With ERP charges reduced and families with school-going kids jumping on the chance to seek respite overseas, local roads might be more empty than they normally are. We already have lists after lists telling us where to go to catch the best Christmas lights, (fake) snow, and dinners.
But what if all you want for Christmas is a tiny getaway with your best friends? This holiday season, the Sgcarmart Editorial Team brings you a 'Marauder’s Map' to curating a day-long trip across our sunny island. In fact, we're doing so in our very own rendition of a Santa - ahem - we mean, Sienta sleigh as well, with seven seats onboard too to ensure no one has to get left behind.
It's specially planned for y'all to get to these places on wheels, in the most efficient and festive way possible. And perhaps just as importantly, we’ve done our best to avoid your typical Christmas activities in this itinerary. That means… no Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay, no expensive Christmas set meals, and no logcake (well, at least not in the traditional sense).
1. For the eyes and feet: Working up an appetite at Changi Airport's version of a Christmas Wonderland
We start our journey all the way in the far East, where the Changi Festive Village has returned - albeit in a markedly different way from its 2022 Edition.
Last year's Village was marked by its mystical and aquatic theme (it coincided with the release of Avatar: The Way of Water), but this year's takes a more vibrant and saccharine tack.
Large parts of Terminal 3 have gotten the sweet treatment; those seeking some photos for the Gram after a meal at the airport will surely love the Candy Wonderland installation at the departure hall. Meanwhile, the Candy Carnival brings with it food trucks and carnival/arcade games for the whole family to enjoy (sadly, we arrived too early on the day of our visit).
But we think the millennials amongst us will enjoy the photobooths the most instead - who can deny the charm of instantly printed strips?
Where to park: Terminal 3 Carpark
Ease of parking: 5/5. Even the largest SUVs shouldn't have an issue navigating and fitting in the lots here; this was much less a concern for the small footprint of our Sienta Hybrid.
Parking rates: $0.04 per minute daily (Rates for Changi Rewards members apply separately)
2. For the ears and tummy: Choice Cuts Pizza and Records; Retro Crates @ Joo Chiat
We love a good Christmas tune ourselves - but it's also completely understandable that some may require a short break every now and then from the omnipresence of Mariah Carey and Michael Buble.
If that happens to be you, move towards Joo Chiat and you'll find that Choice Cuts Pizza and Records serves up not only a smoking-ly good menu of New York-style pizzas, but also has a nicely curated hip-hop soundtrack to match as you're wolfing down your second slice of Big Poppa.
There's soda (read: Coke and Sprite) for pairing if you want the full-blown experience; otherwise, help yourself to an assortment of spritzers, craft beers, and even freshly-brewed coffee! Fancy the music you've heard here? As the shop's name suggests, once you're done eating, you can even browse the selection of classic hip-hop records available for purchase.
If hip-hop isn't your genre of choice and you're still looking to take a record home, however, Retro Crates is literally just next door. This one's for every sort of audiophile, bringing Taylor Swift, Bowie and Ella Fitzgerald (among many others) all into the same space.
Where to park: Katong Point
Ease of parking: 2.5/5. The only downside of a trip here is the fact that unless you are lucky enough to net a roadside parallel lot, the closest carpark at Katong Point is narrow and small - from the entrance and exit right down to the carpark itself. The Sienta squeezed through everything just fine thanks to its compact dimensions, but those driving larger cars might want to proceed with more caution.
Parking rates: $1.50 for the first hour, $0.80 for subsequent 30-minute blocks (6:00am to 6:00pm), $1.00 for the first hour, $0.50 for subsequent 30-minute blocks (after 6:00pm to following morning). Parking rates the same daily.
3. For the eyes and feet (again): Walking off lunch at the Capitol Singapore Christmas Market
For those that find Winter Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay much too overhyped and perhaps too overwhelming to take in, fret not as Singapore has other markets to offer.
Moving into the CBD, the Capitol Singapore Christmas Market (located at the Open Plaza) lights up the heart of town in a 'lower-stakes' manner that nonetheless delivers big on Christmas cheer. Here, 12 stalls surround an open space covered in carpet grass, and are accompanied by a stage and massive Christmas tree at the side.
Every sort of Christmas market-goer should be satisfied by the 12 stalls here, which offer a range of items including food, wine, scented candles, graphic shirts, and organically-made soap bars. The team's highlight, however, was, Happy Hands Can, a family-run craft store: The keychains, stickers and soft toys here are designed by the son, the accessories are pieced together by the daughter, and the crochet bags are made by their grandmother!
Where to park: Capitol Piazza
Ease of parking: 3/5. Take note that while the entrance ramp is the same, the actual entry gantry is different for residents and the public - which can be confusing. Also, parking at B2 strangely requires you to go down to B3 before coming up to the ground floor... Otherwise, it's not too challenging to park here.
Parking rates: As with many other CBD carparks, Capitol Piazza's parking rates differ quite significantly based on whether you're here in the daytime or evening, and also whether it's a weekday or weekend - we recommend checking out the full list here!
4. For the tummy alone: Festive desserts that won't break the bank
a) A new name in town to try out: Tim Hortons, VivoCity
Hailing all the way from Canada, the fresh arrival of Tim Hortons (we're not exaggerating; it opened in VivoCity on 17 November) has coincided perfectly with this festive period, making it a great addition to any local Christmas-road trip.
There's zero question - ordering hot Belgian chocolate is a must here (it's particularly apt too for the rather frosty weather we've been hit with as of late). But you'd be remiss to think that that's the only thing to look forward to here.
Among the large assortment of other quality desserts here, our personal favourites included the Crème Brûlée Cheese Cake and French Apple Pie. Those seeking out something savoury will also not be left wanting, since Tim Hortons has quite an extensive menu of sandwich melts.
Be warned, however, the novelty of the store in Singapore means the space is still quite bustling!
b) An alternative to logcakes: Croons @ Swish Rolls, Paragon
Logcakes at Christmas time? Bah - that's a little passé.
But jokes aside (we love a good logcake ourselves), those seeking out something off the beaten pastry-path may delight themselves in the signature confections served up by Swish Rolls instead.
Called 'croons' - a cross between 'croissant' and 'moon' - these circular croissants come in a variety of flavours, spanning Pistachio, Dark Varlhona Chocolate and Watermelon Lychee.
What's more, suitably Christmas-y flourishes, such as Christmas trees and gingerbread men, cover the croons. When lined up in fives in a box, they even bear a striking resemblance to a logcake. Ho ho ho!
5. For the hands (and the hyperactive mind): Candle-making at Scent Supply Co.!
Putting our phones aside, letting our minds focus on a single task, and dipping our hands - almost literally - into something new.
There are few better ways perhaps to end a day off than with a candle-making session. Aprons on and noses primed (you'll get to sniff coffee beans in between as a 'palette cleanser' when selecting your mixture of flavours), the intertwining of multiple aromas simultaneously filling Scent Supply Co.'s studio instantly sets one into a relaxed mood.
The entire session - in which you'll get to learn some basic concoction principles and let those creative juices flow - lasts approximately an hour, but will feel much shorter with the amount of fun you'll have.
For a good time with your best pals, this is quite the experience to share, as everyone bonds over the excitement of seeing their candles slowly take shape. And of course - being able to take the candles home for your own enjoyment eventually is the indisputable cherry on top.
Where to park: Surface level parking at B-Central, 994/996/998 Bendemeer Road
Ease of parking: 4/5. With the only note of caution being the persistent presence of heavy/goods vehicles, parking was relatively fuss-free here.
Parking rates: $0.60 per minute, full day daily.
Merry Christmas to all our readers!
We're always down for a good local road trip, but having said that, a quieter wind-down to the end-of-year holidays is completely valid too if some solace is what you seek as 2023 comes to a close.
Whether it's a road trip or a peaceful day at home that you're planning for the festive period, Merry Christmas nonetheless!
Interested in other area-centred local road trips? Be sure to check out the other sights and sounds we've previously explored!
Sgcarmart Explores: Sembawang!
