Christmas And New Year In The Singapore City 2015 December is always the month where numerous events and festivities will take place to welcome Christmas and New Year. Malls, offices, public buildings and tourist attractions will get into the spirit of the holidays with their own holiday celebrations and decorations. We took the time to explore the Singapore city to check out what they have to offer so here they are.
Christmas Wonderland at Gardens By The Bay
Possibly one of the biggest Christmas celebrations outside of Orchard Road, Gardens By The Bay, a botanical gardens in the Bayfront area organized Christmas Wonderland, a Christmas-themed festival that was held in late November to late December.
The festival was modelled after the typical European festivals which include attractions like the Merry-Go-Round, food stalls, carnival games and carnival rides all with the theme of the holidays. Christmas Wonderland was very popular among both locals and tourists alike.
Ice Skating Rink and A Show Hosted By Santa Claus
This year’s version of Christmas Wonderland was even bigger and better than before especially with the inclusion of the Ice Skating Rink. The rink was in fact the most popular attraction out of all the attractions at Christmas Wonderland judging from the massive queues that’s formed outside of the structure.
There was also a magic show performed by none other than Santa Claus himself. He performed his antics on a stage called Santa’s Cottage performing impressive and eye-catching magic tricks that captured the attention of not only the kids in attendance but adults as well.
With his bubbly personality and the active participation from the audience, the performance was certainly very entertaining indeed.
Garden Rhapsody Christmas Edition
Regular visitors to Gardens By The Bay may recognize the sound and light show that happens on a daily basis in the evenings at the SuperTree Grove. In November and December, the Garden Rhapsody show will be slightly different as the lights will be in sync with the music of Christmas, both old and new.
Perhaps you want to watch how the lights go in sync to the tune of Jingle Bells or maybe you want to watch the lights sync to Ariana Grande’s modern take on Last Christmas or Mariah Carey’s All I Want For Christmas Is You. No matter which music was playing during Garden Rhapsody, it sure made everyone bob their heads to the tune while taking videos of the stunning show.
Christmas Festivities At Marina Bay Sands
The Marina Bay Sands, one of Singapore’s most popular hotel also had their own way of getting into the holiday spirit. They created some sort of a holiday island at the end of the shopping mall where the ice skating rink is located at. When you enter, you will be greeted by a group of cheerful and happy stiltwalkers who were more than happy to stop and take a photo with you.
A Giant Christmas Tree And Animatronics The stiltwalkers were not the only ones who caught the attention of visitors. The giant Christmas tree placed right in the middle was also popular among visitors with a lot of them posing for a photograph or two. Some of them were lucky enough to have their photos taken in front of the tree with the stiltwalkers.
Though this may come off as slightly creepy but still cool nonetheless, was the inclusion of animatronics. Basically, you have elves and Santa Claus figures carrying out their work (like gift-wrapping presents) in their so-called “houses” scattered around the attraction. Santa’s sleigh could also be seen near the entrance which looks like as if it was taking off, which was rather cool.
Listening to Jazz Versions of Popular Christmas Songs
Christmas festivities are not the same without Christmas songs. A Jazz band was available at the attraction playing Jazz versions of popular Christmas songs lightening up the mood and making the environment more classy.
The weird thing was that although there was a Jazz band, there was no Christmas caroling as compared to the previous year and the fact that the live Jazz band, although physically there, was hidden. Anyway, Marina Bay Sands’ version of Christmas festivities were definitely interesting.
Watching Talented Performers at Esplanade’s Celebrate December 2016
After the visit to the Marina Bay Sands, I made my way to the Esplanade Theatres to catch Celebrate December, a festival that celebrates the holidays and takes place on the last two weeks of the month. With a variety of live performances, workshops and exhibitions that happen in the span of two weeks, there were plenty of choices to celebrate December for everyone.
There was even Bell Charms, an exhibit where visitors can pen down their wishes on gold-coloured pieces of triangle plastics. They will then be hung outside near the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre for passers-by to take a look at. A separate article on Celebrate December will be coming soon.
Orchard Road Christmas Light Up 2015
Everyone knows about this. It’s the annual Christmas event where the whole Orchard Road shopping belt will be covered with bright beautiful lights and decorations to celebrate the holiday festivities.
Malls all around Orchard Road will also join in the holiday spirit by beautifying the area with their own decorations, bright beautiful lights and Christmas trees from Tanglin Mall to Plaza Singapura. Recently, we have published the article on Orchard Road Christmas Light Up which can you can see more in detail right here.
Marina Bay Countdown 2016
Of course, December is not just about Christmas, it’s also about welcoming the New Year as well. One of the official venues for the annual New Year Countdown is the Marina Bay area with the New Year festivities happening around the area collectively named, Marina Bay Countdown.
One of the festivities was Celebrate 2016, a countdown show and party organized by Mediacorp, Singapore’s biggest local broadcaster. The show included many local and regional celebrities but the main highlight was international pop superstar, Adam Lambert who performed songs from his recently-released album.
New Year Fireworks at Marina Bay
The New Year festivities were held at various places like the Marina Bay Sands, Esplanade Theatres, The Promontory and the Floating Platform. Some were paid while some were free.
Those who wanted to catch the fireworks but not able to watch at the various parties and events around had to view at the public spaces like the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade and the space between the Esplanade Theatres and the Floating Platform.
What’s great about the Marina Bay area is that no matter where you watch the fireworks, you are still able to have great views. At the stroke of midnight, the whole Marina Bay area was lit up with a dazzling array of fireworks display that lasted for 10 minutes making everyone around area stop and take photos.
New Year Wishing Spheres
Another New Year “tradition” are these inflatable white spheres called the “Wishing Spheres” where people can pen their thoughts and wishes for the New Year. In late December, the Wishing Spheres will have booths scattered around the island at places like libraries, tourist attractions and community centres where members of the public can actually write them down.
They’re completely free and they’re a fun activity to carry out as well. The spheres will then be brought over the Marina Bay portion of the Marina Reservoir where they will float forming a sea of white floating spheres. In 2014, some floating spheres were coloured red and they were placed together to form the number ‘50’ to signify Singapore’s 50th Birthday in 2015.
Conclusion
December is always a great and very happening month mainly because of the Christmas and New Year holidays. It’s a time to take breaks, a time to spend quality time with your family and a time to reflect. With the variety of events happening throughout the month to celebrate the holidays, it’s no wonder people love the month of December.