12 ways to enjoy a fabulous Christmas

Christmas is just round the corner and there’s no lack of festive menus and special events happening islandwide to ease you into the celebratory mood. From sumptuous multi-course dinners, relaxing staycations to bustling Christmas markets, here’s what you can look forward to.

Come here for a meal

Indulge in a dainty Festive High Tea Set ($88/two persons) at LeBAR, Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort & Spa. Specially crafted Yuletide goodies are hidden within a customised jewellery box and served alongside an extensive selection of Illy coffees and TWG teas. Pamper yourselves further with a bottle of Tattinger Brut Champange at a $130 supplement or opt for one of LeBAR’s 12 Cocktails of Christmas ($18). If you can’t decide on your cocktail (Tropical Christmas or Merry & Bright?), get the Sampler Set ($60).

Lobby Level, 2 Bukit Manis Road. Tel: 6708 8310

Executive chef Alex Phan of Park Hotel Clarke Quay‘s Porta presents a four-course menu ($66/person) on 23-25, 30 and 31 December. Think classic European dishes like Vichyssoise with Hokkaido Scallop and Lobster Thermidor; diners choose between a delicate Black Cod and a hearty Beef Tenderloin as their main course. For an indulgent experience, choose the Cattier Champagne flight pairing ($50) to sample three specially selected labels: the Brut Icône, Dry Rosé and Brut Premier Cru. 

Level 1, 1 Unity Street. Tel: 6593 8855

For a classic, continental Christmas meal, Lawry’s The Prime Rib‘s six-course Christmas set menu ($169-189/person on Christmas Eve, $139/person on Christmas Day) is a clear winner. The brand’s signature 21-day aged USDA Prime Rib of Beef will be served alongside roasted sliced turkey and smoked turkey ham, complete with chestnut stuffing and cranberry sauce as the main course. (Boston Lobster Tail and Grilled Kurobuto Pork Collar are alternatives.) The sumptuous mains will be prefaced by a duo of seafood-centric starters: Ocean Gems Fresh Chilean Scallop, and Foie Gras with Baby Octopus or Smoked Salmon.

#04-01/31, Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Rd. Tel: 6836 3333

Mag’s Wine Kitchen‘s traditional Christmas roasts are not to be sniffed at. For the month of December, Mag’s Great Festive Roast offers two five-course menus: Roast Prime Rib ($128) and Roast Crackling Pork ($108). These sumptuous mains are served with Brussels sprouts, roasted root vegetables and glazed baby carrots, and joined by a festive staple of Roast Turkey with Chestnut and Giblet Gravy. Finish the feast with Cured Trout and Jamon Serrano appetisers, and a traditional Christmas pudding.

#01-06, 55 Keong Saik Road. Tel: 6436 3836

The Classic Afternoon Tea ($118/two persons) at InterContinental Singapore’s Lobby Lounge is a lighter, more elegant way of celebrating Christmas. Think a three-tiered stand filled with savoury delights like Turkey Carbonara Vol-Au-Vent and Foie Gras Mousse Éclair, and sweets inspired by Northern Europe like Dark Chocolate Mousse with Lingonberry Confit and Apricot Fromage Blanc Tart. The tea comes with a flute of Tattinger Brut Champagne.

Lobby Level, 80 Middle Road. Tel: 6825 1008

V-Dining‘s six-course menu ($130), crafted by head chef Lee Jing Peng and culinary director Ryan Clift, is as festive as it can get. For the mains, expect a classic Beef Wellington finished with port wine jus, and a Christmas Spiced Ocean Trout served with earthy heirloom beets. Complete the feast with a duo of timeless staples: Mont Blanc and a rum jelly and praline Log Cake.

#03-13, Scotts Square, 6 Scotts Road. Tel: 6950 4868

Year-end staycations

Marriott Singapore Tang Plaza offers a special Yuletide staycation package for a passport-free getaway. Relax in the comfort of the hotel’s Deluxe Room, where you can enjoy a view of the Christmas display along Orchard Road without jostling with the crowds. The package includes breakfast for two at Marriott Café and a $50 Food & Beverage voucher, perfect for a festive buffet at Marriott Café before retiring to the comfort of your own room. Room rates start from $410 per night. Available from 14 December to 4 January with the promotional code YX1.

Online: www.marriott.com/sindt.

Hotel Fort Canning‘s Urban Spa-cation package (starting from $288/night) is worth a go. The lush hotel grounds within Fort Canning Park offer an idyllic way to unwind; the Spa-cation package comes with daily buffet breakfast, unlimited servings of wines and canapés during Aperitif Hour, and 15 percent discount on festive buffets, sets and tea. Complete the experience with a visit to Chinois Spa, which boasts a slew of facilities including three outdoor mineral pools and a fitness centre. The package comes with up to 30 percent discount on treatments at Chinois Spa, where you can pamper your body with a range of natural, organic beauty products.

11 Canning Walk. Tel: 6559 6769 (room reservations) 6836 3363 (spa reservations).

Spend your festive holidays in the heart of Orchard Road with Mandarin Orchard Singapore‘s special staycation rates. As the official hotel for Christmas on a Great Street 2019 (hosted by the Orchard Road Business Association), the hotel is offering 20 percent off best flexible rates with complimentary breakfast for two until 1 January. After a long day of retail therapy in Singapore’s premier shopping district, retire to the comfort of your own room and bask in the festive lights and Christmas decorations.

333 Orchard Road. Valid for direct bookings online at this link, with the code ORBAXMAS.

A Yuletide fair

A bonafide Christmas market experience, Gardens by the Bay’s Christmas Wonderland returns for its sixth consecutive year. The park grounds has been transformed with the help of 40 luminaire light sculptures, along with Asia’s tallest luminaire Christmas tree as the centerpiece. The Mistletoe Alley and Walk of Peace are similar attractions that boast a dazzling, light-filled experience. What’s new year is the interactive Santa’s Workshop area, where animatronic elves will be hard at work wrapping presents. Experience Blizzard Time, where the festival space is buffeted in ‘snow’ before heading to 24 European-style Christmas huts to enjoy food and drinks, and browse through the craft vendors’ wares.

For more information, visit the website.

Capitol Singapore is hosting the European-inspired Capitol Kempinski Christmas Market, complete with an ice-skating rink. Let the children skate to their heart’s content while adults shop at over 50 booths in the market space. From panetonne, log cakes and chilled mulled wines, to fashion and lifestyle booths, shopping for holiday gifts will be a breeze. Keep an eye out for the Capitol Kempinski Singing Tree; the eight-metre tall giant features the voice of 30 carollers who will perform live twice a night. Till 24 December.

For more information, visit The Season of Joy.

Is your Instagram feed missing an eye-catching Christmas post? Head down to CHIJMES for picture perfect opportunities; there are seven festive art installations throughout the food and entertainment space. A key highlight is the Laser Projection Show on the façade of the historic CHIJMES Hall, which features scenes of Santa’s helpers, and the snowy kingdom of an ice princess. Roving musicans and carollers add to the festive ambience. Till 24 December.

For more information, visit CHIJMES.