Dreaming of a green Christmas? Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree unveils ‘A Wild Christmas’. From lavish buffets at Planter’s Shed to an exquisite tasting menu at Forage, we explore all the festive feasts, spa indulgences, and unique rainforest celebrations for a memorable holiday in Singapore.
What if you could trade the usual city lights and crowded malls for a Christmas surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the rainforest? This year, a uniquely Singaporean holiday experience is waiting just a short drive from the city centre. Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree, Singapore’s first and only resort nestled within a rainforest, has unveiled its inaugural festive programme, ‘A Wild Christmas’.
It is a celebration that reimagines holiday traditions through a lens of nature, sustainability, and serene luxury. Whether you are planning a family feast, a romantic dinner, or a spectacular New Year’s Eve, here is your complete guide to their festive offerings.
Feasting Amidst the Foliage at Planter’s Shed
The heart of the festive dining action is at Planter’s Shed, the resort’s all-day dining restaurant. They offer two distinct ways to celebrate.
For a relaxed yet elegant lunch, the Four-course Set Lunch is available daily from 4 December. Priced at $58++ per person, it features dishes such as a Winter Jewel Kale Salad and a choice of mains, including an indulgent Slow-Cooked Beef Cheek or a Pistachio-Crusted Norwegian Salmon. It is a perfect option after a morning exploring the nearby wildlife parks.
The celebration transforms in the evening with the Festive Buffet Dinner. Running from 4 to 30 December (excluding the peak days), this is where the resort showcases its abundance. The spread includes a Premium Chilled Seafood Station with Boston lobster and snow crab legs. At the festive carving station, you will find Roasted Christmas Turkey, Honey-Glazed Boneless Ham, and incredibly tender Creole-spiced Angus OP Ribs.
A live station serving a rich Signature Lobster Laksa adds a beloved local touch. The buffet is priced from $68++ on weekdays to $78++ on weekends. On Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve, special buffet seatings are priced at $158++ per adult, complete with carollers and a visit from Santa to heighten the festive spirit.
An Intimate Rainforest Culinary Journey at Forage
For those seeking a truly special and intimate dining experience, Forage presents an exceptional eight-course tasting menu for the season. Priced at $238++ per person and available throughout December, this menu is the embodiment of the resort’s ‘Harvest to Table’ philosophy.
Each course is a thoughtful creation inspired by and often sourced from the rainforest environment. You might start with a dish of Yellowtail brightened with ginger flower from their edible garden, followed by Red Grouper served with a aromatic phở-inspired broth poured tableside. The menu pays homage to Christmas with a herb-roasted Yellow Chicken and features a Tajima Wagyu Beef Striploin known for its lower carbon footprint. It is a meal that tells a story of place, season, and mindful craftsmanship.
Celebrate at Home with Festive Takeaways
If you are hosting at home, the resort’s curated takeaway collection allows you to bring their culinary expertise to your table. The centrepiece is the Banyan Noël Luxe Collection Pack at $288++, designed to serve six to eight guests with a whole roasted turkey, glazed ham, a yule log, stollen, and sides.
You can also order standout items individually, like a Creole Spice Rub Angus Beef Ribeye ($188++) or a Classical Whole Roasted Turkey ($158++). Their range of Yule Logs includes unique flavours like Durian Coconut alongside the classic dark chocolate. Orders must be placed by 20 December with three days’ advance notice.
Ring in 2026 with a Rainforest Countdown
To welcome the New Year, the resort has planned an unforgettable evening. The celebrations begin with a festive dinner buffet at Planter’s Shed from 7 pm.
Then, from 9 pm onwards, the party moves to the Meranti Ballroom for the countdown. The package includes free-flow Mumm Champagne, Prosecco, wines, and cocktails, accompanied by live music and DJ performances. A lucky draw with stays at other Banyan Tree properties adds to the excitement. The combined Dinner and Countdown Combo Package is priced at $250++ per adult.
Seasonal Serenity at Banyan Tree Spa
Amidst the feasting, the Banyan Tree Spa offers a sanctuary for renewal. Their festive ‘Tailored to Your Senses’ packages for two to four guests are designed for shared relaxation. Booking a 90-minute treatment includes complimentary afternoon tea at Forage, while a 120-minute session offers a choice between afternoon tea or a two-course set lunch. It is a serene way to reconnect and close the year.
‘A Wild Christmas’ at Mandai Rainforest Resort is more than just a meal; it is an invitation to experience the festive season differently. It combines the warmth of holiday traditions with the cool, calming essence of the rainforest, offering a celebration that feels both indulgent and deeply peaceful.
Could this be the year you swap tinsel for tropical greenery?
