caption]
This year, Chef Cataldo Chiloiro has designed a special Christmas menu for the restaurant.
On top of their traditional pastas and pizzas, you can also savour a huge selection of appetisers such as spicy Italian devilled eggs, and classic buffalo mozzarella caprese salad. Also, do not forget to try the baked Christmas turkey and mediterranean style roast barramundi cartoccio from the craving station. Che Delizia!
Pete’s Place
Address: 10 Scotts Rd, Grand Hyatt Singapore Hotel, Singapore 228211
Christmas Eve buffet begins at 7:00pm
Price:
$108++ per adult (with alcohol)
$58++ per child (ages 4 to 12)
Website
4. Lawry’s The Prime Ribs
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Credit: Lawry’s the Prime Ribs Singapore[/caption]
This year, Lawry’s is committed to bringing you and your loved ones a classic and memorable festive feast.
A meal at Lawry’s is incomplete without their Signature Roasted Prime Ribs of Beef carved from the iconic silver cart. That’s not all though, because the team at Lawry’s has crafted a special festive menu this year.
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Credit: Lawry’s the Prime Ribs Singapore[/caption]
Seafood lovers are in for a treat – try the Atlantic Lobster Tail and Salmon Roll-Up with Crab Meat and Spinach drizzled with Balsamic cream sauce or the White Cod and Hokkaido Scallop.
Then, complete your feast with a Croissant Pudding served with a scoop of delectable vanilla ice-cream. Fantastic!
Lawry’s The Prime Ribs
Address: 333A Orchard Road, #04-01/31 Mandarin Gallery, Singapore 238897
Christmas Eve Dinner
1st Seating at 5-8pm, 2nd Seating at 8:30pm
Christmas Day Brunch available on Sunday, 25th December 2016
Price:
Varies according to your order
5. Jamie’s Italian
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Credit: Sg Asia City[/caption]
Fancy a three-course feast curated by Jamie Oliver himself – in Singapore?
Book a table now at Jamie’s Italian! With that modern Italian-vibe and a menu endorsed by Jamie Oliver himself, this will certainly be a special treat for you and your loved ones.
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Credit: Alainlicious[/caption]
The special Christmas menu includes a selection of starters, mains and of course, desserts.
What really attracted us was the Gennaro’s Porchetta. It’s a main dish consisting of slow-cooked pork belly stuffed with apricot, apple, fennel & garlic, then served with braised red cabbage & pan juices.
Also, did we tell you that all guests will be presented with a glass of bubbly upon arrival? What a perfect way to start a Christmas feast!
Jamie’s Italian
Address: Jamie’s Italian Forum, 583 Orchard Road, #01-01/04 Forum, Singapore 238884
Jamie’s Italian VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, #01-165/167, Vivo City, Singapore 098585
Christmas menu available from 28 November – 31st December 2016
Lunch available on Mon-Sun from 12-4pm, dinner available on Mon-Sunday from 5-10pm
Price:
$49.90 ++ per person for lunch
$65.90++ per person for dinner
Website
6. The Black Swan
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Credit: The Black Swan[/caption]
Housed in the heart of Singapore’s Central Business District, The Black Swan injects a fresh breath of air into the dining scene with it’s classic European glamour decor.
You might just go back in time to the 20s with their detailed and sophisticated interior.
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Credit: The Black Swan[/caption]
In the lead up to Christmas, The Black Swan will feature a live carving station with an Oven-roasted 150 Days Grain-Fed Black Angus Côte de bœ. A highlight at The Black Swan this year will be a one-night only Jingles & Jazz – a luxurious 4-course dinner featuring Hokkaido scallops, seared foie gras and juicy tenderloin.
The Black Swan
Address: 19 Cecil St,, Singapore 049704
The Black Swan Christmas Lunch Specials
Monday-Friday from 28th Nov-30 Dec 2016, $42++ per person for two courses
The Black Swan Christmas Dinner Live Carving Station
Monday-Friday from 19th–22nd Dec & 24 Dec 2016, $48++ for 300g
Jingles & Jazz
23rd December, Friday
4-course Dinner & Jazz at $118++ per person
Credit: Venuerific[/caption]
Tucked in a spacious and cosy space over at Dempsey Hill, Don Quijote is the place you have to check out for authentic, Spanish cuisine.
Besides the usual tapas, paellas and salads, Don Quijote is of course, ready for the festive season with their usual Christmas classics.
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Credit: Sethlui[/caption]
You can look forward to good old Christmas classic dishes such as Oven Roasted Turkey and Honey Baked Ham. When you’re there, be sure to order the special Turkey and Ham Paella as well! We guarantee that friends and family are bound to fall in love with their homely food and ambience.
Don Quijote
Address: Dempsey Road, #01-02,Block 7, 249671
Price:
Varies according to your order
After hanging up your hundredth bauble, unwrapping your thousandth present, and exchanging your millionth kiss under the mistletoe, you bet it’s time for something more. If what you’re thinking is what we’re thinking, it’s none other than a Christmas feast.
Be it turkey with all the trimmings, indulgent desserts or spiced tipples, tis’ the season for feasting!
Read on for our choice picks of binge-worthy festive fare.
1. Bakerzin
This festive season, let home-grown Bakerzin tantalise your taste buds, spice up your parties, and keep your guests coming in droves.
We were lucky enough to lay our hands on a few items in their Enchanting White Christmas Takeaway Menu, and it had us wishing Christmas would never end.
Roast Cajun Capon – $36 (approx. 2kg)
Roasted for 1 ½ hours under carefully-calibrated temperatures, marinated overnight and stuffed generously with aromatic herbs and spices – that’s how much goes into preparing each roast.
It was all worth it because the chicken was moist, tender and flavourful. And, it came with crispy golden skin – a big plus.
We dipped pieces of the meat into the refreshing and tangy Chimichurri Sauce, an interesting Argentinian-inspired concoction. Equally tasty was the Christmas Tangy Sauce – an earthy, wholesome sauce made from hours of simmering chicken bones and tomatoes, and infused with red wine.
To round off the dish, we tucked into heaps of sweet roasted carrots cut to bite-sized perfection and moreish mini potatoes.
Yule Love Chocolate Log Cake ($52 – approx. 1.2 kg)
Not for the faint-hearted, don’t mess with this bad boy unless you’re a serious chocolate lover. We’re glad to say that the confection contained more chocolate mousse than cake, with a chocolate-to-cake ratio of approximately 70 to 30.
Rich and decadent, this bittersweet chocolate mousse cake is made from fine Valrhona chocolate, and luxuriously covered with chocolate frosting.
The cake was an overall winner, considering that it nailed the chocolate just right and it was a treat for the eyes. Decorated with adorable mini Santas and crunchy candy canes, we couldn’t say no to it!
Galette des Rois – $40 (approx. 580g)
Add some pizazz to your Christmas party with this rustic Northern French pastry, otherwise known as the King Cake.
At first bite, we noticed how delicate and buttery the puff pastry was. It was considerably tastier and more buttery than most other puff pastries that we’ve tried. After that, the sweet and fragrant scent of the almond frangipane filling hit us. Baked to a golden brown hue, the cake looked as good as it tasted.
What’s more, this dessert contains a fève (porcelain toy figurine)! According to tradition, the lucky person who finds it will be the “king of the day”. Will it be you?
Croquembouche (Available in vanilla custard or Coffee Cream) – $22.80 for 27 pcs (approx. 800g)
A traditional French confection popular at weddings, this sweet pyramid dessert consisted of 27 mini choux pastries, stacked like an awesome Christmas tree.
Freshly-baked daily and glazed with a generous coating of indulgent, homemade butterscotch, this dessert is worth getting a belly for. The delicate and airy choux pastries were filled with rich and smooth coffee cream, which brought the dessert to great heights.
While the choux pastry was fluffy but not the fluffiest, the coffee cream was pretty amazing. Deep and fragrant, the coffee flavour was strong enough to lend the dessert an edge. Popping several of them made us feel like we’d downed a good cuppa, which we absolutely love.
Bakerzin
Enchanting White Christmas Takeaway: 11 November 2016 – 2 January 2017
Order: Place orders online at https://www.bakerzin.com/ or at Bakerzin outlets in Singapore
2. Cat and The Fiddle
Looking for a little slice of decadence?
Cat And The Fiddle’s Happy, Merry, Boozy! cake is a dense black forest cake crafted from a layer of chocolate mousse atop a layer of brandy-infused chocolate sponge cake. A generous offering of brandied cherries comes with every second bite.
The cake even comes with a Christmas tag and two gold Christmas tree ornaments!
Our ambassador, Vanessa, tried the cake, and here’s what she had to say:
“In lieu of the festive season, I tried The Cat and The Fiddle black forest cake that was such a sensation for my taste buds! Loved the surprise of brandy infused cherries and the soft mousse on the chocolate cake. Unconventional compared to the usual creamy log cakes!”
We’ll be giving away this cake on our Facebook soon. Like us for updates!
Cat and The Fiddle
Happy, Merry, Boozy! is available from 15 November 2016 to 1 January 2016
Price: $49.90 (inclusive of GST)
Approximate weight: 1KG (good for 8-10 servings)
Order: Place your order online at https://www.catandthefiddle.com
3. Flor Patisserie
Named after the Portuguese word for ‘flower’, FLOR Patisserie is a Japanese-inspired confectioner serving authentic French pastry. For honest baking, fresh ingredients and sincerely tasty baked goods, step right up.
Strawberry Log Cake
Our ambassador, Stephanie, tried the Strawberry Log Cake, here’s her experience:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNl_YFjDwSo/
“I really liked that the cake was moist and fluffy, and that it wasn’t very sweet, so it wasn’t too rich or overwhelming to have one slice after another. Also there wasn’t a lot of cream used, which I liked, cause it’s not that oily and fattening. ? The strawberries were a little sour, but it was a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake ??”
Chocolate Brick Log Cake
After a bite of this tasty brick, you’ll probably crack a grin, but not your teeth! The bittersweet cake offered a solid chocolate punch.
A strong player in the texture game, smooth chocolate fudge cream was sandwiched between fluffy layers of dark chocolate sponge, complemented by crisp and flaky puff pastry on both sides of the cake.
Offering an interesting texture contrast, were the crunchy chocolate-covered pearls hidden within the cake
FLOR Patisserie
Strawberry Log cake
9.5 x 17cm – $53.50
9.5 x 24cm – $69.60
Chocolate Brick
9.5 x 17cm – $55.70
9.5 x 24cm – $72
Order: Place your order online at at their outlets
4. Asanoya Bakery
Asanoya Bakery first captivated the people of Japan. Now, they’re doing the same right here – blending the best of Japanese flavours with tried and tested European recipes. You might have known them for their creative spins on the salted egg craze – matcha lava, and maple lava salted egg croissants. This Christmas 2016, they’ve hit us with yet another round of tasty tricks.
Chocolate Banana Log Cake
Our ambassador, Victoria, tried the log cake. Here’s what she had to say:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BN5eu1MBtQj/?taken-by=victoinette
Christmas Gift Box
Asanoya’s Christmas Gift Box makes for a great gift – 1 traditional stollen, 9 pieces of Madeleine, 9 pieces of Christmas cookies and 9 pieces of Yuzu Miso Rusk, we guarantee the recipient of this box will be grinning like a Cheshire cat.
We enjoyed everything! Every bite of the stollen guaranteed fruit bits and it was very addictive. Unlike traditional Madeleines, the ones from Asanoya are green tea flavoured and perfect to go with tea. The Yuzu Miso Rusk was a unique twist – the mishmash of flavours is surprisingly delectable. You get a strong yuzu taste that does not overpower but was the perfect contrast. As for the Christmas cookies, they were crunchy yet smooth but not too dry.
All in all, we couldn’t think of a better Christmas goodie box to gift to friends.
Asanoya
Christmas Gift Box: $78
Chocolate Banana Yule Log: $45.80
Website: Diana, tried the log cake. Here’s what she had to say:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BN–qezDUXb/?taken-by=dianabakar_
“Bursting with nutty flavour, the log cake was an eruption of pure joy at first bite. A myriad of textures – from the smooth pudding, sponge cake to the crunchy wafer bits delighted my palate. The log cake was complete with dark chocolate toppings and the cutest reindeer that joyfully highlights this Christmas season.”
Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore
Order online More details Pies & Coffee is a bold and vibrant cafe that specialises in freshly baked handmade gourmet pies and coffee. Tuck into their scrumptious buttery and flaky pastry crusts which will melt in your mouth.
This Christmas, Pies & Coffee has taken an unconventional twist on the traditional Christmas log cake by infusing our local favourite – Ondeh Ondeh flavour!
Bite into a piece of this Ondeh Ondeh-infused log cake and revel in the sweet yet not overpowering gula melaka creamy exterior. Coupled with slightly crispy coconut flakes and a deliciously soft and slightly moist pandan chiffon interior, it is almost like having an Ondeh Ondeh itself!
This unique cake is artfully decorated with white chocolate bites and sweet golden balls as well. For a refreshing and Singaporean-style log cake this Christmas, Pies & Coffee’s Christmas Rhapsody Log Cake will surely not disappoint!
Pies & Coffee
Christmas Rhapsody (Ondeh-Ondeh) Log Cake
Weight: 1kg (approx.)
Price: SGD45 nett
Website
A slight nutty aftertaste of the cream rendered us dumbfounded until we found out it was made of kinako (soya bean) powder. Perfectly light and fluffy, you’ll definitely reach for seconds!
Christmas Nama Chocolate Log Cake
Topped with an array of adorable Christmas treats, the Nama cake had a fluffy sponge that was mildly sweet and yet hid just the right amount of nama cubes within the airy layers of cream.
Definitely the choice for those who subscribe to the non-sweet tooth club but yet wouldn’t mind finding the occasional hidden sweet delights.
Patisserie Glace
Website: Named after a stop on London’s Northern Tube Line, Chalk Farm is a cosy white bakery that is well-known for its plethora of sweet treats. From delectable Salted Caramel Macadamia cupcakes to chocolate Guinness loaf, brownies and cheesecakes, expect an array of uniquely crafted desserts here at Chalk Farm.
Rich Christmas Fruitcake
Christmas will certainly be an even more beautiful festive season with this Rich Christmas Fruitcake from Chalk Farm! This yearly fruitcake offering looks positively gorgeous with its pink marbled fondant robe.
The dark and moist interior is a mixture of fresh prunes, sultanas, raisins, currants, glace cherries and walnuts which offers an authentic fruity flavour. Prepare your taste buds for a slight rum hint as you savour a small piece of this rich fruitcake. Artfully decorated with a crown of gold-dusted bay leaves and nuts, this Rich Christmas Fruitcake from Chalk Farm is surely a pretty sight.
Rich Christmas Fruitcake
Weight: 2.2kg
Price: SGD140 (including GST)
Espresso Meringue
You know that first sip of coffee on a busy morning? Chalk Farm’s Espresso Meringue is the perfect embodiment of that warm cup of coffee. We were impressed by how the light coffee flavoured sponge cake balanced the dense heavy coffee-infused cream.
A slightly bitter kick of the cream pairs well with the light and slightly sweet fluffy sponge cake. If you’re a true coffee enthusiast, Chalk’s Espresso Meringue is a treat worth splurging on.
Espresso Meringue
Weight: 1kg
Price: SGD78 (including GST)
Midnight Chocolate Bundt Cake
Dark, smoky and just slightly bitter Chalk Farm’s Midnight Chocolate Bundt Cake is crafted from a dense chocolate cake, unlike light sponge cakes.
This dessert is both a sweet treat and a perfect tea time snack. With hints of coffee and Christmas spice, Chalk Farm’s Midnight Chocolate Bundt Cake is topped with chilli spiked chocolate for that perfect dark twist.
Midnight Chocolate Bundt
Weight: 1.2kg
Price: SGD86 (including GST)
Chocolate, Banana and Peanut Butter Cake
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Chocolate, Banana and Peanut Butter Cake[/caption]
The Chocolate, Banana and Peanut Butter cake is layered with moist sponge and cream with banana. The peanut butter wasn’t overpowering, and the chocolate was decadent, smooth, and left us wanting for more.
Chocolate, Banana and Peanut Butter Cake
Weight: 1kg
Price: SGD75 (including GST)
Chocolate Chestnut Log
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Chestnut Log Cake[/caption]
The Chestnut Log featured luscious chocolate ganache slathered on the soft chocolate sponge, with a chestnut cream middle. With the perfect amount of sweetness, this gold encrusted log is fit for kings!
Chocolate Chestnut Log
Weight: 1kg
Price: SGD88 (including GST)
Chalk Farm
Paying homage to age-old recipes from their grandmothers, the folks at Butter Studio have a fierce passion for cakes and all things sweet. Everything is made by hand, well-sourced quality ingredients are used, and they’re dedicated to making honest, delicious desserts.
What are some of their Christmas goodies? Christmas Rocher Ganache Log, Cupcakes, Macarons, and Speculoos Red Velvet Yule Log!
Butter Studio’s Christmas Rocher Ganache Log has just the right amount of chocolatey goodness! Light chocolate sponge cake is coated with a luxurious and sweet layer of chocolate ganache.
Their cupcakes were also moist and flavourful, perfect for those with a sweet tooth. As for the Speculoos Red Velvet Yule Log, this soft and fluffy cake reminded us of cookie butter. The log was topped with cookie butter crumbs and they provided a nice crunch with every bite.
Butter Studio
Chocolate Rocher Ganache Yule Log, $62 per 1kg
Season’s Greetings Cupcakes, $35 per dozen
Speculoos Red Velvet Yule Log, $62 per 1kg
Website:
While Christmas may be celebrated in many ways around the globe, one tradition has stuck worldwide – the Christmas feast. Food brings people together, sparks merriment and bonds hearts. What better way to experience the warmth of this season than to love, laugh and eat?
Header image credit: Bakerzin
Also, read Riverside Point Is Bringing The Joy of Feasting To The Next Level With All Their Amazing Giveaways!
Christmas.
It has traditionally been a holiday to spend time with loved ones, to give them presents, and generally reflect on how the struggles and triumphs we experienced throughout the year have changed us for the better.
We spent our childhood Christmases with our families as we decorated trees, watched Christmas-themed movies (I’m pretty sure I’ve caught Home Alone every year since I was 4) and caught up with family we rarely saw.
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Asia For Good!
Giving Back The 21st Century Way
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Eco-friendly Christmas[/caption]
First, why not have a green Christmas by being eco-friendly?
Christmas is definitely the most magical time of the year, but it’s also one of the most wasteful. Just think of all the wrapping paper and cards you chuck each year! Switch things up by going green this festive season, and do your part for Mother Earth.
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Christmas Hacks[/caption]
For starters, try out these super simple sustainable Christmas hacks, like putting your gifts in a reusable tote, or making your very own recycled wrapping paper out of old packaging!
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Biotrap[/caption]
Next, you can crowdfund, or give a micro-loan to help someone’s wish come true.
Today, technological advances have made it more convenient to give to the less fortunate, and giving back to society has never been easier.
Social enterprises like projects.
Better still, when repaid, you can choose to lend the money to someone else, making it a gift that truly keeps giving.
You can also play a part in the development of mind-blowing social innovations – like these bio-degradable mosquito traps to combat Zika, by funding them on platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo.
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Socially Conscious Christmas Gift Guide [/caption]
Now, we all love Christmas, but it has a tendency to be a commercial affair and a celebration of consumerism (let’s face it, who doesn’t love an excuse to binge shop!).
Therefore, instead of getting run-of- the-mill hampers, why not do Christmas differently with quirky gifts that give back to communities in need.
For instance, when you buy Yellow Leaf Hammocks’ ridiculously comfortable hammocks, you’re empowering artisan weavers in Thailand, and improving their lives and livelihoods.
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cool gadgets like Luminaid’s colour-changing solar lanterns and TOMS’ Apple Watch straps.
For each one you buy, proceeds will go straight to communities in need.
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Creative Ways To Give Back[/caption]
You can also make a statement by trying new, unique, and meaningful activities with your loved ones this Christmas.
Try cooking a meal for families in need, or round up your bill to the nearest $10 for a good cause at Timbre (Timbre will match your donations dollar-for- dollar, and the proceeds will go towards medical treatments for patients who cannot afford it).
There are so many simple and creative ways to give back that will not only let you create special memories with those closest to you, but also help to spread the Christmas cheer to the less fortunate.
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Festive Eating To Festive Giving [/caption]
Did you know that you can even feast for a good cause? Have your feast and give back too, by indulging in yuletide feasting at restaurants that employ the marginalized.
For example, dine at restaurants that train ex-offenders in culinary skills to help them get their lives back on track. Soon Huat Dining House at Chinatown Point.
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Give Back This Festive Season[/caption]
So this Christmas, instead of struggling to find presents on the streets of Orchard Road (which, let’s admit is going to be crowded with other Christmas shoppers), why not take these options into consideration to make your Christmas an extra special one?
Asia for Good is reinventing the spirit of giving back this Christmas with their socially conscious gift guides and hacks for a merrier, more sustainable way to celebrate the festive season!
Asia For Good
[caption id="attachment_19619" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
DBS Foundation[/caption]
The team at Asia For Good believes that consumers have the power to create positive change, and the good news is that socially conscious living is actually really easy!
You just have to continue doing the things you already love – like eating, shopping, and traveling, but this time, with companies that make a difference.
Their lifestyle-oriented stories on the Asia For Good website covers everything from cool social innovations, to socially-conscious restaurant reviews, so that you can live ethically and effortlessly.
What’s more, the website also features a regional directory of social enterprises to connect you with businesses (like cafes that hire ex-offenders, and companies that make eco-friendly bamboo tissues) that are giving back and creating a positive impact in society.
Visit https://www.asiaforgood.com to find out more.
Also Read: What If We Told You, You’ve Been Choosing Your Christmas Gifts Wrong All Along?
It’s that time of the year again. Prepping for Christmas feasts and enthusiastically looking for the perfect gifts for your loved ones? You can trust us, Orchard Road is definitely worth a visit! With tons of festive activities laid out by Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA) and ION Orchard, there is certainly something for everyone.
The Tiffany & Co. Christmas Tree
Titled ‘Season of Resplendence’ – ION Orchard aspires to evoke the wonders of Christmas joy with their shoppers.
To do that, they have spruced up the mall with a series of activities and promotions just for you.
A major project this year is the partnership between ION Orchard and Tiffany & Co.. Together, they have created an enthralling walk-in Christmas tree for their shoppers throughout this beautiful season!
Standing at 20 meters tall – right outside Tiffany & Co., the glamorous structure features over 2,000 custom-designed ornaments including the famous Tiffany Blue Boxes.
Here’s what our ambassador, Nicole, had to say about the Xmas tree!
https://www.instagram.com/p/BMdybqhjazH/?taken-by=neecolly
After a magical experience at the photo-booth, guests can collect their photos at the Tiffany & Co. duplex located at Level 1.
Likewise, you can share a video of that special moment with your friends on social media.
Right next to the glamorous Christmas tree is an illuminated Christmas labyrinth decorated with glittering-ornaments, a larger-than-life reindeer centrepiece, toy soldiers and other festive ornaments.
Step into this fantasy maze and find yourself immersed into the magic of a wonderful fairytale. What a perfect spot for your holiday photos!
On the Streets of Orchard Road
Our famous shopping street is transformed into a glamorous galaxy, adorned with glowing reindeers, shimmering stars, and other celebratory elements that turn it into a Christmas spectacle.
[caption id="attachment_17846" align="alignnone" width="1500"]
Credit: Orchard Road Business Association[/caption]
Spanning over a distance of 2.88 kilometres from Tanglin Mall all the way to Plaza Singapura, it is certainly going to be a sight.
[caption id="attachment_17849" align="alignnone" width="1000"]
Credit: Orchard Road Business Association[/caption]
Christmas Light-Up Period
The Light-Up Period takes place at the following times of the day:
- 630pm – 600am on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve;
- 630pm–200am on Fridays and Saturdays; and
- Except as stated above, 630pm – 1200midnight on Mondays to Thursdays and on Sundays
Music in the Air
A novel approach by ORBA this year, visitors get to enjoy their favourite Christmas Carols piped through 16 to 20 outdoor speakers that are lined through ION Orchard to Ngee Ann City.
Furthermore, song requests from a pre-selected list of Christmas favourites are accepted on weekends. Now you can truly immerse yourselves into the magic of the season.
Available from 12th November to 25th December 2016 from 5 to 10pm daily.
Exclusive Pop-Up Shops and Spending Rewards at ION Orchard
Looking for some Christmas gifts, or just a little end-of-year reward for yourself?
The exclusive pop-ups on Levels 1 and Basement 4 of ION Orchard will provide you with an abundance of gifting ideas!
First, get your shopping fix at the Club 21 Accessories pop-up store in L1 Atrium.
[caption id="attachment_18385" align="aligncenter" width="1046"]
Credit: Club21[/caption]
Besides shopping from a vast collection of accessories from brands such as Alexander Wang and Marni, you can also do your part for charity by dropping off cash donations at the store! This is made possible due to ION Orchard’s partnership with Rainbow Centre.
Club 21 Accessories Pop-up
19 Oct – 31 Dec | L1 Atrium
Next, beauty junkies are in for a treat as well.
[caption id="attachment_18386" align="aligncenter" width="480"]
Credit: Estee Lauder[/caption]
Find gift items from MAC, Origins, Bobbi Brown and Lab Series at the Estée Lauder pop-up.
Estée Lauder Companies Christmas Store
5 – 30 Dec | L1 Atrium
ION Orchard is also partnering with American Express to reward Card Members with attractive offers during this period. More details can be found
Yuletide Entertainment at ION Orchard
Spice up the festive season by participating in some activities at ION Orchard!
Kids can meet Santa – happening at L56 ION Sky.
With that beautiful view, this is going to be such a great experience for both parents and children.
Music connoisseurs, look out for Harpist and Acapella Choir performances that will also be happening in the month of December.
Details:
Credit: ION Orchard
Special Promotion for ComfortDelGro and Uber Riders
Get $5 off your trip to and from Orchard Road.
A novel collaboration between Mastercard, ORBA and ComfortDelGro Taxis, this will be happening every weekend from 12 November 2016 to 1 January 2017 (capped at 900 trips per weekend). More details #OrchardRdXmas to share your joy and happiness with everyone!
Also, read Under $25: 9 Super Local Christmas Gifts That Will Surely Amaze Your Friends!
According to the Singapore Land Authority, the iconic Tanjong Pagar Railway Station (TPRS) will be opened to the public on Christmas this Friday (Dec 25), from 9am to 6pm.
During the public holiday, you can take the opportunity to visit the historic site to take photos or sketch their impressions of the national monument. You may then deposit these drawings at the former ticketing counter of the station, and the drawings may be displayed at future openings, SLA added.
If you, like us are unfamiliar with the Tanjong Pagar Railway Station, do take this opportunity this Friday to check out the place. The last opening was last month during Deepavali. Here are some photos of the TPRS for your photo taking inspirations this Friday:
https://www.instagram.com/p/-ePBMDPcT4/
https://www.instagram.com/p/-K6jBPSbjv/
https://www.instagram.com/p/6_wyq8o6O_/
https://www.instagram.com/p/96AdjRlEgY/
https://www.instagram.com/p/3YpAIiMMXr/
https://www.instagram.com/p/6plNTdQwKH/
https://www.instagram.com/p/6KfWeFp1IZ/
https://www.instagram.com/p/3bBggOoMQP/
https://www.instagram.com/p/2LrEPjpvU9/
https://www.instagram.com/p/6MB8TAwwDt/
https://www.instagram.com/p/2JqVcpMKsg/
Excited yet? Let us know if you do drop by the railway station on Friday! 🙂
Address: 30 Keppel Rd, 089059
Opening: 9am – 6pm
Date: 25th December 2015
