Usher in the new year at these free and paid (but worth it) fireworks-viewing spots
The New Year's Eve fireworks show in Singapore gets bigger and better every year. This year, the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown will feature a story of Singapore unfolding in three chapters, marked by fireworks going off at hourly intervals until midnight. Get yourself situated by 11.45pm when the main show begins – a 12-minute fireworks extravaganza to ring in 2024.
A countdown show and the fireworks display will be livestreamed on mewatch, Mediacorp Entertainment's YouTube channel and Channel 5 from 10pm, but there's nothing like seeing the fireworks in person. Here, we've compiled a list of the best vantage points in the city, from free viewing spots to paid venues that are totally worth the cash. Read on for the best places to watch the fireworks on December 31, and happy new year!
RECOMMENDED: The best New Year's Eve parties in Singapore and The best restaurants to have New Year's Eve dinners in Singapore
Head to the Marina Bay Promontory for front-row seats to the fireworks show. This year, there will be tons of activities to occupy you up till the main display at midnight, like go-karting and a winter wonderland at Bayfront Event Space. This venue will undoubtedly be the top choice for many to catch the fireworks though, so do park yourself at your preferred spot early. In any case, the buzz of a huge crowd is irreplaceable – no better way to countdown to 2024!
Here's another front-row view of the fireworks. The Helix Bridge spans the waters just in front of the bay, giving you a close-up and pleasingly elevated view of the colourful fireworks display. Don't forget to get some shots of the iconic bridge beforehand too – it's particularly stunning when lit up at night.
How about sunset and fireworks views? You can get both at Marina Barrage, a rooftop garden that offers a sweeping view of the Marina Bay skyline. Sure, you'll be a little far off from the main action, but that's not a bad thing. Lay out the picnic mats, relax with friends, and wait in the relative peace for the skies to light up at the stroke of midnight.
Opposite the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade is the Esplanade Waterfront Promenade. This spot provides just as good a view of the fireworks, even if you're seeing it from the back. It's also a breezy spot, with seats curving along the waterline for you to get comfortable on. The ArtScience Museum and Marina Bay Sands will also be in your sightline, perfect for a pretty fireworks picture.
One way to get a dose of nature before midnight on New Year's Eve is at Gardens by the Bay. Check out the majestic Supertrees and scattered gardens as you make your way to Bay East Garden. This spot stretches along the waterfront, offering a fantastic view of the Marina Bay skyline and other iconic buildings. Pick a picnic bench or grassy spot and settle in for a cosy countdown.
To truly escape the crowds, you'll have to venture further out. Mount Faber Peak is a popular spot to watch the New Year's Eve fireworks, but the crowds are nowhere near what you'll find at Marina Bay. At the peak, you can dine at restaurants like Arbora Hilltop Garden and Bistro and wind down in the quiet embrace of nature before the fireworks display begins.
Surprise your loved one with a New Year's Eve Countdown Champagne Special at the Singapore Flyer. For $180, you get priority boarding onto a shared capsule and a glass of champagne. Take a romantic 30-minute spin on the ferris wheel and do a toast to 2024 when the fireworks go off at midnight.
To get one of the best views of the New Year's Eve fireworks, you'll have to fork out some cash. The Marina Bay Sands SkyPark is situated 56 storeys up in the heart of Marina Bay, and the view you get of the bay and Padang is simply unbeatable. The park is exclusive to MBS guests and ticket holders, which limits the crowd – not a bad trade-off, we think.
Here's a new venue to head to for a stunning bird's eye view of the New Year's Eve fireworks. The newly-opened HighHouse is located on levels 61 and 62 of One Raffles Place – topping even the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark. Remember to book a table by the window seats that overlook Marina Bay for the best view of the festivities down below.
We're letting the secret out – High Street Centre Car Park has an amazing view of the fireworks. Sure, it isn't the swankiest spot, but it has unblocked views of the fireworks framed by heritage buildings like the National Gallery Singapore. To get there, head to High Street Centre and make your way to the fifth floor of the car park.
Discover Time Out original video
