The Ultimate DayOne Guide to Christmas Dining and Shopping in Singapore
The festive baubles are out in full force along Orchard Road, and Mariah Carey’s holiday earworm is being played on repeat at the mall. Yes, Christmas is descending upon us again. If you haven’t made any plans for the upcoming festive season, fear not!
DayOne’s ultimate guide to dining and shopping for Christmas will help you navigate through the smorgasbord of options. There’s something for everyone, whether you’re spending the holidays with family, your significant other, or your friends!
CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS WITH FAMILY
1. Dine — Merci Marcel Orchard
Nestled in Singapore’s very own Champs-Élysées, Merci Marcel offers delectable modern French food. If you’re heading out with the family for weekend brunch, be sure to order their creamy raviolis and freshly baked croissants.
Young ones will feel right at home with cushioned bench seats piled with pastel colored pillows. Treat the kiddo with a sweet tooth to a moist chocolate cake topped with homemade whipped cream. They’ll love you to bits for it!
2. Shop — Maison Marcel
Just adjacent to Merci Marcel is the group’s very own concept store Maison Marcel.
The boutique is home to more than 80 brands from all over the world, particularly sustainable and charitable artisanal brands. There are over 700 items in store, ranging from designer pieces to homeware, and even lifestyle accessories and toys.
With such a big selection, there’s a gift suitable for everyone in the family, whether it’s for mom and pop or the little ones.
3. Dine — W39
Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten, and that includes your four-legged family members. If you’re looking to dine out with Fido or Whiskers, look no further than W39.
W39 is the pet-friendly bistro to check out in the west. The bistro offers modern dishes, with an array of freshly baked cakes and breads.
It’s bound to be a fantastic family day out with your furbabies.
4. Shop — Wine Connection
Looking to stock up your wine cellar for Christmas dinner? With 25 wine shops across the island, there’s got to be a Wine Connection near you.
Wine Connection is the exclusive importer of more than 400 labels of wines globally, and also sells delicatessen food items. Get that party started with a visit to Wine Connection.
GOING ON A JOLLY DATE WITH YOUR PARTNER
1. Dine — Baker & Cook
Baker & Cook is not just a cafe, but also a bakery and food store! Its bakes are thoughtfully hand-crafted and made with a nod to traditional European processes. Pick out a sourdough for bae and watch the world go by together over a cuppa.
If bakes are not your thing, there’s also a great selection of brunch and all day dining dishes for a nice wholesome date. For something festive, there’s the Christmas Menu only available at the Dempsey outlet.
We’re talking mains such as wagyu beef rump cap and desserts like gingerbread and berry trifle. Yum!
2. Dine — Maxi Coffee Bar
Want to impress your date with a coffee place off the well-trodden path thronged with other couples? Take a trip to Maxi Coffee Bar, a tiny place with a carefully handpicked selection of java and eats.
Try out their signature coffee — The Dirty — a cold brew comprising seven spice chai and oat milk. Pair that with some of their delectable madeleines that are made to order. This intimate coffee bar may be small in size but packs a punch!
3. Shop — EXIT Co
Looking for a gift for your hypebeast partner? Head down to EXIT Co, a fashion retail store featuring rare and authentic streetwear.
With pieces from global streetwear brands and their housebrand EXIT LABS, you can dress your bae up from head to toe, and look fresh together with the latest pieces on the market.
4. Shop — Our Second Nature
Our Second Nature is a women’s clothing shop that offers comfortable, everyday garb. Their clothes are made with high quality material that is sustainably sourced.
If your partner prizes boutique pieces over mass-produced high street fashion, bring her down to Our Second Nature for a Christmas shopping spree.
ENJOYING THE FESTIVE REVELRY WITH FRIENDS
1. Dine — Rumours Beach Club
Singapore does not have snowy winters, so why not take advantage of the warm December weather to take a dip at one of Rumours Beach Club’s pools!
They’re the only beach club on our sunny island to have not one, not two, but three pools! With the resumption of group dine-ins, you can also book a cabana to share while you dig into the famous calamari and seafood platter!
2. Dine — Blue Label Pizza & Wine
For a pizza party with your mates, check out Blue Label Pizza & Wine. The pizzas are made fresh with long-ferment dough, and stone-fired upon order.
If you’re looking to be surprised, order the Blue Label special and you’ll be in for a treat! The ingredients are based on what’s fresh at the markets, and you can be guaranteed a uniquely blue label inventive twist to your run-of-the-mill pizzas.
3. Shop — Simply Toys
Scratching your head for Christmas gift ideas? Simply Toys, as its name suggests, has toys ranging from vinyl figurines for your Marvel obsessed pals, to Hello Kitty figurines for mates who are a fan of the queue generating cat.
Besides toys, they also stock a curious selection of knick-knacks and curios. You’re bound to find a gift that’ll turn heads at the secret santa gift exchange!
4. Shop — *SCAPE: Makers’ Market
The Makers’ Market is located at the youthful epicentre of Orchard. The curated marketplace features enterprising local entrepreneurs peddling their wares, ranging from pre-loved clothing to handicraft.
If you’re looking to support the upcoming generation of entrepreneurs, artistes, and creatives, check out the Makers’ Market when gift shopping!
