India
Church Events
Where: Goa
When: 25 Dec
With over 400 churches, Goa is India’s place to be during Christmas, with plenty of parties, Mass and music.
Kolkata Christmas Festival
Where: Kolkata
When: 22-30 Dec
The festival dominates Park Street with food stalls and carol singing. During Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the street turns into a pedestrianised zone, with Saint Paul’s Cathedral hosting a huge Midnight Mass.
Hong Kong
Where: Victoria Harbour
When: Dec
Skyscraper facades are covered in twinkling displays, while shopping malls are decked to extreme levels. A Christmas Market in Stanley is the place to go for last-minute gifts.
Singapore
Christmas Wonderland
Where: Singapore
When: 1-26 Dec
Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay offers the complete Yuletide experience (and more) with carnivals and a circus. This year you can even meet Santa himself at Santa’s Grotto.
Malaysia
i-city SnoWalk
Where: Selangor
When: year-round
This indoor winter wonderland is consistently at -5°C, with 100mm of snow underfoot wherever you tread. Ice sculptures and sleigh rides are part of the experience.
South Korea
Busan Christmas Tree Festival
Where: Busan
When: 2 Dec-7 Jan
This annual winter festival celebrates Christmas with concerts, a tree of wishes, street performances, mulled wine and photo contests.
Herb Island Lighting & Illumination Festival
Where: Poncheon
When: 1 Nov-31 Dec
Rent a Santa costume and roam around a pink wish tunnel, sparkling buildings and Santa Village, where you can participate in Christmas DIY workshops and enjoy a delicious turkey barbecue.
Taipei
Christmasland
Where: Banqiao
When: 24 Nov-1 Jan
The Banqiao area becomes Christmas central, with food, shopping and special activities such as treasure hunts.
Philippines
Giant Lantern Festival
Where: San Fernando
When: 15 Dec-1 Jan
Artists compete at the Giant Lantern Festival, showcasing the country’s signature star-shaped decorative lights.
Sinulog Festival
Where: Cebu
When: 20 Jan
Specifically honouring Baby Jesus, this festival is filled with traditional dance and feasts.
Japan
Caretta Shiodome Winter Illuminations
Where: Tokyo
When: 15 Nov-14 Feb
Head to Caretta Shiodome complex to see its impressive display consisting of 250,000 LED lights.
Munich Christmas Market
Where: Sapporo
When: 22 Nov-25 Dec
Decorations, mulled wine and German treats are set up at Odori Park, with concerts, workshops and a chance to meet Santa Claus.
