Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow…in Singapore. Even if it’s fake snow. Christmas Wonderland is THE place to experience the festive spirit this year. A list of events (longer than Santa’s list) awaits at Christmas Wonderland Gardens By The Bay.
While we may never have a snowy Christmas on our tropical isle, you can still experience winter at the Flower Dome with its cool temperatures and Christmas-themed installations. You’ll spot bears by fireplaces, little churches amid seasonal poinsettia, snowmen in the snow of course, and a candy cane shop. Jazzy tunes by the Asian All-Stars Power Quartet and Thomason Big Band add to the feelgood factor )(which you will need in spades as you dodge people with selfie sticks!). Even Miffy is making an appearance so check session times for her meet and greet.
After spending some time inside it’s time to brace for the heat. It’s totally worth it. Wander down to SuperTree Grove (the lights will lead the way) and you’ll come across the grand festive open air market at the base of the trees, which all kitted out like a European scene. There are numerous food and beverage vendors about.
The enormous, colourful and beautiful Luminarie light sculptures are quite magical. Spend time just wandering around them. Come 7:30pm, the Spalliera – the massive circle/crown of light that commands attention – is the scene of a snow blizzard where foam wafts through the air. Unless you’re directly in the vicinity of the snow making machine. In which case you will get soaked (bring a towel as back-up.
Take a peak inside the Spiegeltent, the lovely mirrored gypsy tent from the Netherlands that has been travelling the world for two centuries. Inside, you can learn how to design intricate Christmas cards, along with other Christmas crafts at the various workshops scheduled.
TIPS:
- Parking is crazy. We arrived at 5pm and bypassed the main carpark, managing to get a park easily at the Satay By the Bay carpark.
- If you’re there to see the Snow Blizzard at 7:30pm, kill time by having an early dinner and a run around at Marina Barrage seeing the kite fliers.
- Then make your way to Supertree Grove about 6:30pm to enjoy lights and traditional live carols at the routunda (Cassa Armonica).
- Head to the Spalliera for the snow blizzard about 7:15 if you want to be near one of the machines generating the foam snow.
- BRING YOUR WELLIES! It was a bit of a mud bath when we went and your shoes are likely to sink.
Image: Choo Yut Shing