17 Best Christmas Light-Up Spots In 2021: Fairytale-Themed Displays, Tunnel Of Stars, Laser Shows & More

By Rachel Yohannan on 15 Dec 2021

Senior Digital Editor

Crazy cat lady who loves afternoon tea, kawaii Japanese fashion, and all things Sanrio.

Christmas is inching closer and closer and we’re well in the mood for this season of joy! Other than celebrating with festive afternoon tea and Christmas date ideas, one of the best ways to soak in the feels is to take a simple stroll to admire the Christmas lights and decorations that have just been put up across the island.

As usual, Orchard Road is on our list of 17 Christmas light-up spots in Singapore for 2021, but there’s so much more in store - including nature spaces like a rainbow tree grove, a quiet spot in the North, and free laser light shows with music.

Read on to find more about the Christmas light-up in Singapore in 2021!

- Gardens by the Bay -

#1: Poinsettia Wishes - Nordic candyland

Photo from Gardens by the Bay

Christmas just got a lot sweeter with this year’s edition of Poinsettia Wishes in Gardens by the Bay’s Flower Dome, which has taken on a cheery candyland theme inspired by traditional festive sweets and desserts from Nordic countries like Sweden, Denmark, Finland and more.

Photo from Gardens by the Bay

Feast your eyes on a 8-metre ferris wheel of cupcakes, a candied apple carriage manned by cute gnomes, marshmallow snowmen, and a Valleys of the Sweets section full of giant candy canes and gingerbread men shaped like animals native to the Nordic nations.

Photo from Gardens by the Bay

Read our full article on Poinsettia Wishes here.

#2: Christmas Wonderland - 10m castle, starry tunnel, and 2-storey Venetian carousel

Photo from Gardens by the Bay

It’s almost tradition by now - Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay is back for another run full of romantic light installations. Aside from the dazzling luminaries, other supersized displays like a Walk of Stars, 30-metre Enchanted Bridge over a glowing “river”, and 2-storey Venetian Double-Storey Carousel await.

Photo from Gardens by the Bay

One of the main highlights is the 10-metre tall TInsel Castle that you definitely won’t be able to miss from afar. For more fairytale vibes, head over to the glowing Magical Carriage flanked by a nutcracker soldier and led by two horses spun out of string lights.

Photo from Gardens by the Bay

Like always, there’s a European-style Christmas Market - the Mistletoe Alley Market - with festive goodies and gift items up for purchase.

Read our full article on Christmas Wonderland 2021 here.

- Orchard Road -

#3: Wisma Atria - inspired by Alice in Wonderland

Photo from @yasminnecheng via Instagram

Transport yourself into the world of Alice in Wonderland with Whims and Fancies at Wisma Atria, inspired by the whimsical Lewis Carroll tale. Enter the archway and walk through a black-and-white checkered path - a fitting nod to the chess scene in the novel - and pass by magic toadstools, moving flowers, and woodland animal friends.

Photo from @wtharttz via Instagram

With a floating teapot to a Queen of Hearts tree sprouting out of a lopsided teacup, not everything here makes logical sense here - but hey, the beauty of fairy tales is that they don’t have to!

Photo from @amandachaang via Instagram

Light and music shows will be happening nightly between 7pm to 11pm. Don’t be a Late Rabbit - keep an eye on your watch and take your spot on time to get the best views.

#4: Wheelock Place - “stained glass” gift boxes and cascading lights

Photo from @randomsynr via Instagram

The glass conical structure of Wheelock Place is already a sight to behold all year round, but during Christmas, it gets even more stunning. This year’s decor features dangling gift boxes, baubles, and candy canes that look like they’re made out of stained glass - along with a “waterfall” of cascading string lights down the middle.

Photo from @johnsg100 via Instagram

The outside of the mall has a cuter appearance, with sculptures of Santa and his little elves greeting customers near the entrance.

Photo from @joy_of_living21

#5: Orchard Central - pink life-sized train installation

Photo from @pikachewwwww via Instagram

All aboard the love train at Orchard Central! Much to our delight, the Seasons of Love Christmas decor outside the mall is pretty in pink this year, taking the form of a life-sized European-style locomotive. Further fuelling our wanderlust are pink luggage bags stacked up along either side of the train, topped with Christmassy plant decor providing some colour contrast.

Photo from @wtharttz via Instagram

The attention to detail here is commendable - though it’s a 3D model made out of cardboard, the train looks very realistic, and even comes with gold grab poles and seats you can actually take a rest on. Overhead, shiny baubles and snowflakes create a sparkly canopy, while nutcracker figurines of various sizes stand guard throughout.

Photo from @janicefion via Instagram

It’s good to know that the Christmas trees and ornaments here have been recycled from previous years, and dried flowers have been used in lieu of plastic ones in a bid to reduce waste and be more eco-friendly.

#6: ION Orchard - celestial Chanel installation with light show and freebies

Photo from @5five_portrait ft. @vivianj_22

It’s all about the glitz and glam with the Chanel Holiday Cosmos-sphere, located right outside ION Orchard - the first outdoor Chanel Christmas tree in Singapore and tallest Chanel installation in the world. From the outside, you’ll see a heap of cream-coloured Chanel gift boxes at the base of the installation, while a series of overlapping gold hoops ascends to form a tower.

Photo from @rosebennet via Instagram

Step through the archway into a little nook and you’ll look up to dangling stars, meteorites, and the CC logo dangling from above. You’ll also want to snap a photo at the feature wall which has twinkling astrological motifs and a gold 3D model of the iconic Chanel N°5 perfume.

Photo from @5five_portrait ft. @vivianj_22

Make sure you arrive in time for the light shows! There are freebies to be redeemed too, and no purchase is required!

Read our full article on the Chanel Holiday Cosmos-sphere here.

#7: 313@somerset - iridescent fairytale castle

Photo from @chewymunchkins via Instagram

Bask in the splendour of the royal fairytale castle at 313@Somerset, which is washed in eye-catching shades of pink and further jazzed up with iridescent details which shimmer in various hues depending on how the light hits.

Photo from @chewymunchkins via Instagram

The main spire of the castle is actually a Christmas tree, while a ballerina and tin soldier stand on a raised platform resembling a music box - an ode to The Steadfast Tin Soldier by author Hans Christian Andersen. Behind them is a 3D crystal heart that looks most enchanting when night falls.

Photo from 313@somerset

A stone’s throw from this main structure is a series of castle-themed arches linked by strings of fairy lights, creating a magical walkway adorned with pink swans.

- Marina Bay -

#8: Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade - rainbow tree walkway

Photo from URA

The tree-lined walkways of the Marina Bay Waterfront Parade are now a kaleidoscope of colour with rainbow lights and projections of stars - a symbol of creativity and hope for our nation. These will be lighting up the way from 8pm to 10.30pm nightly for the entire month, with extended timings on New Year’s Eve.

Photo from @bellaella777 via Instagram

While there, take a stroll to Marina Bay Financial Centre just a stone’s throw away to check out the abstract clock face projection with Steampunk vibes. You can send in your well-wishes to be displayed as part of the animations!

Photo from @najibxrahman via Instagram

#9: Marina Bay Sands - charming indoor “streets”

Photo from Marina Bay Sands

No character standees or reimagined trees in funky colours; The Christmas decorations at MBS follow the good old traditional route with classic green firs dressed up in gold, silver, and hints of red - rightfully appropriate for a luxury mall.

Photo from Marina Bay Sands

Additional embellishments come in the form of arches with nutcracker guards, rustic-looking lamp posts, and lit-up gate structures lined with garlands - all of which combined bring to mind the streets of London or that of some European country.

Photo from Marina Bay Sands

A couple of all-white reindeer statues add to the atmosphere without looking overly artificial.

#10: The Promontory - 60 laser beams shooting straight into the sky

Photo from URA

Bad news: There will be no New Year fireworks in town this year. Good news: You’ll get to marvel at a nightly laser show at Marina Bay just like last year’s, where 60 light beams will be shooting straight up into the sky.

This is already in session from 8pm to 10.30pm, and throughout this period, different colours will be utilised to shine awareness on specific causes.On 29 to 31, specifically, the area will be bathed in magenta to represent harmony in Singapore, so if you like vivid, rosy shades, that’s the best time to head down!

- City Hall -

#11: CHIJMES - skating under the stars and musical projections

Photo from CHIJMES

It doesn’t get any dreamier than CHIJMES during Christmastime. Other than the inherently royal-looking architecture, there’s now also an outdoor skating rink where you can glide hand in hand with bae under the stars - the stuff of romantic yuletide movies!

Photo from CHIJMES

There are also nightly light shows which are basically a mini musical of sorts, where the facade of CHIJMES Hall will come alive with projections accompanied by tunes that’ll get you right in the mood for the season. On Fridays and weekends, you’ll also be able to send in your message dedications to be displayed as part of the interactive spectacle.

Read our full article on Christmas at CHIJMES here.

#12: Capitol Singapore - dome dining under “snowfall”

Photo from Capitol Singapore

The “igloo” domes at Capitol Singapore are back for another year’s run on their garden lawn! Book one for private usage and have a feast with food and drinks, or simply have a chill session with friends. Each dome is fitted with its own portable air-con units so you won’t have to worry about the heat, and if you come at the right time, you’ll catch the Singing Tree in action!

Photo from Capitol Singapore

Still searching for Christmas gifts or decor? Head inside the mall and pop by the Christmas Market with over 20 booths selling knick-knacks, food, and handicrafts.

Read our full article on the festive domes at Capitol Singapore here.

- Nature Spots -

#13: Singapore Botanic Gardens - for quiet strolls away from city buzz

Photo from @kellietan56 via Instagram

Singapore Botanic Gardens is one of our favourites for admiring Christmas decor, simply because it’s one of the rare spots away from all the city buzz. And because the park is so spacious, you’re unlikely to feel claustrophobic even during peak visiting hours on weekends.

Photo from @gerardjnonis via Instagram

Photo from @kellietan56 via Instagram

Rows and rows of trees throughout the gardens are strung with fairy lights and baubles, but some spots to look out for include the Clock Tower, which looks particularly charming now that it’s all dressed up, and the centrepieces in some of the indoor pavilions. Keep your eyes peeled for cute snowman sculptures made out of recycled materials!

Photo from @rufuswaggington via Instagram

#14: The Oval at Seletar Aerospace Park - colourful and candylicious

Photo from @knoxxevents_sg via Instagram

Full of colour and joy, Candylicious Wonderland at Seletar Aerospace Park is an eye-pleaser that kids are especially sure to love. Frolic on the spacious lawn among giant gingerbread men, gummy bear, and a giant hot air balloon with ice cream-like toppings, and try to snag a spot on the rainbow garden swing!

Photo from @knoxxevents_sg via Instagram

If you’re already making the trip down to this quiet sport in the North, you might as well drop by Chow Cute, a dog cafe in a stately colonial building, that serves drinks and light bites for humans.

Photo from @knoxxevents_sg via Instagram

These super sweet installations will be up till February 2022 - slightly longer than the others on this list - so there’s ample time to plan an outing to explore the area!

- Changi Airport -

#15: Jewel Changi - travel-themed zones

Photo from Jewel Changi

Going to the airport simply to just hang out is something only Singaporeans - or those who’ve visited our national gem, aka Changi Airport - will understand. But with that, my friends, usually comes a sense of overwhelming wanderlust, especially now that we’re travel-deprived. Well, Jewel Changi has got you covered with their Meet the World Christmas light-up at the Forest Valley.

Photo from Jewel Changi

First, walk through the entryway of the 16-metre tree set against the Rain Vortex, before you “travel” across continents with destination-themed set-ups designed after world-famous landmarks. Tour the Eiffel Tower, an African safari, tiki huts in Hawaii, the London Tower, and even a Japanese onsen and more - all in the same space.

Photo from Jewel Changi

The nightly Rain Vortex light and sound show has also gotten a festive makeover with projections of snowflakes, festive wreaths, and reindeers galloping across the indoor waterfall.

#16: Jurassic Mile - dinosaur sculptures amidst 10,000 illuminated flowers

Photo from Changi Airport

Dino Dazzle at Changi Jurassic Mile makes another appearance, with their life-like dinosaur sculptures fully lit up for the festive period. This time, the additional light installations have been designed after the 4 seasons, and the scores of prehistoric creatures will be surrounded by a sea of 10,000 glowing flowers including tulips, sunflowers, and dandelions.

#17: Terminal 3 - cute Disney Tsum Tsum photo spots

Photo from Changi Airport

We know many of you are Disney fans, so we can guess that this Tsum Tsum Christmas exhibition will be a hit. Everything here is travel-themed - strike a pose within a giant snow globe, wooden airplanes, and a baggage conveyor belt full of presents!

Photo from Changi Airport