The year-end holidays are long, and keeping the kids busy can get expensive. The good news is there are plenty of free things to see. Here are three simple day plans, grouped by area so you are not criss-crossing the island.
MOE's calendar lists Term 4 holidays from Saturday 21 November to Thursday 31 December 2026 for primary and secondary schools. Dates for post-secondary students differ slightly.
Plan 1: The East (Changi Airport and Jewel)
Changi Airport's page says Changi Festive Village 2026 is themed on Pokémon's 30th anniversary and runs from 3 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Activities at Jewel continue until 31 January 2027.
- Morning: Start at Jewel. Our earlier article notes the PokéXciting! installations and photo spots are free, daily 10am to 11pm.
- Afternoon: Walk or take the link to Terminal 3 for free displays. Weekend character meet-and-greets are listed for 14 and 15 November, 21 and 22 November, 5 and 6 December, 12 and 13 December and 19 and 20 December. Some need on-site registration.
- Evening: A third-party guide lists a snowfall show at Terminal 3 in the evening (around 7.30pm and 8.30pm). Please confirm times on the Changi page.
Jewel's Canopy Park attractions are ticketed. Food will be your main cost, so you may want to pack water and snacks.
Plan 2: Orchard Road
The Orchard Road light-up runs from 17 November 2026 to 3 January 2027, with lights on from 6.30pm. Go in the late afternoon to enjoy the Christmas villages at Ngee Ann City and Shaw House, which open from about 3pm. Walking the lights is free. Some village activities may use paid credits.
Plan 3: The City (Gardens by the Bay and the Esplanade area)
Gardens by the Bay's Garden Rhapsody is a free music and light show at Supertree Grove. Times are 7.45pm and 8.45pm daily, with extra shows on some dates. Christmas Wonderland, from 27 November, is a ticketed event, so skip it if you are keeping to a free day.
Other free ideas
- Morning: Start at Jewel. Our earlier article notes the PokéXciting! installations and photo spots are free, daily 10am to 11pm.
- Afternoon: Walk or take the link to Terminal 3 for free displays. Weekend character meet-and-greets are listed for 14 and 15 November, 21 and 22 November, 5 and 6 December, 12 and 13 December and 19 and 20 December. Some need on-site registration.
- Evening: A third-party guide lists a snowfall show at Terminal 3 in the evening (around 7.30pm and 8.30pm). Please confirm times on the Changi page.
Tips for the day
- Morning: Start at Jewel. Our earlier article notes the PokéXciting! installations and photo spots are free, daily 10am to 11pm.
- Afternoon: Walk or take the link to Terminal 3 for free displays. Weekend character meet-and-greets are listed for 14 and 15 November, 21 and 22 November, 5 and 6 December, 12 and 13 December and 19 and 20 December. Some need on-site registration.
- Evening: A third-party guide lists a snowfall show at Terminal 3 in the evening (around 7.30pm and 8.30pm). Please confirm times on the Changi page.
