Rides, a festive market, Santa visits and food galore... we can't wait for December and a visit to Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay!
We’re off to a cracking good start this holiday season with plenty of fun and feasting (we’ve got festive dinner preparations lined up already!) We’re looking forward to the turkey dinners and holidays to Europe, or maybe even a ski trip in Asia for a change. But there’s one thing Christmas can’t do without, of course – lights. We love traversing Orchard Road when it’s all decked out in its sparkly finery, but what we’re really excited about is the extravaganza that is Christmas Wonderland!
Gardens by the Bay is gearing up for the holiday season once again with the return of Christmas Wonderland, opening 29 November until 1 January. This year’s going to be bigger, better, brighter and more magical, including the ever-popular seven-storey high Spalliera. There’ll also be rides, a festive market, and gourmet food guaranteed to satisfy all your winter cravings. Here’s what you should be looking out for…
1. Stunning light displays
Christmas Wonderland is one huge photo opp, and this year there’s even more to capture. Head to Supertree Grove to see four times more light displays than previous editions! We can’t wait to get the family posing in front of a giant Ice Skate, Ornament Balls, and Gift Boxes. There’ll also be a huge five-metre-tall light display of Santa Claus as he prepares to deliver his presents! Wander through an enchanted forest at Bluebell Lane, and see the largest light display over at the Lawn. Here you’ll find an adorable trio of Merry Bears, with the biggest measuring up to six metres tall!
More captivating light displays can be found at Merry Lane, with the return of the insta-worthy Walk of Lights tunnel that’s 50 metres long. Another highlight is Odette’s Dance, an ode to one of the world’s most iconic ballets, Swan Lake. The must-see is of course the 20-metre-tall Spalliera, which is about the height of four adult giraffes. This year’s installation features a brand-new design inspired by Italian Gothic architecture found in Umbria, Italy and is handmade by artisans in Puglia.
2. Roll up for some rides and carnival fun
The kids will love the rides and carnival games! Back again is the grand double-storey Venetian horse carousel, and everyone’s favourite, the Christmas train that runs between the games at Supertree Grove and Santa’s Village. Speaking of fun rides, take a spin on a space car, flying carpet, clown swing or the mini viking. And what would a carnival be without games? There’s a whole heap of fun family carnival games, including classic faves like ring toss, fishy fishy, and snowball smash. Head to the end of this article for the ride and game prices.
3. Hear those sleigh bells ring-a-ling at Garden Rhapsody
Swing by the Supertree Grove after dark to catch a special edition of Garden Rhapsody, with festive sing-alongs and a brilliant light show. The spelllbinding Supertrees will light up in time to Christmas classics, bringing some festive cheer! Garden Rhapsody will take place daily at 7.45pm, 8.45pm, and 9.35pm.
4. Shop for delightful gifts at the European-style Festive Market, Mistletoe Alley
Get your Christmas shopping done at the European-style Festive Market now known as Mistletoe Alley. Pick up cool trinkets and presents you know that special someone will love from the stalls. Shop for gifts at brand new brightly coloured festive huts, complete with cheerful elves standing by to greet customers!
5. Bring along your kids and your fur-babies to meet Santa
The kids had better make sure they’ve been nice this year… Santa is once again welcoming special guests at Santa’s Village! All ticket holders can pop in to say hi to Santa. Get your pics before he flits off for the night and join in the annual tradition to take a family photo at his home! There are also more festive huts that you can enjoy in this zone. Keep an eye out for special event dates where furbabies will be welcome too.
6. Blizzard Time (with a special theme tune!)
This year, the Blizzard Time at Christmas Wonderland will be extra special. Taking place daily after the Garden Rhapsody light and sound show, follow one of the illuminated paths leading into the heart of the Spalliera. Accompanied by Magic of Christmas, a specially composed choral music number by illustrious Singaporean composer-conductor Dr. Darius Lim, experience the surreal landscape of ‘snowfall’ in the Gardens.
Heading to Christmas Wonderland with the kids? Here are some of our hot tips for families:
Getting there
Ditch the car, take the train: nothing spoils a day faster than spending ages looking for a parking spot. Our advice? Take the train to Bayfront station and enjoy a leisurely 10min stroll through the park.
The costs
Book your tickets online at Trip.com before you go. Entry to Christmas Wonderland starts from $9 per adult and $7 per child. Note that adult prices are charged from age 13 and over. There are also package deals that include entry into the flower domes and OCBC Skyway starting at $38.
Rides and carnival games are also chargeable on top of the entry costs. Prices for rides start at $7 per person ($4 for accompanying adult on some rides), $8 per person for the train ride, and a hefty $12 per child for the carousel ($6 for accompanying adult).
F&B
There are loads of options available at the festive market. Bring a picnic blanket for dining out on The Meadow: if the weather is nice, you’ll want to fill up on goodies from the fair and just chill out on the lawn. You could also visit Satay by the Bay for some hawker fare before entering!
Enjoy your time at Christmas Wonderland!
