Do you hear that? It’s the sound of Michael Bublé emerging from his months-long hibernation, as Christmas draws nearer and people finally start listening to his jazzy holiday tunes. Yes, we feel it now. The shiver of anticipation when we think about how Christmas is just around the corner.
To get you in the mood for the year-end festivities, here’s a little peek at this year’s Christmas Wonderland in Gardens by the Bay.
Come December 2, the annual Yuletide fair returns for its third edition, transforming the gardens into a dazzling playground. Expect all the usual festivities — except this time, you’ll have to pay $4 to $8 to enter.
That’s right, Christmas Wonderland is no longer free-for-all — and the organisers will be allowing only 30,000 people into the fairgrounds each day. If you recall squeezing past the sweaty masses and waiting in line forever just to get a bite to eat, you’ll probably welcome this change with open arms. Not the bit about the admission fees (because everyone loves free stuff), but the crowd control part. Well, at least it’s not a hugely exorbitant price.
Now on to the fun stuff. The 19.7m tall Spalliera Castel del Monte makes a comeback, along with daily ‘snow’ at Blizzard Time, as well as 240,000 multi-coloured bulbs on 67 hand-sculpted sculptures of light. Little ones can look forward to the Magical Forest, Santa’s Cottage and the debut of the Hi-5 Funtastic House bouncy castle, and families can soak in the festive vibes at Yuletide parades, choral performances and the festive market.
At the upsized Ice Palace, you’ll get to experience ‘winter’ in the tropics when you skate at the 400sqm ice skating rink, fly down the new 25m-long ice slide or make snow angels at the snow playground.
As for the carnival attractions, new rides include bumper cars, a mini ferris wheel and motorised Bug Car rides. Popular favourites such as ‘ring toss’ and ‘hi striker’ stalls also make an appearance, and you can try your luck at winning Disney soft toys.
Another addition to the festival is the two-storey Glass House in the Supertree Grove. Inside the air-con space, you’ll get to admire gorgeous views of the luminarie light sculptures while feasting on a menu curated by Harry’s.
And… that’s about it. Now excuse us while we put on the new Christmas album by a cappella group, Pentatonix.
Christmas Wonderland 2016 goes from Dec 2-Jan 1, 2017, daily 3.30pm-11pm at Gardens by the Bay. Admission tickets $4-$8; available online now. Each paying adult can bring up to three children under 0.9m for free. Tickets only available online.
