A Spanish Christmas at The Winery Tapas Bar: Where Colonial Heritage Meets Festive Feasting

As December descends upon Singapore, the historic CHIJMES courtyard transforms into a magical Christmas destination. Twinkling lights dance across Gothic arches, colonial facades glow with festive warmth, and the air fills with the enticing aromas of roasting meats and mulled spices. At The Winery Tapas Bar, located in the historic CHIJMES, we're bringing together Spanish Christmas traditions—where Nochebuena celebrations extend late into the night—with classic festive roasts in Singapore's most atmospheric dining venue.

This Christmas, experience more than just a meal. Discover a celebration that honors both traditional Christmas feasting and the Spanish philosophy of gathering around exceptional food and wine, surrounded by loved ones, in a setting that recalls Singapore's rich colonial heritage.

Five Show-Stopping Mains for Your Festive Celebration

Our Christmas menu has been carefully crafted to offer something spectacular for every palate, whether you're a traditionalist seeking classic roast turkey or an adventurous diner ready to explore Spanish-inspired festive flavors.

1. Herb-Butter Roast Turkey – The Classic Christmas Centerpiece (S$48)

For those who crave the quintessential Christmas experience, our herb-butter roast turkey delivers tradition with gourmet finesse. Each turkey is carefully selected, brined to perfection, then generously brushed with a fragrant herb-garlic butter that creates a golden, crispy skin while keeping the meat impossibly moist and tender.

What Makes It Special:

• Hand-crafted herb-garlic butter infused with rosemary, thyme, and sage
• Slow-roasted until golden brown with crispy, flavorful skin
• Accompanied by roasted Brussels sprouts with caramelized edges
• Delicate chestnut crumble adding nutty sweetness and textural contrast
• Rich cranberry jus providing the perfect tart-sweet balance

Perfect For: Traditional Christmas lovers, families seeking comfort food elegance, anyone creating timeless holiday memories

Wine Pairing Recommendation: A full-bodied Chardonnay with buttery notes complements the herb butter beautifully, or opt for a light Pinot Noir if you prefer red wine with poultry. Our sommeliers can guide you through our cellar selection.

Portion Guide: Generously feeds 2-3 people when paired with sides

2. Glazed Iberico Pork Ribs – Spanish Meets Festive (Half Rack S$32 / Full Rack S$52)

Here's where Spanish heritage meets Christmas indulgence. These aren't ordinary pork ribs—they're premium Iberico ribs from Spain's prized black pigs, known for their exceptional marbling and rich, nutty flavor. Slow-braised until fall-off-the-bone tender, then finished with our signature honey-chipotle glaze that adds sweet heat and glossy perfection.

What Makes It Special:

• Premium Iberico pork with superior marbling and flavor
• Slow-braised for hours until fork-tender
• Honey-chipotle glaze balancing sweetness with gentle smokiness
• Crispy rosemary potatoes with golden exteriors and fluffy interiors
• Represents the Spanish influence in our festive menu

Perfect For: Adventurous diners, tapas lovers wanting a festive twist, those seeking something beyond traditional Christmas fare

Wine Pairing Recommendation: Spanish Tempranillo or Garnacha brings this dish full circle, with their fruity notes and subtle spice complementing the glaze perfectly. Consider a Rioja for a more elegant pairing.

Value Proposition: Half rack ideal for couples, full rack perfect for sharing among groups or for hearty appetites

3. Maple-Clove Glazed Ham – Sweet & Savory Perfection (S$42)

Christmas ham reimagined with gourmet sophistication. Our thick-cut baked ham is coated in a luxurious maple-clove glaze that caramelizes beautifully during roasting, creating sweet, aromatic edges that give way to tender, savory pork beneath.

What Makes It Special:

• Premium thick-cut ham ensuring juicy, substantial portions
• Maple-clove glaze with warm spices evoking classic Christmas aromatics
• Fresh pineapple relish adding bright, tropical acidity
• Buttery mashed potatoes providing rich, creamy comfort
• Perfect balance of sweet and savory in every bite

Perfect For: Ham enthusiasts, those seeking elegant comfort food, anyone who appreciates the classic sweet-glazed ham tradition

Wine Pairing Recommendation: A German Riesling with its touch of sweetness and crisp acidity cuts through the richness beautifully. Alternatively, a dry Rosé offers refreshing contrast to the maple sweetness.

Serving Suggestion: Excellent for family-style sharing—slice and serve alongside multiple sides

4. Rosemary-Crusted Rack of Lamb – Elegant Festive Dining (S$46)

For milestone celebrations and romantic Christmas dinners, nothing surpasses the elegance of our rosemary-crusted rack of lamb. Each rack is carefully French-trimmed, coated in aromatic rosemary and herbs, then roasted to your preferred doneness—we recommend medium-rare to showcase the lamb's tender, delicate flavor.

What Makes It Special:

• Premium rack of lamb, French-trimmed for elegant presentation
• Aromatic rosemary crust infusing every bite with herbal fragrance
• Luxurious truffle mash elevating the dish to special occasion status
• Fresh mint chimichurri (Spanish-Argentine fusion) adding brightness
• Roasted garlic cloves providing sweet, mellow depth

Perfect For: Romantic dinners, milestone celebrations, anyone seeking the most refined option on our Christmas menu

Wine Pairing Recommendation: A bold Cabernet Sauvignon or aged Rioja Reserva stands up beautifully to the lamb's richness, while the tannins complement the rosemary and truffle beautifully.

Chef's Note: Allow us to know your preferred doneness—our kitchen team takes pride in cooking each rack to perfection

5. The Grand Finale: Sticky Date Pudding (S$18)

No Christmas feast is complete without a spectacular dessert, and our sticky date pudding offers a contemporary alternative to traditional Christmas pudding. This warm, comforting dessert features a moist date cake soaked in rich caramel sauce, creating an almost molten center, topped with cool vanilla bean ice cream that melts into the warm pudding.

What Makes It Special:

• Warm date pudding with incredibly moist, tender crumb
• Rich butterscotch caramel sauce pooling around the pudding
• Premium vanilla bean ice cream providing temperature contrast
• Not too heavy—the perfect finish after a festive feast
• Ideal for sharing or indulging solo

Wine Pairing Recommendation: A Tawny Port or Late Harvest dessert wine echoes the caramel notes beautifully, creating a luxurious finish to your Christmas meal.

Build Your Perfect Christmas Feast: Premium Sides (S$10 each)

Customize your Christmas dinner with our selection of gourmet sides, each designed to complement our main dishes while adding variety and abundance to your table.

Four Gourmet Accompaniments

Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Carrots
Seasonal vegetables caramelized to perfection with slight char, tossed with olive oil and sea salt. The natural sweetness emerges during roasting, making even Brussels sprouts skeptics believers.

Crispy Rosemary Potatoes
Golden potatoes roasted with fresh rosemary, creating crispy exteriors that give way to fluffy, tender interiors. Herb-infused comfort in every bite.

Creamy Truffle Mash
Take your Christmas dinner to luxury levels with this indulgent upgrade. Smooth, buttery mashed potatoes infused with aromatic truffle oil—perfect for special occasions.

Warm Fennel Salad with Herbs
A Mediterranean touch bringing freshness to balance the richness of Christmas mains. Lightly warmed fennel with fresh herbs offers a palate-cleansing element.

Side Ordering Guide:

• For 2 people: Order 2-3 sides to complement your mains
• For 4 people: Order 3-4 sides for variety
• Family-style dining: Order multiple portions of favorites for sharing
• Best pairings: Turkey + Brussels sprouts + truffle mash | Lamb + rosemary potatoes + fennel salad | Ham + carrots + regular mash

Curated Christmas Wine Pairings from Our Cellar

At The Winery, we believe exceptional food deserves exceptional wine. Our walk-in wine cellar houses over 100 labels spanning Old World classics to New World discoveries, and our team has curated specific recommendations to elevate your Christmas feast.

The Sommelier's Festive Recommendations

White Wines for Turkey & Ham:

• Chardonnay (Burgundy or California): Buttery, full-bodied whites complement herb-butter turkey
• Riesling (Germany or Alsace): Touch of sweetness balances maple-glazed ham perfectly
• Albariño (Spain): Crisp, aromatic option for those preferring lighter whites

Red Wines for Lamb & Ribs:

• Cabernet Sauvignon: Bold tannins stand up to rosemary lamb and rich meats
• Rioja Reserva: Spanish elegance perfect with Iberico ribs
• Tempranillo: Fruity, spicy notes complement glazed pork beautifully
• Pinot Noir: Versatile option that works across most dishes

Sparkling for Celebrations:

• Champagne or Cava: Toast the season with bubbles before, during, or after your meal
• Prosecco: Festive and approachable sparkler for the whole table

Christmas Wine Specials

Ask about our Christmas wine flight options, specially curated to pair with multiple courses. Our by-the-glass selections allow you to explore different pairings throughout your meal, while bottles offer better value for groups.

Pro Tip: Pre-order wine when making your Christmas reservation to ensure your preferred bottles are chilled and ready when you arrive.

Beyond the Plate: Why The Winery Tapas Bar at CHIJMES is Singapore's Premier Christmas Destination

The Setting

The Winery Tapas Bar is located in CHIJMES, one of Singapore's most iconic heritage landmarks. The Gothic architecture, originally a convent built in 1854, creates an atmosphere that's inherently romantic and festive. During Christmas, the courtyard takes on additional magic with decorations complementing rather than overwhelming the historic beauty.

Choose between:

• Outdoor courtyard seating: Experience CHIJMES' magical ambiance under the stars
• Indoor dining: Air-conditioned comfort while still enjoying views of the historic architecture
• Semi-al fresco areas: Best of both worlds

Every corner is photo-worthy, making your Christmas dinner Instagram-ready without trying.

The Atmosphere

Unlike some venues that go overboard with Christmas decorations, we strike the perfect balance—festive mood without overwhelming sensory overload. Expect soft lighting, subtle decorations that enhance the colonial architecture, and a celebratory atmosphere that works for all ages and occasions.

Our venue stays open late (till 1AM on weekends), embracing the Spanish tradition of extended evening celebrations. Christmas dinner doesn't have to end early—linger over wine, order another dessert, and truly savor the evening.

Spanish Christmas Traditions at The Winery Tapas Bar

In Spain, Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) is celebrated with extended family dinners that last well into the night, centered around exceptional food, wine, and togetherness. While we're bringing Spanish culinary influence to our Christmas menu, we're also embracing this philosophy of unhurried celebration.

Take your time. Order multiple courses. Share dishes family-style. Stay for after-dinner drinks. This is how Christmas should be celebrated.

Christmas Dining Scenarios: Find Your Perfect Celebration

Romantic Couples

Our Recommendation: Start with the Rosemary-Crusted Rack of Lamb, add truffle mash and fennel salad, pair with an aged Rioja Reserva, and share the Sticky Date Pudding for dessert. Request intimate table placement for maximum romance.

Estimated Budget: S$120-150 per couple including sides and dessert (wine additional)

Family Gatherings

Our Recommendation: Order the Herb-Butter Roast Turkey as your centerpiece, add multiple sides for variety, supplement with the Glazed Ham for options, and let everyone share family-style. Consider ordering multiple desserts.

Estimated Budget: S$250-350 for family of 4-5 including multiple sides and desserts (wine additional)

Friend Groups

Our Recommendation: Order a variety of mains—half rack of ribs, turkey, lamb—and share tapas-style. This approach lets everyone taste multiple dishes and creates a convivial, social dining experience true to Spanish tradition.

Estimated Budget: S$50-70 per person depending on how many dishes you share

Corporate Celebrations

For larger groups, we offer private dining options with customized Christmas menus and dedicated service. Perfect for team celebrations, client entertaining, or year-end appreciation events. Contact us to discuss group packages and private room availability.

Reserve Your Christmas Table: Everything You Need to Know

Availability & Booking

Christmas Menu Dates: Available December 1-25, 2025

Peak Times:

• Christmas Eve (December 24): High demand, book early
• Christmas Day (December 25): Special hours, advance booking essential
• Early December weekends: Popular for pre-Christmas celebrations

How Far in Advance to Book: We recommend booking at least 2 weeks ahead for weekday dinners, 3-4 weeks for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Tables are filling quickly, especially for prime evening slots (7-9 PM).

Walk-in Availability: Extremely limited during the Christmas season. Reservations strongly recommended.

Special Christmas Services

• Gift Vouchers: Available for purchase—perfect Christmas gifts for food lovers
• Takeaway Options: Selected items available for home celebrations (advance orders required)
• Group Booking Assistance: Contact us directly for parties of 8 or more
• Pre-Order Benefits: Reserve specific wines or request special table placement when booking

Location & Hours

Address: The Winery Tapas Bar, 30 Victoria Street, #01-05, CHIJMES, Singapore 187996

Christmas Period Hours:

• December 1-23: Regular hours (Mon-Thu 4:30 PM-1 AM, Fri-Sat 4:30 PM-2 AM)
• Christmas Eve: Extended hours till 2 AM
• Christmas Day: Special brunch and dinner service (check website for specific times)

Getting Here:

• MRT: City Hall Station (5-minute walk)
• Parking: Public parking available at CHIJMES (entrance via Bras Basah Road)
• Taxi/Grab: Drop-off directly at CHIJMES main entrance

Dress Code: Smart casual suggested for the festive season. CHIJMES' elegant setting calls for slightly elevated attire.

Pricing Overview

Mains: S$32-52
Dessert: S$18
Sides: S$10 each

Sample Budgets:

• Couple's Christmas Dinner: S$120-150 (2 mains, 2-3 sides, 1 dessert)
• Family of 4: S$250-350 (3-4 mains, 4-5 sides, 2-3 desserts)
• Friend Group (per person): S$50-70 when sharing multiple dishes

Wine and beverages additional. Ask about Christmas wine pairing packages.

Make It Extra Special

Planning to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or proposal during the Christmas season? Let us know when booking and we can help make your celebration even more memorable:

• Surprise desserts with candles and personalized messages
• Special table placement for maximum privacy or ambiance
• Wine cellar tours available upon request
• Complimentary gift presentation services
• Photography-friendly venue—we're happy to help capture your special moments

Book Your Spanish Christmas at The Winery Tapas Bar Today

Christmas tables at The Winery Tapas Bar fill up fast. Don't miss your chance to celebrate in Singapore's most atmospheric colonial setting with a festive menu that honors both Christmas tradition and Spanish culinary excellence.

Reserve your table now or call us directly to discuss your Christmas celebration plans.

From our family to yours, we look forward to making your Christmas 2025 truly unforgettable—the Spanish way, in the heart of historic CHIJMES.

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The Christmas menu is available December 1-25, 2025 at The Winery Tapas Bar. Reservations strongly recommended. View our full menu and daily promotions or explore our event packages for larger celebrations.