Spending Christmas in a city with snow might seem like the perfect way to celebrate. But even if we aren’t travelling overseas, there are still plenty of Xmas events and activities in our little red dot to keep up with the holiday spirit.
Back for another run, GBTB’s Christmas Wonderland 2021 is in full swing from now till 2nd January 2022. Featuring an impressive line-up of light displays, a festive carnival and a European-style Christmas Market, here’s what you can get up to:
Taking centre stage are the seven-storey high Spalliera light displays, inspired by stained glass windows commonly found in gothic cathedrals and churches in Europe. This display is hard to miss – stand in the middle for a 360-degree view of the entire exhibit.
Tip: Nailing the perfect photo at this display can be hard as it attracts visitors from all directions. To “crop” random strangers out of your picture, grab a low angle shot and strike a pose with just the lights in the background.
Singapore’s skies may not be blessed with heaps of stars come nightfall, but the Walk of Stars tunnel comes close, with a string of lights spanning across the 44M-long walkway.
The best part is that the thousands of star-shaped LED lights “sparkle” in a myriad of colours, giving you the opportunity to match the lights with your OOTD picture.
Probably one of Christmas Wonderland’s grandest displays, the 7.7M-tall Enchanted Bridge will temporarily transport you into a Disney-esque fantasy world with its 100,000 LED lights illuminating the area.
While walking up and posing on the bridge isn’t permitted, you’ll still be able to catch a dazzling view of the bridge which sits right above a pool of blue lights that look like an enchanted lake.
If you want to live out your Disney Princess dreams and travel on a horse-drawn carriage, be sure to stop by the Magical Carriage where you can strike a pose with Anna and Elsa from Frozen.
Located just a few feet away from the Magical Carriage is the Merry Arch display – a larger-than-life gift box decked out with heaps of fairy lights.
This display also gives you the opportunity to strike a pose at the arch as well as capture some IG-worthy portraits at various angles
Those who are big on Christmas decor would not want to miss the opportunity for some artistic shots at the giant Ornament Ball. You can also take a matching shot with your little ones as there’s a smaller version of this display right next to it.
While sitting in the Magical Carriage isn’t allowed, you’ll get to sleigh away at Santa’s Sleigh and recreate the perfect holiday picture with the lit-up carriage and reindeers.
You won’t have to worry about only taking solo shots if you’re visiting in a group. With a wide platform, there’s more than enough space for the whole gang to pose together.
Tis’ the season of giving, and if you’re still on the hunt for a perfect Christmas present for your Secret Santee, maybe the Golden Gift will give you a little luck and inspiration.
Get up close with the display and glimmering lights for some artistic shots
End your photo-taking adventure at the Tinsel Castle, a 10M-tall LED display that also serves as an entry point to the ElFresco dining area.
Pro Tip: Arrive early and skip the crowd if you want to get a clear view and shot of the display.
If you’ve learned the truth about Santa Claus but love the idea of meeting the jolly old man nonetheless, enjoy a one-on-one photo session with him at the La Casa Di Santa Claus light display.
Once you’re done snapping away at the nine light displays and meeting Santa, keep your eyes peeled for the Garden Rhapsody light and sound show that takes place at 7.45PM and 8.45PM.
Watch as a sequence of lights gleam from the Supertrees in perfect synchronisation to popular Christmas songs played in the background, from classics like We Wish You A Merry Christmas to songs specially curated for the event.
Go-getters who enjoyed the thrilling games at D’Ultimate Xcape Carnival will be happy to know that Christmas Wonderland also offers visitors a range of traditional carnival games such as Fishy-Fishy, darts and bowling to get everyone in a fun mood.
Starting from $5 a game, have a go at winning Christmas accessories and cute plushies with a game of Fishy-Fishy.
If you’re looking to relive some childhood memories, stop by the whimsical double-storey Venetian Carousel (Adults: $10 | Children under 12: $5). The carousel is hand-painted by artists and designed by craftsmen from Europe, adding a classic touch to this otherwise modern Christmas event.
Christmas isn’t complete without a little retail therapy. So before you head off, get some last-minute shopping done at the Mistletoe Alley Market. Who said only Europe had Christmas markets?
There are heaps of stalls to visit, with vendors selling everything from premium chocolates and teas to toys and bespoke gifts. Wine and spirits from DFS Singapore will be sold here too.
If you’re looking for gift ideas for your loved ones, get some home fragrances and seasonal scented candles from Candescent Box.
For a little memento of the event, snag some official Christmas Wonderland merchandise at the Happy Hut like the limited-edition Christmas Wonderland plush bear. Psst…you can get 50% off when you buy it as a bundle of two.
If your little one doesn’t want this joyous night to end, head over to the Fawn Labs hut to sign up via an online form and win a free slot for a Sustainable Dough Soap Making Workshop for kids (worth $68).
Note: The workshop is valid for children ages five to 12 and will be conducted at a different venue on a separate day. Slots are subject to availability and selected participants will be contacted directly about the details of the workshop.
Amidst the festivities and photo ops, you’ll be able to catch a first look of the newest all-electric BMW iX and iX3 at BMW Joy Electrified showcase. These models are the first to arrive in Singapore and offer the latest fifth-generation BMW eDrive technology.
To ring in a little miracle to kick off the new year, have a go at snapping a photo with the cars at the BMW virtual photo booth to stand a chance to be one of the 10 winners of an exclusive gift worth over $200. Remember to post the photo on your social media with the hashtag #BMWJoyElectrified.
Note: Selected winners will be contacted directly to retrieve the prize.
Whether you’re looking forward to a new activity with friends or simply wish to commemorate Christmas with your family, you can trust that Christmas Wonderland 2021 at Gardens By The Bay will kick off your Christmas celebrations and end the year on a high.
If you’re interested in heading down there this holiday season, yule want to pre-book and grab yourself a ticket to secure a slot in this festive event:
Pre-event purchase from now to 16th December 2021:
Pre-event purchase from 17th December to 2nd January:
Same-day purchase:
Christmas Wonderland 2021
Date: Now till 2nd January 2022
Time: 6.30PM-11PM, Daily (Last entry at 10PM)
Venue: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore 018953
Telephone: 6420 6848
Getting there:
Nearest MRT: Bayfront MRT, Exit B
Bus: Take bus 400 and drop off at “Marina Gdns Dr” bus stop (03349)
Photography by Tasha Sun.
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