For auction: Six themed Christmas trees bedecked with luxury trappings such as exquisite time pieces, exotic travel packages to Alaska and antique furniture.

Bids start at $16,000. But each tree is worth at least $12,000.

These special trees will be auctioned off at The Raffles' annual gala Christmas tree dinner and auction on Monday evening.

The annual event, to be hosted by the Raffles Hotel, is into its 17th year.

There will also be a silent auction where items such as an autographed photographs of Formula One celebrity Lewis Hamilton and a set of beauty and skin care products will be up for grabs.

About 200 guests, including socialites and representatives from major corporations and businesses, are attending.

All proceeds from the auction will go to four charities supported by the Community Chest.

Raffles Hotel and Community Chest hope to hit the $100,000 mark at this year's event. It has raised a total of $3 million from these auctions.

President S R Nathan and Mrs Nathan will be guests-of-honour.