10 Things to Do in Singapore in November

November in Singapore is a month with varied entertainment options and a fairly mild and balanced climate, with temperatures ranging from 25° to 31°. The only downside is that monsoon season is approaching, so it's common to encounter rain. However, it's a light rainfall that helps to reduce humidity and maintain a pleasant atmosphere. The low tourist influx is another reason why this month is ideal for exploring the city, especially if you want to visit the most iconic sights.

You'll be free to explore the best things to do in Singapore. For example, if you're a fan of mysteries and movies, you can take advantage of the latest Halloween events at Universal Studios Singapore locations. Also, this month is packed with events such as the Deepavali Festival of Lights, Clay Festival, Writers' Festival and the first Christmas markets. Finally, if you're a shopaholic, Black Friday is not to be missed - take note!

A cruise can be an alternative way to get to know the Singapore River, especially in November. During this month, the weather is more pleasant and less humid and the number of tourists tends to decrease. In addition, themed events are held on the boats to mark the start of the Christmas season. You can also look forward to other cultural performances and gastronomic experiences.

These types of activities will lead you to explore the fascinating local history and architecture, while enjoying unrivalled views of the old docks and impressive skyscrapers that loom over the city. In fact, it's one of the best things to do in Singapore, as you'll be treated to a 40-minute walk to see sights such as the Merlion Statue, Esplanade Park and Clarke Quay.

Singapore is a multicultural city, with a strong presence of Indian, Malay, Eurasian, Chinese and other communities. It's no wonder they welcome the Deepavali Festival of Lights, a typical Indian and Nepalese festival where you'll enjoy a taste of this rich culture through a colourful and massive celebration.

On arrival you'll be greeted by twinkling decorations featuring thousands of bright lights. There is also a traditional ceremony, which is accompanied by Hindu performances, street parades with caravans of floats and traditional dance shows. Another tradition not to be missed is the open-air concerts, which are held on the eve of the event.

To enjoy the activities you should head to Little India between October and November. Note that Singapore' s top tourist bus routes often offer stops and walking tours in the area. It might be a good option to check it out and come back to enjoy the event if you think it's worthwhile. You will also see offerings and oil lamps outside houses in the neighbourhood.

Move to the Gardens by the Bay to enjoy the Nordic Christmas Adventure, a Christmas preview that has become an iconic landmark in Singapore. This famous display embellishes the Advent season with an authentic Viking paradise, offering family-friendly attractions and shows that will transport you to the North Pole energy that emanates from the Nordic countries. It's generally available from November to January, so it's not to be missed on your itinerary.

Enjoy Norwegian music concerts, see the Sami costumes of Lapland, enter traditional Norse houses and send postcards to Father Christmas. Of course, it's a great option if you're looking for things to do in Singapore with kids, or if you want to bring out your inner child. You're likely to enjoy special activities such as:

• Jolly Holly Show: it's a jaw-dropping theatrical production that tells the story of a little boy who manages to bring his toys to life during Christmas. Of course, it's a great way to immerse the little ones in a heartwarming story.
• Nordic Christmas Workshop: Feel like you are in the real North Pole and get down to work to help Father Christmas, you can start by making your Christmas stocking to receive your presents.
• Christmas market: sometimes a market is set up where you can sample freshly baked Nordic delicacies.
• Nordic Art Lab: here you can create your own Christmas tree or ornament, using materials that represent the season.
• Unforgettable visits: don't miss the tours of Santa's House and the Elves' Hut, who play an indispensable role in creating the magic of Christmas.

In early November you can attend the Singapore Clay Festival, an annual event with a variety of recreational activities to help you de-stress. It revolves around clay and the world of ceramics and offers demonstrations, workshops, art markets, cultural exhibitions. You can even learn how to model clay or enjoy a romantic evening of moulding as a couple.

During the event you can explore a craft market, to buy souvenirs of your trip to the City of the Future. It's extra special because you'll get to interact with professional potters and hear heartwarming stories, which will show you how Singapore's experiences are transformed into art.

Halloween is an October celebration and in Singapore it is highly anticipated, as Singaporeans love every bit of the festivities involved. So much so that many events extend into early November, if your trip coincides with this time of year you can still see the black and orange decorations dotting the city. Some people even lurk in costume and join in the annual festivals that fill the perimeter with life.

The best place to celebrate Halloween in the middle of November is Universal Studios Singapore, where themed events usually last until the first week of November. In fact, it is considered the epicentre of horror entertainment and offers haunted houses, light shows and music, as well as parades through the grounds.

Its attractions absorb Asian culture and make it creepy through tales of murderers, clown mazes and Thailand's haunted jungle. If you're looking for things to do in Singapore with kids, keep in mind that they can play trick or treat and enjoy other attractions more suited to their age. There are other places to join in the cathartic energy of this celebration such as the Museum of Ancient Civilisations with paranormal tables and fantasy zones for kids.

Singapore is no slouch when it comes to fun events, so if you're planning to visit the city in the last days of November, you can go crazy with Black Friday discounts. This tradition originated in the United States and has spread around the world to the most special corners of Southeast Asia.

In fact, it's one of the most expensive cities to live in, so locals take advantage of the best deals of the year to stock up their wardrobes, homes and renew appliances. If you plan to spend at least 3 days in Singapore during the month of November, you can't miss this opportunity. Some attractions may also be discounted, or you can take advantage of the city's best tourist cards.

Here is a shopping guide with the most recommended areas for good shopping.

• Orchard Road: is a trendy area, where you can find modern shopping malls, high-end shops and enjoy a vibrant atmosphere during Black Friday.
• Far East Plaza: it is famous for its bargaining areas, where discounts are guaranteed, especially on dates like Black Friday.
• Scape Market: if you plan to spend at least 2 days in Singapore and enjoy a weekend with a difference, then you have to check out this quaint place where you will have to put your bargaining skills to the test.
• Ethnic neighbourhoods: if you are looking to get your hands on gems full of history and culture, then perhaps the best place to shop is in areas like Little India or Chinatown.
• Sim Lim Square: If you're in the market for home appliances, head to this trendy street, which has all the latest in the tech world.

If you love art or want to browse collections, head to the Affordable Art Fair, an annual fair held in November since 2007. This event takes you to explore more than 80 galleries, where you'll find exhibits by Singaporean and international artists. As such, you'll enjoy a journey around the world through unique pieces and fun-filled programmes.

You'll also have the opportunity to browse emerging artists and get to know them before they become famous. You'll even be able to buy affordable art, either to start your art collection or to complement it. Don't worry if you're not an art fanatic or an experienced collector, the fair is designed for the whole family to have a good time. You won't have to leave the site to eat either, as you'll find food and drink stalls along the way.

Keep in mind that this is a highly coveted event, with proposals around the world in iconic cities such as New York, Brussels, Amsterdam, Shanghai, Hamburg, Hong Kong, among others. Therefore, it is a real fortune that it takes place in this month, when the tourist influx is quite moderate.

Singapore is a paradise of lights from November to January, so make the most of your trip during the Advent season to see the switch ons that mark the start of the Christmas season. The most impressive lighting takes place on Orchard Road, an iconic Singapore street with a vibrant atmosphere. However, there are other places that are embellished with twinkling lights, such as Marina Bay, local beaches and around the Singapore River.

Shopping malls also often have eye-catching displays, in fact you can check out the Christmas tree at Takashimaya Mall. It is approximately 16 metres high and has become an annual tradition, with beautiful decorations to admire. There are other iconic spaces where you can enjoy Christmas tree lightings or light shows such as the Gardens by the Bay, S.E.A. Aquarium or Universal Studios Singapore.

November is a slightly rainy month, so be prepared. During this time it pays to look for fun activities and include some that aren't outdoors, so you have options to escape the rainfall. A great alternative is the indoor toboggan run, which takes you on an adrenaline-filled adventure, and takes you through curves of varying intensity.

One of the best known is the one at Changi International Airport, which allows you to spend your layovers in a fun way, especially on rainy days. It is located on level 1 and is 12 metres high, descending four fun-filled floors. At the theme parks on Sentosa Island there are also options to cover yourself from bad weather conditions and you can take advantage of Singapore's best tourist cards to save a couple of euros.

Additionally, Wild Wild Wet is a theme park with options for all ages, where you'll find slides of different sizes and speeds. Of course, there are other activities to escape the rainy days, including visiting Singapore's best museums, strolling through the gardens or riding the Sentosa cable car across the city.

If you really want to get out of the hotel and wander around the city, you can also embark on an adventure aboard Singapore's best sightseeing buses. Or take advantage of the Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (SMRT), the public transport system that connects different locations and will get you to your destination dry.

If you want to nourish yourself on **Singapore'**s culture, then you have to make a stop at the Singapore Writers Festival. It's an ideal annual event for those who love to read and escape from routine, through fantastic worlds. Here you will find a space with an enriching programme, which has been held since 1986 and promotes emerging writing from Asian countries.

You will have the opportunity to attend panels of renowned writers, enjoy reading clubs to discuss a work as a team and witness the launch of new works. Admission starts at 7 euros, but it's usually a Festival Pass that includes all events. Of course, I recommend you check on the website, as some conferences may have an additional cost. There are also free activities that require pre-registration online, which are ideal for the whole family.

• Dress comfortably and coolly, as it tends to be quite hot during the day. It doesn't hurt to add a jacket and pack a mackintosh for the rainy season.
• Stay hydrated and use sunscreen, as the sun index in this month is quite high.
• Use Singapore' s best tourist cards to save money and get access to different attractions for the same price.