Christmas Day in Singapore

Dates

History & significance

Christmas Day, 25 December, is the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus and a fixed-date public holiday in Singapore. Beyond its religious meaning it is widely marked as a festive, secular occasion across communities, capping the year-end season. When 25 December falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is a public holiday in lieu.

How it’s observed in Singapore

From mid-November, Orchard Road stages its 'Christmas on A Great Street' light-up, and malls, Gardens by the Bay and Sentosa run festive displays. Churches hold Christmas Eve midnight Mass and Christmas Day services — St Andrew’s Cathedral and Novena Church draw large congregations. Families exchange gifts and gather for meals, and gift and grocery shopping peaks in the days beforehand.

What's open and what's closed

Banks, government offices and schools are closed. Malls, restaurants and attractions stay open and Orchard Road remains busy and brightly lit — many outlets run extended festive hours through the season. Public transport runs to a public-holiday schedule, often extended late on Christmas Eve. Supermarkets are open but busy, so stock up a day or two ahead.

Common questions