9 NYE Countdown Parties To Take Advantage Of The Last Train Timings

Countdown to 2017 near MRT stations

There’s nothing like ending your year with great company, drinks, and fireworks to boot – what’s not so great, on the other hand, is getting stranded for hours once the celebration is over because you’re miles from the nearest MRT or bus station. Worse of all, when you finally trek your way over, it’s way past midnight and public transport isn’t even in service anymore!

You either have to end your fun prematurely to commute home by public transport, or bite the bullet and watch your money fly. Bo pian lor. To party the most convenient way this New Year season, we’ve sussed out a bunch of fun countdown events happening near MRT stations on 31st December – so you can chiong to catch the last train, while avoiding cab fees and and getting stranded once you welcome the New Year.

You won’t have to worry about leaving your party early either – many train services have extended hours this NYE, so you can stay out til’ you’re 100% shiok!

1. Check out cool trinkets at the Countdown Market near the Esplanade

Source: @fleawhere

While any mention of counting down to the new year usually brings to mind loud partying and possibly getting “rekt”, the Countdown Market along Connaught Drive is nothing of the sort – with pop-up booths touting bits and bobs by over 80 homegrown brands and craftsmen.

If you missed out getting gifts for your friends over Christmas, this is the perfect opportunity to fill their stockings with some quirky finds!

Countdown Market
Venue: Along Connaught Drive (near the Padang and Esplanade Park)
Time: 4PM-1AM
Nearest MRT Station: City Hall
Last train timing: 2.15AM towards Jurong East, 2AM towards Marina Bay, 2.15AM towards Pasir Ris and Joo Koon
Admission: Free

2. Chill out with indie music at the Esplanade outdoor theatre

Source: @tylersjx

Those who aren’t fond of thumping EDM can ease into the new year with chill tunes from local indie band, Singapore Char Siew Baos! at Esplanade’s Outdoor Theatre. With their smooth vocals, guitar and saxophone riffs, the quartet will bring a mix of pop, rock, jazz, and belt out a couple of evergreens that even your dad will sing along to.

Upping the energy levels will be 3 performances by The Mad Company, who will be doing their own spin on popular party favourites.

New Year’s Eve Countdown at the Esplanade
Venue: 1 Esplanade Dr, Esplanade Outdoor Theatre, Singapore 038981
Time: 7PM-1AM
Nearest MRT station:Esplanade
Last Train Timing: 1.38AM both directions
Admission: Free

3. Be wowed by a light show at Fullerton Hotel

As a prelude to the pyrotechnics that will go off at midnight, be enchanted by the beautiful light show at our Great Dame, aka The Fullerton Hotel. With the clever projection of dancing light beams, the rustic facade of the old colonial building will be transformed into various scenes for more than 5 mesmerising minutes.

Fullerton Hotel Light Show
Venue: 1 Fullerton Square, The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, Singapore 049178
Time: Hourly from 8PM
Nearest MRT station: Raffles Place
Time: 2.15AM towards Jurong East, 2AM towards Marina Bay, 2.15AM towards Pasir Ris and Joo Koon
Admission: Free

4. Find good steals at Marina Bay Countdown 2017 Bazaar

Source: Marina Waterfront Bazaar

If you’re a raging shopaholic who’d rather spend the last few hours of 2016 scouring for good deals, head down to Marina Bay Countdown 2017 Bazaar along Marina Waterfront Promenade. Look forward to artisanal goods, handcrafted accessories, party novelties and more – and a great view of fireworks as the clock strikes midnight.

Marina Bay Countdown 2017 Bazaar
Venue: 2 Bayfront Ave, Marina Bay Promenade, Singapore 018972
Admission: Free
Nearest MRT station: Bayfront
Last train timing: 2.27am towards Bukit Panjang, 2.14am towards Chinatown
Time: 3PM-3AM

5. Watch movie screenings and music performances at Empress Lawn

Movies and chill, anyone? If you’re not looking to party your way into the new year, recline under the stars at Empress Lawn, with free back-to-back screenings of Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (7.45pm) and X-Men: Days of Future Past (9.25pm) from a giant 8-metre inflatable screen.

Source: Civic District Singapore

But movies aren’t the only thing that’s happening on the spacious lawn. Arrive a little earlier at 6pm, and you’ll get to enjoy a capella performances by Vocaluptuous, covers and original creations by HubbaBubbas, and high-octane tunes by The Common People.

Movie screenings and Music @ Empress
Venue: Empress Lawn (in front of Victoria Concert Hall)
Time: 6PM-7.30PM for performances | 7.45PM-12AM for movie screenings
Nearest MRT station: Raffles Place
Last train timing: 2.15AM towards Jurong East, 2AM towards Marina Bay, 2.15AM towards Pasir Ris and Joo Koon
Admission: Free

6. Catch a crowd-free firework display along the Kallang River

Source: @simpilyjim

Amp up the romance this NYE, and avoid the throng of thousands waiting to catch fireworks in town – head over to Kallang River (National Stadium Waterfront) instead for a crowd-free view of that dazzling display. Gazing across the waters, you’ll be treated to a panoramic – not to mention uninterrupted – glimpse of the Marina district, where the firework action will be happening.

National Stadium
Address: 1 Stadium Dr, National Stadium, Singapore 397629
Time: Midnight
Nearest MRT station: Stadium
Time: 1.38AM, both directions
Admission: Free

7. Rooftop fun with 2017 Lai Liao at Loof

Source: Loof

Celebrate the new year in uniquely Singaporean fashion by jio-ing your kakis down for 2017 Lai Liao at Loof. With nosh and booze laced with sumptuous and innovative local flavours – such as Bak Chor Mee Grilled Cheese and Tom Yum Soup shots – you’ll feel the Singaporean pride as you shout “2017 lai liao!” (2017 is here) in the company of your closest friends when the clock strikes midnight!

2017 Lai Liao at Loof
Address: 331 North Bridge Road, #03-07 Odeon Towers Extension Rooftop, Singapore 188720
Time: 9PM-2AM
Admission: From $35/pax, inclusive of two drinks, confetti, and traditional balloons
Nearest MRT station: City Hall
Last train timing:2.15AM towards Jurong East, 2AM towards Marina Bay, 2.15AM towards Pasir Ris and Joo Koon

8. Drown yourself in Guilty Pleasures at OverEasy

Source: OverEasy

If there’s one time we’re allowed to drown ourselves in guilty pleasures, it should be the last day of the year. After all, everyone wants to end of the year on a high note, so why not go all out to indulge? Wolf down a hearty meal of American comfort food and sing shamelessly along to all-time classics at OverEasy’s Guilty Pleasures party – it’ll be a night of no-holds-barred fun!

Guilty Pleasures at Overeasy
Address: Liat Towers, 541 Orchard Road, Singapore 238881
Time: 10PM-3AM
Admission: Free
Nearest MRT station: Orchard
Last train timing: 2AM, both directions

9. Usher in the new year with Gentle Bones at Suntec City

Source: @johnooiphotography

If you like to be in the thick of the action, head down to Suntec City for the country’s largest countdown street party, Celebrate 2017: Countdown With The Stars. As its name suggests, it’s going to be a star-studded affair with an extensive lineup of local talents such as Gentle Bones, Tay Kewei, Jack and Rai, and plenty more – and you won’t even have to fork out a cent!

Celebrate 2017: Countdown With The Stars
Venue: Suntec Plaza
Time: 7.30PM (Doors open at 7PM)
Admission: Free
Nearest MRT station: Promenade
Last train timing:2.29AM towards Bukit Panjang, 2.12AM towards Chinatown

A stress-free start to the New Year

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This New Year, don’t let the headache of getting home hold you back from having a good time. Party within close vicinity of MRT stations – you won’t have to elbow around with everyone else to fight for a cab, or get stuck in crazy bottlenecks on the road. And with extended hours specially for the New Year season, it’s easy to still catch the last train after hanging with your pals into the wee hours – so pick your party!