Christmas in Singapore may not be about sipping eggnog in the cold or ice skating on a frozen pond but we still have an annual tradition that most of us look forward to – walking down Orchard Road and admiring the Christmas lights. After last year's Disney-themed decorations, this year, the fairy light glisten for "The Greatest Gift" of love, peace and joy during Christmas on A Great Street. The festivities run from November 16 till January 1 2020 and will be launched with a light-up ceremony officiated by President Halimah Yacob.
Lights, backdrops and action
Back for the 36th year, the street decor for Christmas on A Great Street promises to be more immersive. It covers the precincts of Tanglin, Orchard and Somerset – each with its own unique theme featuring mini Santas (also the Christmas mascot for the year) on baubles, gift boxes or snowflakes. Whip out your camera for photo opportunities at Insta-worthy backdrops like the massive arch in the middle of Orchard Road, set pieces such as giant Santa riding on his reindeer and a four-metre-long tunnel decorated with Christmas icons.
Photo: Christmas On A Great Street
It takes three villages
Three venues spread across Orchard form The Great Christmas Village – a highlight of the season's festivities. Having outgrown the outdoor space at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza, the new venues this year are *SCAPE, the Grange Road carpark and Shaw House Urban Plaza. The Great Christmas Village runs from November 23 to December 26 and features more than 30 amusement rides, game booths and pop-up shops.
The set up at *SCAPE and Shaw House Urban Plaza see rides like the family-friendly and popular duplex Christmas carousel, a pirate ship and also a London train. Over at the Grange Road carpark, things get more exciting with faster and more thrilling rides like Turbo, a ride that spins horizontally.
Can't wait for the Christmas now? Head down to see the lights after the launch on November 16 or keep tabs on promotions and exciting events on the Orchard Road Facebook page.