Did you know that Boxing Day has gone from a British holiday tradition to a global phenomenon, particularly in places like Singapore, where it has essentially turned into a shopping and leisure extravaganza? From record-breaking sales in retail to huge sporting events, Boxing Day in Singapore is now a key date in the calendar for shoppers and tourists alike.

The uninformed may not know that Boxing Day occurs on December 26 (the day after Christmas), and it’s a day that stemmed off the general concept of giving warm-heartedly, traditionally from charity, including warm-hearted deeds like the wealthy and privileged giving boxes to servants (and the prudent) as a share of charity. Boxing Day transformed from charitable giving into a consumer’s paradise, where retailers (and the hospitality, leisure, and tourism sectors) typically slash prices on everything from electronic to fashion.

Boxing Day is celebrated by several countries, including the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand; it has recently transformed into an event in Singapore, where it’s seen as a mix of festive celebration and mega sales combined.

You may be curious as to the origins of the term "Boxing Day." By popular understanding, it relates to the formal sport of boxing, however, this is not the case whatsoever. Rather, it refers specifically to the tradition in Britain of boxing the money or present given to your servants and tradesmen on the day following Christmas in gratitude for their services throughout the year.

Over the decades, the meaning of Boxing Day changed. Once a holiday known mainly for charitable purposes, it has become a worldwide shopping spree. In the UK it can be more of a social mix of charity and shopping, however, in the rest of the world, especially Singapore, it is simply a day of discount shopping and leisure.

Although Boxing Day began in the UK, it actually has found a home in Singapore, that combines the historical aspect of daily lives during colonial times, and the modern shopping culture so prevalent with Singaporeans. As shopping is evident in the way of life to Singaporeans, Boxing Day has become a popular annual shopping event marking the end of the Year and planning for the following year.

Many Singaporeans participated in Boxing Day sales either online or in-store. If you have ever come across e-commerce sites and travel platforms such as Traveloka, the day has also become synonymous with travel deals, making it a perfect time to plan your next adventure.

If you are looking to shop during Boxing Day, it is buzzing with both local and international brands vying for attention. Major malls like VivoCity and Orchard Road are at the forefront of the shopping madness, offering hefty discounts on fashion, electronics, and home goods.

Boxing Day’s rise in Singapore isn’t just about great bargains. The multicultural fabric of the city means that it fits perfectly with the end-of-year festive celebrations. Christmas Day itself is widely celebrated across different communities in Singapore, and Boxing Day is viewed as an extension of that celebration, with people coming together to shop, relax, and enjoy time with their families.

Locally, Boxing Day is, in addition to festive celebrations, also a significant increase in sales for a variety of local businesses. Pressure and high consumer expectations are present for these local businesses. Often local businesses prepare their promotions and photos of now-discounted products months earlier to draw in Singaporean customers who have different levels of savviness when it comes to shopping deals.

Because Boxing Day falls on a Thursday in the year 2024, you can anticipate sales to linger through the weekend, giving you ample time to shop, even after Christmas, to take advantage of end-of-the-year offers. Most retailers will begin the early stages of their pre-Boxing Day promotions, in-store or online, halfway through December, so if you're an early bird shopper keep an eye on sales for bargains before Boxing Day. Surprisingly, end-of-the-year offers (post the Boxing Day holiday) often extend deeper discounts than Boxing Day itself, so stay in shopping mode through the first week of January!

Boxing Day is no longer strictly for purchasing clothes and gadgets on sale and who can blame everyone when there are various sales across categories and types of products! Some possible categories to shop from that have deep discounts include, but are not limited to:

Traveloka really steps up its game for Boxing Day. If you’re looking for travel deals, this is the place to be. Whether you're planning a quick getaway or a long-term trip somewhere in 2025, Traveloka will cover flight discounts on major destinations, hotel deals which cut up to good deals and even a package that may include flights, accommodations, and activities in one tidy package at a discounted rate.

If you're staying in Singapore on Boxing Day then, congrats, you're about to treat yourself.

To fully capitalise on Boxing Day travel deals, here’s a quick strategy:

Boxing Day sales are battlegrounds, so be ready:

Boxing Day sales continue to gain traction each year in Singapore, and 2024 is set to be no different. More people are shopping online, and less that resist tap-and-go. Expect to see a greater integration of tech and successfully faster shopping experiences. Traveloka to be certain, will be driving to a more personalised deal utilising past consumer behaviour, and ensuring that the offers you receive are what you are actually interested in.

As a leading travel platform in Asia, Traveloka is committed to delivering outstanding value and service to its Singaporean customers. Their exclusive Boxing Day promotions for 2024 are set to be some of the best yet, with a focus on providing diverse travel options or affordable holiday packages

In conclusion, Boxing Day 2024 will be a don't miss event, especially if you’re a travel enthusiast.

Looking for more savings on your Boxing Day travel plans? You're lucky! Traveloka is offering exciting promotions for new users. Download the Traveloka app today and register to unlock exclusive discounts on flights, nearby hotels, and tourist attractions.

So, mark your calendars, plan your wishlist, and get ready to make the most of Boxing Day 2024. Whether you're planning to shop till you drop or a quick weekend getaway. Traveloka's easy-to-use platform and unbeatable deals have you covered. Don’t miss out. Register now and get started on your next adventure!