You are invited: 12 churches in Queenstown and Holland welcome you with Christmas lights, markets, carols and parties

For Nicholas Lee, who didn’t grow up in a Christian home, Christmas gatherings a family friend invited him to held a special magic. “As a child, I looked forward to those Christmas parties at their home: The food, the games, the carollers going from door to door, the gift exchanges. “Those experiences planted seeds in […] The post You are invited: 12 churches in Queenstown and Holland welcome you with Christmas lights, markets, carols and parties appeared first on Salt&Light.

Religion Nov 27, 2025 0 8 Add to Reading List

You are invited: 12 churches in Queenstown and Holland welcome you with Christmas lights, markets, carols and parties

For Nicholas Lee, who didn’t grow up in a Christian home, Christmas gatherings a family friend invited him to held a special magic.

“As a child, I looked forward to those Christmas parties at their home: The food, the games, the carollers going from door to door, the gift exchanges.

“Those experiences planted seeds in my heart long before I understood their meaning,” said Nicholas, now 41.

Today, he finds joy in helping create similar memories for others: “It’s a blessing to bring a bit of that magic to our neighbourhood in Queenstown each year. From what we hear, our neighbours and those further afield look forward to it too. Just like how I did years ago.”

Supported by a growing army of volunteers, Nicholas and a fellow member in his small group, Moses Lim, have been spearheading the Christmas market since its inception in 2016 at Church of the Good Shepherd.

Nicholas painting his daughter’s face at the Christmas market. Photos courtesy of Christmas Together 2025, unless otherwise indicated.

Every dusk in December, the Church of the Good Shepherd (pictured) and surrounding churches are lit with festive lights, inviting everyone to experience the peace and joy of Christmas.

The market has since become one of Queenstown’s most anticipated pre-Christmas traditions that attracts people from all over Singapore.

From WhatsApp message to collective effort

It started when two men had wondered if there might be a fresh way to share the warmth of Christmas with their neighbours, something beyond the traditional door-to-door visits.

The vision in the simple text message between Nicholas and Moses that started it all. Nicholas is founder of Jill’s Sausages. Moses works for Singapore Christian Home.

With Queenstown’s growing population and new homes being erected around the church, they imagined an open, welcoming event where their neighbours could gather and enjoy the season together. Their vicar gave them the green light, and with the help of a committed team of volunteers, Christmas in Queenstown the market was born.

“The market started with a tiny budget and almost everything had to be done DIY-style,” said Moses, now 38.

Moses on a cherry picker, with Nicholas on the ground, setting up the fairy lights for the first edition of the Christmas market in Queenstown in 2016.

“But that didn’t stop us. Families all across the church stepped up. Young and old, from every service and congregation came together.

“Seeing people of all backgrounds unite around a shared purpose brought a joy far deeper than all the festive lights, music and excitement combined,” said Moses.

God blessed and multiplied their efforts.

Christmas in Queenstown has grown into a lively destination for festive shopping, family activities and community connection. This year’s market will be held on December 5 to 7, and 12 to 14 (Fridays to Sundays).

“Every year, with our Pastors’ blessings, we end our weekend services early and the congregations at Church of the Good Shepherd roll up their sleeves to transform the church into a Christmas market,” said Moses.

In recent years, the spirit of collaboration has grown even wider. Churches in Queenstown – and more recently those from the Holland Village area – have pooled their gifts and resources to create a shared Christmas programme called Christmas Together 2025. All are invited to join the celebration at One Holland Village on November 29, from 3pm to 9pm.

“Singaporeans might call this the kampung spirit. Christians might describe it as the Acts Church being ‘one in heart and mind’,” said Moses.

The highlight is the official lighting ceremony, unveiling the beautifully illuminated compounds of churches and malls in the area.

Queensway Shopping Centre where Shekinah Assembly of God has a unit will also be illuminated in December.

For the churches, the heart of the festivities is simple: To share hope and joy with the community. The events are designed to welcome everyone – those who come for the festive music, the food, the snow foam and family fun, and those who are curious about the deeper meaning behind the season.

Church compounds (denoted by a star) will be lit up in the evenings for most of December, welcoming all in to soak in the peace and joy of the season.

As Moses put it: “For those who are interested, the carols and festivities also offer a glimpse into the story behind the season. For others, it’s simply a place to enjoy Christmas with friends, family and neighbours.”

The following are highlights of Christmas 2025 in Queenstown and Holland Village.

(Confirm details with respective church websites and social media accounts for events and additional Christmas and New Year services not listed here.)

The official lightup: Flashmobs, carols and a jazzy Christmas

Saturday, November 29, 3pm to 9pm
One Holland Village, 7 Holland Village Way, Singapore 275748

Join in the festivities as 12 churches from the Queenstown and Holland Village come together to usher in the Christmas season. Attendees can look forward to a vibrant showcase of performances, including carols in both English and Mandarin, a lively flashmob, and spirited renditions of seasonal favourites by a Christian brasswind band.

The story of the nativity – Mary, Joseph and the birth of Baby Jesus – will be told by a flashmob of about 10 mobsters mingling with the crowd, backed up by singers. By Faith Methodist Church, with participation from all churches.

The celebration will also feature a heartwarming performance by children with special needs from Singapore Christian Home (the only nursing home in Singapore with a ward for children) and Connexions young adults learners with autism. There will also be a dance by seniors from Presbyterian Community Services.

Goodie bags – packed by the students of Connexions – will be given out to those present.

Programme of the joint celebration on November 29.

The highlight of the event will be the simultaneous official lightup of participating church premises. Guests of honour are Minister Chan Chun Sing – the Coordinating Minister for Public Services and Minister for Defence, and Member of Parliament for Tanjong Pagar, representing the residents of Buona Vista – and Senior Parliamentary Secretary Eric Chua, who also serves as Member of Parliament for Queenstown.

European-style Christmas market with “snow”: Christmas in Queenstown

(Fridays to Sundays) December 5 to 7 , December 12 to 14, 5pm to 10pm. Concerts at 8pm on market nights.
Church of the Good Shepherd, 2 Dundee Road, Singapore 149454, goodshepherdenglish.org

Since 2016, this charming European-style market has been a highlight on many pre-Christmas calendars, with “snowfall” at regular intervals and wooden stalls.

Every year, it draws visitors from all across the island for a festive experience filled with warmth, creativity and community. Superheroes will swoop in for photo opportunities from December 12 to 14.

As you make your way through this year’s Christmas market across two weekends, you’ll meet a thoughtfully selected group of some 50 vendors who each bring something meaningful to the experience of Christmas shopping.

Blessing with Jessica features naturally dyed shirts and pouches, and handmade resin pieces created by nine-year-old Jessica. Each year, she donates part of her proceeds to a charity of her choice.

Nearby, Little Bible Box / Stinky Sweaty offers well-designed cards and curated gifts that carry messages of encouragement; last year, their team and a group of children created prophetic cards for visitors, a gesture that resonated deeply with Christians and non-Christians.

Snow foam will fall for 15 minutes at regular intervals (bring a towel and change of clothes for the children).

At Isabel Lim Designs, visitors can have names or simple motifs stitched onto items purchased at the stall – or onto their own belongings – while they watch. There will also be a selection of embroidered goods, art prints, and DIY kits for sale.

For visitors looking to treat themselves, Millennails provides neat, affordable gel manicures done with care and attention to detail.

And families with young children will appreciate Manna’s Dough, whose award-winning, non-toxic playdough is offered alongside a simple play station where kids can explore and create.

The scent of warm spices leads to Gingerbread Haus, where handcrafted gingerbread houses and traditional German gingerbread hearts make charming gifts or table pieces for the season.

The compound of Church of the Good Shepherd will be lit even on non-market nights in December.

The market also features The Breadsmith, known for its clean, small-batch artisanal bakes made without preservatives, a favourite among those who enjoy honest, wholesome flavours.

Catering to hungry stomachs are S17 Community Kitchen – social enterprise from nearby Lengkok Bahru that hires unemployed residents and mentors F&B incubation ventures. Don’t miss the dry laksa, satay, Thai and Peranakan food. S17 is part of The Saturday Movement, a charity started by restaurateur Raymond Khoo, that befriends and cares for more than 500 needy elderly in Singapore.

There are fun-filled activities designed to keep the little ones engaged throughout the market weekends. And concerts by a classical ensemble and WindWorkz Big Band add a musical sparkle to the festivities.

Entry to the market is free. Some stalls will only be present at one of the two weekends; check Christmas in Queenstown Facebook and Instagram.

Christmas Market at Faith

Friday December 12, 4pm to 10pm, Saturday December 13, 9am to 10pm
Faith Methodist Church, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Singapore 149604, faithmc.sg

Christmas At Faith (XAF) 2025 is Faith Methodist Church’s annual Christmas market for the community. Join them for delicious food, carnival games, Christmas crafts, local boutique merchandisers, bouncy castles, and special performances. Entry and activities are free.

Find out more here.

9 Lessons & Carols

Saturday December 13, 2025, 7.30pm
St George’s Church, 44 Minden Road, Singapore 248816, stgeorges.org.sg

Nine Lessons and Carols is a service with nine Bible readings and carols that tell the story of the birth of Jesus. The service is based on a traditional format from the Anglican Church, which includes scripture readings from Genesis to the Gospels, interspersed with hymns and choral music.

Advent carols

Friday December 19, 6.30pm to 9.30pm
Holland Village Methodist Church, 61 Jln Hitam Manis, Singapore 278475. At the Oldham Chapel, at ACS (International), hvmc.sg

The Nativity story is told through narration and singing of carols.

If you would like to join them for dinner before the event, pre-register here.

Christmas weekend services: The Christmas Star

Saturday December 20, 2.30pm & 4.45pm, Sunday December 21, 8.30am & 10.45am
Church of Our Saviour, 130 Margaret Drive, Singapore 149300, coos.org.sg

The Christmas Star is a retelling of the Christmas story, shining a light on its meaning and hope. It is a compelling blend of narration, music, drama, dance and flag performances, featuring the church’s adult and children’s choirs and accompanied by The Christian Orchestra.

Movie and lunch fellowship: See the Light

Sunday December 21, 11am
9 King Albert Park, KAP Mall, Singapore 598332
Organised by Shekinah Assembly of God, ShekinahAG Facebook

Join in a joyful celebration of uplifting carols, lunch fellowship, and a special screening of the true-story Sight, a powerful movie about hope, faith, and how light overcomes darkness.

Admission is free. For tickets call: 6475 6764

Christmas Festival

Sunday December 21, 8.30am & 11am; Thursday December 25, 10am
True Way Presbyterian Church, 156B Stirling Road, Singapore 148947, trueway.org.sg

Celebrate through carols, readings and songs tracing the Christmas story and how it’s relevant to us today. Explore why Christmas is a season of hope and joy. In English.

Christmas Musical: Songbird

Thursday December 25, 4pm to 5.30pm (Mandarin) and 7pm to 8.30pm (English). Dinner is provided (5.30pm to 7pm)
Queenstown Baptist Church, 495 Margaret Drive, Singapore 149305, qbc.org.sg

The story revolves around a retired man who is gifted a songbird to ease his growing sense of boredom and loss. Having endured the passing of his wife, the collapse of his business, and now the emptiness left behind as his adult children move out, he seeks comfort in this small companion – hoping to coax it into song.

Through his interactions with the songbird and his two children, the audience is drawn into a tender journey of self-discovery, healing and renewed purpose. Songbirds do not sing to please; they sing simply because they are alive. In the same way, we too are created to sing – to lift our voices to our Creator.

The play also reflects on the noise and distractions of the world that often distract us from realising our true calling and the destiny we were made for.

Get your tickets here or contact Pastor Isabella at 64718078 for more details.

Other churches celebrating Christmas Together

3:16 CHURCH (services will be held at Church of the Good Shepherd, 2 Dundee Road, Singapore 149454), 316-church.com
Stories of Hope, Sunday December 21, 4.30pm to 6.30pm

ST JAMES CHURCH, 1 Leedon Road, Singapore 267828, www.sjc.org.sg
Christmas Day Service, Thursday December 25, 10am

GRACE ASSEMBLY OF GOD, 355 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247960, graceaog.org

SOAKABILITY, 37 Jalan Pemimpin, #05-15 Mapex Building, Singapore 577177, soakability.com
Facebook live event + onsite service, Sundays 10am to 12.30pm

For more information about Christmas Together 2025, visit their Instagram page.

Church compounds (denoted by a star) will be lit up in the evenings for most of December, welcoming all in to soak in the peace and joy of the season.

A version of this story first appeared on Stories of Hope