With two more weeks left to Christmas, there is still time for you to shop for gifts for your loved ones. But instead of hitting the malls, why not head to a Christmas market?
Unlike the Christmas markets in Europe, Singapore may not have the climate or cobblestoned pavements, but it has the festive spirit.
At least 10 festive markets have popped up islandwide, with something for everyone.
For shutterbugs and culinary aficionados:
Christmas Wonderland @ Gardens By The Bay
What: Set against the backdrop of Supertrees and dazzling light sculptures, the European-style market boasts vendors such as microbrewery Brewerkz and French cafe Saybons. Dine indoors at the Speigeltent, a mirrored travelling tent from the Netherlands.
When: Till Dec 21, 3 to 11pm for festive huts, 5 to 11pm for F&B restaurants. Light sculptures will be up till Jan 1.
Where: Gardens By The Bay, Supertree Grove
Admission: Free entry (food, drinks and entry to Conservatories are chargeable)
Info: www.christmaswonderland.sg
OC Christmas Marketplace
What: Orchard Central has been crowned the best dressed building by the Orchard Road Business Association for the fourth year running. Snap a few photos of its facade, then head indoors to shop for handy gifts, such as food hampers by gourmet grocer Dean & Deluca.
When: Till Dec 26, 11am to 10pm
Where: Orchard Central, Level 1, Discovery Walk
Admission: Free
Info: www.orchardcentral.com.sg
For families with young children:
Chillax Market December Christmas Soiree
What: This year-round permanent market with over 34 vendors not only stocks locally designed goods, pet accessories and gourmet food, it also houses a cafe, art gallery, flower bar and beauty salon. On Sunday, little tykes can take photos with Santa Claus and even dance at their own kids disco from 1pm to 5pm while their parents shop.
When: Today to Sunday (Dec 12 to 14), 9am to 7pm
Where: The Grandstand, 200 Turf Club Road #03-07
Admission: Free
Info: www.facebook.com/ChillaxMarket
To support student entrepreneurs:
Merry Makers Market
What: Inspired by the concept of Santa's workshop, the 15-stall market sells handmade gifts such as fashion accessories and tote bags, designed by 40 students from Temasek Polytechnic's School of Design. The project is done in partnership with Sentosa.
When: Saturday and Sunday (Dec 13 and 14), 11am to 8pm
Where: Sentosa Boardwalk
Admission: Free (for walk-in guests to Sentosa)
Info: www.sentosa.com.sg
For animal lovers:
Goddess Purrzaar Festive Market
What: This combines cat-themed bazaar Purrzaar, and The Goddess Market, a spirituality-themed market. There are cat-shaped cushions by Oatsie's Trunk, essential oils by Aurora Alchemy, as well as tarot card readings and samba demonstrations.
When: Sunday (Dec 14), 11am to 6pm
Where: Kilo, 66 Kampong Bugis, Level 2 and 8.
Admission: Free
For indie brand lovers:
A Naiise Christmas
What: With more than 150 independent designers under one roof, you can pick up unique Christmas gifts with a local twist, such as Patriotic Mitts, which bear the lion head symbol of Singapore, by Simitaiji. Also check out workshops where you can make gifts for your loved ones.
When: Now till Dec 24, 12 to 7pm
Where: 72-74 Dunlop Street
Admission: Free
Info: www.facebook.com/Naiise
MAAD Pyjamas
What: This monthly market is known for attracting a crowd of 2,500 on average. The Christmas edition tonight will have 90 vendors (up from the usual 60) such as Momshoo, which specialises in creative knitted items and card maker Little Shop of Dreams.
When: Tonight (Dec 12), 5pm to 12am
Where: Red Dot Design Museum Singapore, 28 Maxwell Road, ground floor
Admission: Free
Info: www.facebook.com/goMAAD
Public Garden Christmas Markets 2014
What: Regular flea market organiser Public Garden is holding its largest edition of its Christmas market since 2011, with 150 vendors, including knick knack shop The Little Drom Store, stationery company The Weave Co and accessories label Strangely Yours.
When: Saturday and Sunday (Dec 13 and 14), 1 to 7pm
Where: Level 16 TripleOne Somerset, 111 Somerset Road
Admission: Free
Info: www.public-garden.com or www.facebook.com/publicgarden
For fashionistas:
TBM Flea: X'mas Edition
What: Fashion flea market organisers Three Blind Mice are holding their first Christmas market, with over 180 vendors and 12 brands from Bugis Street. Shoppers can enjoy bulk discounts and late-night shopping till midnight on Saturday. Cash purchases only.
When: Dec 20, 12 noon to 7pm, 8pm to 12 midnight; Dec 21, 1 to 8pm
Where: F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic Boulevard, Level 3
Admission: Free
Info: threeblindmice.com.sg/event/tbmxmas/
For bookworms:
Epigram Books Christmas Pop-Up Store
What: The Epigram office turns into a pop-up bookstore for three days as 200 titles and a quirky range of Notbooks will be on sale with discounts of up to 90 per cent. Enjoy free nibbles, prosecco and parking.
When: Till Sunday (Dec 14), 5 to 9pm (Friday), 10am to 6pm (Saturday) and 12 to 6pm (Sunday).
Where: 1008 Toa Payoh North #03-08
Admission: Free
