Singapore celebrates biggest and brightest Christmas ever
Singapore celebrates biggest and brightest Christmas ever
Singapore is celebrating its biggest and brightest "Christmas in the Tropics" with an irresistible line-up of fun-filled activities and exciting entertainment.
Set against the backdrop of Singapore's longest and brightest ever coordinated Christmas Light-up stretching continuously from Tanglin Road, Scotts Road, Orchard Road to Marina Bay area, the myriad of Christmas celebrations promises both residents and visitors an exciting and memorable time this festive season.
The wide range of activities, which began on Nov. 12 and will run until Jan. 2, includes countdown parties, mega concerts, internationally acclaimed performances, art exhibitions, special programs at Singapore's tourist attractions, shopping promotions and tantalizing culinary treats that will bring festive cheer to one and all.
Singapore Tourism Board's assistant chief executive (leisure), Dr. Chan Tat Hon, said: "Christmas in the Tropics has become well established as the key, year-end event that not only residents look forward to each year, but is a major draw for overseas visitors as well."
Based on a survey conducted during last year's Christmas celebrations, 38 percent of visitors to Singapore planned their trip to coincide with the celebrations and 24 percent of them were actually repeat visitors to the Christmas in the Tropics.
During last year's Christmas celebration, in the months of November and December, close to 1.6 million visitors came to Singapore. This represents strong double-digit growth of 17 percent as compared to the 1.3 million visitors during Christmas in the Tropics in 2003.
This year's Christmas in the Tropics offers the strongest line-up of events ever. Since its inception in 2002, Christmas in the Tropics has grown from 14 events to the 56 events that will be held this year at venues island-wide. With such a spectacular array of celebratory events, Singaporeans and visitors will be spoilt for choice this Yuletide season. "We believe that Christmas in the Tropics, arguably one of the world's most elaborate festive celebrations, will enable visitors to take home fond memories of uniquely Singapore experiences," added Dr. Chan.
Parade of Floats
One of the highlights of this year's Christmas celebrations is the vibrant parade of colorfully decorated lighted floats. Complementing the spectacular Christmas Light-up along Orchard Road, this display of seven colorful lighted floats will launch the start of Celebrate Christmas in Singapore with color and festive cheer.
For the first time, the Christmas Street Parade will be brought to the heartlands of Chinatown on Dec. 16 & 17, Queenstown on Dec. 18, Bukit Batok on Dec. 23, and Yishun on Dec. 24. Visitors and Singaporeans alike can catch the floats along Orchard Road on Dec. 16 and Dec. 25.
Stage performances
In addition, residents and visitors will also be treated to exciting celebratory performances of song, music, dance and drama every night from Dec. 16 to 25, along Orchard Road at three different locations -- Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza, Paragon and Tong Building. Christmas Celebration Village at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza will run from Dec. 16 to 25.
From Dec. 16 to 25, people will be transported back in time as the Christmas story is re-enacted at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza. There will be costumed performers and life-sized displays of the walled city of Bethlehem, its marketplace and the nativity scene of the birth of Jesus, right in the heart of Orchard Road.
Orchard Road will also witness its biggest choir celebration with the "Singing Christmas Tree" from Dec. 16 to 25 at the Civic Plaza. Visitors and residents can look forward to a delightful experience with inspiring music by singers and musicians who will be performing on the dazzling and colorful 50-foot-high Christmas tree.
To add to the festive ambience, 10 foreign minority groups including the Karen tribe from Thailand, Ifugao and Igorot tribes from the Philippines, Aboriginals from Australia, the Amis tribe from Taiwan, Lun Bawang tribe from Sarawak and Miao tribe from Yunnan-Kunming, will be showcasing their unique ways of celebrating Christmas through their songs and dances. Visitors will also get to see their varied native crafts, wares and costumes.
Grand Celebration
Come Christmas Day, the heart of Orchard Road (from Scotts Junction to Paragon) will come alive with the staging of Singapore's largest-ever outdoor concert along Orchard Road on Dec. 25.
Known as the Grand Christmas Celebration Concert, it will boast strong participation from local and international artistes, celebrities and performing groups.
Free HiPPO Rides
STB is once again offering tourist free HiPPO rides to enjoy the captivating Christmas Light-up. This is part of STB's efforts to add to the festive cheer by offering visitors a unique and memorable experience during this Yuletide season.
From Nov. 12 to Jan. 2, except on the eves of Christmas and New Year, visitors to Singapore can hop on to the open-top HiPPO bus for a 30-minute spin along Orchard Road free of charge. Six tours at half hourly intervals will be available between 7.30pm to 10.30pm.
Free CityBuzz Rides
In addition, from Nov. 12 to Jan. 2, visitors to Singapore can get to enjoy a free CityBuzz service (C1- Orchard, C2- Chinatown, C3- Little India). Visitors can get to experience the unique sights of Singapore's city center in the cool comfort of the air- conditioned double deck buses.
Late Night Shopping
Orchard Road & Marina Bay
Visitors and residents alike can shop till they drop this festive season with Singapore's first-ever year-end late night shopping.
Two of Singapore's premier shopping belts, Orchard Road and Marina Bay, will be extending their shopping hours till late at night. In addition, shoppers will get to enjoy special discounts and promotions at participating malls including Tangs, Ngee Ann City, Paragon, Heeren, Centrepoint, Plaza Singapura, Raffles City Shopping Centre, Suntec City and Millenia Walk.
To offer visitors more reasons to visit and shop in Singapore during this festive season, many shopping malls will also be offering irresistible promotions and great shopping deals.
Other highlights
Apart from shopping, visitors and Singaporeans can also look forward to exciting entertainment and performances such as the musical comedy, "A Twist of Fate", and the premiere of "The Snow Queen" by the Singapore Repertory Theatre, "The Nutcracker" ballet by the Singapore Dance Theatre, as well as the popular Rent musical, which is on its 10th anniversary World Tour.
People can also experience The Art of Star Wars, a 2,000-square-metre exhibition of the epic Star Wars movie series, or party up a storm at the annual dusk-to-dawn ZoukOut dance music festival.
With a breathtaking harbor view as the backdrop, visitors and locals can expect a unique dining experience while admiring a spectacular light show extravaganza at the sparkling hilltop gem on Mount Faber - The Jewel Box.
Christmas in the Tropics celebrations culminate on New Year's Eve at the hippest hangouts in town, such as Clarke Quay, CHIJMES and IndoChine where revelers will be ringing in the New Year and toasting to a memorable and uniquely Singapore festive experience.
With such a spectacular array of celebratory events leading up to the New Year, families, party-goers and revelers will be spoilt for choice.
From dazzling streets and lavishly dressed malls, to great shopping deals, diverse dining options, fun parties and exciting events, there is something for everyone during this festive season in Singapore. -- Singapore Tourism Board