All of us in Singapore are spoilt for choice for recreational places to go every school holidays. However, admittedly, most places or activities are only open during the day (when we are working) and some may cost an arm or a leg. Where can we then go during the cool of the night that is relatively cheap, or better still, free for the whole family to immerse in some festive magic?
The good folks at Gardens By the Bay have done it again – inventing a mesmerizing showcase that is set to light up, literally, our December evenings. With the debut showcase of the spellbinding handcrafted Luminarie Light Sculptures specially flown in from Italy, an impressive two-century-old Spiegeltent Tent from the Netherlands, a beautifully illuminated Casa Armonica Gazebo, a European-style Festive Market and a ‘Snow Blizzard’ happening nightly, there is so much to see that it’ll leave you coming back for more.
If meandering through the maddening crowds at the shopping malls after a long day is not your thing (definitely not ours) but spending relaxing family time is, make your way to Gardens By the Bay for a leisurely stroll through the ‘Wintry’ Christmas Wonderland. It will redefine your experience of celebrating Christmas in the tropics and enchant visitors young and old.
Christmas Wonderland @ Gardens by the Bay
29th November 2014 to 1st January 2015
Monday to Sunday from 7pm – midnight
Free entry for public but admission fees for the cooled conservatories still apply.
HIGHLIGHTS & OPENING HOURS:
A. Yuletide in the Flower Dome
The Flower Dome is transformed into a snow-covered wintry wonderland with charming winter village set amidst red and white blooms dotted with evergreen conifers. As night falls, the winter village comes aglow with the enchanting illuminations of the Luminarie light sculptures. On selected dates, there will be story-telling, musical performances, Christmas card-making and mascot appearances.
17th November 2014 to 6th January 2015
Daily from 9 am to 10 pm
B. Miffy Meet-and-Greet@The Flower Dome
13 – 14 Dec 2014
2:30 PM, 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM, 5:30 PM, 6:30 PM
C. The Festive Markets@ Supertree Grove
Visitors will be able to enjoy specialty dining experiences, and shop for one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts such as Yuletide crafts, souvenirs and specialty food items. The Market will also feature gourmet restaurants where visitors can indulge in a wide range of international cuisine and wines, a traditional Christmas dinner, Mediterranean dishes and European desserts.
29th November to 21st December 2014
Monday to Sunday from 3pm – 11pm, with restaurants opening from 5pm.
FREE EVENTS FOR THE PUBLIC
1. Garden Rhapsody @ The Supertrees (Christmas Edition)
The Supertrees are adding to the magical atmosphere at Gardens by the Bay with a 12 minutes Christmas Edition of the “Garden Rhapsody” music and light show.
Daily Shows from 17 November to 01 January 2015
- First – 7:45 pm (30 mins)
- Second – 8:45 pm (30 mins)
Held at the Spalliera, the crown of light creates the perfect setting to revel in the joys of “Blizzard Time!”. This foam base snow simulation happens thrice a day (and weather permitting):
28 November to 21 December 2014
7:30pm – 7:40pm, 8:20pm – 8:30pm, 9:05pm – 9:15pm & 9:45pm – 10pm (15mins finale)
Specially imported from the Netherlands, the ornate Baroque-style tent is made up of over 1,000 pieces of wood, canvas, exquisitely decorated mirrors and stained glass. Built in the late 19th to early 20th century, only a handful of these legendary travelling tents still exist today. The Spiegeltent will delight guests with traditional Christmas fare such as Cranberry & Chestnut Falafel, Lemon & Herb Lamb Lollipops, Roast Turkey with Chestnut & Cranberry Stuffing, Sticky Toffee Pudding, Hot Mulled Wine and Hot Vodka with Honey and many more. Diners can choose from an a la carte dinner menu available from now till 21 December 2014 from 5pm to 11pm daily. The menu changes every week, with items priced from S$7.
4. 12 Days of Choir @ The Cassa Armonica
The eight-metre-tall beautifully illuminated gazebo will play host to a special line-up of carolers every Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the festival. Choir performance timings as follow:
- 7:00 pm – 7:30 pm (30 mins)
- 9:15 pm – 9:45 pm (30 mins)
5. Festive Sirens @ The Casa Armonica
Vocal performances featuring homegrown local artistes Alemay Fernandez, Lily Anna, Michaela Theresa and Dawn Ho on various dates.
6. Verses by the Garden Lights
ACT 3 Drama Academy presents a dramatic recitation of a medley of two poems interwoven into the narrative, THE GIVING TREE by Shel Silverstein. The themes underpin the celebratory spirit of Christmas through giving, reflection and renewal.
06 & 07 December 2014.
Fantasy on Stilts, Merlion Pipes & Drums, Nutcracker Parade and Victorian Costume Performers roving about the Gardens.
INSTAGRAM CONTEST
Upload your best Yuletide snapshots taken at Gardens by the Bay with the hashtagging #GBXmas on Instagram and stand a chance to win fabulous prizes, incuding a Friends of the Gardens Family Annual Pass!
To find out more about the calendar of events, visit the Christmas Wonderland@Gardens by the Bay website.
This looks beautiful. Can’t wait to go there and soak in the Christmas atmosphere.
Thanks for doing up such an informative post, with amazing photos as usual. Am heading there now! 🙂