It’s the most wonderful time of the year. With end-of-year festivities and Christmas fast approaching, there’s so much to look forward to this December. From an underground go-kart pop-up to new restaurants in Orchard, we’ve put together a whole bunch of exciting new openings, activities, and shopping options if you’re planning to stay in Singapore this December.
Ho, ho, ho, have a very Merry Christmas!
Things To Do
Free football live screening @ SAFRA
Ole, ole, ole, ole! Get in on the football fever at SAFRA clubs, which are hosting complimentary live screenings of selected matches exclusively for members. But you don’t have to go at it alone if you don’t want to – each member may bring up to two guests for the live screening sessions.
For the live screening schedules at each club, check out the links below:
But that’s not all, SAFRA members can also collect stamps when they join the live screenings and redeem free gifts when they hit the milestone on their loyalty cards.
Till 18 December 2022 at all SAFRA clubhouses; more info at safra.sg/whats-on/sfb
SAFRA Family Day Out at Gardens by the Bay
Spend a day out at Gardens by the Bay with SAFRA’s highly-anticipated Family Day Out. This year, the event is back at Gardens by the Bay’s “Silver Garden”, where you’ll get to mingle and jingle with other SAFRA members.
Look forward to a meet-and-greet with Santa, and the kids can have fun with balloon sculpting, face painting and watching magic shows. Entry is $10 per SAFRA member family, and you’ll get a goodie bag worth $20 with every registration. Registrations close on 14 December 2022.
3pm to 7pm on 17 December 2022; more info at safra.sg/whats-on/safra-family-day-out
The Ultimate Talent 2022
Songbirds and aspiring dancers, listen up – The Ultimate Talent is returning with a bang. Organised by the SAFRA Youth Network, budding performers will showcase their singing prowess or dance skills and compete against one another for the title of The Ultimate Talent 2022, as well as win cash and prizes.
Winners will stand a chance to win up to $4,000 in cash and prizes, and on-air exposure over the radio. There’ll also be a K-pop Dance Battle on TikTok and a social media popularity contest. You can participate individually or in groups of 2 to 5 pax. To qualify, you’ll need to submit a video of your performance online.
The registration period is from now till 31 December 2022, and online qualifiers will be running from 14 to 21 January 2023. Finalists will be announced 25 January 2023, and the finalists will then go through professional training before the final showdown on 11 February 2023 at Paya Lebar Quarter.
Registration till 31 December 2022; more info at safra.sg/tut2022.
Doraemon Exhibition
We all have fond memories of our favourite robot cat, Doraemon, from our childhoods. The National Museum of Singapore is hosting the first Doraemon exhibition outside of Japan, which even includes a Doraemon-themed cafe where you can munch on the character’s favourite red bean pancakes, Dorayaki.
The exhibition features original manga sketches of Doraemon by Hiroshi Fujimoto, 18 unique variations of the character, and even a 2m-tall pink Doraemon clad in cotton and colourful toys. There’s even the iconic pink Anywhere Door on the second floor, so you can snap pics for the ‘gram.
Till 5 February 2023 at National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178897, Tel: 6332 3659
Dinokart 3.0 at Changi Airport
There’s an underground go-karting circuit in the basement of Changi Airport Terminal 3, and it’s happening from now until 2 April 2023. But this is no ordinary go-kart; it’s a dino-themed, disco circuit with atmospheric lights and tunes setting the ambience while you race it out.
The electronic karts can reach speeds of 28km/h, and each rider can go up to 6 rounds or 8 minutes per session. Make sure you come in covered shoes, and avoid wearing loose pieces of clothing. You’ll also be provided with a helmet for extra protection.
Tickets are priced from $28 per pax, but if you spend a minimum of $50 in a single receipt at the public areas of all Changi Airport terminals, you get a $5 voucher.
Till 2 April 2023 at Changi Airport Terminal 3
Shopping
Nothing Earphones
Audiophiles may think that they’ve tried every headphone or earphone brand out there – but have you heard of the Nothing Earphones?
It has a unique transparent design to highlight the craftsmanship underneath, active noise cancellation should you want some peace and quiet in the office, and amazing sound with a 11.6mm dynamic driver and spacious air chamber. The best part? It only costs $199, which is a lot more affordable than most wireless earphones in the market.
Whether you’re looking for a new pair of earphones or getting a Christmas gift for your best bros, the Nothing Earphones is a fabulous option.
Nothing Earphones are available on Amazon and the Nothing website
Uniqlo & JW Anderson 2022 Fall/Winter Collection
This festive season, Uniqlo has collaborated with JW Anderson for its 2022 Fall/Winter Collection. You can expect to snag pieces from the British fashion label at the pocket-friendly prices Uniqlo is known for.
We love the JWA Flannel Checked Regular Fit Long Sleeve Shirt ($22.90) and JWA Padded Half Coat ($149.90), which would make a great fashion statement if you’re planning to travel to colder countries this December.
Available at Uniqlo’s Orchard Central global flagship, ION Orchard, Bugis+ and Raffles City stores, and online
Dining
Christmas with Janice Wong
Chocolate lovers are in for a treat this Christmas because culinary artist and multi-award-winning pastry chef Janice Wong has launched a Christmas 2022 collection. Look forward to a spectacular array of edible creations, including cakes, cookies, box sets, and hampers.
Gift your friends the Bean to Bar Advent Calendar ($98), which has 12 different flavours of Pure Imagination single-origin chocolate bars; or send them a hamper (from $80) filled with premium champagne and an assortment of Christmas confections in limited edition festive boxes. Going for a Christmas gathering? Your loved ones will be wowed by the Santa Pom Pom Celebration Cake ($88) filled with cherry compote, cherry curd, vanilla chantilly mousse, cherry Champagne mousse, and Champagne mousse in a beetroot sponge.
Janice Wong stores are at Great World, i12 Katong and Paragon
Phat Fingers
Missing Seoul? Get your Korean fried chicken cravings fixed at Phat Fingers, a new restaurant in Telok Ayer. And you don’t have to stick to fried chicken – there are also burgers and rice bowls for those who prefer alternative forms of carbs besides french fries.
A must-try for spicy food lovers is the Nuclear Spicy Xtra Hot Burger ($8.99), while those playing it safe can order Psy’s Famous Chicken Burger ($8.99). Otherwise, another popular item on the menu is the Chicken Cutlet Rice Bowl ($8.99), which comes with fried chicken cutlet, a generous serving of kimchi and assorted veggies.
Phat Fingers is at 51 Telok Ayer Street, #01-03, China Square Food Centre, Singapore 048441
Oyaho Mamasan
There’s a new dining spot in Orchard, and it’s perfect for those looking for some grub after Christmas shopping. It’s called Ohayo Mama San and specialises in Singaporean-Japanese food and cocktails.
We’d recommend ordering up their sashimi platters – specifically, the Salmon Obsession Platter ($58), great for sharing between 2 to 3 pax and featuring a variety of sashimi for those who want their fill of Omega 3. Their Indonesian-inspired dishes – the Creamy Sambal Ijo Fish with Garlic Fried Rice ($24) and Sweet & Sour Balinese Sambal Matah Seafood Medley with Garlic Rice ($24) – are also to die for.
Not too hungry? Oyaho Mamasan also has affordable high tea sets starting from $38 for two, which come with a selection of sweet treats and a pot of TWG tea.
Oyaho Mamasan is at 313 Somerset, #01-29, Singapore 238895; Tel: 8875 2777
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