Nothing spells holiday season like conifer trees, a festive market and Christmas jingles chiming in the air. Immerse yourself into the heart of the festivities this December at Universal Studios Singapore and S.E.A. Aquarium, now with a lineup of yuletide-themed activities for folks of all ages to enjoy.
Beyond the usual activities that we know and love, visitors can also expect a new Festive Market, limited-time ticket deals and interactive ocean cleanup games available from now till 2nd January 2022.
Whether you’re a kid or young at heart, there’s plenty that’ll whisk you away at the theme park this holiday season. For a start, Christmas trees aren’t just decorated with fairy lights and boughs of holly here – find unique blockbuster-inspired trees for photo ops at Hollywood Street.
No matter if you’ve been naughty or nice, make a beeline for the North Pole Postal Service where Santa and his elves await, ready to entertain everyone with their shenanigans. Pen down three wishes here and watch as the elves pop your letter into a giant mailbox before bidding each guest farewell with a salute.
After, scan a QR code to snap an animated IG story with Santa himself as a memento.
But first, don’t forget to take a selfie with some of your favourite movie characters. Shrek & Fiona, Gru’s family from Despicable Me and even Cookie Monster and Oscar from Sesame Street have all received the memo to arrive in their best festive ‘fit. Snap photos with them all at the Universal Rockin’ Railway podium at selected timings throughout the day.
Pro tip: Arrive five minutes before showtime to be the first in line.
Those who love Puss in Boots can find him and Humpty Dumpty taking the stage at Far Far Away’s Milk Bar with a literal catwalk and plenty of poses for your camera.
And who can forget the icons like Illumination’s Minions and Elmo from Sesame Street? At New York Street, find new minion Otto and his yellow buds, alongside Sesame Street characters, welcoming everyone to spam their phone galleries with a barrage of AR-animated videos.
Meet the Trolls at Mel’s Stage
All the excitement is bound to make tummies grumble. Foodies can find no better place to refuel than at the Festive Market – a brand new addition to the theme park this Christmas.
Get your hands on event-exclusive snacks and drinks like popcorn-flavoured coconut shakes (from $6.90) from Coco Boss and soft-serve ice cream on croissants ($10) from Le Matin.
Universal Studios Singapore-exclusive ice cream croissant and kombucha from Le Matin
*Participating brands may vary from those shown above
Expect a hive of activities at the nearby Merrylicious Sips and Bites, a testament to the popularity of their bite-sized tidbits. Grab festive treats like cookies and jellies from $3 here for an energy boost in between rides.
P.S. We found a “secret” spot behind the market where you can tuck in with a panoramic view of the surrounding rides.
Come lunchtime, stuff yourself silly at Mel’s Drive-in with the limited-time Christmas Burger Combo ($26) comprising a juicy beef and turkey bacon burger with a side of curly fries, fizzy strawberry ice cream soda and a gingerbread cookie. Pizza-lovers meanwhile can chow down on the Christmas Tree Pizza Sandwich Combo ($25) at Loui’s NY Pizza Parlor.
Indulge in a Christmas tree-shaped pizza at Loui’s NY Pizza Parlor
Move from movie characters to friendly fishes when you swing by S.E.A. Aquarium, where everything is going swimmingly this season with a handful of family-friendly activities.
A day here with the fam will be anything but dull with interactive stations such as the Merry Musical Walkway. Each step you take plays a line from the international sensation ‘Baby Shark’ and the kids are sure to leave humming the song on repeat.
If the usual aquarium placards don’t catch the little ones’ attention, the colourful flip boards at Seasons of Surprises just might. Bite-sized information on sharks and rays are displayed behind every other tab, making learning fun and easy for the kids. And hey, we’ll bet even the grown ups will learn something new here.
TIL: The patterns under every manta ray is unique, much like our thumbprints. Keep that in mind when you wonder at the majestic rays at the Open Ocean Habitat.
No worries if you miss showtimes as these standees will always be around.
Look out for photo ops with Pinkfong and the Shark Family at Smile for Holiday Wefies where they appear every Friday to Sunday at 11AM and 11.45AM. Kids who can’t get enough of Pinkfong and Baby Shark can also dance along with them during the Ho-Ho-Wholesome Dance event when you purchase a bundle package.
Before you leave, don’t forget to check out one last game hidden at the end of your exploration. Look out for the ocean-cleanup inspired Give the Gift of Life game where kids can eliminate trash to save marine animals.
Enjoy the school holiday season at Universal Studios Singapore and S.E.A. Aquarium, where festivities are now in full swing. To sweeten the deal, tickets now come with complimentary vouchers when you book with Resorts World Sentosa from now till 2nd January 2022.
At Universal Studios Singapore, enjoy One-Day Tickets (from $59) with a $5 F&B voucher and $5 retail voucher. Those ready for a treat yo’self splurge can make full use of the new Mastercard-exclusive Festive Package ($100) that includes Universal Express for two rides, a Christmas-themed set meal and $55 worth of vouchers.
Down at S.E.A. Aquarium, all One-Day Tickets (from $23) also come with a free treat and $5 retail voucher which you can spend at the attraction’s souvenir store.
Universal Studios Singapore
Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269
Opening hours*: Thu – Sat 12PM-9PM | Sun 10AM-5PM
*Varies in December 2021 – refer to Universal Studios Singapore’s website for more details
Telephone: 6577 8888
S.E.A. Aquarium
Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, 098269
Opening hours: Thu – Tue 9AM-5PM (Closed on Wednesdays)
This post was brought to you by Resorts World Sentosa.
Photography by Tasha Sun.
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