I am debating going to South Africa (Cape Town) or Singapore for Christmas and New Years. I know Chinese NY in Singapore is fun but what about Xmas and Christian New Year Eve. Can some one tell me what it will be like?

Not sure about NY's eve but Christmas-time in Singapore is awesome. Orchard Road is lit up like a firecracker (or Christmas tree would probably be a better analogy) and the festive mood is pervasive as are the store discounts. You won't even notice you're celebrating Christmas in 90+ degree weather :)

I think (not sure) most stores remain open for Christmas (unlike in the US) because they don't close for Chinese NY and that's a much bigger holiday down there. Christmas is not so much a religious holiday in Singapore as it is a reason to go shopping and for stores to put up the most elaborate Christmas decorations in hopes of attracting said shoppers. It's all about making money :)

That said, I would also appreciate feedback on Christmas and NY's eve in Bangkok since I'm going to be there at the end of the year. Thanks!

I have a related question. I want to take my parents to Singapore for Chinese New Year 2005. Next year, it will fall on February 9.

Since my parents are Chinese, it's a big holiday. They have never been to SIN. Which time period do you think will be more festive: the few days before February 9 or the few days after?

I was in SIN this past Chinese New Year. I noticed that it was pretty dead on January 22, the first day of Chinese New Year, as well as the day after.

Thanks.

Christian New Year EveThat's the first time I've ever heard New Year's Eve claimed as a religious festival!

That's the first time I've ever heard New Year's Eve claimed as a religious festival!

Well, it is New Year according to the Christian calendar ("Anno Domini" and all that). Some people are prickly about this; for example, in Israel celebrating the day with fireworks is strictly banned, and you aren't going to see many New Year's festivities in places like Saudi Arabia either.

I have a related question. I want to take my parents to Singapore for Chinese New Year 2005. Next year, it will fall on February 9.

Since my parents are Chinese, it's a big holiday. They have never been to SIN. Which time period do you think will be more festive: the few days before February 9 or the few days after?


Last year in 2004, festivities started perhaps 2 weeks before culminating with a big street parade on the Eve in Chinatown. The first 2 days would be a wrong time to go unless they are visiting friends/relatives. Then things pick up again with ending with the annula big Chingay parade/festival about 10 days after the first day of the New Year.

That's the first time I've ever heard New Year's Eve claimed as a religious festival!

Over 50 percent of the holidays in the US and around the world are based on religious events/decisions including when the new year starts.

Thanks every one. It appears Singapore it probably will be, I have been there in the late Spring but never around the Xmas season.