Best Things To Do in Singapore This New Year Weekend (Dec. 29-Jan. 1)

Photo: Marina Bay Singapore
Photo: Marina Bay Singapore

Singapore is a city that never sleeps, especially on weekends. Whether you are looking for culture, nature, shopping, or nightlife, you will find something to suit your taste in this dynamic and diverse city. You can explore the historic and trendy areas of the city, enjoy the delicious cuisine of different cultures, experience the vibrant nightlife with live music and festivals, or indulge in some retail therapy at the many shopping malls and markets. Whatever it is, this list, which we update weekly, has you covered.


Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2024

Celebrate the new year with a bang at the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 2024, the largest and most spectacular countdown event in the city. Witness the dazzling fireworks display that will light up the sky in three chapters, each telling a story of reflection, hope and resilience. Enjoy a variety of fun and exciting activities, from a pop-up winter playground to a go-kart arena with live performances.

More info here.


NYE party at Lavo

There is perhaps no better spot to take in the dazzling views of the fireworks than from the Italian restaurant/rooftop bar Lavo atop Marina Bay Sands. Cap off your 2023 at the ultimate rooftop celebration in Singapore, featuring gourmet dishes, free-flow champagne, cocktails, and canapes, while grooving to the beats of a live DJ.

Make a reservation here.


Manifest New Year’s Eve

Deck yourself out in black and gold and join the party with Manifest, the leading techno and house music collective in Singapore. Dance the night away at the rooftop pool and bar of 1-Altitude Coast, with stunning views of the Sentosa Island fireworks display. Enjoy free entry to Sentosa and a glass of champagne, and groove to the beats of TropicLab, Sivanesh, A&E and Jeevan Leroy.

Tickets here.


NYE beach party

Enjoy a night of music, fire, and bubbles on Siloso Beach. Dance to the tunes of local and international DJs, watch the amazing fire-twirling performances, and marvel at the “liquid fireworks” by CJ the Bubble Girl.

Tickets here.


A Philharmonic New Year’s Eve 2024

Welcome the new year with a musical extravaganza at the Philharmonic Orchestra’s New Year’s Eve 2024 Gala Concert, featuring conductor Lin Juan and pianist Jonathan Shin. Enjoy a selection of classical and contemporary pieces, from Otto Nicolai’s Merry Wives of Windsor Overture to Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol.

Tickets here.


Christmas Wonderland

Step into a dazzling wonderland of festive cheer at Christmas Wonderland at Gardens by the Bay! From Dec. 1 to Jan. 1, immerse yourself in a twinkling spectacle of lights, towering illuminated sculptures, and magical wintery scenes. Glide through a fairytale forest, marvel at the iconic SuperTrees adorned in festive splendor, and be captivated by enchanting live performances.

More info and tickets here.


Snow Splendours

Forget the tropical sun, Tanglin Mall is getting a taste of winter! Every evening, the mall transforms into a whimsical wonderland with a flurry of artificial snow and an avalanche of foam. Imagine stepping into a scene from a Christmas movie, with soft flakes swirling around you as festive lights twinkle overhead.

Until Jan. 1. More info here.


Ice Magic: Winter Wonderland

Brace for a frosty fun-fest! Ice Magic: Winter Wonderland returns to Singapore Dec. 9 to Jan. 21, featuring real snow, thrilling ice slides, a captivating merry-go-round, a charming winter village, and delicious festive treats.

Tickets here.


Superstar Christmas

Resorts World Sentosa. Photo: Resorts World Sentosa/Facebook
Resorts World Sentosa. Photo: Resorts World Sentosa/Facebook

It’s December, so it’s time to start getting festive. From Dec. 1 to Jan. 3, head on over to Resorts World Sentosa for Superstar Christmas, where you can enjoy dazzling concerts by international and local stars, such as Jessica Jung and William So. Marvel at the spectacular light show of the 10-meter-high Christmas Tree of Wonders, or explore the winter wonderland of thrilling rides and art installations. And don’t forget to treat yourself to some delicious food and drinks at the gourmet park and the various restaurants.

Dec. 1-Jan. 3. More info here.


Nintendo Pop-up Store

If you are a fan of Nintendo games, you will be delighted to know that a Nintendo Pop-up store is opening soon at Jewel Changi Airport. Nintendo fans can get their hands on exclusive merchandise from games such as Super Mario, Animal Crossing, The Legend of Zelda, Splatoon and Pikmin. The pop-up store will feature a variety of products, such as plushies, keychains, stationery, apparel and more.

From Nov. 17-Jan. 1.


Puffy Bois

After popping up around town at takeovers from Caffe Fernet to Tippling Club and Meatsmith Little India, Puffy Bois has found a permanent home for its pizzas and slices on Singapore’s Bali Lane. Stop in for fresh pizza, cracking drinks and good times all around at 20A Bali Lane, Singapore


Joo Chiat Farmers’ Market

Experience the local food culture at Joo Chiat Farmers’ Market, a weekly event that showcases fresh produce, artisanal products, and delicious treats from local farmers and vendors.

Find out more here.


Four storeys of cocktails at White Shades


Coachtopia


Ms. Maria & Mr. Singh

Chef Gaggan Anand, known for his Bangkok restaurant that has been awarded #33 on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, is now serving a five-course lunch and eight-course dinner for its Singapore diners.

The menu features signature dishes from its acclaimed Bangkok outlet like the all-time favorite Papdi Chat, a yogurt explosion of flavors, the Cold Curry Ceviche with cured scallops and the Crab Curry paired great with the fragrant and addictive coconut rice.

Check out their page for more information.

Ms. Maria and Mr. Singh Singapore, 43 Craig Road, Singapore 089691


Cat Bite Club Opens on Duxton Hill

A new watering hole specializing in agave and rice spirits has opened in Duxton Hill.

Hidden behind the doors to the Monument cafe is Cat Bite Club, the brainchild of Gabriel Lowe and Jesse Vida who have more than 30 years of hospitality experience combined.

Together, they’re on a mission to showcase Asian spirits such as soju and shochu as well as agave and rice spirits from Mexico’s deep history in their cocktails.

Highlights include the Soju Sprint which is made with Tokki Soju, Peach, Honey, Mint, Fresh Citrus Blend, Sherry and Absinthe and the Cat Bite Margarita with Código 1530 Blanco Tequila, Siete Misterios Espadín Mezcal, Cointreau, Fresh Citrus Blend, Agave Nectar and Sherry.

Peep their selection of over 100 different agave spirits and a curated selection of vodka, gin, whiskey and more!

Cat Bite Club opens from 5pm to midnight daily except on Sundays at 75 Duxton Hill. Look out for the flowing red Cheshire cat grin!


CouCou celebrates anniversary with new menu

CouCou Hotpot, known for its bubble tea and signature Taiwanese Style Spicy Soup Base, is celebrating its 7th anniversary with a new menu spread.

Indulge in its new Laksa Soup Base, F1 wagyu beef from Japan, Angka Prawns locally sourced from Singapore, Fried Lotus Leaf Bun, Deep-Fried Oyster and Cuttlefish Stuffed Portobello Mushroom with Tobiko among others.

Available at its three outlets at Jewel, i12 Katong and Suntec City, where it has its own karaoke room!


Get hiking!

The Lost Ark at Alexandra Woodland. Photo: Delfina Utomo
The Lost Ark at Alexandra Woodland. Photo: Delfina Utomo

Avoid the crowds at the usual hiking spots and divert into these locations we think you might enjoy!

READ MORE: 12 unexpected places for hiking and trails in Singapore


Plume opens at Pan Pacific Singapore

Photo: Plume

Inspired by the indigenous birds of Singapore, Plume is an experiential bar located in Pan Pacific Singapore. More than just a lobby bar, the vibrant spot serves cocktails and snacks dedicated to our island’s native birds – and you also learn a thing or two about these fascinating creatures.

Highlights include the Blue-tailed Bee-eater – a summery drink that is refreshing like a gin sour and infused with sage and saline, and the curious Banded Woodpecker, a cocktail made with Green Ant Gin, and served with a mist of oak moss. Snacks are a must too, especially with dishes like Perched Together – yes they are fully committed to the bird theme – which are chicken rendang croquettes nestled on a bed of crispy leeks, served with a creamy and savoury egg emulsion.

Open daily from 5:00pm to 1:00am Sundays to Thursdays, and till 2:00am on Fridays and
Saturdays at Pan Pacific Singapore, 7 Raffles Blvd, Singapore 039595.


Have a Moroccan feast


Eat Sum Thing

From the team that brought you the Headquarters, Tuff Club and XXL parties, Thugshop now offers a new concept called Eat Sum Thing at Boat Quay.

No, it doesn’t serve dim sum but a selection of food intricately made by fine dining chef Brandon Lee who has worked in Les Amis restaurants like Au Jardin.

Its food is not what you’d expect to be served in the Boat Quay stretch filled with watering holes. Highlights include mains such as the Miso Cod, which is served in umami-rich miso and brown butter broth similar to cai poh pickled daikon; the Grilled Chicken With Cauliflower & Zucchini made with sous vide chicken glazed with onion jus and served with cauliflower hummus.

There’s also the addictive Ayam Bakar Karaage doused in sweet kecap manis with a sambal mayo dip, and the Grilled Caesar served with brown butter anchovy sauce and a pistachio spread.

The gastro bar’s happy hour includes S$10 nett natural wines and beers from Off Day and Garage Project.

Open Tuesday to Saturday 5pm to 11:30pm, closed on Sunday and Monday at 66 Boat Quay, Level 1, Singapore 049854


Tiong Bahru Bakery opens 13th outlet at Anchorpoint

Brunching this weekend? Check out the new breezy TBB outlet at the revamped Anchorpoint Shopping Center and make some space for its famed croissants. While at it, treat yourself to the launch exclusive Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookie as well.

Open daily from 7:30am to 8pm at 370 Alexandra Rd, #01-13A Anchorpoint Shopping Center, Singapore 159953.


BHC Chicken opens at Marina Square

Dubbed as South Korea’s largest fried chicken chain, BHC Chicken has opened in Marina Square with its variety of chicken, as well as popular Korean delicacies.

Try the Bburinkle Chicken which is coated with cheese and vegetable-flavored seasoning with a sweet dip, the Classic Gold King which combines Korean soy sauce, sweet honey and garlic, or the spicy Red King with hot chili peppers and garlic.

There are also cheese balls, cheese sticks and Sotteok, Korean sausage with rice cake.

BHC (which stands for Better & Happier Choice) uses high oleic sunflower oil which contains less saturated fatty acid and less trans fat.

Open 11am to 10pm daily at 6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square #02-332A & #02-332F, Singapore 039594


Bird Paradise

Cascading waterfall at the new Bird Paradise. Credit: Mandai Wildlife Group
Cascading waterfall at the new Bird Paradise. Credit: Mandai Wildlife Group

Singapore’s newest animal park is now taking visitors! Meet the more than 3,000 birds (including the adorable penguins) in their new homes or join tours and get backstage passes to access the animal’s healthcare facilities.

READ MORE: First look: Birds moving into their new home at Singapore Bird Paradise (Photos)

Bird Paradise, open 9am to 6pm daily at 20 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729825


Singapore Zoo’s Glamping in the Wild

Photos: Adrian Lee/Coconuts
Photos: Adrian Lee/Coconuts

Singapore Zoo is giving the public a chance to spend the night glamping in the wild with its animals!

The 2D1N stay is packed with interactions with its animals as well as a peek into the zoo’s kitchen and healthcare facility.

CHECK OUT OUR REVIEW: We spent the weekend glamping in the wild with Singapore Zoo’s animals (Review)


Living your best (budget) life

After the recent budget announcement where we are told to not “rely” on the government, we came up with a list of alternatives you can make to your life.

Smart watches, convenience store coffees and hidden gems are the way to go.

READ: How to not ‘rely so heavily on govt support’ while still living your best life


Bar up at No Sleep Club

Ranked 15th in Asia’s Best Bars 2022, No Sleep Club is a Coconuts favorite when it comes to after-work dranks. So much so that we interviewed owner Jun to give the public some love advice based on some of the craziest dates she has seen as a bartender.

The bar also happens to be a hotspot for dates so if you’re looking to treat your loved ones to a great time, head on over!

READ MORE: Dating horror stories & biggest bar no-nos as told by the owner of No Sleep Club


HomeTeamNS’s adventure clubhouse in Bedok Reservoir

The longest indoor water slide in Singapore. Photo: HomeTeamNS
The longest indoor water slide in Singapore. Photo: HomeTeamNS

Bedok Reservoir is getting new developments in a recreational building that has opened to the public. Some facilities and activities include the longest indoor water slide, an indoor wet obstacle rope course, climbing walls and a relaxing laze pool.

There’s also a large infinity pool that overlooks the reservoir, barbeque pits and “Mancaves” where families can sing their hearts out in karaoke machines.

READ MORE: Slip and slide through the longest indoor water slide at Bedok Reservoir’s adventure clubhouse


Future World and Digital Light Canvas Refresh 2022

Graffiti Nature – Red List. Photo: teamLab
Graffiti Nature – Red List. Photo: teamLab

ArtScience Museum’s permanent exhibition, Future World: Where Art Meets Science, as well as Digital Light Canvas by teamLab at The Shoppes, will reopen following extensive redevelopment works to reveal artworks that invite visitors to experience these dynamic spaces in a new light.

READ MORE: See the new teamLab digital interactive installations at Marina Bay Sands

ArtScience Museum, 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974


Candlelight Concerts

Immerse yourself in a series of candlelit classical concerts performed by string quartets, oriental strings and pianists at various iconic locations.

For the latest updates, ticketing details and the full lineup, check out their website.




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