What better way to get into the festive mood than Christmas carols? Head over to Raffles Hotel, Paragon, Clarke Quay, St Andrew’s Cathedral and more for some good ol’ Christmas music
The yuletide season is more than just Santa Claus, roasted turkeys and beautiful lights. Cheesy as it sounds, the holidays simply aren’t complete without the joyous sounds of Christmas carolling. That’s why we’ve put together a festive guide to the best places around town for some melodic choir performances. We dare you not to sing along!
Raffles Hotel
Every year-end holiday period, the majestic colonial interiors of Raffles Hotel reverberate with the melodic vocal stylings of The Victoria Junior College Choir. This year’s lineup even features the talented choir from National University of Singapore. Expect a medley of Christmas carols and seasonal classics that will leave you all warm and fuzzy.
Raffles Hotel, 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673
Tanglin Mall
Located at the far end of Orchard, this typically quiet mall comes alive during the festive season, with live performances, roving carollers from National University of Singapore, and even a special visit from St. Nick himself.
Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247933
City Square Mall
Be showered with tunes like “Jingle Bell Rock”, “Rocking Around The Christmas Tree” and “Feliz Navidad” at this eco-friendly mall on 17 and 18 December, from 8pm to 8.45pm at Level 1 Atrium. Last year, the Emmanuel Choir from Church of St Bernadette entertained shoppers with their spectacular showcase, and we expect this year to be even more magical.
City Square Mall, 180 Kitchener Road, Singapore 208539.
Gardens by the Bay Christmas Wonderland
This year’s Christmas Wonderland may include an admission fee, but we’d pay good money to soak up the festive spirit here. Aside from the gorgeous light-up of its Supertrees coupled with awe-inspiring Christmas light displays, there’ll typically be carollers from various schools serenading the masses with feel-good Christmas choons.
Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Paragon
Need to catch a breather from all that exhausting Christmas shopping? Pop by Paragon for gorgeous festive decor (its Christmas trees are award-winning) and carols by local a capalla groups.
Paragon, 290 Orchard Road, Singapore 23885
Singapore River
For something more romantic, take a stroll down the beautifully decorated Singapore River and catch carollers as they cruise down the Singapore River in bumboats. Stay a little longer to witness breathtaking firework displays.
Clarke Quay, 3 River Valley Road, Singapore 179024
S.E.A. Aquarium
Spend the Christmas holidays underwater at the magical marine world of S.E.A. Aquarium. The annual festive event, Merry Fishmas, returns to spread Xmas cheer again this year with carollers and an activity trail if you’re swinging by with the whole family.
S.E.A Aquarium, Sentosa Island, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269.
Sentosa Merlion Plaza
Christmas Cheers, the outdoor festival at the Merlion Plaza, returns this year. As the sun sets, sample grilled goodies or sing along with choirs (last year’s lineup featured the talented Voxapella) as they croon Christmas tunes. More updates will be added as we approach the festive season.
Sentosa Merlion Plaza, Imbiah Station, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098588.
St. Andrew’s Cathedral
Where else better to enjoy Christmas carols than in a church? St. Andrew’s Cathedral promises a fun-filled Christmas programme every year, with plenty of festive food and carolling found within its historic premises.
St. Andrew’s Cathedral, 11 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178959
Saint George’s Church
Nestled in Dempsey Hill, this Anglican church is where expat communities in Singapore congregate for midnight mass and Christmas carols during the festive season. Be sure to get there early before it’s full.
Saint George’s Church, 44 Minden Road, Singapore 248816
Universal Studios Singapore
Christmas without a trip to Universal Studios Singapore is never complete. The theme park opens its doors beyond operating hours for a festive extravaganza of stunning light sculptures, live shows, fireworks and Santa’s village where there’ll be plenty of carols to sing along to.
Universal Studios Singapore, Sentosa Island, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269.