Christmas tree at Ion Orchard

MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM SINGAPORE!

Singapore celebrates Christmas the only way it knows how: Big and Bright. Walking down Orchard Road on Christmas Eve revealed just how big and bright Christmas could be in the Little Red Dot, with malls trying to outdo each other with their respective holiday displays. It was as much a celebration of the season (one mall had scenes from the Nativity) as it was of the commercialized aspect of the holidays. The crowds were also in full force last night, so a greater police presence was deployed, along with assorted warnings against petty theft. Still, that didn’t seem to dampen anyone’s holiday spirits. ‘Tis the season, after all.

After the cut, nine more photos featuring the sights of Orchard Road on Christmas Eve.

Asian Santa, Asian Elvis, and assorted Christmas-y characters

Christmas lights in Wheelock Place

crowds inside Ion Orchard

bright lights on Orchard Road

Santa's not the only one watching

Christmas crowds outside Wisma Atria

Which one is THE Tree of Love?

Live. Laugh. Love. Louis Vuitton.

I guess someone wanted to fly home for the holidays but couldn't...

For more photos of how Singapore celebrates Christmas, check out Flickr.