In case you’ve not had the chance to saunter through the city centre recently, the Orchard Road Christmas light-up is already in full force. However, the light installations in town are not by their lonesome self, as another one down south is also giving you reasons to celebrate the holidays prematurely.
That’s right, we’re talking about Christmas Wonderland 2024 at Gardens by the Bay, and this year’s merry affairs are gearing up to be quite the spectacle. From its iconic Spalliera structure to other light installations that serve as IG-worthy backdrops, here’s all you need to know before you plan your photoshoots.
Admission: From $9/adult | $7/child
Dates: 29th November 2024 to 1st January 2025
Time: 6.30pm-11pm, Daily
Venue: Supertree Grove, Gardens by the Bay
The Spalliera’s design is inspired by Gothic Italian architecture.
Christmas Wonderland is an annual Christmas-themed event that takes place at Gardens by the Bay. Accompanied by various carnival rides and games, the 11th edition of this yuletide fair features a variety of 14 new light installations that shine beautifully at night, and a recurring display that makes an appearance every year is its iconic Spalliera structure.
Christmas Wonderland 2024 will be taking place at the Supertree Grove, and will be held from 29th November 2024 to 1st January 2025, from 6.30pm till 11pm, with the last entry at 10.15pm. If you’re planning to head down, do purchase your tickets on Trip.com’s website in advance, in order to enjoy a $2 discount; here’s a quick glance of the ticket prices:
| Dates | Adult (Advance purchase) | Adult (Same-day purchase) | Child (3-12 years old) |
| 29th Nov-5 Dec 2024 | $9 | $11 | $7 |
| 6th-19th Dec 2024 | $11 | $13 | |
| 20th-26th Dec 2024 | $13 | $15 | |
| 27th Dec 2024-1st Jan 2025 | $11 | $13 |
As usual, visitors to Christmas Wonderland 2024 can expect to immerse themselves in a variety of holiday-themed activities, as well as pose beside stunning light installations. Here’s a rundown of what you can expect when you head down.
Undoubtedly, one attraction you can’t miss both literally and figuratively at Christmas Wonderland 2024 is the 20m-tall Spalliera that’s fronting a brand new design. This time, it draws Gothic inspiration from the Orvieto Cathedral in Umbria, Italy, and is illuminated by a whopping 100,000 bulbs.
Additionally, stick around for the fan favourite Blizzard Time, which is a shower of faux snow that takes place within the Spalliera. You’ll want to get your cameras poised to shoot once the Garden Rhapsody music and light show ends as that’s when the snowflakes will start fluttering down from above.
| Timings | Duration | |
| Garden Rhapsody | 7.45pm, 8.45pm, & 9.35pm daily | 15 minutes |
| Blizzard Time | 8pm, 9pm & 9.50pm daily | 3 minutes |
| Borealis | Mon, Sat & Sun 9.05pm | 15 minutes |
Pro-tip: If you want to a special view of the snowfall, get tickets to the OCBC Skyway ($10/adult) and time your entry according to the show timings. From this vantage point, you’ll get to see the flakes dropping to the ground from way up above.
Do note that the foam only falls inside the area surrounded by the Spalliera, so you’ll have to be right in the middle if you want to catch the action up close.
Also at the Supertree Grove are other impressive light displays that surely warrant a snap or two. Manifest your most Christmas desired gifts at a huge, glowing present wrapped in hues of gold and yellow.
Another attraction that’s definitely worth heading down to experience for yourself is the Walk of Lights. It’s a 50m-long tunnel adorned with LED lights which pulse in a kaleidoscope of colours that you can wow your SO with.
At the end of the tunnel, there’s Odette’s Dance – a multimedia installation that’s a nod to the world-renowned Swan Lake ballet.
Don’t forget to snap a pic with IRL ballerinas and the cheeky santa claus popping out of a giant chimney.
The photo ops don’t end there; as you walk around, don’t miss the giant displays of an adorable trio of 6m-tall Merry Bears to wave hello to.
Also, wander through the enchanted forest at Bluebell Lane that feels a little like walking through The Forbidden Forest in Harry Potter.
You wouldn’t even have to leave Christmas Wonderland 2024 to quell your rumbling bellies, as there’ll be food booths set up on-site to fuel up at.
Visitors can look forward to munching on nosh by F&B joints such as Brewerkz, Harry’s, Mexi-Go, Mia Tavola, Kebabs Faktory, and Churros Republic, just to name a few.
You can also pair your food and drinks with the live performances taking place in the vicinity. Prepare to get serenaded by local artistes as well as festive flash mobs raising the holiday vibes to a fever pitch.
Don’t forget to swing by the nearby carnival too, to try your hand at its games and rides.
The little ones will have a blast as they take on the double-storey Venetian horse carousel or chug along with the CDG Zig Express Christmas Train.
Meanwhile, impress your dates by snagging a plushie at the various booths hosting games ($7 for 3 tries) like ring toss, bowling, fishy fish, and snowball smash.
Meet Santa Claus & buy gifts at the retail village huts
Have a gander at the wares sold at Mistletoe Alley. It’s filled with vendors coming in clutch for some last-minute gift shopping; there are even cheerful elves stationed here, welcoming you to perhaps bring home a memento or two.
Items you can find include lit headbands ($6), snowflake lit wands ($8), and lit balloons ($12). There’s even a spot to make your own mini tealight candles ($9.90) or candle jar ($29.90).
At one end of the lane, get your aura captured at a photo booth where 2 photo strips cost $10.
When you enter the event, you’ll be given a postcard with stamps to collect at 4 stations: Santa’s Village, Merry Lane, Train Station, and Santa’s Gift Shop. Once you’ve completed all the activities in each of the areas, head to the CDG Zig booth at Mistletoe Alley to spin the wheel and redeem a gift.
Meet Santa Claus & buy gifts at the retail village huts
Finally, pay a visit to Santa’s Village to meet Father Christmas himself, and continue your annual tradition of taking a family pic.
Just next to Santa’s home, share a moment by the oversized ornament balls that glimmer magically.
Here, you’ll find more kiddy rides and food stalls mostly selling sweet treats. For example, Christmas Croissant and Santa Soda pair ice cream with croissants to create yummy whimsical desserts.
If you’re entering the Christmas Wonderland from Gate 3, you’ll actually encounter Santa’s Village first. This is nearest to the Meadow Carpark.
Christmas Wonderland 2024 is happening from now till 1st January 2025 and is open daily from 6.30pm-11pm. Do note that entry is by hourly slots starting from 6.30pm and the last entry is at 10.15pm.
Yes, every evening faux flakes will be snowing down at Supertree Grove during Blizzard Time. This will happen 3 times daily immediately after each Garden Rhapsody music and light show at 7.45pm, 8.45pm, and 9.35pm.
You’ll find most of the light installations, the carnival, and food booths near the Supertree Grove area.
To see Santa’s Village and hop on the Christmas Train, you’ll have to head over to Gate 3 near the Meadow.
There are also a handful of attractions near Gate 2 which is closest to Bayfront MRT.
Considering the tickets range from $9-$13, we think the entry fee is pretty reasonable. Having said that, we’d recommend a few things:
Image credit: Gardens by the Bay
From 2nd December 2024 till 5th January 2025, the Flower Dome will feature an elaborate set-up of model trains. These will chug past mini versions of iconic landmarks in the USA such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building.
Visitors will also get to see a recreation of a Swedish railbus carriage at the Gardens by the Bay Christmas Train Show, carrying authentic vintage artefacts from the Swedish Railway Museum.
Disney fans will love this one. From 1st December 2024 to 31st March 2025, our favourite characters will be reimagined as stunning horticultural displays at Disney Garden of Wonder.
8 Disney and Pixar sets – Mickey Mouse, Steamboat Willie, Winnie The Pooh, Snow White, Ariel and Flounder, Mike and Sulley, Carl and Russell, as well as Buzz and Woody – will all be part of the special displays at Floral Fantasy.
In a local spin, there will be another 3 sets featuring Donald Duck, Stitch, and Minnie Mouse feasting on Singaporean culinary classics including chilli crab and durians.
Lapland’s Santa Claus is coming to town – all the way from Finland. Make your way to the Flower Dome on 14th and 15th December 2024 if you want to catch a rare opportunity to take a photo with Father Christmas himself.
For those not jetting overseas for a winter getaway this year-end, a family trip to Christmas Wonderland is a great alternative when it comes to celebrating the holiday season. Although we can’t quite promise sub-zero temperatures when you swing by, we can guarantee that you’ll get to walk away with your phone’s gallery filled with plenty of fodder for your IG stories with its pretty light displays.
For more exciting things to do to get you into the festive mood:
Photography by Hui Wen Chan.
First published on 12th November 2024. Last updated by Aditi Kashyap on 2nd December 2024.
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