It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Singapore – the festive lights are merrily twinkling on the city streets, baubles and ornaments are glistening on shop displays and the familiar blare of Xmas carols can be heard everywhere, from supermarkets to our favourite cafes.
Best of all – Christmas markets are popping up all over town, including the return of our favourite: The Gardens by the Bay Christmas Wonderland. Last year’s edition left us breathless with its luminous light displays gleaming with brilliant, royal hues, delish treats at the European festive market and the 17-metre high Spalliera that left visitors spellbound.
After last year’s massive success, this year’s set up boasts never-seen-before carnival rides, Christmas musical performances, more impressive Italian luminarie light sculptures and the return of old favourites like the Speigeltent, a century-old ‘Mirror Tent’. Here are our top picks of things to do at this yuletide extravaganza…
Go for a spin on a carnival ride
We love mega amusement park rides as much as the next person but if you’re nostalgic for the simpler, timeless variety, grab your little ones and hop on to any of the classic rides at Christmas Wonderland. Soak up the sights and sounds of the festive fairground on the iconic British carousel, spin around on the swinging chairs or slide down a 14-metre high tower. The rides are between $8 to $10 per ticket.
Experience a ‘blizzard’ and bouts of bubbles
If your kids are missing the snowy wonders of home or if you’ve never experienced this magical sight, head to the Christmas Wonderland for its tropical version. Happening nightly, Blizzard Time takes place at the Spalliera. Also catch whimsical soapy bubbles floating in the air at the Fairground – these will make a gorgeous backdrop for a family photo.
Be enthralled by dazzling luminaries
The Garden’s air of festivity simply would not be complete without the luminous Luminarie light sculptures. Delicately handmade by Italian skilled craftsmen using white wood from the South of Italy, these enchanting sculptures (as many as 56!) can be found within the Supertree Grove, Dragonfly Bridge and Flower Dome. Also – don’t miss the massive Spalliera (though it’s probably impossible to) which will provide an absolutely stunning backdrop to the Christmas carols.
When: Friday, 27 November – Sunday, 3 January 2016
European-style festive market
While Singapore has its fair share of wonderful Christmas markets, Gardens by The Bay’s festive market tops our list for its distinctly European charm. Snap up unique Christmas gifts for your loved ones here, or grab Christmassy grub to go while you explore the lush, festively lighted up trails of the garden.
When: Friday, 27 November – Sunday, 27 December
Soak up the festivities with live performances and storytelling sessions
Few things bring on the cheer of Christmas as much as live performances. Sing along to holiday tunes by the Jukeleles, shimmy to the riotous beats of the Urban Drill Crew and Precision Drill Squad or laugh your socks off as ventriloquist The Sensationalist Stephano tickles you silly with his interactive stand-up comedy show.
Dine in splendour at the Spiegeltent
The return of this beautiful, large mirror tent has us jumping for joy. Constructed in wood and canvas and swathed in intricate, brocade draperies, stained glass and handcraved artwork, this gorgeous gem is not just something to gape at – it also houses a dining area for you to enjoy specially curated gourmet selections from Harry’s.
Build a tropical snowman or glide amongst towering trees
For the first time ever, the Ice Palace makes its debut in Singapore to thrill both the young and old with its cool offerings. Bundle up the whole brood, build a snowman at the Snow Playground (or just make snow angels) or lace up your skates and glide on the ice skating rink like a true snow prince or princess.
Try your hand at exciting carnival games
A carnival simply wouldn’t be one without its fair share of carnival games! Rope in the kids and battle it out in games involving chance and skills, including Extreme Basketball, Can Smash 1, and Roll-a-ball. Located at the fairground, these games will help you score some cool brownie points with the kids – if you win them attractive prizes (like toys from Disney and Warner Brother characters), that is.
Watch as toys come to life at the Christmas Toyland
For every child who dreams of visiting a toyland, this is it. Set amidst an array of stunning floral favourites, the garden trail features an 11-metre tall spinning pyramid (decked with toys) which will transform into a stage for live festive performances. Tour the North Pole and explore a magical, floral wonderland where toy soldiers march alongside reindeers and teddy bears manage a sleigh station.
When: Saturday, 21 November to Tuesday, 5 January 2016
Meet Santa at his cottage
With all the Christmas lights and celebrations taking place all over the city, it’s surprisingly lacking with Santa grottos. Make Xmas a magical one by taking the younger ones to Santa’s cottage where they can express their heartfelt Christmas wishes while you seize the chance to snap priceless photos.
Blizzard Time at the Spalliera: 8pm, 9pm and 10pm daily.
Fun with Bubbles at the Fairground: 7pm, 8.05pm and 9.10pm daily.