Fly a Star Wars X-Wing Fighter, meet Peppa Pig and more at these Christmas events

PHOTOGRAPH: Gardens by the Bay

When: Nov 11-Jan 5, 9am-9pm

Venue: Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive

Price: $8 per child, $12 per adult

For more information, visit www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/

There are no white Christmases in Singapore but why not embrace the abundance of greenery? In the cool controlled climate of the Flower Dome, tread along fields of poinsettias, amaryllis, Christmas roses and more. The Flower Dome transforms into a magical yuletide scene with dancing ballerinas in giant snow globes and marching toy soldiers. And Christmas wouldn’t be complete without towering conifer trees filling the room with their pine fragrance.

Make sure to stay at the Gardens by the Bay till dark. That’s when the glow of the Italian Luminarie lights in the Outdoor Gardens takes centrestage. This dazzling display will mesmerise you.

PHOTOGRAPH: Raffles City Shopping Centre

When: Nov 18-Dec 27

Venue: Level 3 Atrium, Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Road

For more information, visit www.rafflescity.com.sg/

We can’t get enough of Craftholic’s adorable and lanky plush toys. Look out for them at the Craftholic pop-up store at Raffles City. The limited edition Denim Collection awaits you there, which features popular characters Rab Bunny and Sloth Bear ($16 to $210).

Each weekend from Dec 2-18, at 3pm and 7pm, you and the kids will get to meet and greet the loveable character mascots. Make your own 3D gift cards (4pm) and hairbands (5pm) at the Craftholic workshops, happening Dec 2-4 and Dec 9-11.

While your children are busy crafting, pamper yourself with a free manicure when you spend a minimum of $50 at the Craftholic pop-up store or $80 at any store in the mall. Manicures are available on Dec 3 and 10, 1-5pm.

PHOTOGRAPH: Onekm Shopping Mall

When: Nov 23-Dec 18

Venue: United Square, 101 Thomson Road and Onekm Shopping Mall, 11 Tanjong Katong Road

For more information, visit http://www.unitedsquare.com.sg/ or http://www.onekm.com.sg/

If you have young kids, they’ll want to celebrate the festivities with their favourite TV characters. Your kids can get up close and personal with the cast of Barney, Thomas the Tank, Bob the Builder, Peppa Pig and more, at the character live shows and meet-and-greet sessions at these two malls.

At United Square

Peppa Pig’s Big Holiday Time

When: Nov 23-Dec 5. Mon-Fri, 2.30pm and 7pm; Sat and Sun at 2pm, 5pm and 7pm.

Barney and Friends Favourite Hits

When: Dec 9-16 (no shows on Dec 13). Mon-Fri, 2.30pm and 7pm; Sat and Sun, 2pm, 5pm and 7pm

At Onekm Shopping Mall

The Little Big Club – Biggest Hits

When: Nov 25-Dec 7 (no shows on Nov 30). Mon-Fri, 1pm and 6pm; Sat and Sun, 12.30pm, 3.30pm and 6pm.

These are live shows and meet-and-greet sessions with Thomas the Tank, Bob the Builder, Mike the Knight, Barney and more.

Peppa Pig’s Big Holiday Adventure

When: Dec 9-18 (no shows on Dec 14). Mon-Fri, 1pm and 6pm; Sat and Sun, 12.30pm, 3.30pm and 6pm

PHOTOGRAPH: Vivocity

When: Nov 29- Dec 18

Venue: Level 1 Atrium, Vivocity, 1 Harbourfront Walk

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/vivocity.sg

Love the Star Wars franchise and excited for the latest movie, Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, which opens in cinemas on Dec 15? Get a taste of the galaxy far, far away at Vivocity. Stationed in the atrium is an 8m-tall AT-ACT Walker in all its rugged glory, accompanied by several life-sized Death Troopers.

Everyone can get in on the action and take part in the rebellion. Train Star Wars characters at one of the game stations, or take a spin in an X-Wing Fighter using a virtual reality headset. There are also Star Wars figurines, collectibles and other merchandise on sale.  

PHOTOGRAPH: Christmas Wonderland

When: Dec 2-Jan 1, 3.30-11pm

Venue: Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive

Price: $4 a ticket, available from www.christmaswonderland.sg

For more information, visit www.christmaswonderland.sg or Christmas Wonderland’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/ChristmasWonderlandSingapore/.

Take a walk around Christmas Wonderland, Singapore’s biggest Christmas fair spanning over 60,000sq metres, amid looming supertrees and beautiful sculptures of light.

Give your kids a chance to experience a white winter in the 96sq metre Snow Playground. A 20-minute session costs $16, including the rental of snow boots; only for children two to 12 years old. There’s also an ice skating rink ($18 for 45min) and ice slide ($4 per ride) for lots of wintry fun.

Hi-5 fans will be delighted to know that the Australian TV series is bringing its edutainment playhouse to the event too. Kids can sing and dance to their favourite Hi-5 songs, take on the obstacle course, or dress up as their favourite cast members and take photos. Admission costs $24 per child (aged 4-12) and an accompanying adult.

Explore the fairgrounds and play carnival games, or hit the Christmas market and check out the many craft and boutique stores housed in European-style wooden huts. Treat yourself to Dutch pancakes, sliders, meat skewers and more as you shop.

PHOTOGRAPH: The Expat Fairs

When: Dec 6-7, 10am-6pm

Venue: Raffles Town Club, 1 Plymouth Avenue

For more information, visit http://www.theexpatfairs.com

Take a day off to check out this Christmas market, which boasts more than 100 vendors selling a wide variety of products, from artisanal cheese and extra virgin olive oil from Sicily, Italy to Alaskan seafood, natural handmade soaps from Greece and chic clothing and accessories for men, women and children.

Tell your kids to behave, because Santa will be making an appearance from 2.30pm to 4.30pm to say hello and pose for pictures. Otherwise, drop them off at the children’s corner and shop in peace while they play games and take part in other activities with qualified childcare staff from the Australian International School.

PHOTOGRAPH: Singapore Changi Airport

When: Nov 18- Feb 11

Venue: Changi Airport

For more information, visit www.changiairport.com/pokemon

The Pokemon Go craze culminates in this Pokemon holiday extravaganza, happening at Changi Airport. Take the kids to the Terminal 3 Departure Hall and come face to face with a giant, 7m-tall Pikachu. Or meet three life-sized Snorlax in the Snorlax Garden at the Terminal 2 Departure Hall. 

Game for some adventure? Hunt for Pokemon on the Poke trail and stand a chance to win Pokemon merchandise. There are also limited-edition plush toys of popular characters like Pikachu, Bulbasaur and Eevee on sale at $9.90 with a minimum spending of $60 in the public area.

In both Terminal 2 and 3 Departure Halls, and Terminal 1 Departure Transit Hall, you’ll find a Z-Moves activity kiosk, which will transform you on screen into Pikachu. Be sure to capture the moments on video and share them with your friends and family.

And check out the light show at Terminal 3 Departure Hall, happening on weekdays, from now until Jan 8, 2017, at 2pm, 6pm, 7pm and 8pm, with an additional show at 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

PHOTOGRAPH: The Wicked Cream Co

When: Dec 10-11, 12-9pm

Venue: Level 1 external atrium, The Cathay, 2 Handy Road

For more information, visit http://thecathay.com.sg/event/handy-craft

Gourmet marshmallows by The Wicked Cream Co? Rainbow bagels by Word Bistro? Customisable sushi and salad by Makisan? We’re sold.

Apart from delectable food and drinks, the highlight of The Cathay’s Handy Craft Market is the many artisanal products, including jewellery, handbags and apparel.

Tired of shopping? Take part in Inout Atelier’s oak terrarium workshop from 2pm to 3pm. Alternatively, you can learn to make felted roses at Simply For Love’s wool felt flower workshop from 4pm to 4.30pm. Be sure to sign up at The Cathay’s website, as places are limited.

Stay a little long to enjoy good music, from 7pm to 8pm. On Dec 10, it’s even open mic night, where anyone can perform without an audition. On Dec 11, street busker and musician Ken Loh will take the stage and entertain shoppers.