12 things to do on the 12 days before Christmas

If you couldn’t already tell from the Christmas music playing in most malls you walk into, Christmas is coming! So come, let’s embrace the Christmas spirit and bask in the festive mood with all these things you can do before Christmas officially arrives!

1. Watch Christmas Movies

Nothing says Christmas more than the cheesy cliche movies we all watch during the holidays to get into the Christmas spirit. Why not watch old classics like Home Alone (a comedy film about a young boy who is accidentally left behind when his family leaves for France) or The Grinch (the cranky green fellow who tries to ruin Christmas)? Some romantic comedies such as Single All the Way (fake dating your best friend? What could go wrong) or Let It Snow (a group of high school students bond as they’re trapped in a snowstorm on Christmas Eve) can also put you into a festive mood. Or if you simply love Vanessa Hudges, try watching The Princess Switch trilogy on Netflix where Hudgens showcases her acting prowess by acting as different characters with different personalities at least 3 times over!

2. Go to a Christmas Market

Love shopping? Then Christmas markets are the perfect way to spend your holiday! Flipping Creative Collective Holiday Fair (female-led boutique brands), Crane Joo Chiat Christmas Food Market (home bakes, fresh produce, wines…need I say more?) and The Capitol Kempinski Christmas Market (gifts, treats, and crafts) are just a few markets that you can explore to get into the holiday mood. If you'd rather celebrate in the comfort of your own home, there are also virtual Christmas markets you can attend, such as i’mable Gift Market (original works, artisanal gifts, and premium items made by those with disabilities)! Though most admissions are free, make sure to check their dates and website before going as they may require booking.

Price: FREE entry (may differ accordingly)

Date: differ accordingly

3. Christmas Wonderland

The Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay is the most popular yuletide event for good reason. Nothing creates a more festive spirit than a traditional nighttime carnival with illuminating lights. Drink some cozy Christmas drinks at Hendrick’s Holiday Hot Air Balloon Bar or stroll around Mistletoe Alley Market for gifts. There are also carnival games, light displays, and a Venetian double-storey carousel you can ride on! Do note that tickets have to be pre-purchased online.

Price: 7 SGD for 1 HOUR

Date: 3 December 2021 to 2 January 2022, 6.30pm to 11.00pm (last entry at 10.00pm).

You can find more information about the event here!

4. Changi Festive Village

Want some whimsical fun? Go to the Changi Festive Village located at Changi Airport. Different activities can be found at different Terminals, such as the festive carnival at Terminal 4 and the 12m-long brachiosaurus at Terminal 3. If you want to try something more luxurious, why not try glamping at Jewel Changi Airport? Fun, festive, and best of all, no bugs.

Price: FREE entry (activities range from 8 - 420 SGD)

Date: 26 Nov 2021 – 3 Jan 2022

You can find more information about the event here!

5. Go Ice Skating

Christmas films always seem to have a scene showing the characters ice skating at some park in New York. Yet just because we live in Singapore doesn’t mean we can’t do some fun winter activities too! Now you can experience a “White Christmas” by going to the recently opened artificial ice skating rink at CHIJMES (5 SGD for 30 MINUTES)! Or if you want something more legit, there’s The Rink in JCube where the admission price is 14 SGD for 2 hours.

Price: 5 - 14 SGD

Date: 19 Nov - 2 Jan 2022 (for CHIJMES)

You can find more information about the event here and here!

6. Go Art Jamming

Relax and paint your heart out this Christmas season at the numerous art jamming studios located around Singapore. Since the activity basically consists of a group of people making art together (whether it be as individuals or a group), it's a great bonding activity to show what Christmas means to you. There’s The Fun Empire’s session starting from only $19/pax, Cafe de Paris which is located at 313@Somerset…regardless of where you live or the price range you’re looking at, there’s definitely somewhere you can go to and get your creative juices flowing! Or if none of the studios have what you’re looking for, you can always create your own art jamming sessions with your friends at home.

Price: > 19 SGD

Date: NA

7. Creative Crafting

Okay, maybe art jamming isn’t much of your thing. That doesn’t mean you should stop yourself doing something fun and creative this festive season. Here, let me give you some activities you can give a go at. Always wanted something to display in your room? Try crocheting Christmas stockings or writing a fancy letter to Santa using calligraphy. If you prefer something you can use in your everyday life, maybe clay-making workshops and jewellery (all Christmas-themed of course!) may be more your thing. Regardless of what you choose to do, there is always something calm and therapeutic about doing creative activities!

Price: > 34 SGD (estimated workshop prices)

Date: NA

8. Bake and Brew

I don’t know about you, but the idea of eating sweet warm baked goods has always been the best part of Christmas. Whether it be gingerbread cookies, yule log cakes, or tiramisu, you can always try baking together with your friends and loved ones. Though the outcome may not be what you had in mind, it’s a fun, easy activity everyone can do together and have a good laugh about. But if you can’t bake to save your life (same) and the thought of even doing it horrifies you, you can still taste these special desserts in restaurants and cafes located all around Singapore! Plus, you can always try brewing drinks instead if you want something easier and faster to make. Some ideas by the Spruce Eats include sugar cookie martinis, old-fashioned hot chocolate, and English Christmas punch.

Price: differ accordingly

Date: NA

9. Universal Christmas

Go to Universal Studios for a Universal Christmas! Not only can you take all the thrilling rides and meet your favourite characters, but the theme park has also gone above and beyond to show why Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. Walk around the Universal Rockin’ Railway to see Christmas trees inspired by blockbuster films Jurassic World, Illumination’s Minions, and Shrek. Hungry? Munch on Turkey legs and Christmas cookies while you decide which ride to take next. If you’re feeling nostalgic, you can also send a letter to Santa at the North Pole Postal Service!

Price: 69 SGD

Date: 25 Nov – 2 Jan 2022

You can book your tickets here!

10. Poinsettia Wishes

Another Christmas event at Gardens by the Bay you can go to is Poinsettia Wishes, located at the Flower Dome. End the year admiring a seasonal floral display inspired by traditional confectionery from the Nordic countries! Not only are the flowers beautiful to look at, but playful displays have also been added throughout the Dome to further strengthen the holiday spirit, including the Candy Apple Carriage and the Cupcake Ferris wheel.

Price: 12 SGD

Date: 26 Nov 2021 - 3 Jan 2022, 9:00am - 9:00pm

You can find more information about the event here!

11. Pinkmas at the Museum of Ice Cream

Love taking photos? Pinkmas might just be the event you’ve been missing! Located at the newly opened Museum of Ice Cream, snowflakes, candy canes, and pink trees have been installed into the place to create its own festive cheer. Besides the 14 exhibits you can take photos at, you can also explore their café, bar, and retail shop exclusively found at the museum itself. So if you’ve already been considering visiting this Instagrammable museum, this may be just the push you needed to finally go there!

Price: > 38 SGD

Date: 18 Nov 2021 - 9 Jan 2022, 11:00am - 5:00pm

You can find more information about the event here!

12. Be Cheesy

At the end of the day, Christmas is all about generosity, kindness, and appreciation, whether that be showing it to your loved ones or yourself. Even if your family is not one to celebrate Christmas, it’s always nice to feel appreciated. So go buy those gifts, write those cards, or just spend some much-needed quality time with your family and friends! Remember to show some love to yourself as well with some me-time. Last but not least, sing your heart out to those Michael Bublé and Mariah Carey Christmas songs! Let them earn their buck for always bringing the Christmas spirit to life.

With all the love from CNMTypes, have a merry Christmas!