Orchard Road’s Christmas on A Great Street isn’t a new or particularly notable event. Mostly because it happens every festive season, and it’s been going on for 35 whopping years (betcha feel old now). Sure, those of us who still stroll down the stretch will probably take a moment to glance up from our phones and admire the lights, but they’re kind of always just there, not really tied together with any memorable theme.
Well, not this year. Come November, Singapore’s shopping belt will glitter with fairy dust, thanks to the annual event partnering for the first time with the House of Mouse to string together Disney’s largest Christmas street light-up in Southeast Asia.
Yep, that means iconic Disney (and Pixar) characters like Cinderella, Mickey and Minnie, Donald and Daisy, Elsa and Anna, Ariel, Woody and Buzz Lightyear are heading our way. No Marvel superheroes though, soz. (Guess Thor, The Hulk, Iron Man and gang aren’t quite… Christmas-y enough.)
Running from Nov 10 to Jan 1 of next year, Disney Magical Moments will transform the 2.88km road from Tanglin Mall to Plaza Singapura with four different zones.
Expect pink and sparkly things at the Disney Princess hangout from Tanglin Mall to Shaw House, followed by Mickey Mouse and his buddies greeting you from Ion Orchard to Mandarin Gallery, and the Frozen squad chilling out from 313 @ Somerset to Orchard Central. At the end of the stretch, the Toy Story crew comes to life, taking over the roads from Orchard Central to Plaza Singapura.
Plenty of photo ops everywhere — that is, if you don’t mind the unavoidable corporate branding stamped all over each decor piece.
For the centrepiece, a gleaming arch studded with 3D Disney characters will tower above the Orchard Road-Paterson Road junction, trailed by twinkling lights lining the road and trees illuminated by 3D Mickey icons.
Those who want more Disney nostalgia can swing by Orchard Central and Wheelock Place to bask in themed decor. Or if you’d like to ditch the kitsch, browse through pop-up stores by brands like Uniqlo, Haagen-Dazs, Owndays, and Oppo along the stretch.
Oh, and the Great Christmas Village, which debuted last year, will return for its sophomore outing from Nov 15 to Dec 26 outside Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza. Besides the usual amusement rides, the space will house a duplex carousel (with a seat carriage for wheelchair riders) and a Santa House with meet-and-greets and free craft activities.
You’ll also be entertained by nightly musical performances while you stuff your face at the Timbre x Food Village with bites by vendors like New Ubin Seafood and Two Wings, plus a craft beer bar for parents to refuel while the kids get mesmerized by all things festive.
If you’re a Christmas and Disney fan (like us), well, the season to be jolly can’t come earlier enough this year.
FIND IT:
Disney Magical Moments is on from Nov 10-Jan 1, 2019; Sun-Thurs 6:30pm-midnight, Fri-Sat 6:30pm-2am, Christmas Eve & New Year’s Eve 6:30pm-6am at Orchard Road.
Free.
MRT: Orchard/Somerset/Dhoby Ghaut
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