Singapore in December 2024 – Things To Do, Festivals, Events & Weather
December is the peak season for traveling in Singapore. Many overseas visitors from neighboring countries flock to Singapore for year-end holiday.
The school holiday in Singapore starts from 16 November 2024 to 31 December 2025. Local residents who are not traveling overseas will be spending the school holidays exploring the countries and doing staycations.
If you’re planning for a trip to Singapore in December 2024, I highly recommend that you book your tickets and hotels as soon as possible because flight and hotel prices usually get very expensive during the year-end holiday.
Christmas is a popular festival in Singapore. Everywhere you go, you will see Christmas decorations and hear Christmas songs. Everyone will be in a festive mood.
There will be Christmas-themed menu in most restaurants. Restaurants will get fully booked most of the nights, so if you’re planning to visit a popular restaurant, do make an advance reservation.
The city center and tourist attractions will be quite crowded in December, especially on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. If you like festive mood and crowds, you’ll love Orchard Road, Marina Bay, Sentosa and Clarke Quay. Otherwise, avoid those places.
Speaking of New Year’s Eve, there will be fireworks at Marina Bay. I’ll elaborate more in the “New Year’s Eve” section, further down in this article.
Singapore’s Weather in December
December is in the Early Northeast Monsoon period (Wet Phase). According to Meteorological Service Singapore, during this month, there is a widespread continuous moderate to heavy rain, with winds blowing at 25-35 km/h at times. In simple words, there will be long rains with moderate to heavy intensity, accompanied with strong wind.
Based on historical data between 1991 to 2020, December is WETTEST month in Singapore. On average, it rains 19 days out of 31 days. Showers occur occasionally in the afternoon and early evening. It’s best to bring an umbrella if you’re planning for outdoor activities.
I recommend that you bookmark Singapore’s weather website, which is a very useful website to see current rain area & intensity, and to check the rain forecast for the next 4 days.
December’s temperature hovers between 24 to 31 degrees Celsius (75 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit). Generally, the temperature in Singapore doesn’t differ much from month to month.
In December, the sun rises between 6.51am (1 Dec) to 7.05am (31 Dec) and sunset occurs between 6.55pm (1 Dec) to 7.08pm (31 Dec).
Travel Advisories
Gardens by the Bay Closure Days
Once a month, the attractions at Gardens by the Bay will be closed for maintenance. Here are the closure dates for this month:
- OCBC Skyway: 11 Dec 2024
Things to do in Singapore in December 2024
1. Christmas Light-Up on Orchard Road
Christmas Light Up will be taking place along the entire Orchard Road, plus Tanglin Road, from 9 November 2024 to 1 January 2025. The stretch is 3.1km long, from Tanglin Mall to Plaza Singapura, including Scotts Road.
There will be TWO Great Christmas Villages at the following locations:
- Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza (From 10 Nov 2024 to 1 Jan 2025)
- Shaw House Urban Plaza (From 8 Nov 2024 to 5 Jan 2025)
The Christmas Village at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza features live performances (on Fri & Sat), food trucks, carnival games, pop-up stores, as well as the iconic 14-metre-tall Christmas Tree with two nightly snowfall shows.
The Christmas Village at Shaw House Urban Plaza offers exciting fun rides, claw machines, carnival challenges and festive merchandise.
As you stroll down Orchard Road during the festive season, enjoy Music in The Air which plays enchanting Christmas melodies at these locations: ION Orchard to Ngee Ann City walkway, Mandarin Gallery walkway, Paragon walkway, Wheelock Place walkway, Shaw House walkway.
On the 24 Dec 2024, there will be The Great Christmas Eve Street Party from 8pm to 12.15am, at Paterson Junction (ION Orchard) to Bidefort Junction (Ngee Ann City). This stretch of the Orchard Road will be turned into an exclusive party zone with live DJ performances to keep the rhythm alive all night, enchanting lights to create a magical atmosphere, and a range of activities to elevate the festive mood.
2. Christmas Wonderland
Christmas Wonderland is an annual Christmas event that takes place at the outdoor gardens of Gardens by the Bay. The 11th edition of Singapore’s biggest yuletide fair returns to Gardens by the Bay from 29 November 2024 to 1 January 2025.
There will be Blizzard Time (‘tropical snowfall’), 20-metre-tall Spalliera light display, 50-metre-long Walk of Lights tunnel, Christmas Market, Christmas installations, live performances, amusement rides, carnival games and Santa Meet & Greet.
Date: 29 Nov 2024 to 1 Jan 2025
Admission: From S$9 onwards
Venue: Supertree Grove
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
3. Changi Festive Village
Changi Festive Village is an annual celebration of the festive season at Changi Airport. This year, Hello Kitty and Friends are taking over Changi Airport with a line-up of exciting activities, such as:
- Meet and Greet Hello Kitty & Friends. Meet your favorite Sanrio characters and take photos with them for free, when you spend S$50 (S$80 at supermarket and Jewel) in a single receipt at participating stores.
- Carnival with Hello Kitty & Friends. Enjoy exciting rides, take part in hands-on workshops, play carnival games and win limited edition merchandise at the Carnival at Terminal 3.
- Snow Show. Experience snowfall in Changi Airport’s Terminal 3 Departure Hall where the 8-metre-tall Hello Kitty is at. The snow show is free and takes place every night at 7.30pm and 8.30pm. Additional show at 9.30pm on Fri, Sat, Sun.
4. Christmas Train Show at Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay
The Christmas Train Show exhibition takes place from 2 Dec 2024 to 5 Jan 2025. It is the first-ever Australian-themed floral display at Gardens by the Bay.
Inspired by the century-old American Christmas tradition, the flower field at Flower Dome features magical model trains dashing through iconic landmarks miniatures.
Date: 2 Dec 2024 to 5 Jan 2025
Admission: From S$59 onwards (include Cloud Forest)
Venue: Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
5. Disney Garden of Wonder at Floral Fantasy, Gardens by the Bay
Disney Garden of Wonder is a special exhibition at Floral Fantasy featuring impressive topiary and floral sculptures of beloved Disney characters. For the first time in Singapore, visitors can see Mickey Mouse & Friends, Winnie the Pooh, The Little Mermaid, and Toy Story’s Woody and Buzz Lightyear reimagined as stunning horticultural displays.
Inspired by the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, this exhibit brings the magic of Disney-themed topiaries—a long-standing Walt Disney World tradition—to Singapore. Gardens by the Bay offers its own unique take on these cherished horticultural creations, giving fans and guests an unforgettable chance to enjoy Disney magic in a lush, floral setting.
Date: 1 Dec 2024 to 31 Mar 2025
Time: 10am to 9pm
Admission: S$24 (Adult), S$16 (Child)
Venue: Floral Fantasy at Gardens by the Bay
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
6. The World of Studio Ghibli
The World of Studio Ghibli is coming to life in Singapore’s first-ever large-scale exhibition. Visitors can immerse themselves in magical scenes and characters from 11 beloved Ghibli films such as My Neighbour Totoro and Princess Mononoke.
Through interactive art installations and activities, the exhibition highlights the studio’s extraordinary storytelling and artistry. Founded in 1985, Studio Ghibli has become a pioneering force in animation, earning global recognition with numerous awards, including the 2024 Honorary Palme d’Or at Cannes.
Date: From 4 Oct 2024 to 2 Feb 2025, 10am to 7pm
Admission: From S$39 (Tourist Adult) and S$29 (Local Adult)
Venue: ArtScience Museum
7. Bubble Planet
Bubble Planet is a multisensory, immersive, and interactive experience featuring 11 thematic sections filled with bubble-themed art and activities.
Visitors can explore a series of colorful installations, including Bubble Ocean (ocean of balloons), Bubble Bath (huge bath pit), Balloon Getaway (hot air balloon flight simulation), Infinity Room (filled with optical illusion), and VR room.
Located at Singapore EXPO, Bubble Planet is a great attraction for visitors of all age who are looking for a unique experience.
Date: From 3 Sep 2024
Admission: From S$21.90 (Adult) and S$14.90 (Child)
Venue: Singapore Expo, Hall 8B
Address: 9 Somapah Road, Singapore 487370
8. The Art of the Brick: An Exhibition of LEGO® Art
The Art of the Brick exhibition in Singapore showcases more than 150 stunning sculptures and artwork made entirely from LEGO bricks by artist Nathan Sawaya.
The exhibition features both original works and reimagined versions of famous art pieces, such as Michelangelo’s David, Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.
Don’t miss out the 6-metre-long reproduction of a Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton. There is also a play and build area to create your own LEGO sculptures.
Date: From 3 Sep 2024
Admission: From S$19.90 (Adult) and S$14.90 (Child)
Venue: Singapore Expo, Hall 8B
Address: 9 Somapah Road, Singapore 487370
9. illumi – A Magical Universe of Lights & Multimedia
Illumi is the world’s largest light, sound, and multimedia show, which makes its international debut on 13 September 2024 in Singapore.
It features the world’s tallest tree of lights, towering at 47 meters, equivalent to five Merlions stacked. Visitors can explore 9 unique sections filled with lifelike animatronics and over 20 million LED lights, creating a mesmerizing, immersive experience.
This magical outdoor journey offers a truly extraordinary spectacle under the stars, unlike anything previously seen in Singapore.
Date: From 13 Sep 2024 to 2 Feb 2025
Admission: From S$23 (Student/Senior) and S$33 (Adult)
Venue: Bayfront Event Space
10. Festive Buffet at Edge
If you’re looking for a place to celebrate the festive season with extravagant buffet spread, head to Edge Restaurant at Pan Pacific Singapore.
From 21 November 2024 to end of the year, Edge’s Festive Dining Buffet features a premium seafood selection, succulent roasts and the season’s favourites, such as Slow Roasted Black Angus Beef Prime Ribs, Maple-glazed Gammon Ham with Spiced Apple Marmalade, and Baked Sustainable Salmon Filet with Creamy Polenta and Caviar Beurre Blanc.
Seafood lovers will relish the wide spread of fresh seafood, including freshly shucked seasonal Oysters, King Crab Leg, Boston Lobster, Tiger Prawns, Pacific Clam, Half Shell Scallops, Sea Conch, Black Mussel and Crawfish.
Don’t miss out the live grill section where you will find Pan-seared Foie Gras with Lobster Tails, Pumpkin Spice, Bourbon Peach Jam, and Toasted Brioche.
Dessert lovers, indulge in irresistible festive treats, including English Christmas Fruit Cake, Plum Pudding, Christmas Stollen, Enchanted Forest Log Cake, and much more.
View the menu of festive dining here. For reservation, you can call 6826 8240 or email di**********@pa********.com .
Date: From 21 Nov 2024 to 31 Dec 2024 (lunch and dinner)
Price: From SGD88 per adult & SGD44 per child (6 to 12 years old) onwards, depending on the date
Venue: Edge Restaurant, Pan Pacific Singapore
Address: 7 Raffles Blvd, Level 3 Pan Pacific, Singapore 039595
11. Countdown on New Year’s Eve
If you’re going to be in Singapore during the Countdown 2024-2025, you’re in for a treat because there are so many things to do and see to celebrate the countdown.
First, you can attend Let’s Celebrate 2025 at Singapore Sports Hub on 31 December 2024. The event is packed with exciting activities, live performances from Singapore’s top talents, and a dazzling fireworks display to usher in the New Year.
If you prefer to be cozy in your room watching the fireworks, you can consider staying at one of the hotels that face the Marina Bay, such as Marina Bay Sands, Fullerton, Fullerton Bay, Mandarin Oriental, Swissotel The Stamford, and Capitol Kempinski. These rooms are sold out quite early, so do book them in advance
For the budget-oriented folks, you can watch the countdown and fireworks for free at Marina Bay area. BUT.. you need to be there really early, like 4pm to “reserve a standing spot”. If you go to Marina Bay area too late, like 9pm+, you won’t be able to enter the area around Marina Bay because they will be blocked by security to prevent over-congestion.
Lastly, if you dislike crowd and dislike paying extravagant fee, you can always watch the countdown live from the internet.
What else to do in Singapore
If you haven’t yet, I highly recommend that you read my guide on the best things to do in Singapore. In that article, you’ll find 60+ ideas to make your trip to Singapore a memorable one.
If you have any questions about traveling in Singapore, join All About Singapore Travel Facebook group and post your questions there to get a faster response from me and other members.
