Christmas Day 2026 falls on a Friday, and New Year's Day 2027 does too. MOM lists both as public holidays, so you get two long weekends in a row. If you are planning a short break at home, here is an easy three-day itinerary you can adjust for either weekend.

Day 1, Friday 25 December: Check in and enjoy the lights

If you are doing a staycation, hotels often have early check-in queues on holidays, so leave your bags and head out. Our staycation deals article covers current offers, so check conditions before you book.

In the evening, take a stroll along the Orchard Road Christmas light-up. On Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve the lights run until 6am, and the usual hours are from 6.30pm. Walking the lights is free.

Day 2, Saturday 26 December: A hawker food walk

Pick one neighbourhood and walk it slowly. Little India, Chinatown and Tiong Bahru are all easy to reach by MRT and have a mix of hawker stalls and cafes. See our Little India food walk guide for ideas.

  • Go before noon, as popular stalls can sell out by lunch on holidays.
  • Bring cash or a mobile payment option, as some stalls do not accept cards.
  • Some stalls close for the holidays, so check their social pages beforehand.

In the afternoon, take a break at a cafe or a library, then walk off lunch at a nearby park.

Day 3, Sunday 27 December: Gardens by the Bay

Spend a slow day at Gardens by the Bay. Walk the outdoor gardens in the late afternoon and stay for Garden Rhapsody (free, 7.10pm, 7.45pm, 8.45pm and 9.35pm from 23 to 27 December). Christmas Wonderland is open 6.30pm to 11pm (last admission 10.15pm) and is ticketed.

Doing this for New Year's Day (1 to 3 January 2027)?

Christmas Wonderland and the Orchard lights both run until 3 January, so the same plan works. Garden Rhapsody has shows at 7.45pm, 8.45pm and 9.35pm from 31 December to 3 January.

Practical tips

  • Go before noon, as popular stalls can sell out by lunch on holidays.
  • Bring cash or a mobile payment option, as some stalls do not accept cards.
  • Some stalls close for the holidays, so check their social pages beforehand.