World Christmas Market – The Promontory at Marina Bay, Singapore
Words: Matt Brown
Photos: Han Sen Hau
Christmas markets have long been a cherished tradition in European cities, where cobblestone streets come alive with twinkling lights, the scent of mulled wine, and the warmth of holiday cheer as snowflakes fall from the sky. Closer to the Equator, we can’t expect much in the way of snow, but a taste of seasonal magic has arrived for Singapore to enjoy. The inaugural World Christmas Market, set up facing Marina Bay Sands from its prime bayside position at The Promontory, aims to bring people together to celebrate the festive season with food, arts and crafts, music and a focus on all things festive.
The market’s centrepiece is Grab Feast Street, featuring classic holiday treats like baked ham, turkey and bratwurst to sweet indulgences like Hungarian chimney cakes and festive cups of eggnog. Local twists on festive food add to the unique experience, with vendors offering Lok Lok skewers, corn dogs, freshly grilled seafood and desserts like ondeh ondeh Swiss rolls. Getting in just as the sun starts to set will allow you to not only find a great place to sit for viewing the bay, lights and live entertainment but will also allow you to not spend too much time waiting in line for all of the popular dishes.
The market offers a 15% discount through Grab Dine Out deals, allowing visitors to enjoy even more of the seasonal abundance without going overboard on spending.
Beyond the food and beverage options, the Decor and Gift Bazaar is a trove of festive finds. There are handcrafted ornaments, glass baubles, carved wooden figurines, and even actual, living Christmas trees available for purchase. There’s something quite special about the experience of looking at MBS light up nearby while on the air all you can smell are the natural fragrance of the pines.
Promoting more sustainable ideas for the Christmas season is The Fashion Pulpit, a Singaporean organisation striving to make fashion a force for good through upcycling, thrifting and swapping clothes.
Families will love the twinkling light displays, interactive games, Christmas carols and live musical performances of A Christmas Gift. The main stage will host a number of talented performers, such as Reverie, O.K. Ready! and Jukuleles, providing classic and modern tunes to keep the festive cheer flowing. There’s a Gingerbread House bouncy castle, and children are also encouraged to cast their dreams into the wishing wells during the Season of Hope.
Running from 5 to 25 December 2024, the World Christmas Market is an easy and enjoyable night out for families and those who want to feel a bit more of the Christmas spirit away from the malls. Sipping a refreshing drink, swaying to catchy Christmas tunes as a gentle breeze rolls in, and watching the bay come alive with twinkling lights is a quintessentially delightful way to enjoy the Christmas season in Singapore.
World Christmas Market
The Promontory @ Marina Bay
11 Marina Blvd, Singapore 018940
Nearest MRT Station: Bayfront (CE1|DT16)
wcm-sg.com
@wcm.sg
World Christmas Market Opening Hours
5 to 25 December 2024
Monday to Thursday: 5 pm – 11 pm
Friday to Sunday: 4 pm – 11 pm
Admission: Free
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