How to Celebrate Christmas in Singapore
- 1). Take a walk down Orchard Road. The shopping malls on Orchard Road--one of the most popular streets for shopping in the country--compete annually for best Christmas decorations. Entire malls are known to transform themselves into giant Christmas presents, or adorn themselves in hundreds of thousands of lights.
- 2). Visit Tanglin Mall on Tanglin Road. The mall is famous for its snow display, which typically features a large blow-up Christmas display and a machine spouting "snow" (which actually feels more like soap suds or foam). Singaporeans will drench themselves in it--and you can, too.
- 3). Attend the Celebrating Christmas in Singapore parade, usually held on Orchard Road. The exact dates change from year to year, so consult a local tourism office for the parade's schedule.
- 4). Enjoy a turkey dinner on Christmas Even with friends and family at home. For the brave, include Singapore's own "queen of fruits," the very aromatic durian. For something a little more local, go to a "hawker stall"--found all over the city. The locals can direct you to the nearest set--and order roti pratha, a delectable fried bread with curry dipping sauce. Nothing says Christmas like spicy "Muslim food," as the latter is known on the island.
- 5). Exchange gifts on Christmas morning, then enjoy leftovers from last night's meal. That's right--in Singapore as in so many other places on Christmas morning, it's time to open presents. Consider presenting a ticket to Singapore's exciting Night Safari as your gift to a loved one.