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Christmas in Singapore may be a tropical affair lacking snow, but that does not dampen the festive spirit. While modern trends like minimalist Scandi-style or neon brights come and go, there is a profound comfort in returning to the classics. Traditional Christmas decorations evoke a sense of nostalgia, warmth, and timeless cheer that anchors the holiday season.
If you are looking to create a quintessentially festive atmosphere in your home this year, these ten items are the foundational elements of a traditional Christmas. Here is a guide to their history, how to style them, and where to procure them on the Little Red Dot.
The Christmas Tree
The undisputed centrepiece of holiday decor, the modern Christmas tree originated in 16th-century Germany, where devout Christians brought decorated trees into their homes. It gained massive popularity in the English-speaking world during the Victorian era, after Queen Victoria and Prince Albert were illustrated standing with their children around a decorated evergreen at Windsor Castle in 1848.
The tree is the focal point of the living room. In Singapore, the primary choice is between a realistic artificial tree (which lasts for years in the humidity) or importing a real fir pine (which offers that authentic scent but requires high air-conditioning). Traditionally, it is laden with lights, baubles, and tinsel, standing over the pile of presents.
For high-quality artificial trees that look incredibly real, head to Tangs or specialised reputable online stores like Masons Home Decor. For affordable artificial options, IKEA and Spotlight are reliable. If you desire a real, fresh-cut tree, pre-ordering from nurseries like Far East Flora or Bedok Garden & Landscape in November is essential.
Approximate Cost: SGD 80 – SGD 600 (Artificial); SGD 150 – SGD 450+ (Fresh).
The Christmas Wreath
Wreaths have roots spanning several ancient cultures. In Rome, they were symbols of victory. In Christianity, the circular shape, with no beginning or end, came to represent eternity and the unending circle of life. Traditionally made of evergreens, holly, and red berries, they symbolise strength through the harsh winter.
The most classic placement is on the front door to welcome guests. However, in an HDB flat or condo, they also work beautifully as an indoor feature on a main wall, or laid flat on the dining table with candles placed in the hollow centre as a centrepiece.
Beautiful artificial wreaths that can be reused annually are available at Marks & Spencer and Crate & Barrel. For fresh, aromatic wreaths made of real eucalyptus or pine, look towards local artisan florists like The Floral Atelier or Sing See Soon.
Approximate Cost: SGD 30 – SGD 100 (Artificial); SGD 80 – SGD 200 (Fresh).
Baubles (Ornaments)
The first Christmas trees were decorated with edibles like apples, nuts, and dates. The modern glass bauble was born in the small German town of Lauscha in the mid-19th century. Glassblowers began crafting glass ornaments in the shape of fruits and nuts, which were later silvered with mercury or lead to create a shining effect, eventually evolving into the colourful spheres we know today.
Baubles are the “jewellery” of the tree. For a traditional look, stick to a classic colour palette of red, green, and gold. Hang larger baubles deeper inside the branches to add depth, and smaller ones near the tips. Don’t limit them to the tree; spare baubles look lovely piled into a clear glass vase on a coffee table.
For basic, affordable filler ornaments, Daiso and IKEA offer great value packs. For exquisite, heirloom-quality glass or ceramic baubles that you will treasure for years, explore Tangs Christmas Shop or Villeroy & Boch.
Approximate Cost: SGD 5 for a basic multi-pack; up to SGD 50+ per piece for premium ornaments.
Fairy Lights
Before electricity, people bravely balanced lit wax candles on tree branches to represent the stars shining over Bethlehem—a massive fire hazard. In 1882, Edward Johnson, an associate of Thomas Edison, hand-wired 80 red, white, and blue light bulbs around a revolving Christmas tree, birthings the electric Christmas light industry.
Warm white lights are the most traditional choice, casting a cosy, golden glow. They should be wound generously around the Christmas tree (aim for at least 100 lights per vertical foot of tree). They also look magical draped over curtain rods, wound around banisters, or stuffed inside glass cloches.
You can find reliable LED fairy lights almost anywhere during the season, including supermarkets like FairPrice Finest. For longer, durable strands or specific designs (like copper wire lights), check online marketplaces like Shopee and Lazada, or visit Spotlight.
Approximate Cost: SGD 10 – SGD 40 depending on length and power source.
The Tree Topper (Star or Angel)
The finish to the tree is highly symbolic. A star represents the Star of Bethlehem that guided the Magi to the baby Jesus. Alternatively, an angel represents the host of angels that announced the birth. Both became standard toppers during the Victorian revival of Christmas traditions.
This is the crowning glory of the tree and usually the final piece placed. Ensure your tree topper is proportionate to your tree; a heavy topper on a weak topmost branch will inevitably lean sadly to one side.
Department stores are the best bet here. Marks & Spencer, Takashimaya, and Metro usually stock a good range of traditional wire-and-glitter stars or fabric angels during the festive period.
Approximate Cost: SGD 20 – SGD 80.
Stockings
The legend goes that Saint Nicholas (the precursor to Santa Claus) heard of a poor widower worried about his three daughters’ dowries. Saint Nicholas crept down the chimney and dropped gold coins, which landed in the girls’ stockings that had been hung by the fire to dry.
For the few homes in Singapore possess a fireplace mantelpiece, the tradition remains strong. Hang stockings off the edge of a TV console, a sturdy bookshelf shelf, or even using adhesive hooks on a prominent wall. They should be personalised for each family member and are traditionally filled with small gifts or sweets on Christmas Eve.
For fun, modern designs, try Typo or Cotton On. For more traditional, embroidered, or felt styles, check out Pottery Barn Kids (online) or the seasonal section at Spotlight.
Approximate Cost: SGD 15 – SGD 50 each.
Garlands
Much like wreaths, garlands stem from ancient traditions of bringing evergreen boughs indoors during winter solstice celebrations to symbolise continuing life amidst the cold. In Christian tradition, they came to represent holiness and were often wrapped around staircases in grand homes.
Garlands are incredibly versatile for connecting different spaces in the home to the festive theme. Drape them along stair banisters (if you live in a multi-storey home), run them down the centre of a long dining table, or frame a doorway with them. Interweave fairy lights into the foliage for extra sparkle.
Realistic artificial pine garlands are readily available at IKEA and Masons Home Decor. For something unique, look for garlands that incorporate pinecones or red berries.
Approximate Cost: SGD 20 – SGD 100 depending on realism and length.
Nutcrackers
According to German folklore, nutcrackers were given as keepsakes to bring good luck to the family and protect the home. The fierce look of the soldier is meant to bare its teeth to evil spirits. They became globally recognised Christmas icons after Tchaikovsky’s ballet, The Nutcracker, premiered in 1892.
Traditional wooden nutcrackers in red and green military uniforms are excellent for adding a touch of old-world European charm. They work best standing guard on bookshelves, flanking the television, or grouped in varying sizes on a side table.
You can often find affordable wooden nutcrackers during the Christmas season in the gift sections of Toys “R” Us or larger supermarkets. For higher quality, collectible wooden pieces, check out upscale department store Christmas sections like Takashimaya.
Approximate Cost: SGD 20 (small, basic) – SGD 150+ (large, collectible).
Tinsel
Tinsel has a surprisingly opulent history. It was invented in Nuremberg, Germany, in the early 1600s and was originally made from genuine shredded silver. It was designed to reflect the candlelight on the tree. Because silver tarnished and was expensive, aluminium and eventually plastic polymers replaced it in the 20th century.
While sometimes considered a bit “retro,” tinsel is undeniably traditional. For a classic look, drape thick garlands of red, gold, or silver tinsel loosely around the tree branches after the lights but before the baubles. It adds texture and fills gaps in the foliage.
Tinsel is widely available and inexpensive. Party supply stores like SKP or budget stores like Daiso will have an abundance of colours. Spotlight also carries thicker, better-quality variations.
Approximate Cost: SGD 2 – SGD 15 per strand.
Poinsettia Flowers
These striking red plants are native to Mexico. Legend tells of a poor girl who had nothing to give baby Jesus at the Christmas Eve service. She gathered weeds by the roadside, and when she placed them at the altar, they miraculously turned into vibrant red blooms—the Flores de Noche Buena (Flowers of the Holy Night). The shape of the leaves is also said to symbolise the Star of Bethlehem.
Poinsettias add a necessary burst of natural, vivid red to a holiday scheme. Place potted poinsettias in entryways, on coffee tables, or group three together as a dining centrepiece. Note for Singapore parents and pet owners: The plant’s sap can be mildly irritating if ingested, so keep them out of reach of curious toddlers and furry friends.
From late November, Poinsettias are incredibly easy to find in Singapore. They are stocked in most cold-room nurseries like Far East Flora and even in major supermarkets like Cold Storage and FairPrice Finest.
Approximate Cost: SGD 12 – SGD 35 per potted plant depending on size.