Listen, we get it. When December rolls around in Singapore, everyone and their grandmother heads straight to Orchard Road to gawk at the Christmas lights. And sure, those twinkling displays are impressive, the first time you see them. But here’s the thing: Singapore in December is so much more than a glittery shopping street. If you’re willing to venture beyond the obvious, this little island city has some seriously cool experiences waiting for you.
Think about it. December in Singapore means something different than December almost anywhere else. There’s no snow, no biting cold, and definitely no need for those puffy jackets that make you look like a marshmallow. Instead, you get tropical warmth, occasional rain showers that cool things down just right, and a vibe that’s equal parts festive and laid-back. It’s the perfect time to explore this city without melting into a puddle of sweat.
So let’s talk about what you should actually be doing in Singapore this December. We’re skipping the tourist traps and diving into experiences that’ll make your trip memorable for all the right reasons.
Hunt Down the Best Local Markets
December is prime time for markets in Singapore, and we’re not talking about your average touristy night market. The local pop-up markets that spring up around the city during this month are where the real magic happens. You’ll find everything from handmade jewelry to vintage clothing, local art, and quirky home decor that’ll make your friends back home insanely jealous.
The Artbox Singapore market, if it’s running, is an absolute must. Picture rows of converted shipping containers filled with independent vendors, food stalls serving up everything from Korean fried chicken to artisanal ice cream, and live music that actually sounds good. It’s Instagram-worthy without trying too hard, which is basically the Singapore way.
What makes these markets special is the energy. You’re rubbing shoulders with locals hunting for unique finds, artists who actually made the stuff they’re selling, and fellow travelers who stumbled upon something genuinely cool. And if you’re looking for something more refined, the city’s patisseries and specialty shops go all out with their December collections, offering beautifully crafted treats that work perfectly as family gifts for Christmas in Singapore. It’s about finding those thoughtful presents that show you put in actual effort, not just grabbed something from the airport on your way out.
Experience Gardens by the Bay After Dark
Yeah, yeah, Gardens by the Bay is technically a tourist spot. But hear us out. Going there in December, especially during the evening, transforms the entire experience. The Christmas Wonderland event turns this already stunning space into something that feels like stepping into a winter fantasy, minus the actual winter.
We’re talking light installations that make you stop and stare, carnival rides that are way more fun than they have any right to be, and food stalls that go beyond the usual suspect snacks. The Supertree Grove light show at night is something else entirely. Those massive vertical gardens light up in a synchronized display that’s part nature documentary, part sci-fi movie.
The best part? The weather in December means you can actually enjoy being outside without feeling like you’re in a sauna. Grab a spot on the lawn, bring a picnic blanket, and just soak it all in. It’s one of those moments where you realize Singapore really knows how to blend nature and technology without making it feel forced.
Explore the Hawker Centers Like a Local
December is actually one of the best times to dive deep into Singapore’s hawker center culture. Why? Because the slightly cooler weather makes sitting in these open-air food courts way more pleasant. And trust us, this is where you’ll eat some of the best meals of your life.
Skip the famous hawker centers that every guidebook mentions and hunt down the neighborhood spots. Places like Chomp Chomp Food Centre or Old Airport Road Food Centre are where locals actually eat. You want chicken rice that’ll ruin all other chicken rice for you? Try Tian Tian Chicken Rice or any of the smaller stalls where aunties and uncles have been perfecting their recipes for decades.
The thing about hawker centers is they’re democratic in the best way. You could sit next to a CEO or a construction worker, and everyone’s there for the same reason: ridiculously good food at prices that make you double-check the bill. Order too much. Try things you can’t pronounce. Ask the person next to you what they’re eating. This is how you actually experience Singapore.
Take a Southern Ridges Walk
When people think Singapore, they usually don’t think hiking. But the Southern Ridges walk is one of those hidden gems that’ll change your perspective on this city. It’s a 10-kilometer trail that connects several parks and offers views that most visitors never see.
December weather makes this walk actually enjoyable rather than an endurance test. You’ll pass through forest canopies, walk across the Henderson Waves bridge (which looks like something out of a futuristic movie), and get panoramic views of the city and harbor. It’s free, it’s beautiful, and it reminds you that Singapore is more than just concrete and shopping malls.
Bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and start early if you can. The morning light filtering through the trees is absolutely worth setting an alarm for. Plus, you’ll have earned whatever hawker center feast you destroy afterward.
Hit Up the Indie Cafes in Tiong Bahru
Tiong Bahru is what happens when art deco architecture meets hipster coffee culture, and it somehow works perfectly. This neighborhood has managed to stay charming and authentic even as Singapore continues its relentless march toward modernization.
December mornings here are perfect for slow coffee and people-watching. Places like Forty Hands or Plain Vanilla serve coffee that’ll make you understand why Singaporeans are so particular about their caffeine. The neighborhood itself is walkable, filled with street art, vintage shops, and bookstores where you can actually spend hours browsing.
What we love about Tiong Bahru is that it feels like a neighborhood, not a tourist attraction. You’ll see families going about their morning routines, elderly residents doing tai chi in the parks, and young couples brunching like their lives depend on it. It’s real life, just with better coffee.
Catch a Show at the Esplanade
The Esplanade, affectionately known as “the Durian” because of its spiky exterior, is Singapore’s premier performing arts center. December programming is always strong, with everything from classical concerts to contemporary theater and dance performances.
Even if you’re not usually a theater person, there’s something about catching a show here that feels special. The acoustics are incredible, the programming is diverse, and you’re experiencing Singapore’s arts scene, which doesn’t get nearly enough credit internationally. Check their schedule and book something that sounds even remotely interesting. You might surprise yourself.
Wander Through Kampong Glam
While everyone else is fighting crowds on Orchard Road, you should be exploring Kampong Glam. This historic Arab Quarter has more personality in one block than some entire cities manage. The Sultan Mosque is stunning, the street art is next-level, and the shops sell everything from traditional textiles to modern streetwear.
Haji Lane, the tiny street that runs through the heart of the area, is lined with boutiques, cafes, and bars that feel like they were designed by people who actually care about aesthetics. December means the area gets decorated with lights and installations that add to the already vibrant atmosphere. Grab a coffee, shop for unique pieces you won’t find anywhere else, and just wander. Getting slightly lost here is part of the charm.
The Bottom Line
Singapore in December is what you make of it. Sure, you can join the masses and do the standard tourist circuit. Or you can dig a little deeper, explore the neighborhoods that don’t make it onto most itineraries, eat where locals eat, and discover a version of Singapore that’s way more interesting than the polished, perfect image the tourism board sells.
The beauty of this city is that it’s compact enough to explore thoroughly but layered enough that you’ll always find something new. December’s weather makes it the perfect time to actually get out there and see what Singapore is really about. So skip Orchard Road, or at least save it for a quick photo op, and go find the real magic this city has to offer.
Trust us, your December in Singapore will be so much better for it.