With the tunes of Auld Lang Syne and Mariah Carey still ringing in our ears, just like that, we’ve crossed into the new year. But while the dawn of the new year might signal a return of deadlines to meet and KPIs to chase, don’t let that bog you down. We’ve curated a list of things to do in January 2024 that you can look forward to even as you head back to work or school.
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Artbox 2023.
Artbox fans, rejoice. The street market is making its return early this year and is going to be 50% bigger than Artbox 2023. Artbox Avenue is set to run across 2 weekends from 26th-28th January and 2nd-4th February. Foodies can look forward to the 200 F&B vendors, featuring diverse cuisines including Thai, Taiwanese, and Korean.
At the same time, shopaholics can indulge in retail therapy at more than 140 merchants. For those with a competitive streak, you can stand a chance to win $888 in cash prizes at 2 competitions – the National Water Bottle Tornado Challenge and the National Piak Cockroach Championship.
Admission: $6 on weekdays | $7 on weekends
Address: 1 Expo Drive, Singapore Expo Hall 6, Singapore 486150
Dates: 26th-28th January 2024, 2nd-4th February 2024
Opening hours: Fri-Sun 12pm-11pm (Closed from Mondays to Thursdays)
Image credit: Singapore Art Museum via Facebook
If you get a kick out of contemplating heavy topics such as the nature of reality, you’re in luck. From now till 3rd March 2024, SAM at Tanjong Pagar Distripark plays host to 2 free exhibitions, perfect for putting those noggins to work.
Featuring 8 exhibits by Singaporean artist Ho Tzu Nyen, Time & The Tiger places heavy emphasis on themes such as perspectives, emptiness and the limitation of words. It spans 2 galleries, and you can expect the meaning of familiar places, historical events, and concepts to be questioned here. This exhibition is on till 3rd March.
Alternatively, head over to Proof of Personhood which ponders over concepts of personal identity in the age of widespread AI. On till 25th February, it also has 8 exhibits which span a variety of mediums such as videos, cheek swabs, and RFID chips – all of which invite the viewer to reconsider the relationship between technology and humanity.
Admission: Free for Singaporeans & PRs | $10 for foreigners
Address: 39 Keppel Road, #01-02, Singapore 089065
Opening hours: 10am-7pm, Daily
Contact: 6697 9790 | SAM website
Image credit: Changi Airport Group
If collecting Pop Mart figurines is your jam, you’ll be glad to know that South East Asia’s first Funko Pop pop-up store has opened its doors at Changi Airport’s Terminal 2. Besides featuring exclusive collectibles such as the Singapore Girl and Merlion Funko Pop, their new line of mini pop boxes, Bitty Pop!, are available here too.
Those wanting to be a figurine for a day can head over to the life-sized Funko Pop box to snap some pics for the ‘Gram. The life-sized figures of Harry Potter and Batman are hard to miss so snap some shots with them as well.
Admission: Free
Address: 60 Airport Boulevard, Level 3, Changi Aiport Terminal 2, Singapore 819643
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Image credit: Nickelodeon via Facebook
Located at level 1 of The Centrepoint, the Garfield x Mr Kiasu pop-up library is the NLB’s first character-themed pop-up. Running from now till March, the cute little library is modelled after Mr Kiasu’s HDB flat and boasts a collection of 120 comic books featuring both characters.
The pop-up features many Instagrammable spots, perfect for those wanting a pic with the lovable characters. These include a sofa with a huge Garfield plushie, as well as a standee and murals featuring both characters. One of the more interesting murals depicts Mr Kiasu inviting Garfield over for a bowl of laksa, and was specially commissioned for the pop-up.
Admission: Free
Address: 176 Orchard Road, #01-33K, The Centrepoint, Singapore 238843
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image adapted from: Singapore Motorshow via Facebook
Whether you’re looking for a new ride or just want to check out the latest cars, you can head over to the Singapore Motorshow 2024. Held at levels 3 and 4 of the Suntec City Convention Centre, the event runs from 11th-14th January and features more than 20 different automobile marques from brands such as Nissan, BMW, and Kia.
Even if you’re not a petrolhead, consider stopping by to watch the high-octane Russ Swift Stunt Show. The British stunt driver will be showcasing exhilarating stunts such as tight J turns, drifting donuts, as well as his legendary parallel parking skills.
Admission: From $8
Address: 1 Raffles Boulevard, Levels 3 & 4, Suntec City Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre, Singapore 039593
Opening hours: Thu 5pm-9pm | Fri 11.30am-9pm | Sat 10.30am-9pm | Sun 10.30am-8pm (Closed from Mondays to Wednesdays)
Contact: 6950 3455 | Singapore Motorshow website
If you like to move it, move it, you’ll be glad to know that Madagascar: The Musical is coming to our shores. Running from 18th-28th January at The Esplanade, and features an ensemble cast playing the likes of Alex the lion and Marty the zebra, amongst others.
Much like the hit 2005 movie, the musical follows the journey of the 4 best friends as they break out of the Central Park Zoo and land on whimsical Madagascar, run by eccentric King Julien.
Admission: From $58
Address: 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
Showtimes: Tue-Fri, 7.45pm | Sat 3pm & 7.45pm | Sun 11am & 3pm (No shows on Mondays)
Contact: Sistic website
Image credit: Mummys Market Facebook
Mummy’s Market Baby Fair is set to make its comeback from 19th-21st January. As it’s the largest baby expo in Singapore, parents will be able to browse over 250,000 products for newborns here.
These include Hamilton strollers, Nestle NAN formula milk, and Huggies diapers. Those looking for new breast milk bottles will be glad to know that trade-in offers are available here as well. And there’ll be deals of up to 90% off, so it’s a great chance to stock up for the year.
Admission: Free
Address: 1 Expo Drive, Singapore Expo Hall 5, Singapore 486150
Opening hours: Fri-Sat 11am-9pm | Sun 11am-8pm
Contact: 6812 8080 | Mummy’s Market website
Held in the Civic District, Light to Night 2024 returns for its 8th iteration, with this year’s theme being “Reimagine”. As always, there’ll be interactive exhibits, Instagrammable light displays, and mentally stimulating art pieces. Familiar places and activities will be reimagined at the festival happening from 19th January to 8th February.
Image credit: Lee Wen, Ping Pong Go Round
Take the ping-pong table for example. Ubiquitously found in a rectangular form, local artist Lee Wen’s Ping Pong Go Round features a circular table instead, allowing a variable number of players to challenge each other.
Much like the festivals of previous years, Light to Night 2024 also sees familiar buildings in the Civic District washed aglow with whimsical light projections. These include The Arts House, Asian Civilizations Museum, and the National Gallery Singapore.
Admission: Free, with ticketed programmes
Location: Civic District
Timing: 7pm-12am, Daily
Contact: Light To Night 2024 website
Image credit: National Gallery Singapore
If you’re looking for new ways for Junior to express themselves this new year, consider paying the Keppel Centre for Art Education a visit. Located within National Gallery Singapore, the centre has 7 zones chock-full of kid-friendly exhibits, great for exposing little ones to the world of art.
Children can learn basic colour composition as they create their own abstract art pieces using a wide range of tools and materials. Those wanting an interactive experience with their kids can pop by the Expression Workshop which runs activities such as collage-making and sculpture-building.
Admission: Free
Address: 1 Saint Andrew’s Road, National Gallery Singapore, Singapore 178957
Opening hours: 10am-7pm, Daily
Contact: 6271 7000
Those looking for an alternative to usual hangout spots such as malls and cafes can consider Hay Dairies. Tucked away in ulu Lim Chu Kang, the goat farm sits opposite Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, further adding to the rustic countryside vibe.
There are more than 800 goats on the farm.
Activities to do here include watching the goat milking session every morning from 9am-10.30am. If you’d like to get up close and personal with the goats, you can buy some alfalfa hay ($5) before heading over to the barn, where rows and rows of hungry goats await chin scratches and fresh hay.
Available for purchase from the store, a 200ml bottle of milk will set you back $2.70, while an 800ml one costs $8.50. Goat milk popsicles ($3.80) are also a viable alternative to beat the heat.
Admission: Free
Address: 250 Neo Tiew Crescent, Singapore 719866
Opening hours: Wed-Mon 9am-4pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
Contact: 6792 0931 | Hay Dairies Instagram
Image credit: KINN
Those looking for an extended break to recharge will be glad to know that KINN Studios has just opened its doors. Each of its 23 rooms features Japandi-inspired decor – a warm, earthy colour scheme – as well as unique scents to help calm and unwind guests during their stay.
It’s also handily located in the heart of Chinatown, which makes unwinding over a tipple or 2 a great option, given that many bars, restaurants, and clubs are located a stone’s throw away.
Price: From $140/night
Address: 69 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089165
Contact: 8380 7738 | KINN website
Image credit: @wetdecksg via Instagram
Those looking for a daycation with a view can head over to WET Deck at W Singapore. Tucked away amongst the swanky condos and luxurious villas of Sentosa Cove, you can enjoy views of yachts parked at the nearby marina while you laze on your daybed. If you’d like an adrenaline rush, you’ll be glad to know that the pool features a water slide as well.
If all that chilling’s making you hungry, you can be assured that there are a wide variety of food options available. These include The Kitchen Table, specialising in local comfort food such as Chicken Rice ($36) and Butter Chicken ($28). Otherwise, you can head over to the poolside WET Bar, which serves up an array of salads, small plates, and cocktails
The experience is currently available in 2 sessions: morning which lasts from 10am-2pm, and afternoon which runs from 3pm-9pm. Both sessions are available from $100++ for daybeds and cabanas, which can comfortably accommodate 4 pax.
Admission: From $100++
Address: 21 Ocean Way, W Singapore, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098374
Contact: 6808 7278
If you like exploring the depths of the ocean but prefer staying dry, you can head over to the newest exhibit at S.E.A. Aquarium, VibranSEA. Comprising 4 different zones covering various aspects of life under the sea, it features art pieces that touch on man’s relationship with the sea, as well as Instagrammable light displays and backdrops.
You’ll get to explore the anatomy of various marine creatures through specialised means, such as X-rays and ultrasound. Head over to Secret Seascapes, where you can learn more about life in kelp forests and coral reefs while exploring recreations of those habitats.
Admission: From $44
Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269
Opening hours: 9am-5pm, Daily
Contact: 6717 0008 | SEA Aquarium Instagram
It’s just the beginning of 2024 and you can already start populating your calendar with activities and things to do in January. From thought-provoking art exhibitions to lazing around on daybeds, there are plenty of ways to help you unwind even as the daily grind begins once more.
More things to look forward to in 2024:
Cover image adapted from: Singapore Art Museum via Facebook, @madagascarthemuscial via Instagram
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