Get ready to unwrap the magic of the holidays with a twist—this year’s Sustainable Christmas Market is bringing festive cheer, eco-friendly fun, and a fully vegetarian feast to the heart of Singapore! With free entry for everyone, it’s the greenest way to celebrate the season, from zero-waste shopping to community giving. Who says you can’t have a merry Christmas and save the planet?

The Sustainable Christmas Market 2024 (SCM 2024) is back for its third year, and this time it’s embracing the heartwarming ‘Kampung Spirit’ of community, sustainability, and giving back. Whether you’re an eco-warrior or just looking for unique holiday gifts, this event promises a festive experience with a green twist that’ll inspire you to rethink your seasonal traditions.

What’s Happening?

On 16 and 17 November 2024, South Beach, Singapore, will be transformed into a sustainable wonderland, spreading across 50,000 square feet with over 150 booths, six activity zones, and endless opportunities to indulge in the Christmas spirit without compromising the planet. Organised by Peace of Art and supported by City Developments Limited (CDL), this year’s market is all about giving back, with the goal to raise S$350,000 for the Singapore Red Cross Young Hearts programme.

The initiative aims to empower underprivileged children and break the cycle of poverty. So, every eco-friendly purchase you make will help brighten up someone’s future—how’s that for holiday cheer?

A Net-Zero Celebration

Pulling off a net-zero event is no small feat, especially when it involves something as big and bustling as a Christmas market. Large-scale events like this typically generate mountains of waste and a hefty carbon footprint, from the energy needed to run them to the disposal of single-use items. That’s why SCM 2024’s commitment to being fully net-zero is so impressive—it shows that with the right planning and dedication, even heartwarming, community-driven events can be kind to the planet.

This year, every detail has been meticulously crafted with sustainability in mind. The entire set-up uses upcycled and reused materials, such as discarded pallets and tyres, proving that what’s old can be new again. BYOB (Bring Your Own Bag) initiatives encourage attendees to ditch plastic, while composting and recycling stations will make sure nothing goes to waste. It’s a zero-waste, zero-compromise event that’s proving you don’t need to sacrifice festive fun to do your bit for the environment.

Achieving a net-zero event isn’t just about offsetting emissions—it’s about radically rethinking how we celebrate, from the way we build event spaces to how we dispose of the leftovers. SCM 2024 has raised the bar for what sustainable events can look like, setting an example for future festivals, markets, and more. This is a Christmas market where the only thing that’ll leave a lasting impact is the joy it spreads!

A Feast for the Senses (And Your Conscience)

What’s Christmas without food? This year, SCM 2024 is taking a big step towards sustainability by going fully vegetarian for the first time! The Kampung Kitchen will feature a delicious array of plant-based dishes, all made from locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. Whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian or simply curious to try something new, you’ll find plenty to tantalise your taste buds.

From hearty, veggie-packed meals to mouth-watering snacks, the market proves that festive feasting can be just as indulgent without the meat. The plant-based menu highlights the growing shift towards conscious eating, where every bite is a celebration of both flavour and eco-friendly choices. It’s a reminder that sustainability starts on our plates, and what better time than the holidays to embrace a more earth-friendly diet?

After all, nothing says “joy” like a guilt-free feast that’s kind to both your palate and the planet!

It Takes a Village: The Kampung Spirit in Action

The heart of SCM 2024 is its commitment to community and giving back, embodied by the “Kampung Spirit”—a term that conjures images of close-knit villages where everyone supports each other. The market is more than just a shopping experience; it’s a hub for fostering connections. You’ll find booths run by young entrepreneurs, workshops hosted by eco-conscious artisans, and performances that celebrate Singapore’s rich cultural tapestry.

Children will be in for a treat with interactive activities like the Dragon Bouncy Castle and Dunk & Donate, while parents can browse stalls featuring everything from handmade crafts to sustainable home goods. And, in true kampung fashion, there’s even a communal table where you can sit down and share a meal with friends—both new and old.

More Than Just Shopping

If you think this is just another holiday market, think again. SCM 2024 is packed with unique experiences designed to inspire, educate, and entertain. Here’s a sneak peek of what to expect:

• Generations for Green Exhibition: Take a walk down memory lane with local memorabilia while learning how sustainability has been part of Singapore’s story for decades.
• Green Marketplace: Discover innovative eco-friendly products that make perfect gifts—think reusable, upcycled, and locally crafted items.
• Lil Art Fair: Admire artwork by young artists, with proceeds supporting charitable causes.
• Kampung Carnival: Dive into traditional games, get soaked at the Dunk Tank (all for charity, of course), and watch the much-anticipated Kampung Boat Race.
• Workshops Galore: Whether you want to learn how to make sustainable holiday decorations or upcycle everyday items, the market offers workshops that let you unleash your creativity in an eco-friendly way.

Guest-of-Honour and A Special Ceremony

On 16 November, Ms Denise Phua, Mayor of the Central Singapore District and Member of Parliament, will officially open the event at noon on the 16th December. She’ll be joined by 40 sponsors and partners, all placing their logos on the stage’s logo wall, symbolising their commitment to sustainability. This will be followed by a market tour and plenty of photo opportunities, including a fun group photo with the Guest-of-Honour and attendees.

Why You Shouldn’t Miss It

The Sustainable Christmas Market 2024 isn’t just an event—it’s a movement. It’s a reminder that even during the festive season, we can all do our part to make the world a better place, whether that’s through sustainable shopping, thoughtful giving, or simply showing up to support causes that matter.

And let’s face it, who doesn’t love a holiday market where you can snag eco-friendly goodies, feast on local delicacies, and make a positive impact—all while soaking in the Christmas spirit?

Mark your calendars, pack your reusable bags, and get ready to join Singapore’s biggest celebration of sustainable living. This year’s event promises to be bigger, greener, and more joyful than ever. See you there!

For more details on the Sustainable Christmas Market 2024, visit www.sustainablemarkets.sg or follow them on Instagram @sustainablemarkets.sg.