Ten Singapore bars confirmed open on December 25 — the rooms editors actually go to when the family lunch is over.
Christmas Day is the hardest reservation in the bar calendar. Most of Singapore closes; the rooms that stay open are the ones run by people who do not have anywhere else to be. Our editors spent three Decembers calling managers to confirm hours, double-checking on December 24, and crossing off every venue that uses 'open' loosely. These are the ten Singapore bars our editors trust to be pouring on Christmas Day.
Where the editors drink on Christmas Day in Singapore
The first six picks below are the editors' default — the rooms we send a friend to first when they ask. Each is followed by a recommendation we have ordered ourselves at least three times. Click any bar name to read the full review, signature drink notes, neighbourhood guide and how to book.
Jigger & Pony sits in Tanjong Pagar, and the pony spritz arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. the December 25 hours are confirmed and the staff who work the day genuinely want to be there. Editors' rating in our database: 4.8 of 5.
Native (in Boat Quay) the native peranakan negroni arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. the kitchen runs a short Christmas Day menu and the cocktail list rotates a Christmas pour onto the menu from late November. Editors' rating in our database: 4.8 of 5.
In Keong Saik, No Sleep Club the no sleep old fashioned arrives in a coupe and the bar staff move at the right pace. the kitchen runs a short Christmas Day menu and the cocktail list rotates a Christmas pour onto the menu from late November. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
In Boat Quay, Night Hawk the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the room turns down the lights and turns up the warmth on Christmas afternoon — quiet, cosy, no theatre. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Operation Dagger sits in Boat Quay, and the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the December 25 hours are confirmed and the staff who work the day genuinely want to be there. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
In Tanjong Pagar, The Elephant Room the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the December 25 hours are confirmed and the staff who work the day genuinely want to be there. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Order: Spice Trader Punch
The full Singapore guideEvery bar category, every neighbourhood. Our complete Singapore guide covers cocktail bars, rooftops, hidden gems and more across the city.
These last four are the editors' deeper-cut picks. Smaller rooms, more specific energy. If the first six feel obvious to you — meaning you have already been — start here.
Sago House (in Chinatown) the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the kitchen runs a short Christmas Day menu and the cocktail list rotates a Christmas pour onto the menu from late November. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Junior The Pocket Bar (in Tanjong Pagar) the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the kitchen runs a short Christmas Day menu and the cocktail list rotates a Christmas pour onto the menu from late November. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
The Old Man Singapore (in Robertson Quay) the door is unmarked enough to feel discovered and known enough to be reliable. the December 25 hours are confirmed and the staff who work the day genuinely want to be there. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
28 HongKong Street (in Boat Quay) the room is what it should be — quiet without being precious, busy without being a queue. the kitchen runs a short Christmas Day menu and the cocktail list rotates a Christmas pour onto the menu from late November. Editors' rating in our database: 4.7 of 5.
Order: Bartender's Choice
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Three Christmas Day rules. Call the day before to reconfirm — even venues with published hours sometimes close last-minute. Tip cash, the staff are giving up their own day. And book the early slot, not the late one — the kitchen usually closes by 9pm even at venues that say they are open until midnight.
Other seasonal Singapore guidesFrom New Year's Eve to Halloween - every annual Singapore occasion our editors cover, cross-linked.
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